Aranui dairy robbery denied
A 21-year-old Aranui man has denied robbing a Breezes Road dairy of cigarettes and cash and has elected trial by jury.
Isaac Whatuira was arrested the day after the alleged robbery and charged with unlawful possession of an offensive weapon – a knife – in Brougham Street.
He has pleaded guilty to the weapon charge.
At an appearance by Whatuira by video-link from the prison, in the Christchurch District Court today, defence counsel Elizabeth Bulger indicated he would plead not guilty to the robbery, and elected trial.
Police allege Whatuira and an unknown co-offender, both wearing masks, went into Ruchik Patel’s One Stop Convenience Store about 6.20am on June 28.
They say the robbers pulled the till from the counter and stuffed tobacco into a bag before running from the store.
Ruchik Patel chased them with a hammer and grabbed one of them before he was struck in the face, breaking his nose.
Judge Tom Gilbert remanded Whatuira in custody for a Crown case review hearing on September 26.
Miss Bulger indicated Whatuira may apply to the court for release on electronically monitored bail in the meantime.
Category: News
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