A COROWA youth on parole for an armed robbery at the Newmarket Store in East Albury earlier this year was involved in a similar offence at a Corowa florist last month, a court heard yesterday.
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The circumstances of the robbery by the youth, 14, were outlined in police facts tendered to magistrate Tony Murray during a bail application in Albury Children’s Court.
The youth appeared in a video link from Reiby juvenile detention centre and his release application was opposed by police.
Mr Murray said the youth was released to parole on July 24 after serving a sentence for the East Albury robbery on February 23, during which he brandished a knife and stole money and cigarettes.
“This was two weeks later,” Mr Murray said about the robbery offence at the florist.
Police prosecutor Sgt Rowan Harris said the youth had a 30-page criminal history, 14 breaches of bail and was likely to commit further offences if released from custody.
The court was told the youth walked into the florist shop soon after Betty Johnstone, 75, opened at 9am on August 6.
He was asked to come back in 15 minutes and, as he was leaving the shop, he was recognised by someone who knew him.
When he returned, the youth asked for some coloured paper stored behind the counter.
He was standing about 60 centimetres from the victim when he said: “This is a robbery.”
She said she didn’t have any money, saw scissors in the youth’s hand and grabbed his arms in a struggle.
The teenager grabbed some money and left the store.
Police said the amount was less than $200, with $120 later recovered after being dropped.
Three hours later the youth was arrested.
Solicitor Joy Kirby said it was acknowledged that the offence was serious, but said the youth could live with his mother, and the victim of the robbery would be protected by imposing a 100-metre ban from her shop.
Mr Murray said police had established the youth was an unacceptable risk.
He refused bail and adjourned the charge of robbery armed with a weapon until September 15.