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A Covington County man serving a more than 21-year sentence for first-degree robbery had his parole denied Tuesday.

According to the Alabama Department of Pardons and Parole, Benjamin James Bradley was sentenced to 21 year, three months in prison.

Court records show he used a gun to rob the A.W. Herndon store in Andalusia. Bradley has a history of escape.

Bradley joins 13 other offenders who are serving time for armed robbery who went before the parole board of Tuesday and were denied.

At a news conference Monday prior to the resumption of parole hearings, Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Charlie Graddick had urged board members to use caution in considering parole.

“Inmates do not have an innate right to be paroled, they must earn such a privilege,” Graddick said. “Our first priority must be the safety of every man, woman and child in Alabama.”

District Attorney Walt Merrell said he appreicates the parole board denying Bradley’s parole.

“He has twice been charged with robbery in the first degree,” Merreill said. “He has clearly demonstrated he is not someone we want walking around our streets. I am pleased the parole board is working to put public safety first.”