Man ‘to admit’ string of historic robberies across Sydney

AN alleged armed robber extradited from England has appeared in court today charged with robberies across Sydney dating back to the 1980s.

Ian Steele, nicknamed ‘The Rabbit’, is facing a raft of charges for committing nine historic armed robberies in Sydney between 1982 and 1987

AN alleged armed robber extradited from England has appeared in court today charged with robberies across Sydney dating back to the 1980s.

Ian Steele, nicknamed ‘The Rabbit’, is facing a raft of charges for committing nine historic armed robberies in Sydney between 1982 and 1987.

Police said in a statement that he had been deported from the United Kingdom on Friday and was arrested by detectives from the Robbery and Series Crime Squad on his arrival in Sydney.

He appeared in Parramatta Bail Court today and, representing himself, he told the court he would plead guilty to all charges.

“I dont see the point in wasting people’s time and money,” he told the court.

“I want them all finalised as quickly and easily as possible.”

The now 58 year old appeared from Surry Hills holding cells wearing a white tshirt and a bandage on his left forearm.

He did not apply for bail and requested the magistrate make a note of his intention to plead guilty to all charges.

Included among them are an alleged robbery from Strathfield in 1987 where more than $20,000 was stolen.

Steele is also charged with escaping custody twice in 1983 and 1986. The latter incident occurred at Long Bay Correctional Centre in Malabar and involved the assault of a prison guard.

He will appear again via video link at Central Local Court on Thursday.