Armed robber gets parole

DAVID Shane Moke helped a friend storm a Gold Coast home and watched as he held the occupants at gun point and demanded drugs and $2000 cash.

He did all this despite being paid to “protect” the occupants who were all involved in the drug trade.

Moke, 28, pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court yesterday to one count of armed robbery while armed.

Judge David Kent sentenced him to three years prison with immediate parole release.

Moke has been behind bars since late December 2016. It is the third time he has been convicted of armed robbery in the past 10 years.

His co-accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, carried the gun and planned the raid. He faces trial in September.

Crown prosecutor Michael Mitchell told the court Moke knew the other robber had a gun when they were going to the Broadbeach Waters home on December 23, 2016.

He said Moke had an agreement with those in the home that he would provide protection. “There is some suggestion that (Moke) did try to take steps to ensure the matter did not escalate.”

Moke watched as his co-accused demanded one of the occupants count out $2000 in cash while threatening them with a Browning pistol.

Mr Mitchell said Moke had co-operated with police.

The robbery was not reported immediately to police and is understood to have come to light when good Samaritan neighbour Darren Pullar was killed when he tried to intervene during another robbery at the same address on Boxing Day 2016. Moke is not linked to the Boxing Day incident.

Defence barrister David Funch said because of his cooperation with police, Moke had a hard time in custody.

Mr Funch said Moke ensured the offence did not become more violent.

Mr Kent said it was to Moke’s credit that he provided the detail he had to police. As part of the parole conditions, he ordered Moke undergo testing for drugs and alcohol use.