Tabulam man allegedly threatened resident with metal bar during armed robbery

The Northern Rivers man, who allegedly stole $6500 and wounded a resident, has fronted court.

The man is charged with allegedly robbing a Casino resident with a metal bar.

A 30-year-old Northern Rivers man who is charged with robbing a Casino resident of $6500 while armed has been sentenced for charges linked to separate criminal incidents.

Tabulam man Ronald Collins fronted Lismore Local Court on Wednesday.

He currently faces a charge for a January 3 incident where he allegedly robbed a Casino man, causing grievous bodily harm, while being armed with a metal bar.

A backup charge of armed with intent to commit an indictable offence still stands.

The court heard those charges would be heading to further committal mention on August 11.

Collins is yet to enter formal pleas for those charges.

However, matters relating to a January 15 chase involving police were brought before the court for sentencing.

It was heard Collins had pleaded guilty to two counts of custody of a knife in a public place and one charge of unlawful entry on private property.

According to court documents, police allege they sighted Collins on a bike in Casino about 12.15-12.30pm on January 15 during a proactive patrol where they recognised he was wanted for an outstanding warrant.

Police approached Collins where he allegedly ran “at speed” on Barker St.

According to the facts, Collins then jumped a fence and entered the property of Casino Dental.

Police then “gave chase” and arrested the man.

Upon a search of Collins, police allege they located a knife and $950 in cash in a bum bag.

His bike also had a “large hunting knife” attached.

When questioned, he told police he had “been playing the pokies” and carried the knife “for his protection”.

The money was later ruled out as suspicious.

Collins’ solicitor said the knife on the bike belonged to a friend, whose bike Collins was borrowing.

She added Collins had been struggling with his current custody due to a potential setback in the indictment charge.

“He presents often as very frustrated at a potential delay in that matter,” she said.

Given those submissions, Magistrate Jeff Linden convicted Collins without further penalty.

He remains in Clarence Correctional Facility custody.