Aman Tesfai applies for bail in Brisbane court after alleged robbery in CBD

A Brisbane man accused of participating in a violent armed robbery in the city’s inner-south has been freed from jail by the magistrates court.

Tesfai was allegedly found “running away from police” with the complainant’s property on the night in question.

The alleged “aider” in a violent armed robbery in Brisbane's inner-south has been released on bail after spending more than four months behind bars.

Aman Tesfai, 33, appeared in custody at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 21 to apply for bail on a charge of violent armed robbery in company.

He has not yet entered a plea.

It is alleged the Forest Lake man aided two other men in carrying out the “serious” offence at Annerley on September 14 last year.

Tesfai is not alleged to have held a weapon or taken part in any violence, unlike his co-accused.

Prosecutor Amy Changuion said the Crown’s case is that Tesfai was an “aider” but “was not the one holding the guns”.

She said the man’s application was opposed as he presented a risk of failing to appear in court when required if released.

Speaking to the strength of the Crown’s case, Ms Changuion said Tesfai was found “running away from police” with the complainant’s property on the night in question.

“The applicant makes admissions to being there with his co-accused,” she said.

“The complainant gives a statement that the third offender is nearby.”

The Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Defence solicitor Jim Coburn emphasised his client was not alleged to have held a weapon “whether it be a firearm or otherwise” at the relevant time.

He further said Tesfai was not in the “direct vicinity” of the people who approached the complainant.

“The Crown case, at its highest, relies upon my client being nearby and that his mere presence is enough to show that he is a party to the more serious offence associated with the armed robbery in company with personal violence,” Mr Coburn said.

The court heard Tesfai had made “full and frank” admissions to being in the area when the alleged offence took place and to receiving property from his co-accused.

Mr Coburn said his client accepted the seriousness of what was alleged and had co-operated with police from the outset.

He suggested the charge of violent armed robbery would not be sustained on the evidence presently available but it might be replaced with that of receiving tainted property.

The 33-year-old’s brother, sister and father attended the bail application hearing in support of him.

Magistrate Mark Nolan said he was satisfied Tesfai should be granted bail, given the amount of time – four months and 15 days – he had spent in presentence custody.

He was released on conditions, including that he must not contact his co-accused or alleged victim or consume alcohol.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport, take part in drug and alcohol testing, and stay away from Annerley pub Chardons Corner Hotel.

Tesfai’s matter was adjourned to January 23 next year. Both of his co-accused are expected to face trial early next year.