Eddie Hill jailed for axe-wielding North Rockhampton home invasion
A meth user disguised himself when accompanying an axe wielding co-offender to a home invasion location and claims he was there “under duress”.
Police & Courts
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A methamphetamines user disguised himself when accompanying an axe wielding co-offender to a home invasion location and claims he was there “under duress”.
This claim was put to Judge Jeff Clarke during the sentencing on May 31 of Eddie Hill, 46, for the Norman Gardens home invasion he participated in with Waverley Allan Jade Blair who was sentenced on May 30.
Crown prosecutor Cameron Keast said he did not contest the “under duress” claim as it was consistent with what could be seen in the CCTV footage shot of the men at the front door of the victim’s home, showing Hill standing about five metres back and looking uncertain.
He said Hill took his mask off once inside the dwelling.
Judge Clarke said he couldn’t fathom why someone would disguise themselves with a mask if they didn’t know what was going on.
The pair, who both pleaded guilty to their offending, demanded entry to the dwelling and took turns standing over him while the other ransacked the residence, stealing a laptop, watch, silver chain, cigarettes, mobile phone, house keys, car keys and a black case containing RSL badges and pins.
Most of the items were later found at the offenders’ homes and they crashed the victim’s car near the crime scene.
Mr Keast said Hill’s seven-page criminal record showed he was a recidivist offender with 10 prior convictions for stealing, and breaches of bail for failing to report to police 71 times.
Defence barrister Maree Willey said her client started using marijuana at age 15, then methamphetamines at 17.
She said the father-of-four had a transient childhood after his parents separated and had lived mostly with his grandmother.
Ms Willey said Hill claimed he had attended Drug Arm on a casual basis throughout the past year and re-engaged in March.
Hill pleaded guilty to one count of burglary in company while armed, one of robbery while armed with an axe, one of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one of possessing drugs (1.83gms of meth in his bandana when arrested).
He was sentenced to three years prison with 71 days presentence custody declared as time served and immediate release on parole.
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