Jailed after robbing bookies shop - twice

Nov 6 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

AN ex-soldier who twice robbed a Bothwell bookies, stealing a total of £3700, was this week jailed for two years and four months.

Robert McAuley, who is thought to have connections to Coatbridge, admitted two charges of assault and robbery at McKenna’s in Main Street.

On September 19, 2006, the 30-year-old assaulted worker Lesley Bisset at the bookmakers.

McAuley seized hold of Ms Bisset before pushing her into anoffice.

He repeatedly demanded money from her and insisted she open the safe before making off with £1910.

Two months later – on November 3 – McAuley returned and robbed it again.

On this occasion, he assaulted another employee, Kimberley Cassidy, by seizing hold of her.

McAuley then pushed Ms Cassidy inside the shop and robbed her of a set of keys before stealing £1841.

At Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday, McAuley’s solicitor Paul Crozier said his client left the Army in September 2004.

He said: “McAuley’s girlfriend had asked him to leave the Forces. He did so and they set up a home together.

“However, his girlfriend was given the opportunity to work on a cruise ship and she took the offer.

“McAuley was alone, began to suffer debt problems and, in October 2005, he was taken to Monklands Hospital after trying to take his own life.

“McAuley tried to get his life back on track by re-applying for the Army and trying to become a fireman.

“However, he suffered another setback after he was diagnosed with diabetes which prevented him from taking up either post.”

Mr Crozier stated: “He developed a gambling problem. Instead of trying to get help, he resorted to crime.”

The lawyer said the first robbery was “on the spur of the moment”, and when he wasn’t caught he went back to do it again six weeks later.

“He wasn’t disguised. This wasn’t a professional job. His face was clearly seen on CCTV footage. He accepts the serious nature of the crimes and the unpleasantness it caused the members of staff at the bookies,” added Mr Crozier.

Sentencing McAuley, Sheriff John Stewart said: “It is most unfortunate that you are here. You had an exemplary life. But you are here and I have to deal with you for what you did.”

The Sheriff jailed McAuley for 12 months for the first assault on Lesley Bisset and 16 months for the assault of Kimberley Cassidy, to run consecutively.

McAuley, however, was admonished for breaching a bail condition by failing to appear for a court date.