Albert Miller and Nathan Kartinyeri to be sentenced for Woodville Gardens money exchange shop robbery

A former SANFL player who wielded a large machete at terrified staff during a robbery did so to pay back his drug debt, a court has heard.

An ex-SANFL player who wielded a large machete at terrified staff to steal $30,000 did so to pay back a drug debt, a court heard.

Former Woodville West Torrens player, Nathan John Kartinyeri, 28, and his accomplice, Albert James Miller, 24, now await their fate for the violent robbery.
Their co-accused and getaway drivers, Remi Davis Anderson, 22, and Ethan Keipert, 25, are already behind bars for their roles.

During sentencing submissions on Friday, the District Court heard the four men were at Keipert’s house in May 2022.

They then travelled in a vehicle with changed number plates to a money exchange shop in Woodville Garden.

“The two men who entered the store took steps to conceal their identity by changing their clothing and covering their faces,” the prosecutor said.

“Upon entering the store Nathan Kartinyeri wielded a large knife or machete in a threatening manner.”

The prosecutor said the other male, which they claim is Miller, then jumped over the counter and stole $30,000.

The court heard two of the female staff members were able to escape during the robbery but the third was trapped in the store and told not to move.

Albert Miller was found guilty of robbery. Photo: Facebook

Nathan John Kartinyeri was found guilty of robbery. Photo: Facebook

The men then ran back to the car with the money, with Keipert driving the group back to the house.

Kartinyeri, of Mansfield Park, and Miller, of Croydon, were found guilty by a jury of robbery after a trial in May.

Anderson, of Croydon Park, and Keipert, of Devon Park, were jailed for their roles after pleading guilty to robbery.

During Anderson’s sentencing, the court heard neither he nor Keipert wanted to be involved and tried to dissuade the others from doing it.

Richard Talbot, for Kartinyeri, told the court his client owed money to his drug dealer as he was self medicating with methamphetamine to deal with his grief of his grandmother suffering from cancer.

The court heard Kartinyeri, who played for the SANFL team Woodville West Torrens in his younger years and hoped to return to football, was “deeply ashamed” of his horrible actions.

Brittany Armstrong, for Miller, told the court her client should be sentenced on the more favourable basis that he remained in the car during the robbery, as both alternatives were presented to the jury.

However, Judge Carmen Matteo said subject to reviewing the evidence she was likely inclined to sentence Miller on the basis he was one of the men who entered the store.

The court heard Miller was offered a small amount of money to participate in the offending to fund his ongoing drug habit.

Judge Matteo will sentence both men in March.