Jailhouse conscience
Prisoner admits to historic pub armed robbery
A MAN due to be released from jail on parole confessed to police he had been involved in a violent armed robbery four years earlier.
Frank Alexander Mullens, 25, was serving a jail sentence for attempted armed robbery when on June 9 this year he requested to talk to police.
The Townsville District Court heard Mullens confessed he had been involved in a violent armed robbery at the Australian Hotel.
In the early hours of May 17, 2016, Mullens and two accomplices entered the pub in Palmer Street through the back carpark entrance.
Crown prosecutor Molly Mahlouzarides said Mullens brandished an axe during the robbery and terrorised two staff members and a patron.
“He made full admissions for being involved in the robbery,” she said. “He told police one of his accomplices had told him to get gloves and a face mask that night and he was picked up and given an axe.”
Ms Mahlouzarides said the three men stole more than $10,000, with Mullens telling police he spent his portion on ice and playing the pokies.
Mullens pleaded guilty to deprivation of liberty, unlawfully detain/confine and robbery armed in company.
Defence barrister Dane Marley told Judge John Coker his client started using ice when he was 17 years old and wanted to get the robbery
“off his conscience”. “The reason for making the confession is that he is ready to turn over a new leaf,” he said.
“He personally feels guilt for committing this offence and he didn’t want to be in a position where later down the track, the skeletons could have come out of the closet.”
Judge Coker told Mullens the ordeal would have been traumatising for his victims but acknowledged his remorse.
“They were terrified by your behaviours and those of your co-offenders and of the threats that were made,” he said.
“Your plea is a very genuine explanation of your regret of your offending and I accept quite definitely … that it comes from determination on your part to clear the books.”
After taking into account 113 days in pre-sentence custody, Judge Coker sentenced Mullens to four years’ jail.
A parole eligibility date was set for October 26 next year.