Robber hugs Macca’s manager after drunken, violent Logan crime spree

A man who committed a spree of violent, drunken robberies across Logan apologised and hugged a McDonald’s restaurant manager moments after taking $300.

A man hugged the manager of a McDonald’s seconds after a robbery. Picture: Mikechie Esparagoza/Pexels

An Ormeau Hills man who robbed a McDonald’s and attacked two men during a night of violent crime apologised and hugged the restaurant’s manager after stealing $300 cash only seconds before.

Jaiden William Mackey, 20, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh District Court on Thursday, October 6, to two counts of robbery with actual violence and one count of robbery.

The court heard that on the night of August 5 Mackey, while drunk and high on anxiety medication Xanax, confronted a 58-year-old man outside a convenience store in Bethania and demanded his watch.

When the elderly victim refused to take off his watch Mackey kicked him in the ribs and continued to kick him on the ground.

He then pinned the man to the ground with his knee and took the watch, leaving his victim with bruises and swelling in his back and ribs.

The court heard later that night Mackey covered his face in a hoodie and entered a McDonald’s.

He demanded $300 from the till and told the 24-year-old manager to “give me the f*****g money”.

After the cash was handed over Mackey apologised and hugged the manager, telling him he was going through a bad break up.

The court also heard that early on August 6 Mackey punched a man from behind, hitting him in the head, outside a Beenleigh service station.

He then stole his denim jacket, wallet and cigarettes while calling him a “dog”.

Judge Craig Chowdhury said the violence was very concerning and serious.

“People are entitled to walk down the street and not get set upon by a drunken thug,” he said.

“You were affected by alcohol and drugs, but that is no excuse and you are very lucky you didn’t cause grievous bodily harm or kill somebody,” he said.

Mackey was sentenced to three years‘ jail, with immediate parole release after 230 days he spent in pre-sentence custody was taken into account.