Holly Rose Kruger jailed for 12 months for role in armed robbery in Norlane

A young St Leonards woman involved in a brazen daylight armed robbery in Norlane alongside a machete-wielding brute has been jailed.

Holly Rose Kruger. Picture: Facebook

A young St Leonards woman involved in a brazen daylight armed robbery alongside a machete-wielding brute let out an emotional cry in court after a judge sentenced her to jail.

Holly Rose Kruger, 23, pleaded guilty to the single charge of armed robbery four weeks ago in the Melbourne County Court and was sentenced to a minimum of 12 months jail on Monday morning.

Kruger, who was wearing a long sleeved black shirt and a white vest, appeared to be emotional throughout the sentence and was regularly wiping her eyes, covering her face and breathing heavily.

However when Judge Martine Marich said she would be imposing a jail sentence, Kruger became visibly upset, muttering “why” and “not fair”.

She was seen hugging a family member before being taken into custody.

The court heard Kruger assisted her co-offender Bradley Matthews in an armed robbery on March 11, 2022.

The victim was known to Kruger through a mutual friend, and about 9.30am, Kruger and Matthews went to the the rear shed at the victim’s home in Norlane.

The court heard the victim was working on his friend’s BMW.

Matthews produced a large orange machete from his bag and demanded money from the victim, before swinging the machete at the man in a threatening manner and demanding the car keys to the BMW.

Kruger then got into the BMW with Matthews.

The victim said he felt “shocked” and “frightened” of the prospect the two might return to his home.

Kruger had initially lied to police about her involvement in the armed robbery, claiming she did not know Matthews, however later admitted her role in the offending.

The court heard Kruger had a chaotic upbringing, used drugs and alcohol, and had restarted using methamphetamine at the age of 20 after a two year break.

Judge Marich said she agreed with the crown prosecution’s case that this was a “serious example” of an armed robbery.

“You were present while Matthews produced a very dangerous and frightening weapon and demanded the car,” Judge Marich said.

“You accompanied him as you both drove away from the scene in a car.

“The offence was brief in time, but will have lasting effects on your victim.

“Your situation was motivated by your age, your use of drugs, and poor associations at the time.”

Judge Marich jailed Kruger for a maximum period of two years.

However, she will be eligible for parole after serving 12 months in jail.

Matthews was sentenced to a minimum of three years and 10 months jail in September 2022.

Originally published as Holly Rose Kruger jailed for 12 months for role in armed robbery in Norlane