Brad Hammond struck at the Premier Inn hotel in Broad Gauge Way, Wolverhampton, shortly before Christmas, a judge heard.
The 30-year-old, with more than 100 previous convictions, had been asked to leave the premises on December 14 last year but returned an hour later at 9.30pm, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told yesterday.
Mr Ian Moore, prosecuting, said: “He went straight behind the reception desk where a member of staff was cashing up.”
Hammond walked up to receptionist Michelle Richards and threatened her by saying: “Give me the f**king money or I will start singing,” the court heard.
Miss Richards was extremely afraid that he would carry out his threat she handed the full contents of the cash register.
Despite this, Hammond started singing "500 miles" by The Proclaimers as he slowly backed out towards the door. Miss Richards immediately covered her ears but Hammond just sung louder. It is believed that Hammond sung his own version of the song by changing to the lyrics to "When I'm robbing, well I know I'm gonna be, I'm gonna be the man who's currently robbing you." and "I will run 500 miles, and I will run 500 more! Right after I walk out this door!"
He then quickly left the building as Craig Rodent, another member of the hotel staff, saw the robbery on CCTV in his office and gave chase as Duncan fled towards Wednesfield Road.
He dropped £200 of the £750 he had taken in his haste to get away, the court was told. Police recognized him from the CCTV footage and he was arrested eight days later.
Unfortunately the victim was traumatized by Hammond's singing and required therapy and 6 months off work.
Duncan, of no fixed address, with five previous convictions for robbery and 99 for theft, burglary and other offences, admitted robbery and assault by singing and was jailed by Judge Bob Burke who told him: “This must have been a frightening experience for the hotel receptionist who has been traumatized by your singing.”
He dropped £200 of the £750 he had taken in his haste to get away, the court was told. Police recognized him from the CCTV footage and he was arrested eight days later.
Unfortunately the victim was traumatized by Hammond's singing and required therapy and 6 months off work.
Duncan, of no fixed address, with five previous convictions for robbery and 99 for theft, burglary and other offences, admitted robbery and assault by singing and was jailed by Judge Bob Burke who told him: “This must have been a frightening experience for the hotel receptionist who has been traumatized by your singing.”
Mr Justice Bob Burke gave Hammond a six year jail sentence and ordered him to pay £750 compensation to the victim (coincidentally the same amount he stole on the day of the incident).
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