Knife-wielding thug jailed for raid on Melksham pharmacy
A 32-year-old man has been locked up for four years after terrifying staff during a brazen daytime robbery at a Melksham pharmacy.
Knife Threat at Gompels Pharmacy
Thomas Noonan from Lower Bristol Road, Bath, stormed into Gompels Pharmacy on Bank Street just after 9am on September 5, 2024. Brandishing a knife, he threatened the staff and ordered them to freeze before stealing several items, including bottles of perfume.
Quick Police Action Leads to Arrest
Wiltshire Police’s CID and Local Policing Tasking Team launched a swift investigation. They tracked Noonan down at his Bath flat, where officers seized clothing matching CCTV footage from the scene.
Noonan pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a bladed article at Salisbury Crown Court on April 25.
Officer Slams Noonan’s ‘Distressing’ Crime
“There can be no justification for Noonan’s actions, which understandably left the staff members and members of the public extremely distressed,” said Detective Constable Dan Chaventre, who led the inquiry.
“Thanks to diligent and coordinated police work, we were able to identify and arrest Noonan quickly. He is now serving a prison sentence for his crimes and we hope this brings reassurance to the local community.”
Thankfully, no one was physically hurt, but the staff remain shaken by the ordeal.
Wiltshire Police Step Up Knife Crime Crackdown
This case is the latest in Wiltshire Police’s ongoing campaign against violent crimes involving knives. They urge anyone worried about crime in their area to report it online at wiltshire.police.uk or by calling 101. In emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
