Trent Neal Heddles jailed for service station armed robberies at Cessnock, Weston, Neath and Nelson Bay

A Port Stephens man hit four services stations across the Hunter – the first on New Year’s Day – in a drug-fuelled crime spree which lasted about 28 hours.

Trent Heddles was sentenced in Newcastle District Court on Friday. Supplied Amy Ziniak

A man has told a court he is “truly sorry” for a two-day meth-fuelled crime spree where he targeted four Hunter service stations.

Trent Neal Heddles from Fern Bay hit his first servo on New Year’s Day at Nelson Bay last year before travelling to the Cessnock region to try his luck at three more where he stole smokes – his favourite, Winfield Blue – cash and fuel.

Police had to travel down to Sydney to track down him down, with a dramatic arrest on an inner-city street at The Rocks ensuing on January 3.

The 38-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and a charge of demanding property with menaces.

He also admitted his guilt to a charge of possessing 1.3g of meth and larceny.

Heddles’ first target – Ampol service station at Nelson Bay Rd, Salt Ash. Picture: Google Maps

In Newcastle District Court on Friday Heddles gave evidence that he was aware of his actions and the effect they had on the multiple victims.

“I know I can’t take things back but I hope I can start moving forward from this,” he told the court.

“I am truly sorry for everyone involved.”

Valley Fuels service station at Wollombi Rd, Cessnock was also targeted by Heddles. Picture: Google Maps

The court heard at the time of the offences, he had been on a meth binge for 14 days straight and had not slept, taking drugs following a separation from his partner and losing his job.

Judge Anthony Blackmore SC sentenced Heddles to three years and six months’ jail with a non-parole period of one year and nine months.

With time already served, he’ll be eligible for release in June next year.

During the crime spree, the court heard the 38-year-old walked into the Ampol service station at Nelson Bay just before 5pm on New Year’s Day last year with black gloves and his face covered, ordering an employee to hand over money from the till.

He was given $200 and two packets of Winfield Blue cigarettes.

Nearly 24 hours later he targeted the Weston Petroleum on Cessnock Rd, all captured on CCTV.

The court heard at 4.30pm, with his face covered by a red bandana, Heddles again walked to the counter and demanded money and another pack of Winfield Blue.

The employee “attempted to stall” and confuse him by acting like he did not understand the request, scanning the smokes but Heddles yelled “gimme the cash” and gestured with something solid in his pocket.

After he saw the staff member press the silent alarm he fled with the cigarettes but no cash.

Then later that day at around 7pm, the court heard the 38-year-old hit the Enhance service station at Neath on Cessnock Rd and threatened to shoot an employee before making off with $600.

His last stop was at Valley Fuels service station at Cessnock about an hour later, where he filled up with more than $70 worth of fuel before he again went to the counter and demanded smokes and cash.

He had no luck and only drove away with his free fuel.