Conduct of passenger in killer car ‘appalling’
A MAN who was in a getaway car that ran over and killed a good Samaritan after a home invasion should have shown “basic human decency” and phoned authorities, a judge said.
Cooper James Robson yesterday pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court to attempted burglary and two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
The court was told Robson stayed inside the vehicle on Boxing Day 2016 while others attempted to break into the unit of a suspected drug dealer to retrieve a debt. He was charged for being a party to the offending.
Judge Ian Dearden said a group of four men took illicit drugs and gathered weapons before heading to the Broadbeach Waters address about 1am. Robson provided a cricket bat for the attack.
Darren Pullar had bravely come to the aid of his neighbour when he heard the violent home invasion. He was hit and killed by the getaway car, which did not stop. None of those in the vehicle called emergency services.
Judge Dearden said it was “human decency” to at least make an anonymous tip-off.
“Pick up and anonymously ring to say something terrible has happened,” he said.
“I fail to understand it, it’s a basic human decency.”
Defence barrister James McNab said Robson, 20, had a “passive role” in the offending and had turned his life around.
Robson, a twin, has since finished high school and gained qualifications in the fitness industry, the court heard.
Judge Dearden sentenced Robson to two-and-a-half years jail, wholly suspended.
He described the offending as “appalling, disgraceful, despicable, distressing and ultimately tragic conduct”.
“You are not directly responsible for the man losing his life. But you are were part of a group of offenders in a car, planning to carry out a home invasion. You, as part of that plan, went to your place and provided a cricket bat.”
Robson was also ordered to complete 12 months probation.
The driver, Alexander Kirke, was last week sentenced to nine years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter.