Bookie’s raider jailed

An Oldham man has been jailed for his part in an armed robbery in Newton Heath.

Paul Andrews (21), of Beresford Street, was found guilty of robbery following a trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and was yesterday jailed for four years.

Three robbers struck in September, 2008, at Coral bookmaker’s in Old Church Street, Newton Heath.

Two went inside, one of them carrying an ornamental sword.

They jumped over the counter, threatened staff and demanded cash.

They eventually ran off with money from the till.

Det-Sgt Alex Wild, based at North Manchester, said: “This was an organised ambush on a bookmaker’s in the middle of the afternoon. Nobody was injured but the staff were badly shaken by the robbery.

“We hope that today’s result offers them and residents reassurance that we take firm action on armed robbers.”