Paul Matthew Jackson sentenced over 2001 Erina jewellery store robbery and shooting

One of the men who held up an Erina jewellery store with a sawn off rifle more than 20 years ago has been sentenced. See what crucial piece of evidence led to his eventual guilty plea.

A man has been sentenced over his role in the Erina jewellery heist that rocked the Central Coast more than 20 years ago.

Paul Matthew Jackson appeared from custody via audio visual link at Gosford District Court on Wednesday to learn his fate before Judge Alister Abadee.

It has been almost 21 years since Roberts Jewellery, which was located on Karalta Rd, was held up by two men on October 25, 2001 with $55,000 in jewellery and $1700 in cash stolen.

Jackson, who was arrested in 2019, recently pleaded guilty to charges of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon and

discharge loaded arms with intent to resist apprehension with one count of be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner taken into account.

The 50-year-old father initially pleaded not guilty to the charges and faced trial in March 2021, however the jury had to be discharged after an error in closing submissions.

Jackson was arrested in 2019. Picture: NSW Police

He has been in custody for 28 years of his life, the court heard. Picture: NSW Police

The trial was rescheduled, however the court heard that in May 2022 fresh DNA evidence emerged in the case which prompted Jackson to change his plea.

This included a DNA match to Jackson from a balaclava used in the robbery which was left behind in the stolen car.

Judge Abadee revealed the facts of the case stating that police were investigating a spate of robberies across the coast between 2001-2005 including the Erina robbery.

Jackson’s involvement in the offence came to the attention of police from an “informant” in 2018 and he was arrested in July 2019.

The court heard Roberts Jewellery had been owned by Robert Hain for 30 years. Just before 2.30pm on October 25 2001 a stolen Blue Commodore pulled up outside the jewellery store with two men getting out and the driver remaining behind.

This 1981 Blue Commodore was used in the robbery. Picture: NSW Police

The two men ran into the store with one jumping on the counter and Jackson, who was holding a sawn off rifle and wearing a balaclava, heading around to the workshop. He pointed the gun at Mr Hain’s stomach before also pointing it at other staff members and yelling “where’s the money?”

The other man opened three safes and stole diamonds and diamond jewellery while Jackson, who was 29 at the time, persisted with staff to find the cash.

Mr Hain managed to press the panic button before both men left with $55,000 in jewellery and $1700 in cash.

Karalta Road jewellery store robbery: aerial view of Karalta Road.

The men got into the Blue Commodore with Jackson in the back seat still holding the sawn off rifle.

An off duty police officer saw the men leaving the store and ran towards the car before Jackson fired the rifle to “deter” the officer who ducked for cover.

The men drove off and the Blue Commodore was later found abandoned with the balaclava left behind.

The Crown Prosecutor read a victim impact statement from a victim of the armed robbery, who cannot be named due to being a minor at the time of the incident.

A DNA sample from a balaclava which matched Jackson’s DNA led to his guilty plea.

“I remember being very scared to be by myself for years after the event took place,” the statement read.

The victim said he suffered anxiety and paranoia about being watched, also suffering nightmares from when the “gun was pointed in my face:”.

“I still find it hard to talk or thinking about the events that happened that day.”

The court heard Jackson had a troubled childhood which saw him start using drugs at 13. He was a heroin addict by his late 20s.

Jackson was sentenced to 10 years with a non parole period of six years and six months. Picture: NSW Police

Throughout his life, he has served 28 years in jail for offences including robbery and assault and when he wasn’t in jail he worked in bricklaying and earthmoving.

Jackson’s defence lawyer indicated he had psychological issues and was in contact with his former partner and son with hopes to continue rehabilitation in Glebe upon his release.

Judge Abadee said Jackson showed positive signs when he was last on parole however said his prospects of rehabilitation were “guarded”.

He said the most important consideration was seeing Jackson adequately punished and reflecting the need to protect the community.

Jackson was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with a non parole period of six years and six months. With the sentence backdated to his arrest in 2019, he will be eligible for parole in January 2026.