No payday after getaway

A GETAWAY driver was clocked travelling more than 140km/h and weaving through traffic as he and his co-offenders fled with more than $300 stolen during an armed robbery at the Biddeston Store.

The getaway driver, Alec Joseph Jensen, 24, crossed into the path of oncoming traffic on at least three occasions and forced two roads users to take evasive action.

Yesterday Jensen fronted the Toowoomba District Court and pleaded guilty to one count each of armed robbery, dangerous operation of a vehicle, evading police and unlicensed driving.

The court heard Jensen waited in a hatchback car while his unknown co-offenders entered the store, about 11.30am on October 4, 2019.

Crown prosecutor Matt LeGrand said one acted as a lookout while the second brandished an eight-inch boning knife and threatened to stab the 72-year-old shop attendant if he “tried anything” .

After stealing the cash, the trio fled along the Gore Highway, about 11.55am.

The court heard police observed the vehicle but ceased their pursuit when Jensen reached an excessive speed.

Mr LeGrand said Jensen’s driving threatened lives.

“It was the middle of the day when there were other road users who had to take evasive action,” he said.

While Jensen’s getaway was initially successful, he later handed himself into police, about 5pm that afternoon.

Speaking for the defence, lawyer Frank Martin said his client was remorseful.

“At the time he was unemployed and clearly addicted to drugs,” Mr Martin said.

“My instructions are that he didn’t get any of the proceeds.”

In sentencing Judge Nathan Jarro considered Jensen’s early plea, his youth and his “appalling” traffic history, which included seven counts of excessive speeding and several licence suspensions.

Judge Jarro sentenced Jensen to three years in jail.

He noted 136 days spent in pre-sentence custody and set a parole date of October 4.