Stewart Glen Daley sentenced over two armed robberies in Gorokan and Charmhaven in 2005

A grandad has been sent to jail for two armed robberies committed 17 years ago at a pub in Charmhaven and pharmacy in Gorokan.

Stewart Glen Daley has been sentenced over two historic robberies from 2005 in Gorokan and Charmhaven. Picture: NewsLocal

A Tacoma grandfather has been jailed until 2027 over his role in two robberies carried out in Gorokan and Charmhaven more than 17 years ago.

Stewart Glen Daley, 57, appeared at Gosford District Court on Friday to be sentenced and was supported by two members of his family.

On July 11 2022, the father of five was found guilty by a jury of one count of attempted robbery armed with a dangerous weapon and one count of robbery in company.

The jury was hung on five other charges including three counts of robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, robbery armed with an offensive weapon and robbery.

Stewart Glen Daley outside Gosford District Court. Picture: NewsLocal

During his sentence on Friday, the court heard an agreed set of facts which stated that on July 9, 2005 Mr Daley, who was 40 at the time, and another man wore balaclavas and each carried a gun when they entered the gaming room of Charmhaven Tavern around 3.50pm.

One man yelled out “this is a stick up, everyone on the ground”.

A gaming attendant locked a door leading to the office area and pressed a panic button, while one of the men tried to kick the door down and the other kept guard, according to the agreed facts. They eventually ran off with no money in a stolen Ford Falcon.

An hour later, two men entered Gorokan Pharmacy wearing beanies which were pulled down over their faces.

One man approached the counter saying “where’s your money?’ while the other kept guard.

They took $10,327 from the pharmacy’s safe and left in a stolen brown Holden sedan. One witness at the scene said one of the men resembled the character George Costanza from the TV show Seinfeld, according to the agreed facts.

Arrest images of Mr Daley from NSW Police in 2019. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Daley is also facing a re-trial over his alleged involvement in robberies at Erina, Avoca Beach and Charmhaven between 2001-2005. Picture: NSW Police

The sedan was located abandoned at around 5.30pm with Mr Daley’s DNA found on the steering wheel. He was convicted over a take drive/conveyance charge in 2006.

Mr Daley wasn’t arrested and charged over the robberies until November 2019 following a NSW Police investigation called Strike Force Braithwaite.

Mr Daley’s defence lawyer told the court Mr Daley had made life changes over the past 10 years, including “getting clean” and being a supportive father and grandfather.

“He’s given up the lifestyle of drug use … not just on the surface but he’s changed his involvement in his family’s life,” she said.

“He’s shown he can contribute in a positive fashion.”

Mr Daley was sentenced at Gosford District Court. Picture: David Swift

The Crown Prosecutor pointed out that Mr Daley had never come forward to say he committed these offences, never pleaded guilty and outlined his extensive criminal history.

Judge Alister Abadee stated that Mr Daley’s “violence was limited” and that he did not attempt to kick down the door at Charmhaven Tavern.

However he said the threat of violence remained and his criminal history did not entitle him to any leniency.

He noted Mr Daley’s positive lifestyle changes over the past 10-12 years while acknowledging that general deterrence for these types of offences remained a “significant” factor.

Mr Daley was convicted and sentenced to a combined sentence of imprisonment of seven years and six months with a non parole period of four years and 11 months.

With previous time spent in custody, Mr Daley will be eligible for parole in January 2027.