Brave dairy employee tackled robbers
A 21-year-old Aranui man admits he was the disguised, hammer-wielding robber who was bravely tackled by dairy employee Ruchik Patel in Breezes Road.
Isaac Whatuira was followed from the shop by the staff member, who also had a hammer. The shop assistant ripped off Whatuira’s hood and mask and pinned his arms to his side.
Whatuira got away after hitting Mr Patel’s arm with the hammer, before the second robber punched the victim in the face, breaking his nose.
Whatuira pleaded guilty to the armed robbery charge in the Christchurch District Court today, and Judge Gary MacAskill remanded him in custody for sentencing on January 12.
During the remand, the case will be referred for a restorative justice meeting with Mr Patel, and pre-sentence reports will be prepared to consider Whatuira’s ability to pay for the losses. Defence counsel Elizabeth Bulger said no bail was being sought for Whatuira pending sentencing.
Crown prosecutor Don Matthews said Mr Patel was working alone in the One Stop Convenience Store when Whatuira and an unknown associate entered the shop at 6.20pm on June 28, both with their faces covered and carrying hammers.
They told Mr Patel: “Open the till, give us the money and sit down and raise your hands.”
Mr Patel sat on the floor but refused to open the till.
Whatuira opened the tobacco cabinet and began to fill a backpack with packets.
The other robber removed the cash drawer, which contained about $700.
When the pair left the shop, Mr Patel followed, also carrying a hammer. The struggle took place outside in Breezes Road, before the robbers made their getaway on bicycles.
As they left, they dropped some of the tobacco packets, and a little of the money.
Whatuira was stopped on Brougham Street next day, and found with a knife.
Mr Patel received a broken nose and a cut to the bridge of his nose.
Whatuira had already admitted charges of unlawful possession of the offensive weapon – the knife – and a breach of a community work sentence. He will be sentenced on those charges at the same time.
Category: News
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