Addict threatens woman for drugs

A SEASONED drug addict stormed a fish and chips store and held a knife to a worker’s throat to fund his next hit, a court has heard.

Ryan Leslie Brown went to the Belgian Gardens business dressed in a black hoodie, and white mask armed with a knife about 6.30pm on December 30 last year.

The court heard he had just woken up after consuming drugs earlier in that day.

“The defendant has gone behind the counter and forcefully held back (the victim’s) neck,” Crown Prosecutor Monique Sheppard said.

“He’s used the knife and held it to her throat and threatened her saying: ‘ Open the till or I’ll slice your throat’.”

In what was described as “stupidity” as Brown left the store he removed his mask and smiled at the shop attendant, who was able to identify him.

Police conducting patrols in the area found the man shortly after with a knife and cash.

Brown, 37, was charged with robbery armed with personal violence and sentenced in Townsville District Court on Monday.

There was no impact statement before the court, but Ms Sheppard said the victim described feeling scared and was fearful Brown would carry out his threat to slice her throat.

Defence barrister Travis Schmidt said Brown had a fractured upbringing, with an alcoholic mother whose boyfriends introduced him to drugs at an early age.

The court heard he was introduced to cannabis at 11 years old, and speed a year later. Brown had developed an opioid addiction in recent years, the court heard.

Mr Schmidt said Brown was heavily under the influence at the time of the robbery, which explained part of the bizarre behaviour.

“He was heavily under the influence of ice at the time and I am instructed that the robbery was motivated by his need for money to purchase the drugs,” he said. “One must ask why he would go to the trouble of disguising himself only to remove his mask in presence of someone who he knows would be able to identify him.”

Mr Schmidt said being in custody for about 289 days had been “somewhat of a blessing” as he had been able to stay off the drugs.

Judge Greg Lynham sentenced Brown to a head sentence of four years and he will be released on parole on April 30, 2020 taking into account time already served.

Convictions were recorded.