‘I will kill you’: Jake Adam Farrell threatens to slit throat in violent, Maroochydore attack

A 22-year-old wanted to steal a car when held a knife to a young man’s throat and threatened to kill him in a late night attack, a court has heard.

Jake Adam Farrell, now 22, received a five-year prison sentence after he assaulted two 23-year-old men in Maroochydore on September 5, 2020. Picture: File.

A 22-year-old man threatened to slit a man’s throat while he held two men at knifepoint during a frightening attack that led to him stealing a car, a court has heard.

Jake Adam Farrell was sentenced in Maroochydore District Court on Monday to five years in prison after he randomly attacked the two 23-year-old men, enjoying a snack at 1am on September 5, 2020 in Maroochydore.

Crown prosecutor Caitlin Barron told the court Farrell, then 21, asked the men if their car was parked nearby before he repeatedly punched one of them in the face until he tasted blood.

The other man tried to stop Farrell but he broke free from his grip, hit him in the face and pointed the knife at him, making stabbing motions.

“(Farrell) held the knife in front of his throat and said, ‘I will kill you if you don’t do what we want’,” she said.

The first victim tried to walk onto a nearby road to get help when Farrell yelled, “Your friend is about to get his throat slit”.

The 22-year-old then followed the men to the first victim’s address, stole his wallet, keys and phone before driving away in his car.

The first victim, who struggled with anxiety before the attack, died just 10 weeks after the attack.

An impact statement written by the man’s parents stated their son suffered with an increased feeling of shame from not being able to protect himself, had difficulties sleeping and avoided driving past the offence location before his death.

The man’s death was not explained in court.

The second victim sought medical attention for bruising and swelling.

Ms Barron suggested a prison sentence of four to five years as an appropriate punishment for Farrell who had a “deplorable” six-page criminal history with similar offences.

She said Farrell was also on a suspended sentence for robbery at the time of the offence and asked for it to be activated, saying the prison period could be added to the end of his sentence.

Farrell pleaded guilty to six charges including two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, while armed in company, one of robbery while armed, threatening violence, and possessing a knife in a public place.

Barrister David Crews said Farrell had recently lost his job as a tiler and was homeless at the time of the offending.

Mr Crews said Farrell had longstanding drug problems and mental health issues and suggested a five-year prison sentence to punish Farrell.

He said the activated suspended sentence could run concurrent to that period.

Mr Crews said Farrell was concerned parole hearing delays would mean he would serve most of his sentence, despite pleading guilty to the offences.

Mr Crews said while he knew it was unlikely, the 22-year-old could be given one last opportunity of a suspended sentence.

Chief Judge Brian Devereaux said Judge Glen Cash QC had made it very clear to Farrell that his previous sentence would be his last chance of leniency.

Mr Devereaux said Farrell continued to offend in a similar way despite that warning.

Farrell’s suspended sentence was activated and will be served concurrently.

He will be eligible for parole in eight months.

A total of 386 days of pre-sentenced custody was declared as time already served.

Farrell’s co-accused was dealt with in Maroochydore Children’s Court on Monday.