LANE:JAIL FOR ROBBER WHO LEFT BULLET IN PETROL PUMP CASHIER’S SKULL

with pic of lane

gunman…1

A gunman who left a bullet lodged in a petrol station cashier’s skull in a bungled hold-up was caged for 12 years today (Fri).

Jamie Lane, 34, blasted Ramanathan Srirajaraman in the head at point blank range but the Sri Lankan miraculously survived, the Old Bailey heard.

Lane fled with less money than he started with because he handed over a banknote to get Mr Srirajaraman to open the till.

He admitted carrying out the botched hold-up of the BP petrol station and was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

But a jury cleared of attempted murder after he insisted he had not deliberately aimed at the victim’s head and did not intend to kill him.

Robin Johnson, prosecuting, said Lane had called at the filling station in Hooley, near Redhill, Surrey, on July 20 last year.

He bought a soft drink and handed over the note, said Mr Johnson.

‘That had the desired effect of prompting the cashier to open the till.

‘At this stage Mr Srirajaraman noticed that Mr Lane was carrying a handgun and was pointing it at him.

‘The cashier shut the till. Mr Lane demanded he open it. The gun was pointed at his head.

‘The trigger was pulled and Mr Srirajaraman was shot in the left side of his head by the ear.

‘Miraculously, you may think, he was not killed. The bullet was lodged in his head and removed by surgeons once he had been transferred to a specialist unit.’

Other customers saw Lane make off on a distinctive yellow Peugeot scooter and he was arrested within two hours with the gun still on him.

Lane, of 242 Camberwell New Road, Kennington, southeast London, denied attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery and possession of ammunition before the trial.

Sentencing Lane to 12 years, Judge Paul Focke QC said: ‘You took a loaded firearm with you when you attempted to carry out this robbery.

‘Initially you intended to use the pistol as a threat rather than shot the cashier.

‘But when you were unable to achieve your objective you did discharge the pistol.

‘It was perhaps little short of a miracle that he didn’t die.’

Judge Focke said he took into account Lane’s remorse and the skills he had shown as a carpenter and an artist.

He sentenced Lane to 12 years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent; seven years for attempted robbery, five years for possession of a firearm with intent, and three years for possession of ammunition.

The terms are to be served concurrently.
ends