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Reduced sentence for bookies robber
A Preston man jailed for his role in a Grand National day armed raid on bookies had his sentence cut by top judges.
Michael Graham Carter, 22, of Charlotte Street, Avenham, was jailed for eight years at Preston Crown Court last September after admitting robbery.
His case reached London's Appeal Court today as he successfully challenged his sentence, with Mr Justice Gray substituting a six-year term.
The judge – sitting with Mr Justice Wilkie – said Carter and an accomplice targeted the bookies in Manchester Road, Preston, in April last year, striking as staff totted up the shop's Grand National day takings.
Both men were masked, and Carter used a sledgehammer to smash through a security partition while his accomplice brandished a replica pistol, which was clapped to the head of one terrified female worker.
The woman had endured what "must have been her worst nightmare," the court heard, and was convinced she would be shot.
Staff were counting the day's cash as the duo came in, forcing them to hand over 3,260.
The two men ran from the shop, but were picked up later that day by police.
Mr Justice Gray said Carter had no inkling the other raider was carrying a replica gun, adding that the accomplice's sentence had already been cut by the Appeal Court from eight to six years.
In the circumstances Carter also deserved a sentence reduction, said the judge.
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Weather for Preston
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
