Lismore: John Cole faces court after allegedly robbing stores, armed with pistol

A 41-year-old man faced Lismore Local Court after allegedly robbing multiple stores, armed with a pistol.

John Cole, 41, will face Lismore Local Court today.

A man has been charged after allegedly breaking into a Northern NSW store, threatening the owner with a pistol before fleeing the scene on a bicycle with cash.

The incident, which police allege occurred in the early hours of Friday led to John Cole, 41, been charged with special aggravated break; enter and steal; robbery armed with dangerous weapon and three counts of detain for advantage.

Police will allege he broke into a Lennox Head business about 1.20am and threatened a 41-year-old worker with a pistol, before stealing cash and personal items and fleeing the scene.

Police will also allege that same morning, Cole entered a recreational centre on Stewart St, he allegedly threatened a 30-year-old man and two women, aged 38 and 35, with a pistol before detaining them in the business.

It will be alleged he fled the scene on his bike with cash.

Following inquiries police arrested the man on Rayner Ln, Lennox Head.

He was taken to Ballina Police Station where he was charged for the offences and was refused bail.

Cole appeared in Lismore Local Court today where his matter was adjourned to July 17. He will remain in custody and appear in the same court on the Monday via video link.