A Tauranga man accused of robbing two teenagers who allege they were held up at gunpoint in Merivale and robbed of cigarettes will defend the allegation at a jury trial.
Ernest Charles Davy, 37, who denied one count of aggravated robbery when he appeared in Tauranga District Court today, sought electronically-monitored bail.
Police opposed bail citing concerns about the risk that Davy may interfere with police witnesses and also offend if granted bail.
Davy's lawyer Nicholas Dutch told Judge Thomas Ingram his client strongly declined the charge and elected to defend the allegation by trial by jury.
Mr Dutch said there was no evidence to suggest Davy would not strictly comply with bail conditions, and his client intended devoting his time while he awaited his trial date helping care for his young family.
However, Judge Ingram declined bail saying he was entirely satisfied there was substantial risk of further offending while on bail and the risk that Davy may try to influence witnesses.
Davy was remanded to next appear in court on April 24 for a case review hearing.