Kevin Johnson allegedly robs Asian grocery store with machete, makes of with $4k
A Mildura man, accused of wielding a machete in a terrifying $4000 robbery at an Asian grocery store, pleads in court for help to escape his spiralling drug addiction.
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A Mildura man is pleading for the court to help him overcome his drug addiction after allegedly robbing an Asian grocery store with a machete.
Kevin Johnson fronted Koori Court in Mildura County Court on Tuesday accused of several charges, including armed robbery.
The court heard Mr Johnson and some co-accused allegedly stole a silver Mazda 3 in January of this year.
A few days later, Mr Johnson allegedly wore a mask and wielded a 70cm machete to rob a Chinese grocery store.
Police reported that Mr Johnson and his co-accused took approximately $4000 during the five-minute robbery, which left staff shaken.
When arrested Mr Johnson allegedly told police he was in the midst of a drug binge and he had woken up the day after the alleged robbery with quite a bit of money on him, the court heard.
Police said he allegedly told them he immediately injected drugs the morning after the alleged robbery and was taking a cocktail of other drugs, including GHB and Xanax, at the time.
Mr Johnson’s lawyer, Rebecca Boreham, told the court he had significantly aided police after he had read a statement one of his co-accused had supplied to police.
During an emotional Koori Court hearing, Mr Johnson expressed regret, noting he was in custody when his newborn arrived and his time behind bars had made him desperate to kick his drug habit.
“I just really need help. I always thought I could do it myself, but I can’t, you know?” Mr Johnson told the court.
He also told the court he would like to apologise to the alleged victims in person, acknowledging they would have been terrified.
The court heard Mr Johnson had 279 days reckoned as pre sentence detention.
Mr Johnson’s plea is set to continue at a later date in the County Court.
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