Gordon Frank Cavanagh Smith refused bail after alleged ride-share hold-up

A ride-share driver was allegedly menaced with a knife and told to hand over cash after dropping a young man at his destination. What happened next in Coffs Harbour court.

A 24-year-old Boambee East man has been refused bail after an alleged armed hold-up of a ride-share driver in Coffs Harbour.

Gordon Frank Cavanagh Smith, who goes also by the name Samuel, has been charged with robbery armed with a serious weapon and three counts of resisting an officer in execution of their duty.

Coffs Harbour Local Court heard Smith was allegedly in a ride-share vehicle on Edinburgh Street at about 8pm on September 6 with three female passengers, when he got out of the vehicle at the destination and approached the driver’s side.

Smith signalled to the driver to open the window before allegedly brandishing a knife, holding it against the driver’s chest and demanding money, according to court documents.

Police facts allege that a sum of $120 was handed over, before further money was demanded.

Smith was then allegedly heard saying “I just robbed the c***”.

Gordon Frank Cavanagh Smith was visibly distressed as the details of his personal history were mentioned in court.

The alleged victim reported minor injuries and soreness to his chest, and felt like his “life was threatened”.

A police dog was used to track and locate a man at a unit on Harbour Drive, where he allegedly briefly resisted officers before being arrested and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.

A knife fitting the description of the one allegedly used in the hold-up was found in the kitchen of the property, while the keys to the vehicle - which were also allegedly taken - were not found, according to police facts.

Smith’s lawyer Braeden Fernandez told the court of his client’s history of family violence and risk factors for institutionalisation.

The court heard Smith had diagnoses for post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia, and that any time in a custodial environment would be “particularly onerous”.

Mr Fernandez said his client had a “history of drug and alcohol abuse that began at a young age”, with magistrate Ian Rodgers noting Smith was “an incredibly vulnerable person”.

Appearing via audiovisual link on September 7, Smith was visibly distressed as the details of his personal history were mentioned in court.

“I accept there are significant issues with regard to his mental health and vulnerability,” Mr Rodgers said.

“He has a tragic criminal history for a man of such a young age.”

The matter has been adjourned to November 8.