An armed robber jailed for 11 years has wished there were fewer luxuries behind bars and more access to services like counselling.
Terrence James Green, 40, was sentenced on Monday over a crime spree that included multiple armed robberies and attempted kidnappings across Melbourne's east with a sawn-off shotgun.
He was jailed for at least eight-and-half years, but already spent nearly three years on remand awaiting sentence.
Green's offending dates back to mid-2015, beginning with a robbery at The Basin Bakery in Melbourne's east, covering his face with a beanie and ordering staff to get on their hands and knees.
When they refused he told the owner: "You must have upset someone, that's why I'm here".
Days later he targeted two restaurants, pointing the gun at customers and taking money from the register and wallets.
Fleeing the second, he bowed and said "thank you".
He also held up a hotel, demanding cash from registers and patrons and tried to rob a Dan Murphy store before telling staff it was a joke.
When he fled, Green tried to get into a man's car, pointing the gun at the driver through the window. The man locked the doors and honked his horn for attention.
Green then got in a woman's car and held the gun to her neck, as she waited in her garage for her daughter.
He told the woman he needed to go somewhere, but when the woman's daughter entered the garage she pushed the gun away and swiped at Green's face to distract him.
He dropped his bag on the floor and when he got out to pick it up, the woman reversed out and locked the garage door to protect her daughter.
County Court Judge Mandy Fox praised the woman's "remarkable bravery and presence of mind".
Green was arrested in August after two more robberies, having left his gun at one and a beanie, which police used to match his DNA, at the other.
Judge Fox said Green had a substantial criminal history, including previous armed robberies, but despite numerous jail stints, he continued to offend.
She described his chances of rehabilitation as guarded as best.
While spending close to 1000 days on remand for these crimes, he had done some short courses.
But he wished there was less luxury on remand and more access to services including counselling.
With time already served, Green will be eligible for release in under six years.
Australian Associated Press
