Water Pistol Bandit Caught and Jailed After Shocking Whitstable Robbery Attempt
A bungling robber armed with nothing more than a water pistol has been locked up for two years and eight months following a shocking attempted hold-up in Whitstable.
Armed Robbery Attempt Turns Childish
On the evening of April 7, 2020, kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police received an urgent call about a possible armed robbery at a local post office in Whitstable. The suspect, Callum Stewart, 29, covered his hand with a black bag and threatened staff with what he claimed was a gun – but it was just a water pistol.
Despite his bluster, staff told Stewart to leave as the police were on their way, forcing the bungler to flee empty-handed.
Quick Cops Nab Tattooed Bandit
Thanks to clear descriptions and distinctive tattoos, officers tracked down Stewart within 20 minutes. They found him in nearby Joy Lane, not far from the crime scene.
When searched, Stewart admitted the ‘gun’ was a water pistol. But police also discovered he was carrying a kitchen knife. The knife and the toy pistol were both seized, and the would-be robber was arrested on the spot.
Guilty Plea and a Stiff Sentence
Stewart, from Lucerne Drive, Whitstable, was charged the day after with attempted robbery and possession of a bladed article in public.
He later pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court and was sentenced on August 19 to nearly three years behind bars.
Police Warn Against Fear-Driven Crime
“To be in your place of work late at night and confronted by someone demanding money and pointing something at you which they claim is a gun, is a frightening experience. At that moment, you don’t know what could happen or what that person is capable of,” said PC Sam Ings-Kemsley.
“Callum Stewart is a dangerous and selfish individual who played on people’s fears to try and steal. It was important he was identified and stopped quickly to prevent him from targeting anyone else. I wish the victims all the best and hope they feel reassured by the court result.”
