A man who attempted to rob a pharmacy with a pitchfork has been sentenced to six years’ imprisonment
Jamie Richardson went to a pharmacy in Palmwoods, Queensland armed with a pitchfork, the Sunshine Coast Daily reports.
Threatening staff with the implement, Mr Richardson asked them for medication and got hold of three packets of analgesics, a Maroochydore court heard.
When the couple who own the pharmacy escaped and locked the door behind them, Mr Richardson smashed it.
He was caught by a bystander and placed under citizen’s arrest until police arrived on the scene.
Maroochydore District Court was told that his criminal history and drug use began when he was 13, and became worse after he experienced a traumatic life event at 15.
He pleaded guilty to armed robbery, stealing and wilful damage, and was given a head sentence of six years’ imprisonment, while a suspended sentence to which he was subject at the time of the attempted robbery was also activated.
With time served, Mr Richardson will become eligible for parole in October 2018.