A ROBBER who smashed a glass screen at a betting shop before launching himself over the counter has been jailed.

John Christian broke the screen protecting staff at the BetFred Shop, on Breck Road, Anfield, after spotting cashier Karen Farmer was distracted on the phone.

When she turned round she saw Christian, 25, had thrown himself through the broken window and was lying across the counter.

He was in the process of grabbing about £200 from the desk.

But Edmund Haygarth, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court Ms Farmer reacted instinctively and wrestled Christian for the money.

He said: “It was effectively two people snatching at the same money.”

The plucky employee managed to get the cash back, but eventually released it after being scratched during the struggle.

Mr Haygarth told how CCTV cameras enabled police to get a clear picture of Christian.

He was arrested about a week later, but refused to answer questions in interview.

Christian, of Wilburn Street, Walton, admitted the robbery on November 12, 2008, two days before his trial was due to start.