Alleged Hamilton robber on run after failed court appearance

Katipa Cassidy failed to appear in the Hamilton District Court yesterday on charges of aggravated robbery and unlawfully getting into a vehicle. Photo/Police

A Hamilton man arrested over the armed robbery of a liquor store is on the run before he even got to court.

Katipa Cassidy, 17, was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and was due to appear in the Hamilton District Court yesterday.

However, he didn't turn up and now police have put a warrant out for his arrest.

It's alleged Katipa was one of five involved in the armed robbery of Kiwi Liquor on Tuhikaramea Rd on July 19 in which alcohol, cigarettes and cash were taken.

Katipa Cassidy failed to appear in court for his alleged part in the aggravated robbery of Kiwi Liquor on Tuhikaramea Rd last month.

The bottle store owner said the car reversed up to the shop before the offenders ran inside and allegedly stole their loot.

Cigarettes and shelving was soon after thrown out the window of the stolen vehicle as it sped up nearby Poaka Ave.

Anyone with information on Cassidy's whereabouts is urged to phone 111 immediately.