Ethan Kolohe Brown and Joseph Bailey McIntyre corner teen on Gold Coast tram before robbery

A teen had to jump from a bridge to escape a violent robbery that started at a Gold Coast tram stop.

A Gold Coast teen had to jump from a bridge to escape a violent robbery that started at a tram stop.

The 19-year-old suffered death threats and a kick to the face from two teens on the light rail from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach after a night out on September 19 last year.

After threatening to “f*** him up”, one of the teens told him: “My mum text me and said she is going to stab you.”

Joseph Bailey McIntyre (left) leaves Southport Courthouse.

Ethan Kolohe Brown pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court on Tuesday to robbery, common assault, possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property.

His accomplice Joseph Bailey McIntyre pleaded guilty to common assault and possessing drug utensils.

Both were 19 at the time of the robbery and are now 20.

Crown prosecutor Michael Andronikis said the victim was waiting for the tram at Cavill Ave in Surfers Paradise about 3am when Brown and McIntyre struck up a conversation with him.

Brown’s demeanour suddenly changed and he made threats about robbing him.

McIntyre told the victim not to worry and he would stop Brown from doing anything.

The pair followed the victim on to the tram. Brown sat next to him and put his arm around him. McIntrye sat across from the victim, his foot on the seat blocking the victim’s exit.

During the trip to Broadbeach, they continued to make threats. McIntyre suddenly kicked him in the face.

McIntrye then claimed his mum had text him with the threats to stab.

G-Link staff overheard and approached the group.

The victim was told: “Don’t snitch or I will find you.”

When the tram stopped at Broadbeach, near Pacific Fair, all three got off.

McIntyre left but Brown followed the victim on to a nearby bridge, demanding money. He punched the teen and put him in a headlock.

The victim bit his bicep to get Brown to release him.

The victim eventually handed over $200 but Brown wanted him to go to an ATM to get more money.

When the victim refused, Brown lifted him up over the bridge handrail and continued to punch him.

A tram pulling into the Broadbeach station. Picture: Mike Batterham

The victim jumped in the water to escape.

Nearby G:Link workers helped him out of the water. The victim vomited and collapsed, and was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.

Judge Geraldine Dann said: “It’s just not acceptable in the kind of country we want to live in.

“People should be able to get on a tram and get home safely without being robbed or assaulted.”

She sentenced Brown to two-and-a-half years’ prison, with parole eligibility on July 21. He has been in custody for 275 days.

McIntyre was convicted and not further punished. He spent 84 days in custody.

Brown’s defence barrister Michael Purcell, instructed by Vered Turner Lawyers, said Brown, a labourer, had been diagnosed with ADHD and his mother was an alcoholic as a child.

“There seems to be little explanation at all (for the offending),” he said.

McIntyre’s barrister Nick McGhee, instructed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Legal Service, said his client was drunk at the time and working to deal with his drug and alcohol issues.

He said he had been drug free since his release from prison.

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