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. On August 24, 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. Six months prior, Cooper attempted another robbery using a similar strategy. This 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. The 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. Cooper received a prison sentence of six years and three months on February 14.