Youth accused of robbery already on bail | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

A teenager who allegedly robbed a Hastings dairy with a sawn-off shotgun was on bail at the time of the offence, a court has heard.

Ricky-Lee Koroheke, 18, entered no plea to an indictable charge of aggravated robbery when he applied for bail in Hastings District Court on Monday.

Police believe the teenager held up the Lantern Light Dairy in Mayfair on August 31, and allege he pointed a sawn-off shotgun at a 15-year-old female shop attendant before stealing cigarettes and cash.

Defence counsel Richard Stone pushed for his client's release, claiming he would otherwise spend a long period in custody awaiting his next court appearance.

The court heard Koroheke was on bail at the time of the alleged offending on charges of drink-driving, theft of a motor vehicle, assault and wilful damage. Prosecuting Sergeant Andy Horne opposed bail, and told the court there was "huge community interest" in the case. He said the shotgun hadn't been recovered and police feared Koroheke would dispose of it if released.

Police believed they had a strong case, with Koroheke allegedly identified via a tattoo gleaned from video footage of the robbery.

The court heard the teenager had years ago been found guilty of aggravated robbery in the youth court jurisdiction.

Judge Bridget Mackintosh agreed police concerns were valid and denied bail.

"Given your history of no appearance [in court], your previous robbery conviction and the fact this alleged offending was committed while on bail, there's no other desirable course," she said.