A young woman who was involved in an aggravated robbery where a man wielded a machete and threatened to wound a child has been sentenced in court.
Demmy Lekkas, 20, pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court to aggravated burglary, possessing a drug of dependence and handling stolen goods.
On July 15 last year – according to an agreed statement of facts read out to the court – the victim was sleeping with another male in a holiday park in Belmont, where her 12-year-old son was also staying.
After waking up to get out of bed to prepare her son for school, the victim said she heard glass shatter just before 8am.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Andrew Claphalm said Michael Robinson, 25, entered the cabin and asked where drugs were, to which the victim responded, “I don’t know what you are talking about”.
Mr Claphalm said the victim sought refuge in her son’s room and Robinson entered the room and started swinging the machete at the child.
The victim’s partner was cut on the left leg by Robinson.
Robinson then grabbed a bag from the victim’s house, and was greeted by Lekkas at the front door.
The court was told the victim instantly recognised Lekkas through a prior association and said “what the f— Demmy” to which Lekkas replied “I’m sorry”.
Lekkas and Robinson then left the area in a Toyota Corolla which had been stolen.
On July 20, 2022, a search was conducted at Lekkas’ home, where she was arrested. Police found the machete that had been used in the burglary, a stolen driver’s licence and a bag containing meth.
Lekkas’ lawyer said his client made full admissions to her involvement in the offending and did not know Robinson was going to brandish a machete.
The lawyer said his client was a young offender with no prior convictions, who had suffered a disadvantaged childhood.
Magistrate Michelle Hodgson sentenced Lekkas to a community corrections order for 12 months and 50 hours of community work.
On April 6, 2023, Robinson was sentenced to jail for nine months for his role in the burglary and was also sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order.