Man who flew into a rage and stole £300 from Telford betting shop avoids jail

Ryan Smith went into the Betfred store in Telford shopping centre with his uncle on May 14.

The store manager on the day was Nicole Docherty who said she had seen the 20-year-old regularly in the shop in the past.

Robert Edwards, prosecuting at Shrewsbury Crown Court, said Smith had placed a couple of bets before going to play on a gaming machine.

Mrs Docherty was making a till transfer of £300 when she heard Smith swearing before he started punching the gaming machine hard after he had lost some £70.

She shouted for him to stop but he pulled open the front door to the store and kicked it causing panels to smash.

Mr Edwards said that Smith then made for the counter of the store where Mrs Docherty and colleague Mandy Speake were stood.

He was described as looking "crazy" and having an "aggressive facial expression" by the staff who said they were scared for their safety at this point.

Mrs Docherty put the money back in the till but Smith walked around the counter and pushed her aside grabbing the till, opening it and taking the money.

Before Smith had left the store the two women had run to the basement of the store to call the police.

Mr Edwards said that Smith was then spotted by police and looked to be in a distressed manner, as they received a radio message to tell them what had happened at the store.

Smith told the police: "I have just robbed the bookies, they have been cheating me and can't get away with it."

Police found £300 on Smith and in interview he said the game was fixed but admitted everything.

Mr Edwards said Mrs Docherty no longer felt safe in the shop and was "jumpy and paranoid".

Since the incident she had not slept well and has since been put on prescription sleeping pills by the doctor.

She did say the incident was out of character for Smith who she said was is usually shy and quiet.

Jasvir Mann, defending, said that Smith was of a low IQ and had intellectual difficulties.

He said that when Smith used to go to the betting shop it would be with his dad, but that on this occasion he had gone with his uncle who did not exercise the same amount of control.

"This is an incident out of character," said Mr Mann. "And that is not just me saying that it is what the complainants themselves have said."

Judge Peter Barrie said: "You became angry when you lost your money and you did a bad thing.

"You were violent and you took money from the till that wasn't yours.

"It is of concern a young man with learning disabilities can lose £70 or £80 in a betting shop without knowing what is going on.

"If you go into betting shops sometimes you lose and you need to carefully think about whether it is better to not going into betting shops if you can."

Smith had already pleaded guilty to robbery and criminal damage and was given a two year community order.

He was made to take part in an anger management course and be under supervision.

He was also banned for the Betfred store in Telford shopping centre for two years.