A man who robbed a Launceston hotel with a metal pole before throwing a cup of vomit and faeces at a corrections officer has been jailed for just over four years.
Codie Ken Fazackerley, 34, pleaded guilty to armed robbery and assault over the incidents on April 9 this year.
In his published sentencing remarks, Supreme Court Justice Michael Brett described Fazackerley’s behaviour as “resolute and heartless”.
“You showed no concern for those who were subject to your criminal
conduct,” he said.
The court was told Fazackerley burst into the Park Hotel at Invermay at about 10am, wielding a long metal pole.
He threatened patrons, forcing them to flee and leave their belongings behind, before leaning over the counter to steal $1,372 from the till.
A bar attendant tried to intervene, but he threatened her with the pole, telling her to step back.
He then fled with the cash and two bottles of alcohol.
In the chaotic aftermath, Fazackerley approached nearby businesses demanding vehicles, telling one employee he had a gun and another that he was carrying a knife – though he had neither.
Hours later, at Launceston Reception Prison, he threw a cup containing vomit, faecal matter and toilet water over a female corrections officer, hitting her face, clothing and mouth.
“That officer was simply carrying out her duty which included taking care of you and you acted towards her in a demeaning and appalling way,” Justice Brett said.
The court heard Fazackerley had been offending since the age of 13 and was serving a suspended sentence at the time.
His criminal history includes convictions for attempted armed robbery, aggravated armed robbery and wounding.
A drug treatment order imposed in 2020 was cancelled after five months.
Justice Brett said corrections officers “perform a difficult job on behalf of the community and they deserve the support of the courts”.
Fazackerley was sentenced to four years and one month behind bars, with a non-parole period of three years.
