A robber who was wrestled to the ground by four have-a-go-heroes after raiding a Petts Wood bank armed with a coat hanger is facing jail.

Marlon Noble, 35, stole more than £12,000 from a number of banks carrying a metal coat hanger wrapped in an orange Sainsbury’s carrier bag, the Old Bailey heard.

He carried out eight robberies using his homemade ‘weapon’, including four raids on the Lloyds Bank branch in Clapham Common, which is just a three-minute walk from his home.

During one robbery, he waved the 'gun' around and told terrified staff: “Face the wall or I will shoot you.”

Noble’s robbery spree that began on October 30 was finally brought to an end when four people chased and detained him after he made off with £1,964 from Lloyds in Petts Wood on New Year’s Eve.

Police were called to the bank in Station Square at around 2pm on Wednesday, December 31, last year.

Officers arrived to find four members of the public had pursued and detained Noble.

At the time, Bromley borough commander Chief Superintendent Chris Hafford praised the public for their bravery.

Noble pleaded guilty this morning (May 5) to six robberies, two attempted robberies, and seven counts of possessing an imitation firearm.

Staring to the floor of the dock, Noble was twice asked to speak up as he muttered “guilty” 15 times.

Andrew Selby, defending, said although Noble has pleaded guilty, he will claim he did not threaten staff and was under pressure to repay loans at the time.

'He owed money to loan sharks and there were threats', he said.

He added Noble suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts.

Judge Nicholas Hilliard QC ordered a report on Noble's health before sentencing.

But he warned him: “A custodial sentence is inevitable in this case”.

Noble, of Oaklands Place, Clapham, was remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing on June 19.

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