Cop cadet, 15, stings bet shops
Plate disbelief
TWO betting shops run by major chains faced a licence review panel after being caught in an undercover sting by a police cadet of 15.
The branches let the lad bet on fixed odds betting terminals, dubbed the crack cocaine of gambling.
The boy, sent in by licensing officers in London, was only challenged as he asked counter staff for change.
Now Betfred in Brentford and Jenningsbet in Hounslow must obey tough rules if they are to keep trading, including having two employees on duty at all times.
Councillor Sue Sampson, the Hounslow cabinet member for enforcement, said: “FOBTs aren’t toys.
“Our licensing team has worked hard to protect youngsters from these highly addictive machines by sending in teenagers undercover to see how bookies react.
“It’s the first time either firm has been called before a licensing panel and the first time we’ve put such strict restrictions on bookies. We hope this sends others a clear message.”
Betfred has more than 1,000 shops and Jenningsbet at least 100. They have 21 days to appeal the ruling. CONTESTANTS will bog snorkel, gravy wrestle and charm worms at the World Alternative Games in Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, from today. DRIVER Shannon Morgan won £58,000 compensation and the use of number plate 8THEIST after overturning a ban in New Jersey, US. ITV chiefs are lining up two campmates guaranteed to turn up the heat in this year’s I’m A Celebrity.
Emmerdale’s Fiona Wade, 37, and Neighbours star Olympia Valance, 23, are said to be in talks to enter the jungle.
And both are certs to re- create the shower s cenes t hat made Myleene Klass a hit in her white bikini in 2006.
A source said: “I’m A Celeb has a rich history of picking beautiful ladies and this year it is no different with Fiona and Olympia. Both are feisty women and should give the men a run for their money. Expect some steamy shower scenes!”
Fiona plays Priya Sharma in Emmerdale and began acting and dancing at three. At 16 she landed the role of alcoholic Joanna Day in children’s drama Grange Hill. She then spent time in the West End in Miss Saigon and joined Emmerdale in 2011.
Her leap into the jungle may surprise fans as Fiona previously said: “I’m not interested in doing reality TV for the sake of it – it would have to be the right one.”
Aussie Olympia is the sister of pop star Holly Valance, 33, and plays fiery Paige Smith in Neighbours. Olympia is not afraid to strip off and recently shot a campaign for lingerie brand Gossard. She said: “It has been quite a liberating thing to do, taking off your gear and wearing sexy undies. I’ve loved it. “I didn’t think that I’d do anything like that but it has made me love my body in a way I never used to.” However, both ladies have boyfriends – so don’t expect any romances in the camp. Meanwhile, a string of other names have been linked with this year’s show and bosses are reported to have offered former UKIP leader Nigel Farage a huge sum to join the cast. Cheryl Cole’s ex JeanBernard FernandezVersini has also been named amid reports he is desperate to become a personality on British TV. Conrad Murray, the medic who spent two years in jail for the manslaughter of pop icon Michael Jackson, has confirmed he is in talks. Arg from TOWIE and Helen Lederer of Absolutely Fabulous may appear too – and Coleen Rooney is said to have been offered a “mega-deal”. A spokesman for I’m A Celebrity said it was still early days and the show could not confirm any names.