Jai Darnett pleads guilty to robbery with personal violence in Palmwoods

A Sunshine Coast boilermaker has admitted to his role in a violent hinterland robbery before he and his mate allegedly crashed their car into a house during an ill-fated getaway attempt.

Jai Darnett has appeared in a Maroochydore court after he was involved in an alleged robbery in the Sunshine Coast hinterland before he crashed a vehicle into a house.

A Bli Bli man has been jailed after he was involved in an alleged robbery in the Sunshine Coast hinterland before he crashed a vehicle into a house.

Jai Darnett allegedly picked up his co-accused from the Palmwoods train station in the early hours of August 14 last year when the pair allegedly terrorised and mugged their victim, who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Maroochydore District Court heard on Monday the 25-year-old was driving along Chevallum Rd with his mate when they saw the victim walking on the street near the local bowls club.

Crown prosecutor Alex Stark said the men allegedly hopped out and assaulted the man. They then stole his backpack and fled, it is alleged.

The aftermath of the alleged crash.

The crown prosecutor said the escape did not last with the pair allegedly crashing the vehicle in a Mckays Ln property in Palmwoods minutes later. They both ran from the car however police allege they left their identification behind.

Mr Stark said the victim flagged down the police shortly after he was robbed and told them he was “jumped” by people who stole his property.

He suffered facial injuries including a cut to his forehead, a black eye, swelling to his face and a laceration to his lip which he needed stitches for. He also suffered a concussion and spent overnight in hospital.

Darmett was found by police nearby after trying to find assistance following the crash, and told a false story of himself being “carjacked”.

He was later charged with robbery with personal violence, which he pleaded guilty to in court on Monday after spending 419 days on remand.

His co-accused was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, robbery with personal violence, armed robbery in company and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. His matter remains before the courts with no pleas entered.

Mr Stark said the prosecution conceded they could not prove which violent act Darnett did, but said he was a part or encouraged the robbery by pulling over his vehicle and hopping out.

Defence barrister Nathan Turner said Darnett, who completed his apprenticeship as a boilermaker, had struggled with drugs and other mental health conditions throughout his life.

Mr Turner said the Bli Bli man found jail “hard and confronting”, but wanted to live a “normal life” after being released while also seeking treatment for his drug addiction.

Judge Bradley Farr accepted the co-accused was allegedly the “primary” man but believed Darnett was an “enthusiastic participant” during the robbery.

Darnett was sentenced to two years’ jail, to be served cumulatively on a previous sentence he was on parole for.

The 25-year-old can apply for parole on April 21 next year.