And finally…called to account

Paul Neaverson, 61, who has no previous convictions, went into a high street branch of NatWest in Rainham, Kent, where he approached the counter before demanding the cashier, “put £500 in my account” and then producing a knife.

The startled employee hit the bank’s alarm button and Neaverson turned and ran away.

Maidstone Crown Court heard this week that he also tried to rob a branch of HSBC, just 400ft away.

Again he fled empty-handed after the cashier told him he did not have £500 in the till.

Neaverson was arrested by police, who arrived soon after the second failed robbery.

In court, Danny Moore, defending, said of Neaverson’s attempts: “It was ridiculous. It only had one ending.

“He now finds himself staring down the barrel of a very long sentence.”

The court heard he told police he needed the cash to book a flight to Corfu for an interview as a golf coach.

Neaverson, of Rainham, pleaded guilty to two attempted robberies and possession of a blade, and was jailed for two years.