Carl Lawrence, 29, was charged over an incident which began about 10pm on Tuesday December 21, when a 35-year-old man allegedly went to the carpark of a fast-food restaurant in Fairy Meadow, to purchase a smart watch.

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Police allege the 35-year-old man left the location to finalise the transaction and was subsequently held against his will and robbed of cash, two laptops, a mobile phone, and credit cards over a period of several hours and in several locations, including Mangerton and Appin.

The man was not physically injured and was able to later alert police.

An investigation commenced by officers attached to Wollongong Police District.

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Following extensive inquiries - including a public appeal for information - police attended a home on Weemala Street, Koonawarra, about 8.15am on Tuesday, and arrested Lawrence.

He was charged with take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage - serious indictable offence, and aggravated robbery - serious indictable offence.

Lawrence did not apply for bail at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday.

He was formally refused bail and will face court again in March.

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