A MAN accused of robbing Tamworth’s Good Guys store will remain behind bars after a hold-up in his assessment to be accepted into a residential diversionary program.
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Jeffrey Allan Smith appeared in the dock of Tamworth Local Court on charges of robbery armed with an offensive weapon and two counts of larceny.
Detectives allege he stole gloves, overalls and a mask from a Tamworth store, as well as a set of number plates from another car, prior to the hold-up on June 28.
He then allegedly robbed The Good Guys of cash while armed with a knife then fled in a Mitsubishi Magna.
Magistrate Julie Soars said “there is some hold-up” examining a note detailing a delay in a Balund-a assessment – a Corrective Services-run residential diversionary program.
Solicitor Wendy McAuliffe said Legal Aid had taken charge of the case from Smith’s previous solicitors, the Aboriginal Legal Service, and said an adjournment would help both sides.
“I think what is outstanding is DNA evidence,” she told the court, on the status of the brief she had received.
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“[That] should give us all time to find out where the brief is at, for that Balund-a report to be completed, and a possible bail application.”
Ms Soars granted a two-week adjournment to find out the status of the forensic testing on the items.
The court was told the case was still being prosecuted by police and had yet to be taken over by the DPP.
Smith made no application for bail and it was formally refused until the case returns to court later this month.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
