Published: Friday, 22nd January, 2010 11:20am

Attempted bank robber back behind bars

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A BUNGLING bank robber from North Shields has been found guilty of attempting a raid in Innerleithen.

Bruce Spedding was found guilty of trying to break in to the Halifax Bank of Scotland last April after sawing through bars on a toilet window.

The 33-year-old had denied the offence, along with conspiring to hold up a Group 4 Securicor van and the reset of two vehicles.

But, following the six-day jury trial at the High Court in Aberdeen, he was found guilty.

Co-accused Anthony Lopez, 34, of Shiremoor was acquitted after the Crown withdrew charges against him.

After the guilty verdict against Spedding was passed, the court was told that had previously been sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiring to carry out robberies in 1999.

Judge Lord Brodie deferred sentencing. He said: "He has a significant history of previous convictions that I think are perhaps relevant.

"I want more time to reflect on that."