An 18-year-old man who committed an aggravated armed robbery two days after being released from jail was destined to spend much of his life in prison unless he gained some insight into his offending, a Supreme Court judge said.
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Justice Robert Pearce made his comments about Jordan Thomas Riley when sentencing him to a 21-month jail sentence.
Riley pleaded guilty to assault and his part in an aggravated armed robbery of a 33-year-old man on July 29, 2020.
The daylight attack by Riley and an associate took place in Princes Square, Launceston.
It was captured on a phone by a member of the public.
Justice Pearce said the pair confronted the man and punched him to the head and body.
Shortly after the same afternoon the pair encountered the man in the Launceston CBD where he was attempting to withdraw $20 from an automatic teller machine to afford a fare home.
It was demanded that the man handed it over and when he didn't he was assaulted.
"It is not suggested that you applied any force but by your presence you encouraged your [associate] to commit the crime," Justice Pearce said.
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Two days later he was approached by police who attempted to arrest him.
He physically confronted two officers, thereby committing the offence of resist police.
He said the complainant had sustained two swollen and blackened eyes and cuts to his nose and lip.
"I am satisfied that you caused some of the injuries," he said.
"He is very relieved you pleaded guilty and you will be given credit for facilitating justice," Justice Pearce said.
"The community is entitled to be protected from random attacks committed in a public place."
Justice Pearce said Riley was someone who came from a background of considerable deprivation.
"You associate with people who lead you into crime and drug use," he said.
"You have never addressed the factors which lead you to crime and this crime was committed two days after your release."
He said Riley was destined to spend much of his life in prison unless change was made.
He activated a suspended six-month jail sentence and added nine months for the July 29 attack.
He imposed a further six-month sentence, which was suspended for 18 months from release on the condition that he commit no imprisonable offence for 18 months.
He also ordered that Riley do 49 hours of community service.
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Nick Clark
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
I am the Supreme and Magistrates Court reporter for the Examiner for the past 18 months. My journalism career has clicked over 30 years and encompasses four different spells at Tasmanian newspapers.
