Duran Declan Clay alleged to have armed himself in Castletown, intimidated Telstra staff

A young man charged with going armed to cause fear in Castletown has made a bid for freedom from the watch-house.

The NightOwl in Currajong was subject to an alleged armed robbery police believe Duran Declan Clay committed. Picture: Google

A young man charged with going armed to cause fear in Castletown last week has made a bid for freedom from the watch-house.

Duran Declan Clay, 22, is charged with armed robbery of a NightOwl located behind the Lakes McDonalds, going armed to cause fear in Castletown, enter premises with intent, possession of dangerous drugs, failing to properly dispose of a needle and multiple public nuisance offences.

The 22-year-old offered to leave Townsville entirely and return to his mother’s house on Palm Island if given bail - and also offered the condition of not attending the Castletown Telstra or Currajong NightOwl stores where he intimidated employees.

Police prosecutor Brandon Woods argued Clay was an “unacceptable risk of committing further offences” given his criminal history, which includes going armed to cause fear charge on Palm Island in 2023 and several breach of bail conditions.

Magistrate Richard Lehmann said he had “no confidence” Clay was capable of abiding by his bail conditions and denied bail.

The Castletown Telstra store is located beside the Big W entrance.

It is alleged Clay went armed to cause fear in the Telstra store on Thursday, July 4, and also possessed dangerous drugs on this day.

Clay has been detained in the watch-house since July 8, the court heard.

Clay was remanded in custody and his matter adjourned to September 18 for a committal mention. His appearance will not be required.

Originally published as Duran Declan Clay alleged to have armed himself in Castletown, intimidated Telstra staff