Jobless architect in knifepoint raid

A DESPERATE out-of-work architect put stockings over h is head and robbed a bookmakers at knife point after being made redundant from his job six weeks earlier.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard Nathan Ritchie, 39, wore an allblack outfit when he jumped the counter at William Hill on Brook Street, Broughty Ferry, and held a knife at a female staff member’s chest.

Ritchie demanded money from the safe and tills and ran off with £716 cash, before later handing himself into police due to “overwhelming guilt”.

He told them he went to a common close on King Street and changed into a black outfit, including black trainers and hood, pulled stockings over his head, put on latex gloves and hid a large kitchen knife up his sleeve, and went to the bookmakers.

Fiscal depute Stewart Duncan said: “The accused placed his hands on the counter and jumped up and over the till area.

“He then pulled out a large kitchen knife with a black handle and pointed it directly at the complainer.”

The female victim pushed the shop’s panic alarm but Ritchie pushed it again, forcing deactivation.

The fiscal continued: “He demanded money while walking towards the complainer, holding the knife pointing towards her chest.

“He said ‘Gie’s the money. Open the safe’ and she opened the safe and gave him two rolls of cash.

“The accused said ‘more’, getting closer, still pointing the knife at her.

“She said there was no more money in the safe but he repeatedly said ‘more’ and she opened the safe door to show him it was empty.”

He then opened a till drawer and took the contents of £216 and jumped back over the counter and ran off, discarding the clothes and knife in a nearby bin.

Later that day he handed himself into police and admitted the robbery, stating it was “not fair on staff”.

Ritchie, of Dundee Survival Group, Foundry Lane, admitted a charge of assault and robbery on July 23 last year, at William Hill bookmakers, Brook Street.

Sentence was deferred until March 13 and Ritchie was remanded in custody meantime.

Nathan Ritchie