The 23-year-old midfielder powered the ball in from 25 yards as the hosts took the lead after 17 minutes.
Shaun Harrad met Nathan Blissett's flick-on and rifled the ball home to extend Torquay's lead.
Keeper Brendan Moore was forced into action to keep out Altrincham forward Damien Reeves as the home side picked up three vital points.
The Gulls are now six points clear of the National League relegation places, while the Robins remain two points from safety with just three matches remaining.
Luke Young scored his first league goal since October 2014 as Torquay eased to victory over Altrincham at Plainmoor.