Armed robber is jailed

Victim in crime spree still suffers trauma

WHAT began as an opportunistic shoplift turned into a terrifying armed robbery, which has left the victim tormented more than a year later.

During an 18-month crime spree between April 2016 and October 2017, Robert Turnbull was granted bail nine times before he was finally held in custody.

Yesterday the 49-year-old was jailed for four years with parole eligibility in February next year after pleading guilty to armed robbery and 34 other charges including 15 counts of stealing, six counts of breaching bail, three counts of failing to appear and possessing cannabis.

The Cairns District Court was told that on November 8, 2016, Turnbull had planned to steal a number of items from Golf World to then onsell.

But he panicked when confronted by a staff member and pulled out a Swiss Army knife with the screwdriver part flicked out at the victim.

“The complainant retreated behind the counter. He was scared the defendant would lash out or stab him,” Naomi Nelson, for Crown Prosecutions, said.

“The complainant detailed he experienced flashbacks and anxiety for weeks after the offending. He withdrew and isolated himself and found himself drinking more.

“The complainant still suffers from sleepless nights and anxiety in relation to the offending.”

One of the other offences involved Turnbull stealing more than $5000 worth of tools from Bunnings, which a co-offender took.

Turnbull’s crime spree, which breached a suspended jail term, came to an end last November when he was arrested on a number of warrants and remanded in custody.

Defence barrister Michael Dalton said his client had been in the grip of a drug addiction following a relationship breakdown. The court was told the armed robbery had been opportunistic.

“There was no sophistication,” Mr Dalton said.

Turnbull had told police he only pulled out the weapon in frustration and had no intention to hurt the victim.

He has already spent 156 days in custody, which was declared as time already served. Convictions were recorded.

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