A balaclava-clad man who pointed a knife at his own mother during a robbery at the Portland RSL will be sentenced in court this week.
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Mario Scott, 25, of Barkly Street, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool County Court on Friday to armed robbery, trafficking a drug of dependence and negligently dealing with proceeds of crime.
Judge Mandy Fox adjourned the matter for sentencing on Tuesday.
On August 28 Scott spent several hours drinking and playing pokies at the Portland RSL, the court was told.
In the evening he walked about two kilometers to his home where he continued to drink alcohol. He returned to the venue, where he previously worked as a chef, about 9.50pm.
As he entered the premises, he pointed the knife at his mother and a second female victim who were preparing to close up.
He then headed straight to a strong room and removed $1194 in cash from an unlocked safe before stuffing it down his pants and fleeing the premises.
Scott was chased outside by a patron, who saw the offender drop the cash, leaving a trail of money on the road. Police said the majority of the cash was recovered.
In a victim impact statement, the victim said the incident left her feeling angry, scared and unsafe. She said she had since been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
"When I shut my eyes, I see him," she said.
Scott's mother did not make a victim impact statement.
Scott was arrested on August 31 after police executed a search warrant at his home. Police located the balaclava, as well as 391 ecstasy tablets and $1250 in cash.
Lawyer David Swan said Scott was looking after the drugs and cash for a friend.
He said his client had high-functioning autism and major depressing disorder, and, at the time of the offending, was drunk, high on ecstasy and in the grips of a significant gambling problem.
Mr Swan said Scott's psychological disorders made him prone to "getting stuck in a groove of thinking", and that when he decided to rob the RSL he didn't consider the impact it would have, particularly on his own mother.
He said Scott had lost about $3000 on the pokies that day.
Mr Swan said the offending had limited planning and was spontaneous and amaturer.
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