Drugs counsellor turned to crime and carried out six armed raids in two months.

18:07 William Hill Bookmakers 0 Comments

Drugs counsellor turned to crime and carried out six armed raids in two months.The High Court in Glasgow was told Paul Campbell, 32, terrified staff at five bookmakers and a store during his crimewave in the city.Campbell, a former heroin addict who had rebuilt his life to become a drugs counsellor, first struck in Ladbrokes in Sauchiehall Street on July 6.He threatened staff with what appeared to be a handgun and made off with £460.In August, Campbell struck four times at William Hill Bookmakers in Byres Road, Kelvingrove Street, Cathcart Road and St Enoch Square.
On each occasion he brandished what appeared to be a gun and demanded cash.His final robbery was at Farmfoods in Byres Road, Glasgow, on September 3 when he threatened staff with a knife and escaped with £200.The court heard at four of the raids Campbell left behind items from which forensic experts were able to obtain his DNA.
Simon Collins, prosecuting, said: "Over the course of two months the accused carried out six very similar robberies."The total amount taken by the accused was £2770. None of the money was recovered."At the time of the offences the accused was unemployed and in receipt of benefits."Campbell, of Cleveland Street, Charing Cross, admitted carrying out five armed raids on bookmakers by presenting a handgun or imitation handgun to staff.He also pleaded guilty to presenting a knife at a member of staff in Farmfoods and robbing her.His lawyer Tony Graham told the court: "Mr Campbell is a reformed heroin addict who became a drugs counsellor."Judge Lord Brailsford deferred sentence on Campbell until January 19 at the High Court in Paisley.He called for a background report and an assessment of the danger Campbell poses to the public.