Simon Carberry fronted Wagga Local Court on Tuesday via video-link to apply for bail after police alleged he robbed the Cherrywood service station in Mount Austin while armed.

He was also charged with having goods suspected of being stolen in custody, dealing with proceeds of crime, and breaching his bail conditions. 

Police prosecutor Priscilla Jones told the court Mr Carberry was on a daily bail curfew of 7am to 7pm when he allegedly committed the armed robbery, which is said to have occurred at 6:15am on Monday.

“These are serious matters, particularly the most recent matters that bring him before the court, I would submit this is a strong prosecution case, and I would submit a custodial sentence is likely if he’s convicted,” Sergeant Jones said. 

“Bail is very much opposed.” 

Defence solicitor Nico Rump argued for Mr Carberry’s release, telling the magistrate he would be particularly vulnerable in jail.

“This would be the first time in adult custody for Mr Carberry … and he’s quite a vulnerable person being 19 years old,” Mr Rump said.

“He has a need to be at liberty to support his partner, who is pregnant and due to give birth in about six weeks’ time, and she has no family support in the Wagga area.” 

Magistrate Christopher Halburd ultimately decided to deny Mr Carberry bail, reasoning that it was a strong case and a jail sentence was likely if he was to be convicted.

“In my view, the curfew breach has been established, and it’s a very strong circumstantial case in my view relating to the serious matters he now faces,” Mr Halburd said. 

Mr Carberry will return to court tomorrow for unrelated matters and on January 9 in relation to his armed robbery charge.

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