Kingaroy District Court: Jared Ernest Browne sentenced for frightening home invasion over weed

‘I can kill you right now’: A Kingaroy man says he has moved to a different town to feel safe after four armed intruders in masks entered his home and held a knife to his throat.

A Kingaroy man said he was left traumatised when four intruders armed with masks and knives arrived at his home and threatened to kill him, only to leave with a small bud of weed.

Jared Ernest Browne and three alleged co-offenders went to the victim’s home on the night of October 9, 2021, armed with knives and their faces disguised by masks.

While Browne stayed outside on lookout the others went inside before one held a knife to the man’s throat and said “give me everything you’ve got. I can kill you right now”.

Crown prosecutor Hamish McIntyre told the Kingaroy District Court the robbery “wasn’t successful by any stretch”, as the offenders took off from the property with nothing more than a bud of weed.

Browne was arrested two days later when a search of his house found a mask and knife, with police forced to chase the 19-year-old down the street when he escaped through the front door and fled during the search.

During an interview with police, Browne said the group decided to rob the victim because they “didn’t like him”, and he didn’t actually think they’d go through with it.

The victim reported being traumatised by the robbery, with ongoing sleep issues and having to move to a different town to feel safe again.

Barrister Catherine Cuthbert said her client was a young man who clearly needed more guidance.

“When these facts are looked at, the stupidity of it and thoughtless cruelty for the bounty of a small cannabis bud is breathtaking,” Ms Cuthbert said.

Browne pleaded guilty to one count each of burglary at night while armed in company, and armed robbery in company.

He was placed on probation for three years and left the courtroom with a stern warning from Judge Nicole Kefford.

“The law does recognise that young men do incredibly stupid things and rehabilitation is an important consideration for our youth,” she said.

“I hope that this experience will stay fresh in your mind in future when you think about making this incredibly stupid decision, like you made the evening of October 9.”

No conviction was recorded.

A second man charged over the robbery is due to be sentenced in the October sittings of the District Court.