Two armed robbers who stole over $130,000 from two Brimbank hotels within a fortnight using “sophisticated, careful and comprehensive planning” have received lengthy jail terms.
Ameer Younan, 20, who pled guilty to stealing $61,751.85 from the Taylors Lakes Hotel on December 7, 2010, and $73,403.35 from the Kealba Hotel on December 21, 2010, received 11 years’ jail.
Rayan Polos, 20, who also pled guilty to holding up the Kealba Hotel, received 10 years’ jail.
The County Court heard on March 26 hotel patrons were made to lie on the ground and staff were directed to staff at gunpoint to show the crooks where the money was kept.
They had their heads and faces covered and used a variety of weapons including a bar “like a crowbar”, knives and screwdrivers. On each occasion at least one robber was armed.
Judge Hampel said the lives of patrons involved were never the same again following the robberies.
“I have watched all the CCTV footage of the earlier armed robberies. They convey, in a more graphic and powerful way than mere words ever can, how chillingly prepared and organised you were, and how terrified many of your victims were,” he said.
“They have had their lives irrevocably changed as a result.”
