Shocking moment Coles worker was attacked by a man trying to steal a box of coffee – as the pair’s connection earlier in life is revealed
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A drunken man who bashed a Coles staffer at a loading dock in a horrific attack was trying to steal a box of coffee before he was confronted by the worker.
The terrifying incident happened when Evan Joel Roberts made his way into the dock at the Coles store in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast just after 5pm on April 12, 2023.
Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment the 20-year-old walked into the storage area before he attempted to steal a box of Nescafe Coffee.
A male staffer who was wearing a yellow hi-vis vest and dark clothing who appeared to be loading items in the corner spotted the thief before he rushed over to confront him.
Roberts then attacked the worker as the pair got into a scuffle before throwing several punches and kneeing his victim in the torso.
He then fled the scene without the box of coffee but came back moments later as the staffer was trying to close the roller door at the dock.
Roberts then punched the staffer three more times forcing the terrified employee to arm himself with a metal pole during the altercation.
The worker suffered minor facial injuries and was taken to Robina Hospital for treatment.
Roberts pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrate Court on Thursday on charges of assault, stealing and failing to appear.
Roberts threw several punches (pictured) at the Coles worker after he attempted to steal a box of Nescafe coffee before the staffer confronted Roberts forcing a scuffle to break out
The shocking incident happened at a loading dock at the Coles store in Mudgeeraba, south of the Gold Coast in April last year
He told the court he had been drinking heavily to help in cope with his mental health and relationship issues.
Roberts apologised for his actions against the worker, who it emerged was one of his former schoolmates.
‘I am really sorry about the whole offence,’ Roberts told the court.
‘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 said he is being treated for personality disorder and ADHD.
He has been placed on probation for six months with his conviction not recorded.
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