Tory George Andrew Jenkins in court for road rage robbery

A terrifying road rage drama on the Sunshine Coast left a 65-year-old man in fear of one day being recognised by the enraged robber who demanded money from him.

Tory George Andrew Jenkins was sentenced in Gympie District Court on February 2, 2023.

A man who brandished a hammer threateningly in a wild road rage incident was sent to jail as his family cried in the courtroom.

Tory George Andrew Jenkins, 30, pleaded guilty on Thursday, February 2, in the Gympie District Court to armed robbery and going armed to cause fear in public.

Crown prosecutor Michael Andronicus told the court the incident happened on August 8, 2022 on the Nambour Connection Rd.

Jenkins’ car was behind the 65-year-old victim’s car in the middle of the three lanes surrounded by roadworks.

The court heard Jenkins angrily waved his hands around and then cut out to overtake the victim on the right-hand side, almost causing a collision.

As he drove past the victim’s car, Jenkins stuck out his middle finger, the court heard.

Tory George Andrew Jenkins leaves the Gympie District Court in handcuffs on February 2, 2023.

Jenkins was five cars in front of the victim when he leapt out of his car, brandishing a large wooden-handled hammer and charged towards him.

The victim got out of his own car holding a 4ocm torch to defend himself, the court heard.

The court was told how Jenkins began gesturing he would smash the hammer into the front of the man’s car as he threatened him.

He claimed his brakes were damaged and demanded compensation from the man, Judge Glenn Cash said.

“Give me $1000 or I will smash you,” Jenkins told the victim.

Jenkins raised the hammer and moved towards him until he fearfully drew $140 cash out of his pocket.

“[The man] told the defendant to take what he had,” Mr Andronicus said.

Jenkins was arrested on August 11, 2022 and told police the incident was a “road rage” altercation and the robbery was a “voluntary payment”.

Mr Andronicus told the court the victim now avoids conflict and has considered getting a new car out of fear his vehicle would be recognised by Jenkins.

The court heard Jenkins was on probation at the time of the offence.

Tory George Andrew Jenkins was remanded in custody on August 15, 2022 during his first court appearance in Gympie Magistrates Court.

Defence barrister Simone Bain made note of Jenkins’ family who came to support him during his court appearance.

Ms Bain said Jenkins worked at his family pizza shop and previously worked as a removalist.

She told the court Jenkins wanted to seek help for his mental health.

“What he wants on his release from custody is resume help for anger management issues,” Ms Bain said.

Jenkins’ parents, partner and three stepchildren had an emotional reunion before his court matter began on Thursday.

His partner started crying when the court heard Jenkins would remain in jail until August.

Judge Cash sentenced him to three years jail, to be released on parole on August 12, 2023 – about one year after he was arrested over the incident.

His 174 days spent in pre-sentence custody was declared time served.