Gambler faces life sentence after crazed shop attack

A GAMBLER who launched a vicious attack on bookie staff after losing heavily is facing a possible life sentence.

One man was stabbed in the neck and another was punched as Mark Rutter, 39, demanded his money back.

Footage from CCTV cameras in a William Hill’s shop in Dalkeith, Midlothian, showed Rutter, who lives in Craigour Place, toppling the roulette-type machine he had been playing on August 23.

Rutter tried to open the tills and punched cashier Ryan Drummond on the head before striking deputy manager Daniel Hardwick twice on the neck with a pair of scissors. Rutter fled with £200 and yesterday admitted a charge of robbery, which included assaulting Mr Hardwick to the danger of his life and assaulting Mr Drummond. Lord Uist called for an in-depth background report, which could pave the way for a life sentence when Rutter returns to court in February. He will remain in custody until then.