'˜Regular' robs his Leeds bookmakers

A ROBBER threatened the manager of his local betting shop before fleeing with over £400 in cash from the till, a court heard.
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Anthony Backhouse, 33, carried out the robbery at the Stan James bookmakers on High Street, Kippax, after placing a 50p bet.

Leeds Crown Court heard Backhouse threatened the manager despite being recognised as a regular customer.

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Duncan Ritchie, prosecuting, said Backhouse leaned over the counter and asked where the money was kept.

Backhouse was holding a jumper in his hand and said to the manager: “Can’t you set it up where I rob you and I will give you half.”

He then told the manager: “If you see what’s under this jumper you would give me the money.”

Backhouse then threatened to stab the victim before reaching over the counter and taking £460 from the till.

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Mr Ritchie said: “The complainant clearly believed that there was a weapon.”

Backhouse then said to the manager before he left: “I will send someone in a 
couple of days and I will square you.”

Backhouse, of Brich Drive, Kippax, was arrested after the manager contacted police.

He has previous convictions for assault, threatening behaviour and robbery.

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The court heard Backhouse committed the offence to buy alcohol.

He was jailed for 16 months.

Judge Neil Clark told Backhouse: “This is a serious matter.

“This is a man working in a betting shop who should be entitled to protection.”

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