A hapless Devizes criminal who used a bubble gun in an attempted robbery has been jailed.
‘Dangerous’ Timothy Cooper entered The Castle Hotel on 18 February last year and demanded money – while pointing an object concealed within a tote bag at a male worker.
The man refused to hand over any money and fought back. The 42-year-old defendant placed him in a headlock while holding the concealed object to his knee.
Cooper fled the scene and left the object behind, which the victim quickly discovered to be a pink plastic toy bubble gun.
Six months later, on 24 August, the criminal, of Flax Mill Park, attempted another robbery in the town using a similar strategy.
He entered Estcourt Jewellers wearing a balaclava and demanded money while pointing an object – later found to be a bread knife – concealed in a pillowcase at the victim.
The victim raised a ring triblet above his head, refused to hand over any money and charged at Cooper, causing him to flee.
Following a five-day trial at Winchester Crown Court, a jury convicted him of two counts of attempted robbery. He was jailed for six years and three months.
Police Constable Sean Surgey said: “This is a fantastic result for the victims and for the residents of Devizes.
“Cooper is a dangerous individual who waited for both premises to be quiet before entering and demanding money.
“He wanted the victims to believe that he had a firearm. However, the victims put up a very courageous fight and refused to hand over any money.
“This will no doubt have a lasting impact on the victims, but they can take comfort in knowing that Cooper has been jailed.”
Detective Constable Paul Baldock added: “This is a great result and we are very happy with the sentence passed down.
“I would like to commend the victims for their bravery during this terrifying ordeal.”
