A man who gambled away his parents' £20,000 savings, then robbed a bookies to try to get it back, was jailed for three years yesterday.

Nayden Zhelyazkov hid in the toilet of a Ladbrokes until closing time. He burst in wearing a mask made from a bin liner with eye slits cut out and brandishing a toy gun.

First offender Zhelyazkov, a Bulgarian, threatened staff and escaped with £6000, including specially marked notes.

At the High Court in Glasgow yesterday, judge Lord Turnbull told him: "You were acting under considerable personal pressure at the time and have expressed your genuine humility and remorse since. However, this crime was very serious indeed and had a terrible impact on the members of staff involved."

Advocate Stephen O'Rourke, defending, said: "This was a desperate and foolish young man ostensibly suffering the effects of a serious gambling addiction."

The raid happened in Ladbrokes in Postgate, Glenrothes, Fife. Staff thought that they recognised Zhelyazkov, 27, who was a regular customer.

Derek Ogg, QC, prosecuting, said Zhelyazkov had won £108 on gaming machines on the day of the raid, April 20. Staff closed up at 6pm and thought they had cleared the shop of customers. But as they began taking cash from tills and machines, the robber came out of the toilet.

Mr Ogg said: "He pointed what was thought to be a firearm at the staff and said, Don't move, I've got a gun'."

The raider was aggressive, vaulting a counter and pointing the weapon at staff. He began to collect cash, including £10 notes used as traceable "bandit notes", and put it in a bag.

A day later, police found almost £3000 hidden in Zhelyazkov's home in the town. Among the cash were the bandit notes.

Mr Ogg said: "The accused admitted he had been in dire financial straits having gambled away £20,000 of money sent to him by his parents to start a business in Scotland."

Zhelyazkov admitted robbing staff by presenting an imitation firearm at them.