And finally…Illiterate bookie raider targets chippy by mistake

SinBinA drunk who can’t read or write tried to rob a Scottish bookmakers only to see his raid go awry after ending up in a nearby chip shop by mistake.

Illiterate Derek Carr thought he had all the bases covered after getting his friend to write a robbery demand on the back of a Ladbrokes betting slip.

But his plan to rob a branch of rival bookies Corals unravelled after wondering into the local fish and chip shop in Blackburn, West Lothian, instead.

When the server realised he didn’t want chips, he directed Carr to the bookies shop next door.



Lewis Crosby, prosecuting, said witnesses had earlier noticed that Carr, who was carrying a blue plastic bag, was ‘clearly under the influence of something’.

He entered Corals just before 6pm, walked up to the counter where manageress Karen Jamieson was standing and handed her the note, which said: “Put the money in the bag or someone will die.”

Mr Crosby said. “This was read by the complainer who handed the note back to the accused and asked him: Are you telling me you’re holding me up?

“The accused didn’t respond at this time, however he opened the carrier bag and said ‘put the money in the bag’.

“This was overheard by another member of staff who had been on the shop floor. Both members of staff pressed the silent panic alarm.

“The complainer thereafter informed the accused that she was not giving him any money. The accused smirked and said: I was only joking.

“He then calmly walked out of the door taking with him his note and the carrier bag. “

Carr, 49, admitted attempting to rob the shop on April 25 this year at Livingston Sheriff Court.

He had sentence deferred for background reports.

His friend Greg Tod, 33, who wrote the note for Carr, had a not guilty plea to the same charge accepted and was formally acquitted.

Darryl Lovie, defending, said Carr was so drunk at the time he had no memory whatsoever of the botched robbery bid.

He said: “The chip shop attendant noticed he had a betting slip in his hand and inquired if he could help him.

“He then realised Mr Carr was in the wrong shop and told him he was in a chip shop not the bookies next door.

“He didn’t write the note. His former co-accused was seen writing the note. Because Mr Carr is illiterate and cant read or write he didn’t know what was on the note, but he was aware of his actions.

“He appreciates the seriousness of his position and has the record of a man who has had a drink and drug problem for a significant period of time.

“He recognizes that given the seriousness of the charges, its almost inevitable that a custodial sentence will be imposed.”

Sheriff Peter Hammond called for social work reports to assess Carrs suitability for post release supervision. The case will call again on July 30.

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