AN Albury man with a long history of theft offences was yesterday refused bail over the attempted stealing of a fishing reel and the alleged assault of a shop proprietor who confronted him.
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Andrew Raymond Danaher had been remanded in custody after his arrest on Friday with off-duty police helping to detain him until colleagues arrived at the scene.
Danaher, 31, of Holmwood Cross, appeared in a video link from Junee jail and solicitor Graham Lamond made a release application on his behalf.
Mr Lamond said Danaher was pleading guilty to a shoplifting charge, but not guilty to offences of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Shannon Lewis opposed bail saying there were concerns Danaher would commit further offences if released.
Magistrate Tony Murray said Danaher has “an incredibly lengthy history dating back to 2002” for theft matters in both Victoria and NSW.
Mr Murray said when refusing bail that Danaher received a jail term in 2013 when sentenced in Wodonga Magistrates Court.
The charges were adjourned until June 15 with a police brief to evidence to be served six days earlier.
Tendered police facts outlined how Danaher went to Mason’s Compleat Angler store in Wagga Road at Lavington about 10.30am on May 1.
The proprietor, Russell Mason, was having coffee and talking to three people.
Danaher wandered around for some time and the four men became suspicious so they paid attention to his movements.
Mr Mason asked whether he needed assistance and Danaher said he was just looking.
He proceeded to pat himself down and said: “I’m not stealing anything, look. I’ve only got this screwdriver on me.”
He took a screwdriver out and showed it, but a short time later had a bulge in his jumper.
Danaher took a yellow-handled fish filleting knife and attempted to leave the store without paying.
Mr Mason followed him, asked him to return inside which Danaher did and he indicated he had not stolen any items.
But he then produced a Shimano reel valued at $245.95 and said: “You can have it back, don’t call the cops.”
He was told the police were on their way, went out to the footpath and Mr Mason fearing for his safety took hold of his arms.
Danaher began jostling and said: “I’ve got a knife. I’m going to stab you.”
He attempted to pull something from a jacket pockets before throwing a flurry of punches at Mr Mason.
One connected with the left side of his face causing his spectacles to cut his nose and off-duty police arrived.
Danaher was arrested, taken to the police station and not intereviewed due to his aggression.