JOLAND Giwa, who allegedly led one of London's largest criminal gangs before being moved to Newport, has been jailed for four and a half years for robbery with a suspended term of three years.

Giwa, 26, of York Place, Newport, pleaded guilty to robbing betting shop William Hill in Ringland, Newport on November 17 last year.

The court heard how Giwa was one of two men who wore dark clothing and red silky scarves over their faces when they ran into the betting shop at around 7.45pm.

The two men jumped over the counter and demanded manageress Tracy Gillmore to hand over the money in the till.

As the men were taking the money, Ms Gillmore ran into the kitchen where she tried to barricade herself in and the two men fled.

Prosecutor David Webster said it is estimated Giwa and the other man, who has not been prosecuted, made off with around £300 to £400.

Giwa appeared at Cardiff Crown Court before Judge David Wynn Morgan this morning. He was sentenced to seven and a half years.

Also sentenced alongside Giwa was 18-year-old Daumantas Sidekis, of Chepstow Road, Newport, who prosecutor Mr Webster said was an accomplice in the case.

Sidekis was seen on CCTV entering the betting shop several times throughout the day to place bets and shortly before the robbery took place.

Mr Webster said the back door entrance, which is how customers enter the shop after 6pm when Ringland Shopping Centre closes, can only be opened by staff indoors.

But the prosecution said accomplice Sidekis, who pleaded guilty, left the door ajar for Giwa and the other man to enter for the robbery.

Sidekis was given a 14 month prison sentence suspended for two years and was ordered to undertake 300 hours of community work.

The Argus previously reported Giwa was alleged to have been the general of Croydon’s largest criminal gang, Don’t Say Nothing.

Failed deportation attempts by the Home Office meant he was relocated to Newport for a fresh start in 2013.

He had previously stayed in immigration detention for more than four years after completing a 27-month prison term for two robbery convictions.

Robert Duvall, defending, told the court Giwa had arrived in the UK at just eight years old from Sierra Leone where both his parents had been killed in conflicts.

In mitigation, Mr Duvall said father Giwa is a "young man of some ability who has had an extremely difficult life."

Judge Wynn Morgan said: "It was pre planned, it took place at night, disguises were worn, a vulnerable victim, a lone female who was restrained to some extent."