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

A drunk man who beat up a Coles worker in a horrific attack on a loading dock tried to steal a box of coffee before being confronted by the worker.

The terrifying incident happened when Evan Joel Roberts entered the dock at the Coles store in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast on April 12, 2023, just after 5pm.

Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment the 20-year-old walked into the storeroom before attempting to steal a box of Nescafe coffee.

A male employee wearing a yellow hi-vis vest and dark clothing and appearing to be loading items in the corner spotted the thief before rushing 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 returned moments later when the employee tried to close the roller door at the dock.

Roberts then punched the employee three more times and forced 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 the Southport Magistrate Court on Thursday to charges of assault, theft and failing to appear.

The shocking incident happened in April last year at a loading dock at the Coles store in Mudgeeraba, south of the Gold Coast.

He told the court he had been drinking heavily to cope with his mental health and relationship problems.

Roberts apologized for his actions against the worker, who came forward as one of his former classmates.

“I’m really sorry about the whole offense,” Roberts told the court.

“When I found out who it was, it hurt me even more because I was close to him in high school.”

Roberts said he is being treated for a personality disorder and ADHD.

He was given six months’ probation, but his conviction is not recorded.