Betting-shop thug jailed

A RAGING gambler who stole money from an Oldham bookmakers after assaulting a female member of staff has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Sajad Hussain, of Copster Hill Road, Oldham, became angry after the Ladbrokes employee switched off a roulette machine because he would not stop his abusive behaviour. In response, Hussain (33) launched the machine to the ground, as some of his credit was still inside.

Oldham Magistrates’ Court heard how he ended up on the other side of the counter demanding money he believed was his. He then pushed and kicked the assistant manager, took cash from the till and fled the betting shop on Yorkshire Street, Oldham, during the afternoon of May 14, 2011.

District Judge Qureshi heard Hussain had previous problems with gambling and alcohol. On the day of the incident he had been drinking brandy and gambling in two other Oldham bookmakers.