Charles Riley faces court for alleged Armidale Hungry Jacks robbery

A 26-year-old who is charged with threatening a young worker before robbing the fast food store was labelled a danger to the community. See how the court dealt with his bid for freedom.

A man who allegedly threatened a young Hungry Jacks employee before robbing the store has sought freedom from a North Coast court.

Charles Riley, 26, appeared before Ballina Local Court on Friday, facing a charge of robbery.

The court heard Mr Riley is alleged to have threatened a teenage female staff member at the Armidale Hungry Jacks before robbing the store of over $1700 in June 2018.
Police will allege CCTV footage and DNA evidence showed Mr Riley leaning a mountain bike up against the wall of the Dumaresq St restaurant just before 10pm, before making alleged threats of violence and stealing a quantity of cash.

Police Sergeant Nathan Lockett said the man had been extradited from Queensland to Tweed and had no ties to NSW.

He said there was “no confidence” if Mr Riley was granted bail he wouldn’t leave the jurisdiction.

CCTV footage of the alleged Armidale Hungry Jacks robbery. Picture: NSW Police Media

Solicitor Riley Owen said there were numerous conditions the court could place upon Mr Riley to avoid that risk, including that he reside in Armidale and not consume alcohol.

These were conditions Mr Lockett opposed.

“As with all regional centres, there is at least some likelihood of interfering with witnesses,” he said.

Magistrate Karen Stafford said it appeared to be a “strong” prosecution case given CCTV footage from the fast food store, a later service station, and the DNA evidence.

She wasn’t satisfied the community wouldn’t be endangered by release.

“In terms of these matters if Mr Riley is convicted … he is likely to receive full time custody,” Ms Stafford said.

No formal pleas have been entered.

Mr Riley’s matter was adjourned to May 13 at Armidale Local Court.