Bingo Hall Burglar Gets Four Years

A man who was part of a shocking bingo hall robbery has been jailed for four years. Craig Stephenson attempted to rob a hall in Norwich on the 3rd of July last year. The 25 year old was tracked down and arrested after police found traces of DNA on a knife that was left at the scene.

Stephenson and his accomplice arrived at the hall on a motorcycle, and using a knife, forced their way in to the venue. After taking a young woman hostage, they demanded money. A brave cleaner who was on duty at the time, Lee Marrison, managed to chase the suspects who fled without taking any cash.

Mr. Marrison said of the incident, “I was cleaning the tables in the hall and I heard a noise and turned around and saw him with his hand around her neck and a knife in his other hand. The poor girl was shouting 'I don't want to die.'” Stephenson pleaded guilty to his part in the attempted robbery, and was sentenced to four years behind bars.

The young lady who was held hostage is reported to still be ‘scared and fearful’ from her ordeal, and said that the incident impacted her greatly. While it is a relief that another criminal is behind bars, one has to wonder when the crime spate at halls will abate. One thing is for sure; at least one feels safe and secure when playing online bingo from the comfort of their home!