A BUNGLING raider who covered his face using a pair of pants during an armed robbery has been jailed.

Conroy Baker targeted a Ladbrokes shop armed with what was believed to be a gun while wearing a high-visibility jacket, bright red trousers... and a pair of boxer shorts covering part of his face seemingly seeking to use them as a balaclava.

He got away with hundreds of pounds but was eventually caught by police.

Today - on his 34th birthday - Baker, of North Road, Westcliff, was jailed for four and a half years.

His raid took place last year on Sunday, October 21, in Hathaway Road, Grays.

He was caught after police examined CCTV from the betting shop from the previous day and saw Baker acting suspiciously, appearing to pay a lot of attention to the betting shop’s operations.

After identifying the man as Baker, detectives were then able to link the car in which he made his getaway to him.

Investigating officer PC Beth Finch, of Grays CID, said: “Baker entered the betting shop wearing unusual attire.

"He also drove a vehicle registered to him to and from the incident.

“It didn’t take us long to locate and arrest him for this incident, which left workers shaken but unhurt.

"I would like to thank them for their support during our investigation.

"Today Baker admitted carrying out the armed robbery after he realised the overwhelming evidence against him.

"He will now mark his birthday in a prison cell."