Armed cops swopped on the Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs after reports of an attempted bank robbery and when they arrived, they found a man armed with a large black vape
An elderly man is facing prison after pleading guilty to the attempted robbery of a shopping centre bank – while armed with a ‘vape’. Gary Fishlock, 64, targeted an HSBC branch at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs, Kent, on the afternoon of January 29.
The incident sparked an armed police response, which was captured in dramatic video footage, and led to Fishlock’s arrest at the scene.
Appearing before Canterbury Crown Court this week, he admitted attempting to rob HSBC staff of cash and possessing an imitation firearm – described as a large, black vape – with intent to cause fear of violence.
Although no details of the bank raid bid were given, Fishlock’s lawyer revealed it was committed at a time when his life had “unravelled”.
Asking Judge Simon James to adjourn sentencing for a probation report, Ben Irwin, defending, told the court: “This is serious, it is robbery… but there is a lot of background to all of this.
“That morning, he felt he had two options – one was to kill himself and one was to do something that would land him in prison. And he chose to do something that would land him in prison.
“He had been working, but life unravelled for him, and it’s against that background that he found himself committing this offence.
“Of course, he stands at risk of an immediate custodial sentence. But a report is likely to assist the court as to possible alternatives, or length of sentence if there are no possible alternatives.”
In agreeing to the application, Judge James remarked that Fishlock, of Shottendane Road, Birchington, had not offended for “well over two decades”.
Furthermore, the judge added that a previous conviction for robbery occurred when he was “a very young man”.
Fishlock, who appeared in court via prison video link, was remanded back into custody until his sentencing on April 2.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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