Smash-and-grab raider remanded in custody

Press, 28 August 1980, Page 5

Smash-and-grab raider remanded in custody

None of the 108 rings, valued at $26,000, which were taken from a smash-and-grab raid on a High Street jewellers last month had been recovered, said Sergeant N. J. McCormick in the District Court yesterday. Andrew John Flavell, aged 18, a labourer, admitted a charge of burgling the jewellers on July 28 and was convicted by Judge Bradford and remanded in custody to September 3 for a probation report and sentence. Sergeant McCormick said at 1.45 a.m. on July 28 a staff member at a nearby hotel had heard the sound of breaking glass. In High Street he saw a black and white car and a person running from Kennetts Jewellers to the car which took off at high speed. The police were unable to find the car immediately. At the scene of the smash

and grab raid it was found that the front display window had been smashed and a small hole made in it, said Sergeant McCormick. Outside on the footpath was found a sledge hammer and 14 gold rings. Sergeant McCormick said a number of blows would have had to be struck in order to make the small hole in what was specially treated glass. On August 18, after information was received, the defendant was spoken to. A full statement was made by Flavell who said the burglary was committed on the spur of the moment.

Flavell had said he was “stoned” at the time but had been aware of what was going on, said the Sergeant. Flavell had used his mother’s car for the commission of the offence. He had told the police he gained nothing from the enterprise.

Compensation of a third of the total value of the stolen property was sought from Flavell, said Sergeant 'McCormick. Two co-offenders Kaaran Filip Stender, aged 17, and Wayne John Coster, aged 18 were each remanded on bail without plea to September 2. Post Office Burglery

POST OFFICE BURGLARY A man who admitted burgling the Phillipstown Post Office on August 20 was convicted and remanded to September 3 for a probation report and sentence. John Henry Karetai, aged 27, also pleaded guilty to stealing a barrow. Sergeant McCormick said at 2.50 a.m. on August 20 the defendant and another person were seen manoeuvring a safe in a wheelbarrow from the post office, situated at Ferry Road, towards a car.

Karetai was pursued and caught about 100 yards away. The alleged co-6ffen-der got away and Karetai refused to name him. Karetai was found to be wearing gloves and had car keys in his possession. The safe, found in the wheelbarrow, on the footpath outside the post office, contained security papers. Karetai admitted having stolen the wheelbarrow off a truck in the Linwood area beforehand.