by Sarah Shaffi
sshaffi@thekmgroup.co.uk

Two men will appear in court today charged with a series of terrifying armed robberies.

Bookmakers in Strood and Snodland were targeted six times between November and January by a raider, dubbed the “bookie bandit”, who forced staff to hand over money.

Gary McMeekin, of Kingswear Gardens, Strood, was charged with armed robbery on Saturday in connection with the six raids and another two at banks.

McMeekin, 35, was arrested in Grove Road, Strood, on Friday. A second man, Robert Blackburn, 30, was also arrested on Friday in Watling Street, Strood, and was later charged with armed robbery in connection with two bank raids.

Both will appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court this morning.

The raids took place at Coral in Friary Precinct, Strood, on November 29 and January 13; Coral in Gun Lane, Strood on November 30; Choice Bet in High Street, Snodland on December 2; Ladbrokes in Holborough Road, Snodland, on January 15; William Hill in High Street, Strood, on January 18; Nationwide Building Society, Strood, on March 25 and Lloyds TSB Bank in Perry Street, Northfleet, on April 9.