Brisbane man jailed for armed robbery spree

A man in Australia has been sentenced to prison for a series of armed robberies after previously staging a fake bomb threat at a hospital. Wayne Francis Wright, 49, appeared in Brisbane District Court and pleaded guilty to three armed robbery charges. Wright has a long criminal history dating back to 1993, which includes burglary and vehicle theft. In 2019, he was involved in a bomb hoax where he threatened to blow up a hospital while wearing a fake device. His recent crimes took place in April and May 2023, where he robbed a service station, a tobacco shop, and a Subway restaurant in Brisbane. During these robberies, he wore sunglasses and tried to conceal his identity with a mask or helmet. He also pretended to have a gun and threatened violence if he did not receive money. The robberies earned him about $650 and some cigarettes. After his capture, police discovered an imitation firearm at his home, which he confessed to using during the hold-ups. Wright's lawyer described him as having a troubled background and said the robberies were a result of a mental health crisis. Wright admitted to not taking his medication before the incidents and expressed regret for his actions, apologizing to the people affected. The judge sentenced Wright to three and a half years in prison. This sentence will be added to his existing seven-year term for prior offenses. Wright may be able to apply for parole in September due to the time he has already served.