By Ewen McRae
A man who plead guilty to a 2015 armed burglary in St Albans has been sentenced in the County Court to seven years in prison.
The court heard Tuan Tang, now 42, went to a property in St Albans on May 8, 2015, and posed as a delivery man.
He was met at the door by the victim, who was holding her baby, and asked her to sign for a package he was holding. When she turned to get a pen, he asked if there was anyone else at home. When the victim turned back to Tang, he was pointing a hand gun at her.
The victim replied that no one else was home, after which Tang turned to the street and waved to someone. A car pulled up and four men got out and entered the house with Tang and the victim.
The court heard the victim was threatened with a taser while the men searched the house and stole a number of valuables, including $5000 cash, numerous designer handbags, alcohol, designer jewellery and sunglasses, two desktop computers, an iPad and a laptop.
When the men left, Tang also stole a Mercedes Benz from the driveway.
Judge Irene Lawson said it was a particularly serious case of aggravated burglary, and the sentence had to reflect that.
“The offending was brazen, targeted, planned and organised,” she said.
“Any person living in a civilised society ought reasonably expect that they will not be subject to invasion of their homes and such threats of violence.
“Your actions are deserving of stern punishment, and on behalf of the community, I formally denounce your behaviour.”
Tang will be eligible for parole in five years.
