Armed Robber Jailed After BB Gun Heist and Surprising ‘Sorry’
An armed robber who stormed a Newcastle bookmakers with a BB gun has been locked up for nearly three years. Richard Soltanpur threatened staff, grabbed £175, then shocked everyone by saying “SORRY” before making his getaway.
Terrifying Daytime Raid at Coral in Fawdon
The daylight raid unfolded on March 20 at Coral in Fawdon, Newcastle. CCTV showed the 42-year-old calmly approach the counter, brandish what appeared to be a handgun and demand cash from the lone worker.
- Staff handed over £175 in fear
- Soltanpur stuffed the money into his rucksack
- Just as he left, he turned back and said, “sorry, I’m desperate”
Police were swiftly called. Expert camera teams tracked Soltanpur as he hopped a Metro train.
Quick Arrest at Kingston Park Station
Armed officers were waiting at Kingston Park station to pounce. Upon seeing them, Soltanpur fessed up immediately, saying, “yes, it was me.”
The “gun” turned out to be a loaded, cocked gas-powered BB gun. A stash of cash was also recovered. Soltanpur, from Longbenton, was charged with robbery and firearm possession.
Judge Slams Robber’s “Planned” Crime to Pay Drug Debts
On August 24, Newcastle Crown Court sentenced Soltanpur to two years and eight months behind bars. He admitted his offences in court.
“This was a brazen theft in the middle of the day that has left the staff member fearful for his life,” said Detective Constable Nicola Smith.
“It must have been terrifying to be confronted with what looked very much like a real firearm. Events of that day will stay with him for a long time.”
“Soltanpur may have shown remorse, but we found evidence of him posing for pictures with the firearm. This was no opportunistic theft — it was planned, driven by drug debts.”
“I welcome the significant custodial sentence and hope it brings some comfort to the victim.”
The victim, who bravely gave a statement in court, said: “The whole incident shocked me. I was shaken by the fact he was pointing a gun at me. I just wanted to give him the money so he would leave. I feared he would shoot me or the gun would go off.”
Police revealed Soltanpur committed the robbery to pay off a significant drugs debt, highlighting the dangerous spiral that led to his daylight armed raid.
