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Fatjon Cenalia: ‘Please ban me from gambling shops’ |
Ruined gambler’s plea to be ‘banned from betting’
Court hears how ‘tragic’ spiral of losses lead to violent outburst
A YOUNG unemployed builder who smashed a Vegas-style gaming machine after losing hundreds of pounds in one day appealed to Highbury Corner magistrate’s court: “Please ban me from gambling shops.”
The case last Tuesday sparked fears from residents, church ministers and Islington councillors that with unemployment rising, particularly among the young, there are too many high stakes gaming shops in the borough offering temptation.
The court heard that Fatjon Cenalia, 23, from Skinner Street, Finsbury, was desperate to kick the gambling habit after squandering thousands of pounds over a number of years in amusement and betting shops.
Police were called when in a fit of temper he took a stool and smashed a high value pay-out gaming machine in a Paddy Power shop in Seven Sisters Road, Holloway.
Mr Fatjon, a British citizen educated here but originally from Albania, pleaded guilty in court and apologised, asking through his defence solicitor Greg Foxsmith if he could be banned from gaming establishments.
A single man of previous good character, Mr Cenalia explained that he had lost everything and a “sense of frustration overwhelmed him” when he picked up a stool and smashed the machine.
The court – which had no power to ban him – imposed 60 hours community service and made him pay £200 compensation to Paddy Power.
Asked if his client could afford to pay the compensation, Mr Foxsmith said: “He’s never had any problem giving money to Paddy Power before.”
Mr Foxsmith added that it was a “tragic story” of a man who had lost all his money through gambling over a long period and this was a cry for help.
Speaking to the Islington Tribune following the case, Mr Cenalia, who lives with his parents, said he would be seeking help from Gamblers Anonymous.
He explained that he had become addicted to high value gambling machines after winning £800 on one day on a £10 outlay.
“They are worse than drugs,” he said, “and I became hooked. Of course I’m very sorry for damaging a machine, but it was so frustrating. When you spend £10 and win £800 you think you can do it again. But you can never repeat it and end up spending more than you ever win.”
Finsbury Park ward Labour Councillor Phil Kelly said he would never condone law breaking but he sympathised with anyone who felt drawn to playing gaming machines.
Cllr Kelly has been in the forefront of a campaign to stop amusement firm Agora increasing the number of £500 jackpot gaming machines at their outlet at the Nag’s Head from four to 12. Agora, who lost a public inquiry, are currently seeking a judicial review on the issue.
Cllr Kelly said: “People right across the community are worried about the proliferation of high value gaming machines. Gambling organisations are relentless in their pursuit of profit and we need more powers to control them.”
Methodist Minister Reverend Paul Weary said he would “oppose the increase of access for gambling opportunities” particularly at this time of recession.
A spokesman for Paddy Power said the company offers “self exclusion” policies – where customers agree to being banned from shops. |
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