Man charged with knife-point robbery at betting shop in Bury St Edmunds

A 37-year-old man has been charged following a knife-point robbery at a business premises in Bury St Edmunds.

The incident occurred around 10.20am yesterday morning, Tuesday, September 19, at Ladbrokes betting shop in St Olaves Precinct.

A man entered the premises and threatened a member of staff with a knife, demanding money. A quantity of cash was then handed over and the suspect left the scene on foot in the direction of Western Way. The victim was left shaken but unhurt as a result of the incident.

Police were called and a number of units were immediately dispatched to the scene. A suspect was quickly identified and just under an hour after the robbery occurred, a man was arrested in connection with the incident and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre (PIC) for questioning.

Jonathan Rowley, of Cumberland Avenue, in Bury St Edmunds, has subsequently been charged with robbery. He has also been charged with one count of sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident involving a police employee at Bury St Edmunds PIC.

Rowley was remanded in custody and was due to appear before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday, September 20.