An expectant mother is set to give birth behind bars after she was refused bail on Wednesday accused of committing two armed robberies at the same Fairy Meadow corner shop just four days apart.
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Kimberley Stanton was already five months pregnant when she allegedly used a knife to hold up the Fairy Meadow convenience store on Cabbage Tree Lane on February 6, then again on February 10.
Each time she made off with cigarettes, police claim.
Stanton was arrested on February 10 and has remained behind bars without bail ever since.
However, the 23-year-old sought release from custody on Wednesday, with defence lawyer Laura Fennell telling Wollongong Local Court Stanton was now seven months pregnant and suffering from gestational diabetes.
Ms Fennell said Stanton had complex post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a traumatic childhood and was vulnerable in custody.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail on account of the strength of the prosecution case, noting the allegations were supported by DNA and CCTV evidence.
Court documents allege Stanton walked up to the counter of the shop and asked for a packet of cigarettes but then refused to pay for them, instead pulling a knife out and waving it around.
She allegedly brandished it at another customer who tried to intervene then left the store.
Four days later she allegedly entered the same shop and repeated her threats but this time helped herself to the cigarettes behind the counter.
Stanton is yet to enter a plea to the charges but denied the allegations in an interview with police.