The Guild welcomed a 15 year jail sentence handed down on a bank robber who shot a security officer during a raid. Walsall father of four Colin Baker has been in agony since the top of his right leg was blown away in the raid, as he refilled a Nationwide bank cashpoint with notes almost 12 months ago. He has been left with one leg two inches shorter than the other and faces micro-surgery to repair the nerve damage. He says he is still suffering flashbacks and adds he has felt suicidal since being blasted at point blank range.

The GMB Union is seeking compensation for Colin Baker from his employer, Securicor, the bank and the BP garage where the raid took place. GMB has been concerned by a recent spate of attacks on security officers in the West Midlands (Risks 218). GMB senior organiser Martin Hird commented: 'Unfortunately there have been more security workers shot since the attack on Mr Baker.' He added that the union would 'continue to work with security companies, the police and the banks to try to stop the continuing attacks at all levels of ferocity on our members. Villains and employers can rest assured that GMB will prosecute anyone who injures GMB members at work.'

Leon Allen, 25, who admitted robbery, wounding Colin Baker with intent and possession of a firearm, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to a 15 year jail term.