Two men have been jailed for a total of over eight years after two armed robberies at betting shops in Edinburgh earlier this year.
Dale Thomas, (pictured) 24 and Darren Lamb, 25, threatened a member of staff with a hammer and a screwdriver at a branch of Ladbrokes in Gorgie on Saturday 30 May before fleeing with thousands of pounds. Less than a week later, on 4 June, they repeated their crime at another Ladbrokes in Morningside, again threatening a worker with a screwdriver and taking a four-figure sum.
After speaking to witnesses officers traced them to a common stair on Falcon Road a short time later, and found the weapon, clothing and the stolen cash in a bag.
Both admitted carrying out the robberies and on Friday 28 August at Edinburgh Sheriff Court they were sentenced to four years and eight months and four years respectively.
DCI Stuart Houston said: “The pair carried out these brazen attacks in broad daylight, threatening extreme violence to the workers in their way. Fortunately no-one was injured during these incidents but they were incredibly frightening experiences for the staff and I commend their bravery.
“Whilst our enquiries were ongoing following the first robbery, thanks to information provided by members of the public we were able to locate Lamb and Thomas shortly after the second incident and they have been remanded in custody ever since.
“Incidents like these are rare in Edinburgh but when they do occur we will act swiftly to bring those responsible before the courts. Retailers and their customers should be reassured by the lengthy sentences that Lamb and Thomas have received today.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
