Knifepoint robbery accused to defend charges

The Aussie Butcher in Gate Pa.

A Tauranga man accused of two knifepoint robberies at Aussie Butcher and Mags, Cards and Lotto store last month will defend the allegations at a jury trial.

Tyson Tami Taki, 24, who appeared in Tauranga District Court today, pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated robbery.

The first of the armed burglaries is alleged to have been committed at Aussie Butcher in Gate Pa Shopping Centre on August 17, and the other at Mags, Cards and Lotto store on August 22.

During both robberies it is alleged Taki stole sums of cash.

Taki pleaded guilty to two unrelated charges of wilful trespass and intentionally damaging a sprinkler system in a police station cell and has been ordered to pay $1700 reparation.

Judge Paul Geoghegan, who further remanded Taki in custody, declined an application from the Bay of Plenty Times to take the accused's photograph to protect his right to a fair trial.

Taki's lawyer Peter Attwood opposed the media application arguing the police evidence against his client was circumstantial and the question of identification would need to be proven.

No trial date has yet been set.

Taki is due back in court on November 11 for a case review hearing.