Jade Thompson sentenced after armed holdup at Iron Horse Inn, Cardiff

A man involved in an armed holdup at a popular Newcastle pub has learned his fate for driving the getaway vehicle after staff and patrons were confronted with a firearm and meat cleaver.

Jade Allan Thompson was jailed at Newcastle District Court on Friday for his role in an armed holdup at Iron Horse Inn, Cardiff. Supplied Amy Ziniak

A man involved in a “frightening” armed holdup at a Newcastle pub as the getaway driver, where employees and patrons were confronted with a firearm and meat cleaver, has admitted in court he was “shattered” about his actions.

Jade Allan Thompson, 34, drove his own vehicle to and from a “planned” armed robbery with two other men at the Iron Horse Inn at Cardiff on the early morning of January 25, 2022.

In Newcastle District Court on Friday, it was revealed two female employees were able to flee upstairs into a secure area when two masked and armed men stormed the hotel.

Four patrons were also there at the time, and when one came out to see what was happening he was ordered by the two men to return to the pokie area, which he did.

The Iron Horse Hotel at Cardiff where the armed robbery happened on January 25, 2022. Picture: Google maps

CCTV footage also depicted the two men jumping across the bar, damaging two till areas and removing just over $3000 before getting into Thompson’s vehicle and fleeing.

Lake Macquarie detectives first arrested Thompson on the night of the robbery – at which point he was on parole for unrelated offences – and also seized a silencer.

While Thompson was set to head to trial to defend the charges he ended up pleading guilty to robbery armed with a dangerous weapon, with charges of driving disqualified and possession of a prohibited weapon taken into account.

He told the court while giving evidence on Friday he wanted to take responsibility for his actions.

“I’m owning it now,” he said.

“I was shattered. One stupid decision can affect not just you, but your family.

“I’ve been an addict for a long time, I’ve had enough of it, now I’ve turned on it, I hate it, despise it.”

Judge Roy Ellis sentenced him to four years’ jail with a non-parole period of two years and four months.

With time served, Thompson will be eligible for release in August.

Mr Ellis said he accepted he was “ashamed” for his actions and what he did to the victims and felt his remorse was genuine.

“Excellent opportunity to turn things around in your life,” he told Thompson.

The other two men allegedly involved in the robbery – Nathan Wayne Paul and Benjamin Reece Matheson – will face trial this month to defend charges against them.

Both have pleaded not guilty to robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, while Paul has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing an unauthorised pistol and acquiring a firearm while subject to a prohibition order.