Gunman who held hostages in Jarrow jailed for four years

A gunman who held hostages during a three hour siege at a bookmakers in Jarrow has been jailed for four years.

Alistair Gallow held up a Coral bookmakers on Grange Road, and sparked a shotgun stand off that was filmed by neighbours and posted on social media.

The 39-year-old of Percy Street allowed the four people he had held imprisoned inside to leave before specialist armed police officers arrested him.

He pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to four counts of false imprisonment towards two members of staff and two members of the public and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in relationto an imitation sawn off shotgun.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knuckle duster. Gallow also admitted three charges of possession of a bladed article in relation to three knives.

Superintendent Sarah Pitt said:

• Read more: Man admits holding hostages in Jarrow siege