Dangerous robber jailed after raids on betting shops

Leslie Bryan has been jailed for 15-and-a-half years

A dangerous knife-wielding robber who attacked a shop assistant during a raid on a bookmakers has been locked up.

Leslie Bryan lay in wait outside the betting shop in Alfreton Road, Nottingham, as the staff member arrived to open up around 8.45am on 14 November 2024.

When she unlocked the door, Bryan stormed into the shop, barged her to the floor and struck her to the face multiple times.

He put his hand over the woman’s mouth and forced her to go behind the counter while brandishing a large knife.

Bryan continued to punch the victim as she attempted to open the till.

When it was opened he filled a bag with £300 in cash and fled the scene.

Two days earlier, Bryan had attempted to rob another bookmakers, in South Parade, Nottingham, but fled empty handed after the manager pressed a panic alarm.

He threatened to kill the man and made repeated attempts to jump over the counter.

Police launched a manhunt following the two incidents, with Bryan being tracked down and arrested a few days later.

The 65-year-old, of Booth Close, Nottingham, went on to plead guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and possession of a knife in a public place.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (4 August) Bryan was handed an extended jail sentence totalling 15-and-a-half years.

Detective Constable Rebecca Brailsford, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“The judge branded Leslie Bryan as a dangerous man who poses a risk to the wider public, so I’m pleased he is now behind bars for an extended period.

“During these two incidents, within days of each other, he subjected both shop workers to frightening ordeals.

“The female shop assistant was arriving at work to open up when she was barged into a dark, unlit shop, punched and threatened by a man wielding a knife.

“She was very visibly distressed when police arrived at the scene and feared she was going to be stabbed.

“I hope the thorough investigation by officers and the sentence handed down to Bryan helps both victims recover and move on.”