A MAN has admitted to robbing an Armidale bottle shop of cash and vodka less than 24 hours after the hold-up.
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Jai Campbell remains behind bars after he pleaded guilty in Armidale Local Court on Monday to robbing the BWS bottle shop in Armidale Central.
Police have praised witnesses and community help, which led to the quick arrest of the 33-year-old, just two hours after the robbery.
New England Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty said Campbell entered the bottle shop about 7.45pm on Sunday and took a bottle of vodka to the counter.
“At this time, he threatened the store employee that he was in possession of a weapon and demanded money,” he said.
“The employee handed over a sum of cash to the offender, who took the cash and alcohol and fled the store.”
Police arrived quickly and declared the bottle shop a crime scene, before examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses who saw the offender flee.
“During extensive patrols of the Armidale township, officers located and seized a number of items believed to be connected to the robbery,” Detective Crotty said.
“About 10.30pm, police were called by a member of the public to a man acting suspiciously on the Armidale bike track.
Luckily no one was injured, but this was a serious offence that involved a threat of violence.
- Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty
“Police attended, spoke to the male – who fitted the description of a man wanted for questioning in relation to the robbery – and he was arrested.”
Campbell was interviewed and charged with robbery. He made no application for bail on Monday in court and it was formally refused by magistrate Michael Holmes.
Campbell was ordered to remain behind bars ahead of sentencing next month.
Detective Crotty praised the public help from witnesses and quick-thinking officers, which culminated in the speedy arrest.
“The assistance of witnesses at the scene of the robbery, and members of the public who called to report a man acting suspiciously, enabled investigators to piece together the evidence, culminating in the quick apprehension of this offender,” he said.
“Luckily no one was injured, but this was a serious offence that involved a threat of violence.
“We place a high priority on these offences because they cause alarm in the community, and we will continue to work to ensure a safer community.”