Addict Jailed After Raid On Bookies

A drug addict who locked a terrified cleaner in a toilet at a Birmingham bookmakers' during a robbery has been jailed for seven years. 

The 58-year-old victim, who was later released by employees, was left shocked and upset by her ordeal and still suffers panic attacks, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

Steven Ali (37), of Withey Hill Road, Sutton Coldfield, admitted charges of robbery and theft. 

Tim Green, prosecuting, said in December last year the cleaner had just opened a Ladbrokes' betting shop in Old Oscott, Great Barr, disarming the burglar alarm, when Ali and an accomplice entered the premises. 

Both men demanded the key for the safe and at one point the woman was held before being forced into a toilet. 

Mr Green said Ali had also moved a CCTV camera so it was facing upwards hoping it would not record the robbery.

He said the victim remained locked in the toilet for about 20 minutes before other staff arrived and that the robbers, who failed to find any cash, took chocolate worth £40. 

Mr Green said that in fact Ali's picture was captured on the CCTV and he was recognised by a police officer. 

The following day, he said, Ali had gone into an Argos store in Castle Vale and asked to see a ring worth £1,200. When requested by a shop assistant to return it, he handed over a fake and ran off but was chased and arrested.