Ex-soldier, gambling addict, robs

Ex-soldier robbed two bookmakers

A FORMER soldier stole cash from two bookmakers after his gambling addiction spiralled out of control.

Adam Tonkin, 22, who broke his leg falling off a tank travelling at 55mph in Afghanistan when it came under fire, had been addicted to gambling for four years.

Tonkin, of Yewcroft Close, Whitchurch, admitted two counts of theft – stealing a total of more than £1,000 in raids on two bookmakers.

James Ward, prosecuting, said: "The crimes were committed against the background of an addiction to gambling.

"On January 30 he entered Coral on the Keynsham High Street and before long had won £160 on a gambling machine. He then began to lose and when he went to collect his ticket it was for £34.

"He then went to another gambling machine and won a further £8. To the surprise of everybody, he then jumped over the counter landing in the staff area.

"Two staff members jumped back in shock and he said 'Don't try anything – let's just do this.'

"He emptied two draws with money and put it into his jeans. He also took three rolls of notes and a bag of coins from a safe.

"In total he escaped with £674. Scenes of crime investigators studied the scene and the CCTV but despite the fact he was not disguised, they could not find him.

"On October 5, he repeated a similar offence at the Winning Post in Fairfax Street, Bristol stealing £400.

"He reached over the counter and took money from the till as another customer was served.

"He had acted strangely beforehand by going in and out of the shop clearly looking to see who was about.

"He told a member of staff 'Sorry mate, I have to rob you.' It is said he was not aggressive and in fact looked desperate and as though he was going to cry.

"When he was arrested, he immediately said he was guilty. He said he had been battling a gambling habit for the past four years.

"He said he had lost money but decided he had to get it back because he had to return it to the person to whom it belonged. He said he had faced up to his gambling addiction and had gone to seek assistance from a church group in Bristol."

Charles Thomas, defending, said Tonkin now wanted to rejoin the army and was back to full fitness.

"He joined the army in September 2005 straight from school and broke his leg when he fell off a tank travelling at 55mph when it came under fire in Afghanistan.

"Three died in the same incident.

"He now wants to rejoin because he wants to be gainfully employed and wants to do something so his daughter can be proud of him."

Judge Martin Picton wished Tonkin luck and said: "I order you do 100 hours' unpaid work for the community which I am sure you will complete sooner rather than later so you can get back into the army."