Thief told 'you need a weapon'

DAVID KILLICK

The Mercury

 

June 22, 2009 12:36pm

A MAN who demanded cash from a Bridgewater service station was told by the attendant: "You need a weapon".

The 27-year-old, who ended up stealing from the cash register, confronted the attendant at the United service station in Green Point Rd on March 3 last year.

John Maxwell Newall today pleaded guilty to a count of stealing in the Supreme Court in Hobart.

The father-of-two was at the end of a four day amphetamine binge when he walked into the service station and said "I want the money!," Crown Prosecutor Jane Williams told the court.

But the attendant was unmoved.

"You need a weapon," he said. "I have to fear for my life. You can't just have the money."

Newall took $400 from the register when the attendant opened it after serving a customer.

"Sorry, I have no choice, I have to do it," he said.

Newall took the money to a nearby McDonald's restaurant where he bought a hamburger before heading to the casino where he lost the remainder on poker machines.

He was arrested after police identified him from surveillance footage the following day.

Defence lawyer Isabelle Crompton said Newall has a difficult youth after the separation of his parents had had a long time problem with drugs and alcohol abuse.

"He's well aware that what he did is wrong and he's very sorry," she said.

"He has instructed me to convey his remorse to the court today."

Justice Alan Blow sentenced Newall to two months jail on top of the sentences he is currently serving for unrelated offences.