Trent Neal Heddles pleads guilty to robberies at Nelson Bay, Weston, Neath and Cessnock service stations
A Port Stephens man targeted four Hunter service stations in a two-day crime spree before being arrested a day later walking down a street more than 150km in inner-city Sydney.
Newcastle
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New Year’s Day was the start of a two-day crime scene for a Port Stephens man who targeted four Hunter service stations and stole smokes, cash and fuel.
Trent Neal Heddles from Fern Bay was arrested walking down an inner-city street in Sydney, at The Rocks, just a day after he hit his last service station in Cessnock on January 2 this year.
The 37-year-old netted more than $150 worth of cigarettes – his favourite Winfield Classic blue – and stole about $800 cash during the robberies, telling one employee “some people have got to do what they’ve got to do”.
In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, Heddles appeared via video link and pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery and a charge of demand property with menaces.
He also admitted his guilt to a charge of possessing 1.3g of meth and larceny, while a number of other charges were dropped.
Police facts stated it all started when Heddles walked into the Ampol service station at Nelson Bay just before 5pm on New Year’s Day with black gloves and his face covered.
“I need all the money from the till” he said to the employee before $200 was handed over as well as two packets of Winfield Blue cigarettes.
Nearly 24 hours later he targeted the Weston Petroleum on Cessnock Rd, all captured on CCTV.
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.
Police facts said the employee “attempted to stall” and confuse him by acting like he didn’t understand the request, scanning the smokes before 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 37-year-old hit the Enhance service station at Neath on Cessnock Rd.
“Empty the till or I’m going to shoot you”, Heddles yelled at an employee before he made off with $600 according to police facts.
Court documents played out his last stop 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.
Heddles defence solicitor told the court they are seeking referral to the drug court and his matters were adjourned until October 14.
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