Armed robber storms Grangemouth bookies

Jamie Smith (33), currently a prisoner in Edinburgh, appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh today, having pled guilty to assault and robbery at the betting shop in La Porte Precinct and possession of a knife on January 14.

CCTV footage of the offence showed Smith jumping over a counter before chasing after the female employee. He then helped himself to cash from tills before fleeing from the premises.

He was later detained by police and said: “I am sorry for what I done to her.”

The court heard that Smith has a lengthy record of offending, including theft and violence.

Advocate depute Isla Davie QC said minutes before the robbery Smith had come into Ladbrokes and asked when closing time was before leaving. He returned a short time later and went up to the cash desk and said “excuse me” before jumping over it.

He said to the victim: “Give me your money. I need money.”

As he approached she noticed he had a knife.

Miss Davie said Smith appeared “panicky” telling the employee he needed money and that he was not going to hurt her.

After he emptied tills of notes he fled from the premises with £419.

Sentence was deferred until April for reports and Smith was remanded in custody until that appearance.