Woman charged with robbery after incident at Woolworths

A 22-YEAR-OLD Bundaberg woman has been charged following an alleged attempted robbery at Woolworths Hinkler Central.

A 22-YEAR-OLD Bundaberg woman has been charged following an alleged attempted robbery at Woolworths Hinkler Central, where a staff member allegedly was hit with a can of dog food thrown by the offender.

Helena Maree Fisher was charged with one count of robbery following the alleged incident on Thursday before an application for bail was refused in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court yesterday.

Bundaberg Criminal Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Hildred said at 9pm on Thursday the business was closing for the day when staff members placed an announcement over the PA system for customers to make their way to the checkouts.

He said the victim then conducted a walk through of the store to ensure customers had vacated the premises.

"The victim has allegedly observed the suspect in the hardware section aisle with the four packets of glue in her hands," he said

"The victim offered assistance to the offender, and the offender has ignored victim and has again approached the offender."

The offender has allegedly become confrontational and abusive towards the victim.

"The victim has backed away and offender has begun to throw punches at victim, none of which have connected."

Det Snr Sgt Hildred said staff members then contacted security.

"The offender has then allegedly proceeded towards the checkout walking past the pet food section and the offender has then picked a can of dog food, throwing it at victim hitting him in the elbow causing grazing and bruising," he said.

"The offender has then allegedly run from the store, through the checkouts with the glue in hand and without offering payment for the items."

The alleged offender was apprehended by Hinkler Security staff as she attempted to leave before police arrived and arrested her.

In court yesterday legal aid lawyer Gavin James told the court his client had a "very troubled background, which has involved alcohol and substance abuse".

But in refusing bail Magistrate Aaron Simpson took into consideration that Fisher was already on bail and serving a suspending jail sentence for like offences therefore was at risk of re-offending.