Discover the shocking connection between a Coles worker and the thief who attacked them
By
VanessaC
- Replies 25
Content warning: This article explicitly mentions assault, which some readers may find distressing. Discretion is advised.
In a shocking act, a Coles worker was brutally attacked by a man attempting to steal a box of coffee.
The incident, which took place at a Coles store in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast, was captured on CCTV.
On the evening of April 12, 2023, just after 5 pm, 20-year-old Evan Joel Roberts staggered into the loading dock of the Coles store.
Under the influence of alcohol, Roberts attempted to steal a box of Nescafe Coffee from the storage area.
A Coles worker, clad in a yellow hi-vis vest and dark clothing, was busy loading items in a corner of the dock when he spotted the thief.
Recognising his duty to protect the store's property, the worker rushed over to confront Roberts.
What followed was a horrifying attack.
Roberts, in his inebriated state, lashed out at the worker, throwing several punches and kneeing him in the torso.
The worker, who was caught off guard, found himself in a violent scuffle with the thief.
Roberts fled the scene without the coffee, only to return moments later as the worker was attempting to close the roller door at the dock.
The assailant launched another attack, punching the worker three more times.
In self-defence, the worker armed himself with a metal pole.
The worker sustained minor facial injuries from the assault and was taken to Robina Hospital for treatment.
Roberts was later apprehended and pleaded guilty to charges of assault, stealing, and failing to appear in Southport Magistrate Court.
During his court appearance, Roberts revealed that he had been drinking heavily to cope with mental health and relationship issues.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that the Coles worker was a former schoolmate of Roberts.
The attacker expressed remorse for his actions, stating, 'I am really sorry about the whole offence.'
'When I found out who it was, it hurt me a bit more because I did have a connection with him throughout high school.'
Roberts, who is being treated for personality disorder and ADHD, was placed on probation for six months, with no conviction recorded.
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In a shocking act, a Coles worker was brutally attacked by a man attempting to steal a box of coffee.
The incident, which took place at a Coles store in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast, was captured on CCTV.
On the evening of April 12, 2023, just after 5 pm, 20-year-old Evan Joel Roberts staggered into the loading dock of the Coles store.
Under the influence of alcohol, Roberts attempted to steal a box of Nescafe Coffee from the storage area.
A Coles worker, clad in a yellow hi-vis vest and dark clothing, was busy loading items in a corner of the dock when he spotted the thief.
Recognising his duty to protect the store's property, the worker rushed over to confront Roberts.
What followed was a horrifying attack.
Roberts, in his inebriated state, lashed out at the worker, throwing several punches and kneeing him in the torso.
The worker, who was caught off guard, found himself in a violent scuffle with the thief.
Roberts fled the scene without the coffee, only to return moments later as the worker was attempting to close the roller door at the dock.
The assailant launched another attack, punching the worker three more times.
In self-defence, the worker armed himself with a metal pole.
The worker sustained minor facial injuries from the assault and was taken to Robina Hospital for treatment.
Roberts was later apprehended and pleaded guilty to charges of assault, stealing, and failing to appear in Southport Magistrate Court.
During his court appearance, Roberts revealed that he had been drinking heavily to cope with mental health and relationship issues.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that the Coles worker was a former schoolmate of Roberts.
The attacker expressed remorse for his actions, stating, 'I am really sorry about the whole offence.'
'When I found out who it was, it hurt me a bit more because I did have a connection with him throughout high school.'
Roberts, who is being treated for personality disorder and ADHD, was placed on probation for six months, with no conviction recorded.
Key Takeaways
- A man named Evan Joel Roberts attacked a Coles worker at a loading dock in an attempt to steal a box of Nescafe Coffee.
- The incident, which was captured on CCTV, occurred at the Coles store in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast.
- The assailant punched and kneed the Coles employee, who was later revealed to be a former schoolmate of his.
- Roberts pleaded guilty to assault and other charges, apologised to the court, and has been placed on probation for six months without a recorded conviction.