Bungling Lancing duo who robbed Rustington bookmakers and assaulted female staff member are jailed

Two Lancing men who stormed into a Rustington bookmakers and declared “Merry Christmas, you’re getting robbed” have been jailed, according to police.
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At around 6.20pm on Tuesday, December 17, two men entered Coral in The Street, Rustington, and demanded money from a female member of staff who was by herself and assaulted her. They also claimed to have a gun, police said.

The pair left the shop with a small amount of cash but were arrested nearby shortly afterwards.

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Police identified them as Graham Baker, 44, unemployed, of Shadwells Road, Lancing, and Billy Betts, 28, a roofer, of Irene Avenue, Lancing.

Graham Baker (left) and Billy Betts (right). Picture: Sussex PoliceGraham Baker (left) and Billy Betts (right). Picture: Sussex Police
Graham Baker (left) and Billy Betts (right). Picture: Sussex Police

Baker and Betts were then charged with robbery and listed to appear before Lewes Crown Court on Friday, May 1.

Baker was sentenced to seven years and three months’ imprisonment, and Betts was sentenced to seven years and five months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Matt Watson said: “I’d like to commend the bravery of the victim and the numerous members of public who provided witness statements, which – together with overwhelming CCTV evidence – helped us bring these two violent offenders to justice.”