A ROBBER who held up a bookmakers burst into tears during the raid and said he needed money to buy nappies for his children, a court heard.

Gerald Thomas, 23, from Tondu Road in Bridgend, disguised himself in sunglasses and a bandana before going to Betfred on Newport Road, Caldicot, on August 27.

He admitted robbery and was jailed for 20 months at Newport Crown Court.

Richard Ace, prosecuting, said that after drinking, Thomas entered the shop around 9.40pm and demanded money from the safe. But he was thwarted in his attempt as the safe was timelocked, and came away with only £47 from the coin tray.

There were two customers in the shop at the time, as well as Liam Staines working behind the counter. The defendant ran up to Mr Staines and shouted, “Give me all your money, give it to me now,” the court heard.

But one of the customers saw what was happening and began to shout back, saying he was going to call the police.

“The defendant suddenly started crying, saying he needed money to get nappies for his children,” Mr Ace said. “He said he couldn’t afford to feed his children.”

The witness repeated he would call police to which Thomas swore and said, “I don’t care” before running out of the shop.

When arrested, Thomas admitted the crime and said he had been drinking and had never threatened staff.

“He said he felt sick to his stomach on leaving the premises and was sick in a nearby bush.

“He had been out of work for some time and was ‘sofa surfing’. He said drink had caused him to commit the crime.”

Defending, Paul Hewitt said: “He accepts responsibility and the consequences of his actions. He decided to embark on this rather ludicrous attempt at making money. When he sobered up he soon realised what he had done.

“The defendant is not the sort of person you normally find in courts for these cases.”

Judge Recorder Greg Bull QC told him: “This type of robbery is in my judgement an extremely serious crime. Small businesses need to be protected, especially late at night.

“That being said, you pleaded guilty at an early stage and I give you credit for that.”