Bar staff's bravery praised in robbery

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A judge has paid tribute to the bravery of a bar manager and a patron who foiled the armed robbery of a Christchurch bar.

Ryan Randall Vliestra, aged 19, was appearing for sentence in Christchurch District Court today on charges of committing a crime while armed with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and endangering the public by firing a gun in a public place, Christchurch's Court News website reported.

Police earlier withdrew a charge of attempted murder.

Vliestra also admitted unlawfully taking a car, driving while disqualified, and breaching his prison release conditions. They found the shot he fired embedded in the tavern wall.

The bar manager at the Glenbyre Tavern in suburban Bromley locked herself in the office and refused to come out, even when Vliestra kicked the door.

When Vlietstra returned to the bar, a patron threw a bar stool at him.

The unemployed drug user then fired the cut-down .22 rifle, causing a cut over the patron's eye before he was overpowered by three other patrons who had already chased off an accomplice who was acting as look-out.

Defence counsel Craig Ruane described it as one of the most inept armed robberies seen in Christchurch for some time.

He said Vlietstra had found himself indebted to a gang for his purchases of methamphetamine, and the robbery was carried out as a way of clearing the debt.

"He was picked up by those to whom he owed money, delivered to the scene, given the firearm, and sent upon his way," said Mr Ruane.

"Those who start taking methamphetamine and incur debts to drug dealers are likely to find themselves in this sort of situation sooner rather than later."

Crown prosecutor Kathy Basire said a clear message must be sent for the protection of the community and Vliestra's substantial criminal history negated any meaningful discount for his youth.

Judge Stephen Erber said that even though the robbery attempt was described as inept, its probability of success was quite high.

"It was only the bravery of the bar manager and the patron that brought about your apprehension. The potential for tragedy was ever-present."

He noted Vlietstra's criminal history dating from the Youth Court.

He said Vlietstra was diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder. He had a chaotic lifestyle, had never worked, was involved with a gang, and was using methamphetamine consistently. He said he had no memory of carrying out the crime.

Judge Erber imposed a jail term of four years eight months and ordered that Vlietstra serve half the sentence before being considered for parole.

- NZPA