A man accused of wielding a sword during an alleged armed robbery in Wagga at the weekend has been refused bail.
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Duane Mark Ashton appeared via video link in Wagga Local Court on Thursday after being arrested by police and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon.
Police allege that about 11.40pm on Sunday, Mr Ashton and co-accused Jemma Elizabeth Appleby attended a home in Ashmont to visit the occupant, a 27-year-old woman.
They further claim Mr Ashton, aged 39, threatened the occupant with a sword before demanding cash and a mobile phone.
It is then alleged that the occupant was struck across the back of her head with the sword's hand grip before they left the house.
The woman sustained minor injuries as a result but did not require hospital treatment.
In a bail application, Mr Ashton's lawyer said the prosecution's case is not strong enough to warrant jail time. She added that Mr Ashton does not deny that he was inside the home, but it was her submission the offence never occurred.
"There is some footage of people inside the house but no footage of this offence occurring," she said.
"[The cameras] would have undoubtedly detected whether a sword was being wielded. Without this footage, they rely on the testimony of someone who is a drug dealer and drug user to prove their case."
The lawyer said her client's record does not assist him, however, he maintains his innocence. However, no pleas to the charge were entered.
She explained he was on parole at the time, and it would be unjust to jail a man again for months on end based on the "statement of a person with no supporting footage from a house that is laced with cameras" to wait for a hearing.
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"It's my submission that he should be released today and under the supervision of community corrections officers and continue with parole," she said.
Police prosecutor Kate Williams said cause had not been shown to release Mr Ashton on bail.
"In relation to the CCTV footage, there is footage of them leaving and arriving and 20 seconds of footage inside the bedroom," she said.
"I submit the prosecution case is also assisted by the fact that the [victim] has an injury ... which is consistent with the version she provided.
"The police investigation is continuing, further evidence is being gathered ... there will also be a forensic examination of the items seized."
After submissions, the registrar decided to refuse bail on the basis that cause was not shown. Mr Ashton is due before the court again on March 22.
Co-accused Jemma Elizabeth Appleby was granted bail on Thursday morning after being charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon.
The 29-year-old's bail conditions include reporting to Wagga police once a day and staying at a specified address between 9pm and 7am.
She is due to appear before Wagga Local Court again on May 12.
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