Brody King and Carson Roberts-McGowan accused of violent robbery at CBD tobacconist

Two men accused of a violent midday robbery have been named in court after allegedly leaving a shop worker wounded.

Police arrested and charged two men, aged 18 and 22, over an armed robbery at the TS TOP Tobacconist in Russell Street, Toowoomba. Picture: NewsCorp Australia

Two men accused of a violent daylight holdup at a CBD tobacconist have faced Toowoomba District Court charged with multiple offences.

Brody Keith King, 18, appeared before the court on Thursday seeking bail on one count of armed robbery and one count of enter with intent after he and a co-accused allegedly robbed TS Top Tobacconist at knifepoint.

The court was told Mr King went to the store with his co-accused, Carson David Roberts-McGowan, who police claimed concealed a knife in his pocket.

At the store the pair allegedly confronted an employee who then armed herself with a box-cutter and a scuffle ensued.

Police stated the pair then fled and were later arrested in separate locations.

Mr King was arrested by police at a motel; police claimed he had in his possession a tobacco packet taken from the store.

His defence solicitor Matt Gemmell from Legal Aid Queensland argued Mr King struggled with severe mental health issues and was easily manipulated by peers.

“(Mr King) suffers from suspected intellectual impairment, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder … and also Tourette’s syndrome,” he said

“He is an incredibly vulnerable member of our community and easily influenced and should be subjected to a capacity test as soon as possible.

He added the young man had no criminal history, despite being largely unsupported in the community.

Mr Gemmell told the court Mr King had not yet secured a bail address but would seek emergency housing upon his release, having no means to do so behind bars.

“My client should not be refused simply because he lacks an address,” he said.

“(If released) he is going to be engaging with support networks, because that’s what he needs.”

Police prosecutor Stephanie Thompson told the court the pair had allegedly robbed the business in broad daylight around lunch time.

“There were multiple members of the public around when the two defendants were (allegedly) walking in with a weapon,” she said.

“It is a strong case.

“The defendant is clearly viewed on CCTV footage entering the store and exiting the store afterwards.”

She argued Mr King’s release would pose too higher risk to the community

“In the situation where the defendant is of a young age and, as my friend has noted, is easily influenced and he doesn’t have that family support around him that there are no conditions that could ameliorate the risk to the public,” she said.

“He is a strong danger to the public and potentially a risk of committing further offences … if he falls into the wrong crowd, or is already in that crowd.”

Magistrate Mark Howden labelled Mr King an “enigma”, stating much was unknown about the man and his life leading up to the alleged incident.

“This young man, he seems to virtually have no support in the community, he’s apparently from around this area but we don’t know much about him.

“There is very little information before me as to who this person is.

“He is not the (alleged) principal offender but he was certainly present (according to police).

“It’s a very difficult assessment for me to make today.”

Mr King was ultimately granted bail on the basis of a suspected lengthy court delays, a lack of criminal history, his young age and his alleged involvement in the charged offence.

He was given until March 5, 2025 to find a suitable bail address or risk returning to custody.

His co-accused, Mr Roberts-McGowan was heard in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday but did not apply for bail.

His case was adjourned until April 22, 2025.

Originally published as Brody King and Carson Roberts-McGowan accused of violent robbery at CBD tobacconist