A knife-wielding robber raided a Falkirk betting shop where he was a regular customer and was caught when staff saw through his disguise.

Mark Greenhorn, 32, tried to cover his face with a scarf but it fell off during the raid at Coral Racing on Main Street, Bainsford.

Unemployed Greenhorn assaulted two female employees and robbed the bookmakers of £140 before he made his getaway on a bike.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard staff easily recognised him as a customer who had called earlier in the day.

Greenhorn admitted assaulting 40-year-old Natasha Hoehle and 19-year-old Jade Nixon during the raid on December 22 last year by brandishing a knife, demanding money and robbing them with his face partially masked.

He was quickly traced after a clear image of his face on CCTV was shown to police.

Advocate depute David Taylor told the High Court that Greenhorn had initially arrived by bike, put his head in the door and told staff: "I've forgotten my wallet."

The prosecutor said both the robbery victims recognised him as "a regular customer" but did not know his name.

Shortly later he returned with his hood pulled up and a scarf over the lower part of his face.

He threw a bag at the staff, demanding money while armed with a knife with a blade of 20 to 25cms.

Mr Taylor said: "The accused was screaming at them to put money in the bag and shouting 'Don't dare call the police'.

"Both victims were able to recognise him as the same person who had popped his head in a short time earlier.

"It was noted that as the accused left the shop, his scarf which had been covering his face had dropped, exposing his face and a clear image of him was seen."

Greenhorn was detained the next day and charged with assault and robbery. Only £55 was recovered.

The court heard Greenhorn has 16 previous convictions, including three for assault and was previously jailed for 16 months for serious assault.

Lord Brailsford deferred sentence for reports and remanded Greenhorn in custody.