A desperate 64-year-old man attempted to rob an HSBC bank branch using a large black vape disguised as a gun, but staff calmly walked away and alerted police, foiling the bizarre plot.

The Attempted Robbery Unfolds

Security footage from January 29 captures Gary Fishlock entering the HSBC branch at Westwood Cross shopping center in Broadstairs, Kent. He handed a note to clerk Eleanor Gater reading: “I have a gun, put the money in the bag.” Fishlock gestured toward his coat pocket, pushing forward the vape to mimic a weapon, while holding out a crumpled plastic bag.

Ms. Gater, an experienced staff member with 15 years in banking, remained composed. She wrote a discreet note on a tablet and approached colleague Tanya Pinn. As Fishlock followed, demanding money, Ms. Pinn triggered her personal alarm. The women retreated to an office, contacted police and security, and left Fishlock waiting.

The entire incident lasted just over five minutes. Fishlock lingered before armed officers arrived and arrested him on site.

Court Sentencing and Background

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 court learned Fishlock spiraled into desperation after losing his stonemason job on Christmas Eve and being evicted by his partner of 14 years. Facing homelessness, he chose incarceration over the streets.

Judge Russell addressed Fishlock: “The fear and panic must have been considerable. 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.”

She emphasized: “These offences may seem to have been relatively trivial, but I disagree. 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 Staff and Defendant’s Remorse

Prosecutor Paul Valder noted Ms. Gater’s terror: her “stomach dropped,” and she battled anxiety afterward. Fishlock admitted in interview that the vape in his pocket made it look like a weapon.

Defense counsel Kieran Brand stated: “His life had come crashing down at the end of last year. He found himself jobless, homeless, and fell into depression. He’s deeply sorry for the harm and shock caused to the members of staff at the bank.”

Judge Russell recognized Fishlock’s crisis but stressed the lasting trauma inflicted on Ms. Gater, who believed he was armed during the threat.