A GAMBLER on a losing streak stole £600 from a bookmaker.
Henry Victor, of Southend Lane, Sydenham, had spent September 1 last year in Ladbrokes betting shop, placing several unsuccessful bets.
Eventually, he approached the counter, demanding staff open the safe.
Julius Capon, prosecuting at Croydon Crown Court yesterday (Mar13), said: "He was holding his waistband with his right hand and an employee believed he had a weapon of some description, although none was brandished."
Victor was given cash and also took money from two tills.
After leaving the shop, in Upper Norwood, with around £600, which was not recovered, Victor was caught on CCTV at another betting shop nearby.
He insisted he was not the man police were seeking.
Victor pleaded guilty to robbery, and was jailed for 20 months.
Mitigating, Kevin Molloy said Victor, a drug addict living on benefits, accepted he had frightened staff at the shop.
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