THE TEENAGER who robbed a man in broad daylight at an ATM in South Tamworth has pleaded guilty to robbery armed with an offensive weapon.
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Jayden Robert Follington, 18, used a machete to threaten a man while he tried to withdraw money at the Robert Street Shopping Centre on February 12.
He remains in custody since his arrest three days after the offence, and appeared in Tamworth Local Court via visual link on Wednesday.
"How you goin'?" Follington asked Magistrate Julie Soars from Shortland Correctional Centre, and waved to his family in court.
Two charges were withdrawn by DPP Max Dixon, while a third charge was put on a Form One, an offence to be taken into consideration when it comes to Follington's sentence.
Mr Dixon handed up the amended charge certificate and facts in court.
"I also have a Form One not signed by the accused by virtue of audio visual link," he said.
"But I don't strictly think it needs to be signed by the accused at this stage."
He had lingered around the Robert Street Shopping Complex for some time before he approached the rediATM near the entrance to the shopping centre.
The robbery took place at about 4pm, when a 35-year-old man was confronted from behind and handed over his money before Follington fled the scene.
The victim was not injured during the incident.
The robbery at the ATM was captured on CCTV footage that police seized from the shopping centre in South Tamworth and used as evidence in the case.
Three days later Oxley Police District officers arrested Follington at a Central Avenue home, and took him into custody where he has remained since.
Follington's bid for bail was denied in February given his charges were deemed 'serious'.
Ms Soars ordered Follington to appear via audio link on the next occasion.
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"The local court matters are ones Ms McAuliffe [Follington's defence solicitor] is asking the court to sentence when appropriate, and they all need a report, with a Sentence Assessment Report for any other matters," she said.
"Come back at the earliest in six weeks, my preference is to bring them back on a hearing date."
Follington will be sentenced at Tamworth District Court in September.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
