Man jailed for attempting to rob two businesses in Devizes

A man from Devizes has been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for two attempted robberies.

Timothy Cooper, 42, of Flax Mill Park, attempted to rob two businesses in Devizes last year and was found guilty of both offences following a five-day trial at Winchester Crown Court.

The first offence took place at around 10pm on February 18 when Cooper entered Castle Hotel wearing a face mask and demanded money while pointing an object concealed in a tote bag at the victim.

This victim bravely refused to hand over any money and fought back as Cooper 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 August 24, Cooper attempted another robbery using a similar strategy.

This time, he entered Estcourt Jewellers just before 2pm 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.

Cooper received a prison sentence of six years and three months on February 14.

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."