TWO MEN have been jailed over an armed robbery at a Reading bookmaker.
Simon Bampton, 47, of Russell Street, Reading, was found guilty of robbery at Reading Crown Court on Friday, November 26, following a three-day trial.
At the same court on Tuesday, he was sentenced to six years in prison.
Kerron Annetts, 41, of Paices Hill, Aldermaston, previously pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for the robbery and 12 months concurrently for the firearm offence.
Bampton and Annetts worked together to rob Betfred in Coronation Square on Monday, May 31, this year.
Annetts threatened a member of staff with an imitation firearm before forcing his way behind the till and stealing £200, with Bampton waiting in the getaway car.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Josh Gillespie, of the Priority Crime Team based at Reading police station, said: “I’m pleased for the victim that justice has been served as this was a terrifying ordeal for them while they were at work.
“I would like to thank them for putting their trust in us to investigate this violent and terrible crime which has resulted in both offenders being convicted and jailed.
“We will not tolerate such criminality within Reading and the wider Thames Valley, and will always investigate such offences with determination to bring offenders to justice.”
