JOHN Guthrie has admitted robbing a cashier at Ladbrokes in Commercial Road of more then £2,000.

Guthrie, of Culvery Court, appeared via video link from HMP Portland at Swindon Crown Court on Friday and admitted a single count of robbery.

The charges relate to an incident at 8.30pm on Monday, January 5, when 28-year-old Guthrie entered the store, manned by a single cashier, passed him a note and forced his way behind the counter to help himself to hundreds of pounds from the till.

A Newton hearing into the exact events of the day will now be held after the content of the note could not be agreed upon. It had not been found by police so a judge will now determine the facts.

The prosecution argues that the note threatened violence against the cashier, Kevin John Hall, by insisting Guthrie had a gun in his pocket, and demanded the money.

However, since his first appearance at magistrates’ court, Guthrie has maintained the note explained his financial situation, including debts and threats against his family.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, told the court: “There has been a dispute over the basis of plea. I have been provided a basis of plea which is clearly contrary to the Crown case. We have both watched the CCTV, which does not assist in that there is no sound available and the note cannot be seen, and was not found at the scene.”

Tristan Harwood, defending Guthrie, said his client had given up his right to a reduced sentence by sticking to his story and asking for the Newton hearing.

“Mr Guthrie does not accept that the note said ‘I have a gun in my pocket, give me the money’” he said.

“He got in behind the shop counter and his manner and demeanour were operative on the man who stood back and allowed him to take the money, but not in the manner of the note.

“What my client says was in the note he explained his financial situation and he wanted the money. He had had threats of violence from a drug dealer.

“Mr Hall was flippant about that and does not accept it. Mr Guthrie then walks around the side of the counter, pulls the door to get it open and at that point he says his demeanour and his actions make it a robbery.”

Guthrie told Judge Tim Mousley QC, presiding, that he wanted the matter dealt with quickly and admitted robbery on the basis of a fact finding exercise.

“I went in that day to take the money due to threats being made to my family,” said Guthrie.

“He [Mr Hall] dropped the money and obviously felt threatened in that way. I picked the money up, put it in my pocket and ran out of the shop.”