A bank robber who blasted open a cash machine and blew some of his loot on a luxury holiday has been jailed for more than 10 years.

Russell Snowdon and an accomplice teamed up to carry out the robbery at the RBS branch in Langholm in November.

But the 42-year-old helped get himself caught by jetting out to Gambia, in Africa, for a two-week getaway with his lover.

He had paid for the £1,700 trip in cash just days after the raid.

Staff at an English travel agents spotted the bank notes were all Scottish – but Snowdon claimed he had just sold a car there.

The thug – already a convicted killer - was held by police shortly after he landed back in the UK.

Last week he pleading guilty to a number of charges including stealing £45,080 from the RBS.

Snowdon also admitted in court yesterday (THU) that he tried to break-out from Dumfries jail while on remand in March.

Lady Dorrian jailed him for a total of around eight-and-a-half years for the robbery offences. The judge added a further two years for the prison escape bid.

She pointed out Snowdon already had a string of convictions for “violence and dishonesty”.

The RBS robbery occurred around 1.40am on November 11.

CCTV showed an explosion which burst open the ATM.

A figure is spotted climbing in a broken window and handing bundles of cash out to his accomplice in the street.

The raiders then left in a stolen Land Rover which was later discovered burnt out with gas canisters nearby.

However, a total of £8,950 of the stolen cash was recovered having been left at the scene.

Snowdon, latterly of County Durham, soon came under suspicion.

It was discovered he was “enjoying a holiday” in Gambia with his girlfriend having just paid for the trip on November 14.

Prosecutor Tim Niven Smith said: “The travel agent had made a remark about the Scottish notes being unusual and Snowdon said he had sold a car in Scotland recently.”

He was held at Manchester Airport on his return.

It also emerged his DNA linked him to a lighter, screwdriver and blood spot found at the bank.

The court was told the ATM blast was caused by the “ignition of a flammable gas and air mixture”.

Snowdon also pled guilty to trying to escape from HMP Dumfries.

A guard heard a commotion in the early hours of March 26 and checked the cell where Snowdon and a fellow inmate were.

It was discovered window bars had been cut as well as bed sheets being used to cover razor wire outside the building.

Two blades from a hacksaw were then found.

Mr Niven Smith added: “Had he made it onto the roof, he could have made good his escape from the prison.”

Snowdon's lawyer Thomas Ross said the thug had since been moved to another jail and is not able to mix with other prisoners.

Snowdon was locked up in 2001 for manslaughter after hitting an innocent grandfather as he stood at a bus stop.

He was also jailed for eight years in 2004 for his role in an armed robbery at a post office.

Speaking after the sentence Detective Sergeant Colin McKinstry said: "This was a considerable enquiry which was helped in no small part by those living in the Langholm community who came forward with crucial information.

"This sentence clearly reflects the seriousness of the crime and once again sends out a strong message to any would-be criminals that they will pay a heavy price if they think they can commit crime and get away with it just because this is a rural area.

"Police Scotland will continue to work with our communities to ensure that our people and our property are kept safe from those who might think we are a soft touch."