Illiterate would-be robber mistook fish and chip shop for bookmakers

A would-be robber who planned to steal from a bookmakers ended up mistaking the intended target for a fish and chip shop next door. Derek Carr asked friend Greg Tod to write the robbery demand on the back of a Ladbrokes betting slip because he cannot read or write. Livingston Sheriff Court was told he had planned to rob a branch of rival bookies Corals but the accused went into the local fish and chip shop in Blackburn, West Lothian, Scotland, instead. When the server realized he did not want chips, he directed the 49-year-old to the bookies shop next door.

Lewis Crosby, prosecuting, said witnesses had earlier noticed Carr, who was carrying a blue plastic bag, was clearly under the influence of something. He said: "Carr entered Coral just before 6pm, walked up to the counter where manager Karen Jamieson was standing and handed her the note. It stated: 'Put the money in the bag or someone will die'. 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 pleaded guilty on indictment to attempting to rob the shop on April 25 this year with the sentence deferred for background reports. Greg Tod, 33, whose address like Carrs was given as Addiewell Prison, 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 realized 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 can't 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's 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 Carr's suitability for post release supervision. The case will call again on July 30.