Ian Edward Hawkins sentenced after threatening Hornsby Domino’s staff with firearm

A firearm-wielding man described as a “vigilante” threatened Domino’s staff in Sydney’s north.

Hawkins entered Hornsby Domino’s with an illegal firearm.

A man “playing vigilante” stormed into Domino’s with a firearm, threatening an 18-year-old worker after assaulting him days earlier.

Ian Edward Hawkins, 45, pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered firearm in public place, common assault and two counts of intimidate (intend fear).

Hawkins faced Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday (April 18) by videolink.

The court heard Hawkins believed he witnessed a young Domino’s worker accidentally colliding with a pedestrian on their delivery bike.

Facts reveal the 18-year-old worker then “startled” Hawkins days later while making a delivery, on February 27.

Hawkins told police this is when he first confronted the young man.

Domino’s Hornsby.

“You think you’re funny?” Hawkins said to the worker, according to facts.

Facts reveal the worker apologised and explained it was accidental as Hawkins “got up” in the teens face.

“People like you are what’s wrong with this world,” Hawkins said.

Facts state Hawkins then threatened a witness.

“Walk away pu**y boy, don‘t get anywhere near me, I’m keeping an eye on you”.

Hawkins pushed the victim in the chest, as caught on CCTV.

A day later, Hawkins entered Domino’s at about 9pm, again threatening the staff.

“I am going to break every bone in your body and come back every day,” Hawkins said.

A witness asked Hawkins to leave, to which he replied “shut up princess”.

An example of a gel blaster.

Hawkins carried out his threat just a week later on March 5, entering the store at about 9pm, this time armed with an illegal firearm – a gel blaster.

Police facts reveal the terrified workers and patrons in Domino’s believed it to be a “black handgun”.

Hawkins then threatened the staff after revealing the weapon tucked in his pants.

“Do you still want to play games?” he said.

Police facts said the victims felt “extremely fearful”.

Hawkins was arrested that night and explained the reason behind the terrifying threat – saying he believed the Domino’s worker laughed after knocking a pedestrian over just weeks prior.

Hawkins admitted his acts were irrational.

“It was dumb and stupid,” he told police.

Hornsby Court.

Lawyer John Gooley said Hawkins needed alcohol rehabilitation, which he was affected by during the offence.

“He needs routine – he knows he’s used up all opportunities and this is his last chance to stay out of long term custody,” Mr Gooley said.

The court heard Hawkins supported an elderly mother, who was present in court.

Magistrate Alex Mijovich said Hawkins “became a vigilante because someone almost got knocked over”.

“Walking around with a gun, threatening people – that’s what I’m dealing with – the safety of the public,” Mr Mijovich said.

The court heard Hawkins’ criminal record had matters of violence, including an assault and a contravene violence order in 2018 which he was sentenced to an intensive correction order for.

Mr Mijovich acknowledged Hawkins showed some remorse, but disregarded Hawkins’ belief that “he wouldn‘t have done it if he were sober”.

“I see nothing you’ve done yourself to address those issues – you’re happily going along drinking to excess, threatening 18-year-old employees just doing their jobs,” Mr Mijovich said.

Hawkins was sentenced to a three-month prison sentence, dated back to March 6, the day of his arrest.

He was served a two-year community corrections and must abstain from alcohol for the duration.

Hawkins was also placed on an AVO to protect the victim.