Desperate Man Jailed for Attempted Bank Robbery Using Vape as Fake Gun
A 64-year-old man who attempted to rob a bank using a vape device disguised as a firearm has been sentenced to two years in prison after his bizarre heist was foiled by quick-thinking staff. Gary Fishlock, from Birchington in Kent, targeted a HSBC branch in Broadstairs in January, handing a note to a clerk that read: 'I have a gun, put the money in the bag.'
The Failed Heist and Arrest
CCTV footage from the incident shows Fishlock gesturing that he had a gun concealed in his coat pocket, which was actually a large black vape device. In his other hand, he held out a crumpled plastic bag, demanding money from the bank employees. The staff members, displaying remarkable composure, managed to set off a personal alarm and retreat to a secure office to call police.
Armed officers rushed to the scene at Westwood Cross shopping centre and arrested Fishlock, who had waited approximately five minutes before voluntarily leaving the bank premises. Prosecutor Paul Valder told Canterbury Crown Court that Fishlock had confessed to police that he used the vape to create the impression of a weapon, knowing it would instill fear in the bank staff.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Appearing before Judge Alison Russell yesterday, Fishlock pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The court heard that Fishlock was in a 'desperate spiral' after being made homeless and losing his job as a stonemason in quick succession at the end of last year.
Judge Russell acknowledged that Fishlock's motives appeared to stem from desperation, with the defendant reportedly believing that prison would be preferable to living on the streets. However, she emphasized that his actions caused 'unimaginable fear and panic' to the bank employees he threatened.
'The fear and panic must have been considerable,' Judge Russell stated during sentencing. 'I accept your motives appear to have been borne of desperation and even a deliberate wish to be arrested, due to the desperate situation you found yourself in. Your view was that prison would be better than being homeless.'
Impact on Victims and Legal Consequences
The judge highlighted the profound effect the incident had on bank clerk Eleanor Gater, who had 15 years of experience in the sector but had never before encountered such an offence. Prosecutor Valder revealed that Ms. Gater was 'scared' during the encounter, with her 'stomach dropping', and she subsequently struggled with anxiety following the traumatic event.
Judge Russell made it clear that while Fishlock's offences might seem relatively trivial to some, they represented a serious violation of public safety. 'Members of the public are free to go about shopping centres without the fear that someone will rock up with a note claiming to have a gun,' she declared. 'Members of bank staff have the right to go to work without expecting this.'
Defence barrister Kieran Brand told the court that his client's life had come 'crashing down' after losing both his home and employment, leading to depression. Fishlock expressed deep remorse for the harm and shock caused to the bank staff. As part of the sentencing, Judge Russell ordered the destruction of the vape device used as an imitation firearm during the attempted robbery.
