Bookies spray attack robber is facing prison (From Swindon Advertiser)

Bookies spray attack robber is facing prison

8:21pm Tuesday 30th October 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

A MAN who vaulted the counter at a bookmaker's shop and attacked a cashier has been remanded in custody.

Richard Godden sprayed what he claims was deodorant into the face of the female worker during the raid.

The 24-year-old now faces the prospect of a lengthy jail term after admitting robbery.

At Swindon crown court, Godden, of Cranmore Avenue, Park South, admitted robbing Susan Chalkin of £45 in cash.

Rob Ross, defending, said his client admitted the offence but submitted a plea on the basis that the spray was a Lynx deodorant and nothing more sinister.

He said the whole incident was caught on the shop's CCTV system but it was not clear what was in his client's hand.

"This young man goes into the bookmakers and jumps over the counter. The lady grabs him," he told the court.

"He has clearly got something in his hand which he thinks is a Lynx deodorant. He then jumps over the counter and runs out."

He said that the victim appeared to suffer no lasting damage' as a result of whatever was sprayed in her face, suggesting it was not CS spray or pepper spray.

Mr Ross added: "He accepts he had something with him to assist him. Saying what it was would probably make very little difference to the length of sentence passed."

Adjourning the case, Recorder Neil Ford QC said: "The basis of your plea will be considered by the Crown Prosecution Service over the next seven days.

"I am ordering a pre-sentence report. The fact that I am ordering a pre-sentence report is no indication of the type of sentence you will receive."

He remanded Godden in custody until Friday, November 23 when he is due to face sentence.

The incident happened at the William Hill store in Covingham Square at 6.55pm on Tuesday, July 31.

Customers tried to stop Godden as he tried to leave the shop while the member of staff was on the phone to the police. He made off on foot towards the Larksfield Road area.

• Print
• Email
• Share