Cops nab thief in briefs
THE Longreach Police have been praised for their swift action that lead to the arrest of a 19-year-old man following his alleged robberies at both the IGA and Starlight’s Hideout Tavern in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Owners of the tavern, Karen and Ross Nelson said they would be forever thankful for the "lightning fast response" by local police officers who came to their aid after their son was threatened by the would-be thief.
"It’s just your worst nightmare as a parent," Mrs Nelson said.
"We rang the police straight away and five police cars were at our back door within - literally- two minutes.
"We are very grateful for what the police did, you just wouldn’t get that kind of attention in the city."
Detective Acting Sergeant Steve Butler said Anthony Morgan Clarke of Newcastle appeared in the Longreach Magistrates Court on Monday charged with armed robbery, break and enter, deprivation of liberty, wilful damage and going armed so as to cause fear.
"There was a break and enter at the IGA in which petty cash and cigarettes were stolen," Detective Acting Sergeant Butler said.
"There was extensive damage as a result.
"It appears the accused kicked in the fire escape door."
Obviously unsatisfied by his loot from IGA, the 19-year-old defendant turned his attention to Starlight’s Hideout Tavern.
"He allegedly gained entry to the bottle shop through the fire escape at the back of the building at approximately 2.30am," Detective Acting Sergeant Butler continued.
"He then approached a 14-year-old in the office and allegedly held a drill bit to his throat, demanding to know where the safe was located.
"The safe was allegedly removed and smashed on the ground and an amount of cash and cheques were stolen.
"The defendant was disturbed during the incident and was chased from the scene by an alerted male employee who was closing up the bar.
"The police then located a man fitting the description of the offender walking down Ibis Street wearing red underwear and white socks and stating that he had been robbed.
"His clothing and the money were then located nearby.
"He was caught on surveillance cameras at the Tavern, which were then used to later identify him."
According to police, Clarke was in Longreach on holidays visiting family friends.
The defendant was denied bail by the Longreach police on Monday and remanded in custody.
He is set to appear before the Emerald Magistrate’s Court at a later date.
Mrs Nelson said it was a reminder for people to be more aware of their safety and the well-being of their children.
"Our son was up late playing computer games because of the school holidays," Mrs Nelson explained.
"We have been at the Tavern for the past six-and-a-half years and this has been the worst possible thing we’ve had to go through.
"While Longreach has been good to us and it wasn’t a Longreach person who did this, it proves you have to remain mindful of your property and your children’s whereabouts at all times, because you just don’t know."
Mr and Mrs Nelson thanked their friends and family for their thoughtful phone calls and gestures during the week.
"The support has been overwhelming and we are very thankful."
Owners of the tavern, Karen and Ross Nelson said they would be forever thankful for the "lightning fast response" by local police officers who came to their aid after their son was threatened by the would-be thief.
"It’s just your worst nightmare as a parent," Mrs Nelson said.
"We rang the police straight away and five police cars were at our back door within - literally- two minutes.
"We are very grateful for what the police did, you just wouldn’t get that kind of attention in the city."
Detective Acting Sergeant Steve Butler said Anthony Morgan Clarke of Newcastle appeared in the Longreach Magistrates Court on Monday charged with armed robbery, break and enter, deprivation of liberty, wilful damage and going armed so as to cause fear.
"There was a break and enter at the IGA in which petty cash and cigarettes were stolen," Detective Acting Sergeant Butler said.
"There was extensive damage as a result.
"It appears the accused kicked in the fire escape door."
Obviously unsatisfied by his loot from IGA, the 19-year-old defendant turned his attention to Starlight’s Hideout Tavern.
"He allegedly gained entry to the bottle shop through the fire escape at the back of the building at approximately 2.30am," Detective Acting Sergeant Butler continued.
"He then approached a 14-year-old in the office and allegedly held a drill bit to his throat, demanding to know where the safe was located.
"The safe was allegedly removed and smashed on the ground and an amount of cash and cheques were stolen.
"The defendant was disturbed during the incident and was chased from the scene by an alerted male employee who was closing up the bar.
"The police then located a man fitting the description of the offender walking down Ibis Street wearing red underwear and white socks and stating that he had been robbed.
"His clothing and the money were then located nearby.
"He was caught on surveillance cameras at the Tavern, which were then used to later identify him."
According to police, Clarke was in Longreach on holidays visiting family friends.
The defendant was denied bail by the Longreach police on Monday and remanded in custody.
He is set to appear before the Emerald Magistrate’s Court at a later date.
Mrs Nelson said it was a reminder for people to be more aware of their safety and the well-being of their children.
"Our son was up late playing computer games because of the school holidays," Mrs Nelson explained.
"We have been at the Tavern for the past six-and-a-half years and this has been the worst possible thing we’ve had to go through.
"While Longreach has been good to us and it wasn’t a Longreach person who did this, it proves you have to remain mindful of your property and your children’s whereabouts at all times, because you just don’t know."
Mr and Mrs Nelson thanked their friends and family for their thoughtful phone calls and gestures during the week.
"The support has been overwhelming and we are very thankful."
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