Jason Robert Konow robbed Robina Cash Converters to pay back drug money he blew on pokies

A $52,000 armed jewellery robbery, a drug debt, a pokie problem and a home invasion – Jason Konow’s day in July last year seemed more at place in a Hollywood script than a Gold Coast caravan park. Here’s what sparked the day’s terrifying events.

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A $52,000 armed jewellery robbery, a drug debt, a pokie problem and a home invasion – Jason Konow’s day in July last year seemed more at place in a Hollywood script than a Gold Coast caravan park.

Konow faced the consequences of that day on Wednesday when he was sentenced to five years’ prison after pleading guilty in the Southport District Court to armed robbery.

The 41-year-old’s problems started when a friend gave him cash to buy drugs.

Jason Robert Konow disguised himself with a wig and used a gel blaster to rob a Cash Converters in Robina. He stole $52,000 in jewellery. Picture: Queensland Police Service

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Instead of buying the drugs, Konow went to the pub and spent the money at the pokies.

In the early hours of July 13 his mate came knocking on his caravan and demanded the drugs or the cash.

When neither were forthcoming Konow and his girlfriend were assaulted, the court was told.

That was when Konow hatched the plan to rob the Cash Converters at Robina Town Centre.

He borrowed a gel blaster gun, a wig and found a getaway driver and a red bandana.

At about 9.20am that day he stormed into the pawn shop, brandishing the gel blaster which was wrapped in fabric.

Jason Robert Konow captured on CCTV robbing the Robina Cash Converters. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Konow, who is balding, wore the long black wig with a red bandana tied his head. His black shirt covered the lower part of his face.

“This is a stick up,” Konow said as he demanded customers get on the ground.

CCTV footage of the incident shows Konow pushing people around the store.

He hit one of the staff members with the gel blaster’s stock and demanded they open the jewellery cabinet.

Jason Robert Konow disguised himself with a wig and used a gel blaster to rob a Cash Converters in Robina. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Konow took about $52,000 in jewellery before running outside to where his getaway driver was waiting.

Crown prosecutor Matt Hynes said the robbery was violent and “premeditated”.

“Stores like Cash Converters are soft targets,” he said.

Judge William Everson sentenced Konow to five years prison to be released on parole on January 17 next year.

He has been in custody since July last year.

Jason Robert Konow brandished the gel blaster covered in fabric. Picture: Queensland Police Service

“It’s incredibly stupid to be given money for supplying dangerous drugs and then blow it on the pokies,” he said.

Judge Everson said while there were no victim impact statements provided offending like Konow’s “usually creates significant psychological trauma for innocent people”.

Defence barrister John McInnes, instructed by Legal Aid Queensland, said Konow began planning the robbery after the home invasion of his caravan in a bid to pay back his drug debt.

Jason Robert Konow pushed staff members around the store during the robbery. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Mr McInnes said Konow confessed to police and expressed remorse for the robbery and the damage done to shop keepers and the customers.

He also expressed remorse for the “nightmare” he brought on his girlfriend and his getaway driver.

“There is a level of duress involved but he brought that on himself,” Mr McInnes said.

The court was told when in prison Konow told his mother where some of the jewellery was and asked her to convey that to police.

About $21,000 in jewellery was recovered.

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