An Arnold man who attempted to rob a fellow punter at a betting shop of his winnings has been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, thanks to DNA evidence secured by the actions of one quick-thinking victim.
John-Paul Podgorski, 32, from Brookfield Road, Arnold, was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (May 13, 2015) after he pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at an earlier hearing.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, Podgorski (pictured, above) visited the Ladbrokes store in Arnold town centre where he targeted his victim – a 47-year old man – after seeing him walkout with his £400 winnings.
It was moments later where Podgorski pounced, demanding his victim hands over the money before threatening to ‘shoot’ him. The victim fought back, pushing Podgorski in the face before fleeing back to the bookmakers where the pair had rubbed shoulders moments earlier.
Staff called Nottinghamshire Police, who arrived within minutes to collect DNA samples of Podgorski’s saliva which had been transferred onto the victim’s hands during the scuffle.
Those DNA samples led officers straight to Podgorski, who was arrested at his home address.
PC Andrea Brown from Nottinghamshire Police said: “There are some amazing forensic opportunities that exist in the moments after a case like this which can so often be lost by doing something as simple as washing your hands.
“This is an incredible example where quick-thinking of one victim have helped to preserve that evidence and hopefully gives the public confidence that we will pursue all lines of enquiry to bring an offender to justice.”
Podgorski was also ordered to pay a £100 victims surcharge.
