Teen admits knife-point robbery
Five months after turning 17, Dillion Connor McWhirter has an alcohol or drug problem and a conviction for armed robbery.
The teen has been remanded in custody for sentencing on August 24, after pleading guilty to two charges in the Christchurch District Court today.
Judge Tom Gilbert asked for a psychiatric assessment, a pre-sentence report on his suitability for home detention, and a report on his alcohol and drugs use.
Defence counsel Kiran Paima said the alcohol and drug report would be of “tremendous benefit” at McWhirter’s sentencing because there were addiction issues.
McWhirter pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated robbery and receiving a stolen bicycle.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Berryman said that McWhirter went to a convenience store on Colombo Street at 11.40pm on May 23, just as the lone employee was closing the store.
He waited a few minutes and then put an item on the counter before holding out a knife and demanding money and cigarettes. The staff member told him the money had been locked in the safe and it could not be opened.
McWhirter then demanded the key to the till but the staff member said he did not have the key.
McWhirter took three or four packets of cigarettes but dropped some of them, and as he was picking them up he saw the key. He opened the cash draw and took $200.
Sergeant Berryman said the shop assistant was unable to move during the incident because McWhirter was holding the knife and had him cornered.
McWhirter hid the knife in his trousers and ran from the store. When police found him he said he did it because he had no income and needed money.
He also admitted paying $60 for a bicycle that had been stolen by a young friend from near the Bus Exchange.
Category: Focus
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