A 64-year-old man attempted to rob an HSBC bank branch using a large black vape disguised as a gun, but alert staff foiled the plan by activating alarms and alerting police.
The Incident Unfolds
CCTV footage from January 29 captures Gary Fishlock entering the HSBC branch at Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs, Kent. He handed a note to customer service staffer Eleanor Gater, which stated: ‘I have a gun, put the money in the bag.’
Fishlock gestured toward his coat pocket, pushing forward the vape to mimic an armed threat, while holding out a crumpled plastic bag. Ms. Gater, an experienced employee with 15 years in the sector, remained calm. She wrote a note on a tablet and approached colleague Tanya Pinn.
As Fishlock followed, demanding, ‘Where’s your money? Give me money,’ Ms. Pinn triggered her personal alarm. The women retreated to an office, contacted police and security, and left Fishlock waiting. The entire episode lasted just over five minutes.
Armed police arrived swiftly and arrested Fishlock, who admitted the vape created the illusion of a weapon.
Court Sentencing
At Canterbury Crown Court, Fishlock, from Birchington, Kent, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Judge Alison Russell sentenced him to two years in prison and ordered the destruction of the vape.
The judge described the fear inflicted on staff: ‘The fear and panic must have been considerable.’ She acknowledged his desperation after losing his stonemason job on Christmas Eve and being evicted by his partner of 14 years, leading to homelessness fears.
‘I accept your motives appear to have been borne of desperation and even a deliberate wish to be arrested,’ Judge Russell stated. ‘Your view [was that] prison would be better than being homeless. These offences may seem to have been relatively trivial, but I disagree.’
She emphasized 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. Members of bank staff have the right to go to work without expecting this.’
Impact on Victims
Prosecutor Paul Valder noted Ms. Gater’s reaction: ‘Her stomach dropped. She struggled with anxiety after the incident.’ Defender Kieran Brand explained Fishlock’s downfall: ‘He found himself jobless, homeless, and fell into depression. He’s deeply sorry for the harm and shock caused to the members of staff.’
The judge recognized Fishlock’s crisis but upheld the severity of threatening bank staff with an imitation firearm.
