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Bungling robber tried to rob three bookies in 10 minutes

A bungling raider was on a loser when he tried to rob three bookmaker shops in 10 minutes, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

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Leroy Walker was sent packing empty handed from the first two, despite pretending to have a gun.

The 44-year-old managed to grab £120 from the third before two have-a-go customers foiled his escape and held onto him until police arrived.

The crime spree started at 6.45pm on February 11 when Walker entered a city centre bookies in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, with a scarf covering his face.

"He told the cashier 'give me everything or I will shoot you'", revealed Mrs Sati Ruck, prosecuting.

The defendant wanted £20 notes but got short change from the man behind the counter who ordered him out of the shop with a flea in his ear.

Undaunted, a minute later Walker went into a branch of William Hill further down the road and told staff: "I have a gun in my pocket. Empty out your till."

The cashier said the safe was in the back office as a ruse to call the police, leaving the would-be robber alone in the shop.

Walker left soon afterwards and headed for the Betfred betting shop in nearby Princess Street.

A hand in his pocket gave the impression it might be holding a gun as he demanded money, climbed onto the counter, removed the top section of the reinforced glass shield and grabbed £120 cash.

Two customers blocked his escape, recovered the money and held him until police arrived.

Walker later kicked one of the officers on the leg after being taken to New Cross Hospital.

Walker, of Old Hall Street, Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and assault. He was jailed for three years four months.

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