Royal National Park: Lachlan Robinson sentenced for throwing rocks at vehicles in Loftus

An unemployed man was struggling to find direction in his life when he threw rocks into oncoming traffic in the Royal National Park, a court has heard.

Lachlan Robinson leaves Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 26 September. Picture: Elizabeth Pike

An unemployed man was struggling to find direction in his life when he threw brick-sized rocks at oncoming cars in the Royal National Park, a court has heard.

Woronora Heights man Lachlan Robinson, 20, was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to intentionally throwing objects at vehicles.

Court documents state Robinson was seen wearing cargo pants, riding a blue scooter, and throwing 20cm rocks at oncoming vehicles while walking along Farnell Ave near Loftus on the afternoon of August 7.

A car flagged down police and reported Robinson had been throwing rocks “described as larger than bricks” onto the single lane road at a blind corner.

The passengers reported cars were swerving into the path of oncoming traffic at the blind spot to miss the rocks Robinson had thrown, court documents state.

Lachlan Robinson previously pleaded guilty to intentionally throwing objects at vehicles. Picture: Elizabeth Pike

When police found Robinson nearby a short time later, he claimed he was throwing the rocks because “they were in my way, like I kept tripping” while pointing at his feet and “showing police walking motions”.

He was cautioned, given a move-on direction, and told not to remain in the area before police discovered large rocks in the middle of the road.

In court on Thursday, Robinson’s lawyer submitted her client made a “stupid mistake” for which there was “no explanation and no reasonable excuse”.

The court heard Robinson found himself in trouble with the law for the first time after struggling to find direction and purpose since leaving school last year.

Robinson’s diagnosed ADHD and autism had worsened his aimlessness with his lawyer submitting her unemployed client “had structure at school … and that structure is no longer there”.

His lawyer said Robinson’s mother was trying to secure NDIS work for her son to get into work and on the right path.

In handing down his sentence, Magistrate Holly Kemp acknowledged Robinson’s lack of criminal history but dismissed requests he leave court without a conviction.

Robinson was convicted despite requests to keep his record clean Picture: Elizabeth Pike

“The seriousness of the offence warrants a conviction to be recorded,” Ms Kemp said.

“The facts reveal cars saw you throwing rocks at oncoming vehicles … and you alarmed people passing by.

“Each and every day you have to remind yourself not to commit crimes of any kind.”

Ms Kemp convicted Robinson and sentenced him to a 12-month conditional release order with a requirement to be of good behaviour.