Man tries to rob bookies with spade (From The Northern Echo)

Man tries to rob bookies with spade

5:36pm Sunday 18th January 2009 in News By Mark Tallentire

A MAN has tried to rob a betting shop armed with a garden spade.

The man, said to be in his late teens or early 20s, walked into the Pagebet bookmakers' on Westbourne Terrace, in Shiney Row, Wearside, on Saturday at about 8pm.

He threatened a customer before demanding cash from betting shop staff. The man left empty-handed and made off on a bicycle.

He is described as white, between 5'8" and 5'11", of medium build and he spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a black duffel coat, light blue coloured trousers and white trainers.

Police also want to trace a male seen waiting outside the shop during the incident.

He is described as a white teenager, about 5'6", of thin build. He was wearing a white and dark coloured hooped top.

Anyone with information is asked to call Houghton CID on 03456-043-043 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

In June last year, betting shop manager Jeffrey Hilland died after taking ill during an argument with a customer in the Pagebet branch, in Pelton, County Durham. At Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month, Trevor Hall, 38, of Hilda Terrace, Chester-le-Street, pleaded guilty to an offence of affray. He will be sentenced on February 2.