A prolific robber who struck at a Bradford gold shop run by TV antiques dealer Tim Hogarth has been told he is facing a substantial prison sentence.

Richard Fearn, 33, of Ivy Bank, Wyke, Bradford, yesterday pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to robbing shop manager Amanda Ryan of £2,100, and having an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery.

The offences took place at lunchtime on November 7 last year at the Cash For Gold pawnbrokers shop, in James Street, in Bradford city centre.

Fearn’s barrister, Stephen Wood, asked Judge Jonathan Rose to adjourn sentencing so the court could receive information about the defendant and the progress he had made since his last significant custodial sentence in 1999 for four offences of robbery, with 34 other offences, involving robberies of small businesses, taken into consideration.

Mr Wood said there was a basis of plea which amounted to an acceptance that the defendant had a silver tube in a plastic bag with the intention of making anyone believe it was a firearm.

Prosecutor Claire Larton said there had never been any evidence that it was a firearm.

Judge Rose said that, when sentencing, he would not be looking at the issue of dangerousness, unless information came to light that firearms had been used in the commission of previous offences.

Adjourning sentencing until May 14, Judge Rose told Fearn: “I have indicated I do not regard your case as one in which dangerousness arises, though that position will likely be revised if the previous robberies involve the use of real or imitation firearms. It may be further information is going to be gathered by the prosecution and defence before your sentence, which will have a material bearing.”

Judge Rose added: “You will clearly understand that a substantial prison sentence will follow for these very serious offences. Be under no illusions, this is going to be a long prison sentence.”

Fearn was remanded in custody.