A getaway driver was today (wed) facing years behi

A getaway driver was today (wed) facing years behind
bars for his part in the daring hold up of a top West End theatre
manager.

Twenty-two-year-old Alastair Gauld was told to ‘disregard
any notion that he might be let off’ after a jury took less than an
hour to find him guilty of robbery.

The judge, Mr Recorder Richard Haworth told him: ‘I make
it quite clear that you must expect to be sent to prison for a number
of years.

‘
During the three day trial at Southwark Crown Court the
jury heard how Gauld and an accomplice, still at large, mounted the
broad-daylight raid minutes after house manager Patrick McIntyre
left the Old Vic Theatre in Waterloo Road.

Mr McIntyre had just a 100 yard journey to deposit
the pnds stlng 5,613 in takings at a bank on November 16 1992.

Whilst Gauld waited at the wheel of their Datsun getaway
car, his accomplice stalked the manager before grabbing a plastic
bag filled with cash from his hand.

So forcefully was the bag torn from his clasp, that the
shocked victim, who put up a valiant struggle was left holding
just the bag.

Prosecutor Mr Walton Hornsby told the jury the robbery
was witnessed by several shoppers and passersby.

A man who had seen the car lurking around the area had
also called the police some half-an-hour before grab took place.

The court was told Gauld was captured by police as he
raced from the scene minutes later.

His accomplice, however got clean away with the loot
which has never been recovered.

Jobless Gauld of St Gothard Road, West Norwood initially
told police he had been hi-jacked in the street by the robber.

But later he said he had been forced into taking part
in the hold-up as a favour to a friend who was protecting him
from a rough criminal.

Gauld denied commiting the robbery.

He pleaded guilty to two unconnected counts of theft in
February 1992.

ends

The case was adjourned for reports until March 31 when
Gauld will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

ends