Old Codgers Of The Week – Part Ten
Not that I’m an expert in these matters but it seems to me that to carry out the perfect robbery you need a clear plan, some way to get your message across and a speedy getaway. What let 69 year-old Kenneth Dodds down in his attempted crime spree in Newton Aycliffe in County Durham was his reliance on his bus pass.
The frail-looking pensioner allegedly terrified shop workers in Café Pronto and Young’s Newsagents at around 8.30 am on 22nd February, demanding £100 and brandishing what looked like a Colt-type revolver. He shuffled out of both premises empty-handed, save for his walking stick and imitation pistol, and had his collar felt at the nearby bus stop whilst waiting for his getaway charabanc.
Dodds was hauled before the beak on two accounts of attempted robbery and one of possession of an imitation firearm, I read this week. He was bailed to return for sentence at a later date.
A sorry tale in many ways.
Looking at the photo of Dodds it is hard to imagine that he cut a terrifying figure but in the heat of the moment who knows? You have to admire his chutzpah, even if his plan was less than perfect.
Perhaps a pint and a trip to the bookies would have been a better idea.
