A VICIOUS criminal who held a gun to the head of a terrified pensioner during a Post Office robbery has been given two life sentences.

Gary Monks stood expressionless in the dock yesterday as the jury returned guilty verdicts following a three-day trial.

The jury learned that Monks is already serving a life sentence imposed last year for two violent robberies - one on the widow of the former Chief Constable of Merseyside.

At Bolton Crown Court Judge John Roberts sentenced Monks to two mandatory life sentences for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

He also gave him eight years for attempted robbery.

The judge recommended Monks serves at least four years 149 days, which takes into account time served on remand, before his case can even be considered by the Parole Board.

The sentence makes no real difference to Monks as it was concurrent to a life sentence with a specified term of six years 232 days sentence handed out last year by the same judge.

Monks, aged 43, of Derbyshire Hill Road, Parr, St Helens, had denied robbing May Weaver of £65 and attempted robbery at the Hindsford Post Office, Tyldesley Road, Atherton, on April 21, 1998. He also denied possessing an imitation firearm.

The court heard that a masked gunman had shoved a gun to the head of the terrified pensioner and demanded money during the bungled Post Office robbery.

May Weaver had just received her pension when she was grabbed from behind by the robber who stuck a pistol to her head and shouted: "Give me the money or she gets it."

But postmaster Alan Mayoh refused and pressed the alarm and Monks tried but failed to get into the shop till.

He released his frightened victim who ran from the shop and after chasing staff into the living quarters Monks left taking Mrs Weaver's £65 pension money.

But as he fled he ripped off his mask and was seen by Mrs Weaver who was outside the Post Office.

Last year Bolton Crown Court heard how the widow of the former Chief Constable of Merseyside Sir Kenneth Oxford had been assaulted and robbed by Monks.

And Leigh farmer Harry Tomlinson was left with a fractured skull and brain damage after Monks robbed him and hit him repeatedly over the head when the pensioner bravely fought back.