Riley Jae Thompson: Drug trafficker breaches court orders, attempts to rob Pizza Hut

A man who broke court orders to attempt a robbery of Pizza Hut has blamed his drug addiction. Here’s what the judge had to say about the “serious offending”.

Riley Jae Thompson, 18, of Nerang outside Southport Courthouse on September 26, 2019. Picture: Luke Mortimer

A NERANG man who breached court orders when he robbed a takeaway restaurant has cited his drug addiction drove him to reoffend.

Riley Thompson was serving a two-year suspended sentence after he was found guilty of being a street-level drug trafficker, Southport District Court was told.

He broke those orders just months before they expired when he held up the Runaway Bay Pizza Hut with a large knife on November 15, 2021.

The teary-eyed 21-year-old pleaded guilty on Monday to drug possession and attempted armed robbery in company after the pizza shop robbery.

The Runaway Bay Pizza Hut was held up in November 2021.

The court was told Thompson attended the store just before closing time, with a co-offender, disguised by a mask, hoodie and sunglasses.

He yelled for staff attention and told them to hand over the till money. The victim tried to talk Thompson down, telling him that $200 isn’t worth going to jail for.

Thompson then pulled out a 30cm knife before fleeing the scene with his co-offender.

Staff alerted authorities. Police were able to track down the vehicle, with a search uncovering the knife in the front seat and 2.9g of cannabis in Thompson’s pants.

The court was told Thompson has been using drugs since his teen years and his lawyer claimed this addiction fuelled the robbery.

Defence for Thompson said he had shown “genuine remorse” for his actions, having since attended the Pizza Hut to apologise.

Testimonials were presented to the court, speaking to Thompson’s character and claims he was turning over a new leaf.

The defence also referred to Thompson’s solid work ethic, having been employed as a window installer with the same company for seven years.

Police prosecution said a “sentence of imprisonment is not a last resort” as violence was involved.

Riley Jae Thompson, 18, of Nerang outside Southport Courthouse on September 26, 2019. Picture: Luke Mortimer

While the prosecution accepted Thompson “wasn’t living a lavish lifestyle” – needing the money to fund his addiction and pay for living expenses – they submitted “there has to be some real consequence” for the attempted robbery.

Judge Deborah Holliday KC noted the maximum available penalty for the robbery charge is 14 years in jail.

She said Thompson’s situation was “truly tragic” for his family – including mum and dad who were supporting from the gallery – seeing him back in court.

The judge told Thompson “this is serious offending” and there’s a “real risk” to others if he is released back into the community.

Ms Holliday reduced the maximum sentence due to the offender’s rehabilitation prospects and young age, handing down a three-year prison sentence. This includes part of the prior suspended sentence and one month for the drug possession, to be served concurrently.

Thompson will be eligible for parole in August 2023.