Miner off to drug rehab after Tinder date abduction, attempted armed robbery

Court hears details about the failed armed robbery of a couple on a Tinder date by a trio which included a former miner addicted to cocaine and meth.

A former miner who fell into drug use after workplace accidents is off to Parkhurst’s rehabilitation centre for six weeks after being sentenced for his role in a Tinder date turned attempted armed robbery.

Aaron James Davis, 33, was part of a trio who abducted an 18-year-old after a failed attempt to rob her and her Tinder date at a carpark in the Mackay Harbour on November 13, 2022.

Davis, who pleaded guilty to one count of demanding property with menaces with intent to steal in Rockhampton District Court on October 25, had been coerced into the offending, the court heard.

Judge Jeff Clarke said one of the trio had threatened to harm Davis’s partner if he did not assist them.

Crown prosecutor Ken Spinaze said Davis and two others confronted a female, 18, and male, 22, who were on a Tinder date at the harbour.

Davis, armed with a hockey stick, demanded cash from the couple.

The male victim drove off, leaving the female victim with the assailants.

Mr Spinaze said the teenager was forced into the trio’s car and they then pursued the male victim through the Mackay streets.

“There was a short chase where they attempted to catch up with and apprehend (the male victim), but that was unsuccessful,” he said.

Mr Spinaze said the female victim was eventually taken to Davis’s residence where many threats were made.

He said while there were demands for property, nothing was taken from the victim.

Mr Spinaze said the male victim contacted police, who contacted Davis and were able to ascertain the female victim’s wellbeing.

They arranged for the female victim to be dropped at a location where her father could pick her up.

Defence barrister Sheridan Shaw said Davis, a father of three, was on a waiting list for a bed at Rockhampton’s drug rehabilitation to undertake a six-week in-house course.

She said he had been using drugs since his teenage years and had turned to cocaine to self-medicate after both of his arms were broken and he developed Regional Pain Syndrome, later turning to methamphetamines to “address excessive use of cocaine”.

Ms Shaw said Davis had worked at mines as a multiskilled operator and was a trainer and assessor before falling into drugs.

She said he was now focused on rehabilitation and getting back into employment.

Davis was sentenced to 258 days prison, with 258 days presentence custody declared as time served and immediate parole release.

Davis’ alleged female accomplice, Kashya Ann Poyner, was charged with two counts of attempted armed robbery/in company and one count each of deprivation of liberty and face masked, blackened or disguised with intent to commit indictable offence.

Her matters have yet to be finalised in court.