Aggravated robbers remain behind bars

Two Bay men accused of robbing a man of a large amount of cash and two mobile phones after he was allegedly lured to a remote rural Te Puke address remain in custody.

Colin Kahotea, 21, from Lower Kaimais and Billy Pedi Little, 25, of Te Puke faced a joint charge of aggravated robbery when they appeared in Tauranga District Court today.

Police allege that on November 8 last year Kahotea and Little lured the complainant, who was employed by a Bay of Plenty company to collect old car wrecks, to come to a remote rural property in Te Puke on the pre-text they had a vehicle for sale.

It is alleged the pair then threatened and robbed the complainant of $3200 in cash, and a Huawai mobile phone worth $40 and also a Iphone valued at $500.

Police opposed bail for both defendants.

Kahotea, who is yet to enter a plea to the charge, was further remanded in custody.

He is due back in court on February 18 to make a bail application, while Little;s bail hearing was expected to take place later today.