Armed Robbery at Whangārei Pub: Man Refused Bail

A 35-year-old man accused of an armed robbery at the Kensington Tavern in Whangārei has been denied bail following a court appearance on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred around 10pm on 25 July, involved a man entering the pub with a gun, firing a shot into the ceiling, and demanding money. The accused is now facing a total of eight charges, including aggravated robbery, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, discharging a firearm to intimidate, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police were quick to act, arresting the suspect outside a business in Okara Park just days after the robbery. The firearm used during the incident was recovered in a separate operation conducted on Monday. According to court documents, the accused fled the scene with approximately $5,000 in cash. One of the more serious charges stems from an unrelated incident on 10 July, which involved another act of violence.

The bar owner, speaking to RNZ, reported that one of the patrons was injured during a struggle with the intruder. There were five people in the tavern at the time of the robbery, including the owner. The accused has been granted interim name suppression for some of the charges but is expected to return to Whangārei District Court on 26 August for further proceedings.

While the legal process unfolds, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the incident. The trauma experienced by the staff and patrons of the tavern has raised concerns about public safety in the area. Local authorities have been urged to take stronger measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

As the case moves forward, the community awaits further details and the outcome of the trial. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the importance of community vigilance in maintaining public safety.