Written by :
Jagajeet Chiba
Published on :
A gambling addict flagged down police just hours after he held up a betting shop with a hammer.
The incident occurred August 2 at a Southhampton Ladbrokes. Michael Birch, 30, is charged with the crime. He escaped with £1,637 in cash.
His defense attorney argued that Birsh should be given mercy for admitting to the crime and apologizing.
Judge Peter Henry said: 'This is a serious offence without question, breaking into a premises, arming yourself and threatening someone and terrifying them, forcing them to hand over the money.'
Birch could have been jailed for four years but was caged for three because he admitted his crime and handed himself in.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
