Robert Andrew Canham, 43, was ordered to remain in a prison cell after he pleaded guilty to armed robbery with an offensive weapon and aggravated robbery.

Canham’s 24-hour crime spree started when he robbed the BWS liquor outlet on Brisbane St just before 9pm on March 9 last year.

Canham walked into the store armed with a knife and demanded money from staff.

When the employees refused, Canham fled the store with alcohol but staff were unable to catch him.

The next morning, Canham approached an 84-year-old in the car park of the Tamworth Services Club.

Canham claimed to have a firearm and demanded the elderly man’s wallet and cash. 

A struggle ensued before Canham took off with the man’s wallet.

Police were called to the scene and Canham’s time on the run came to an end when the elderly man made a positive identification.

Officers also recovered some of the victim’s property and seized further items linked to the robberies after searching a local boarding house.

Canham has been in custody since he was arrested on March 10.

After pleading guilty in the Sydney District Court, Judge Colin Charteris said there was no other penalty available for the offences other than a custodial sentence.

He sentenced Canham to six years and three months in prison with a non-parole period of three years and nine months.

A third charge of demand property with menace with intent to steal was withdrawn in court.

With good behaviour, Canham will 

be eligible for parole in December 

2016.