Attempted robbery accused freed on bail

Two youths charged in relation to the attempted robbery of a female shopkeeper at AJs Lotto store and the injury to a member of the public have been granted bail.

The attempted robbery happened about 1pm on September 29.

One of the youths, aged 14, faced charges in the Tauranga Youth Court today of assault with intent to rob with an offensive weapon, namely knives, and assault of persons unknown while attempting to flee.

The second youth, aged 13, was also charged with assault with intent to rob and a further count of aggravated wounding while attempting to avoid arrest. He was granted bail when he appeared before community magistrate Lesley Jensen on Friday.

The latter charge stems from an allegation that a member of the public suffered a minor stab wound while helping catch the two alleged offenders.

Neither have entered pleas to the charges yet.

Both youths have been released on strict bail conditions, including being banned from having any contact with each other, the complainants and police witnesses.

Judge Louis Bidois also ordered one of the two youths to surrender his passport to the court and banned him or his family from applying for any further travel documents.

Both defendants will next appear in the Tauranga Youth Court on October 10.