Robbers sentenced to 12 years each for betting shop raids

Sentencing Karl McShane and Darren Bickersteth at Leeds Crown Court yesterday Recorder Nigel Sangster QC said they had targeted such premises when they knew there was likely to be money available and female staff were vulnerable.

Staff were often terrified because they were threatened with a gun, unaware that it was an imitation.

McShane, 26, of no fixed address, and Bickersteth, 27, of Manor Farm Close, Leeds, were each found guilty by a jury of robbery at William Hill Bookmakers in Hunslet, Leeds, on May 5 and William Hill at Outwood, Wakefield, on May 12 and possession of an imitation firearm at both.

McShane was also convicted of robbery at William Hill on Beeston Ring Road, Leeds, on May 27 and having an imitation firearm there and Bickersteth was found guilty of attempted robbery at William Hill in Belle Isle, Leeds on July 10 and having an imitation firearm. Both men were cleared of other offences.

Denise Breen-Lawton, prosecuting, told the jury on May 5 two women employees were closing up for the night at the Hunslet branch when two men wearing balaclavas ran in.

One employee ran into the back while her colleague was petrified on seeing they had a gun.

The woman in the back room said she felt sick when one of the robbers kicked the door in to reach her and after pointing the gun at her demanded money.

Footwear impressions on the door were later linked to footwear Bickersteth was wearing that evening.

The pair were among three ,men who struck a week later at the Outwood branch. One had a hand gun, another a cosh. One of the staff present was made to unlock the gaming machines.

Mcshane was alleged to be one of the raiders who entered the Beeston betting shop around 8pm on May 27, pushing a customer back inside as he was leaving.

One man had a hand gun and the other went and removed notes and coins from the drawer behind the counter. They were told the gaming machines had already been emptied and then left.

Finally on July 10 Bickersteth was alleged to be one of two men, one armed with a gun and the other a knife, who failed to get any money when they tried to rob the Belle Isle branch of William Hill.