Court orders rehab, drug testing for thug who robbed a man at knifepoint in Werribee

A young thug was “flying high” when he held a knife to a stranger sitting on a park bench in Werribee, only to get away with $50 and a broken mobile phone. And during his sentencing, a judge gave him some stern advice.

Joel Urch has fronted court after he robbed a man at knifepoint in Werribee last year.

A drug-addled thug who robbed a man at knifepoint in Werribee has been warned to “bring a toothbrush” if he finds himself before a judge again.

Joel Urch, 21, scored just $50 and a broken mobile phone when he held a knife to a man who was sitting on a bench near Werribee train station last July.

The County Court heard Urch didn’t remember anything about the incident as he had been “flying high” at the time.

Judge Michael McInerney said the “stupidity” of the offence was clear.

“The armed robbery produces $50 (and) as a result Mr Urch comes before this court facing an offence for which the maximum penalty is 25 years’ imprisonment,” he said.

A psychological report revealed Urch had a long history of drug abuse, mainly stimulants and cannabis.

The report found Urch presented as “cognitively, socially and emotionally immature, with somewhat limited ability to reflect on the impact of (his) behaviour”.

Urch spent 220 days in jail since he was charged over the shocking crime and had since tried to clean up his act, including participating in an eight-week rehab course at Odyssey House.

He told the court he had been drug-free for 11 months.

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Urch had no criminal history, the court heard, but had been charged with attempted trafficking just four days after the armed robbery.

“To come before the court with no priors and on an offence of armed robbery is about as big a leap as you can make into criminal activity,” Judge McInerney said.

Urch was convicted and sentenced to 220 days’ imprisonment and fined him $5000.

He must also complete a three-year community corrections order which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.

Judge McInerney said the sentence was designed to “force” Urch to give up drugs.

“It has not been an easy determination for the court as to what to do with you,” he said.

“We are dealing here with very serious criminality for which the community rightly expects this court to impose an appropriate penalty.

“If you mess up again … you will not really need counsel next time, you just need to bring your toothbrush.”