A Wollongong man accused of robbing two CBD businesses in broad daylight has been denied bail.
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Warren Willis, 23, was remanded in custody after a brief appearance in Port Kembla Local Court on Friday charged with robbing the Downtown Newsagency on Crown Street and the BWS liquor store on Burelli Street on separate days last month.
Police documents tendered to the court claim Willis entered the newsagency around 12.10pm on June 24 and appeared to flick through magazines for a few minutes before approaching a female employee at the counter from behind, startling her.
He allegedly asked for a packet of cigarettes before adding ‘‘and I’ll have these 50s’’ as he reached towards the cash drawer behind the counter.
The woman tried to get between Willis and the till to stop him taking the money, prompting him to punch her in the throat, police claim.
He allegedly grabbed three $50 bills and ran from the store.
In the second incident five days later, Willis allegedly used a steak knife to hold up BWS, waiting until all other customers were out of the store before making his move.
Police claim he approached the register with the knife drawn and brandished it at the store attendant while demanding cash.
The worker emptied the notes from the till and placed them on the counter.
Willis allegedly grabbed the money – $1700 in total – and ran from the store, catching a taxi to the Steelers Club where he changed his clothes.
He was last seen walking north along Harbour Street.
Willis was arrested on Thursday morning after police spotted him behind the wheel of a car in Keiraville and pulled him over.
He refused to be interviewed and was charged with robbery, armed robbery and driving while disqualified.
Police opposed Willis’ bail application in court on Friday, saying his criminal history involved matters of violence and dishonesty and he’d breached court-imposed bail conditions on eight occasions in the past.
Defence lawyer Gary Leo said Willis would agree to report to police daily and abide by a curfew if released.
However, Registrar Tina McKenna refused to release Willis because of his lengthy criminal history and the strength of the prosecution case, which included witnesses and CCTV footage.
The matter will return to court later this month.
