Sword-wielding homeowner takes on armed robber Nehemiah Adam Coulahan during violent break-in

Three alleged armed robbers were greeted mid-break-in by a homeowner wielding a sword, a court has heard.

A young Collingwood Park man has faced sentence for a violent armed robbery where he and his co-offenders were surprised when their steel pole, machete and knife were greeted by a sword.

Nehemiah Adam Coulahan, 19, pleaded guilty in Ipswich District Court on September 20, 2022, to armed robbery in company and enter dwelling with intent by break whilst armed in company, damaging property.

The court heard that Coulahan and three other men, who were yet to face the court, drove to a man’s house in East Ipswich on August 31, 2021.

Coulahan and two of the men approached the house – Coulahan armed with a metal pole, and the other two allegedly armed with a knife and machete.

Coulahan used the pole to smash the glass front door and the victim, who had been playing video games inside at the time, grabbed a sword which had been mounted on the wall to defend himself.

The court heard one of Coulahan’s co-offenders allegedly reached through the glass to unlock the front door, and the three men allegedly entered, with one yelling “we know you’ve got money. Give me the money or we’re going to hurt you”.

One of the co-offenders also allegedly removed a hard drive from the wall which serviced the house’s security system.

The victim put down his sword and put $500-600 in a black bag for them, along with tobacco when asked.

The men allegedly took his phone from the dining table, and left through the front door.

Coulahan picked up the sword, dropped it outside, before leaving in the waiting car.

He was later arrested on October 6, 2021, and made admissions to police at the time.

Collingwood Park man Nehemiah Adam Coulahan sentenced for armed robbery in company on September 20, 2022. Picture: Facebook/Nehemiah Coulahan

Defence barrister Dan Boddice emphasised Coulahan’s young age, limited criminal history, and noted Coulahan had already served 276 days on presentence custody.

He said Coulahan had struggled with alcohol abuse after suffering a significant personal loss, and had taken significant steps to address this since his release from custody.

Mr Boddice said Coulahan had also obtained part-time work at a pipeline company, and a mental healthcare plan from his doctor.

Judge Catherine Muir said “this is serious, violent, premeditated it seems, criminal offending”.

“I don’t have a victim impact statement from the complainant, but it’s reasonable to infer – as I do – that he’s probably too scared to give one,” she said.

Coulahan was sentenced to two years imprisonment, with immediate parole release, and his 276 days of presentence custody were declared time-served.