Jake Steven Reid to be sentenced for robbing four petrol stations at knifepoint

An “absolutely cooked” man made the worst decision of his life when he robbed four service stations at knifepoint within an hour, a court has heard.

A young father was drug-fuelled when he robbed multiple On the Run petrol stations alongside a youth accomplice within an hour, a court has heard.

Jake Steven Reid, 23, was “absolutely cooked” when he made the worst decision of his life to commit the violent robberies while armed with a knife.

During sentencing submissions on Tuesday, the District Court heard Reid and a male youth robbed four petrol stations on November 9, 2022.

Reid and the youth entered an OTR service station on John Rice Avenue, Elizabeth South with a knife at 9.45pm and threatened a staff member.

However, they left the store empty-handed.

Jake Reid pleaded guilty to robbery. Picture: Facebook

He will be sentenced next week. Picture: Facebook

About half an hour later, they robbed another service station on Port Wakefield Road, Cavan, with the console operator handing over cash and cigarettes.

Another 15 minutes later, Reid and the youth threatened staff at a service station on Bridge Road, Pooraka, and stole cash from the store.

Soon after, they also robbed a service station on North East Road, Modbury.

Reid, of Modbury, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.

The court heard Reid’s ex-partner was also initially charged with the robberies but the charges were withdrawn against her.

Stacey Carter, for Reid, told the court her client really couldn’t explain his “horrific choices” on the night.

“Alcohol and cocaine were used on the night of this incident and in his words he was absolutely cooked,” she said.

“We’re talking about one hour, being the worst experience and decision-making of Mr Reid’s life.”

When Judge Paul Muscat asked what Reid’s motivation was for committing the four robberies, Ms Carter replied “stupidity”.

Ms Carter said it was amateur and nonsensical offending by Reid, as only about $400 was taken collectively from the service stations.

“This accused has basically worn the same very distinctive jumper, he’s not disguised his face,” she said.

“I know that one of the tellers basically tells him to piss off and get out.”

Ms Carter said Reid’s drug use had taken over his life at the time of the offending and he now realised he needed to change his life.

“With the right choices of a girlfriend and with the family support in place this accused can live a law abiding life,” she said.

Judge Muscat will sentence Reid next week.