AN ARMED robber who used an imitation pistol in a raid on a Wiltshire bookies has been jailed for four years and two months.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court on Monday afternoon, Scott Knowles admitted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and shoplifting.

At around 9pm on September 7, 31-year-old Knowles covered his face and pulled up his hood before pushing into Coral Racing on New Road, Chippenham, then threatened a shop assistant with a black plastic fake gun.

He made off with just over £150 in cash.

Wiltshire Times:

Scott Knowles in the Coral Racing branch on New Road Pictures: GOOGLE/WILTSHIRE POLICE

On the same day, Knowles stole two bottles of wine - together worth £16 - from Sainsbury’s Local on Station Hill.

Judge Jason Taylor QC jailed Knowles, of The Knapp, Calne, to four years and two months for robbery and two years for possession of the imitation firearm. The sentences will be served concurrently.

There was no separate penalty for the shoplifting charge.