Childhood exposure to Satanism a factor, court told

A childhood introduction to Satanism has been cited as a factor in the case of a man who robbed two service stations in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, armed with a blood-filled syringe and a metal bar.

Ipswich District Court, Blake Phillip Hartwig, 20, has been sentenced to five years prison after a crime that started on June 28 last year when he and a co-accused took police on a lengthy chase in a stolen car.

Defence barrister Steve Kissick said Hartwig had a disturbing upbringing after he was taken to America as a child and introduced to Satanism by his stepfather who meted out strict discipline and had strong conspirary theories about life.

Judge Deborah Richards said she accepted Hartwig had an "eventful" start to his life but said the protection of the community from violent offenders was paramount.

Hartwig, who could apply for parole on May 11 next year, pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary, stealing and possessing a knife in a public place.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/childhood-exposure-to-satanism-a-fact...