Akeem Alberts arrested for alleged robbery, assault at Supa24 in Canberra
Police allege a Canberra man rained down blows on an unsuspecting shop attendant for an $11 bottle of alcohol, with his bail hearing erupting in threats against a magistrate.
Canberra Star
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A magistrate has been threatened in open court by an emotional supporter of a Wanniassa man who is accused of bashing and robbing a shop attendant for a bottle of Little Fat Lamb.
The female supporter of Akeem Patrick Alberts shot up in defence of the Wanniassa man in court on Tuesday after police allege he rained down blows on a convenience store worker who caught him stealing the $11 bottle of alcoholic ginger beer.
Police facts tendered to the court say the 25-year-old along with another man and woman entered the Supa24 along Mort St about 5pm on Monday.
Court documents allege the shop attendant spotted Alberts stealing the bottle of Little Fat Lamb and confronted him in the store.
Police allege Alberts spat on the worker before the Wanniassa man took his shirt off and began to swear.
It’s alleged by police Alberts then punched the staff member multiple times in the face, neck and shoulder.
The woman with Alberts allegedly joined the wild melee and started to punch the worker as well.
Police say the alleged victim, fearing for his safety, closed his eyes and tried to shield himself from the violence.
CCTV footage allegedly captured both people landing more than 20 blows on the innocent worker.
The group then left the scene with the bottle of alcohol and police were called.
The alleged victim suffered multiple injuries including a swollen and split lip, a chipped tooth, bloody nose along with swelling and scratching to his head and arms.
Later that evening police intercepted Alberts the woman and a large group of people in Mawson.
Police allege Alberts became aggressive with police and was restrained and arrested.
In court on Tuesday, Alberts’ lawyer pushed for his release despite the 25-year-old’s criminal history both in the ACT and Queensland.
The court heard the Wanniassa man was visiting Canberra to see his mother’s grave and was “keen to get his life on track”.
Prosecutors alleged in court the attack was “extremely brazen and violent” over an $11 bottle of alcohol.
Chief magistrate Lorraine Walker denied Alberts bail, which caused an uproar in the courtroom from one of the 25-year-old’s supporters.
“You might as well f--- your dead grandmother,” the woman yelled at Ms Walker.
“You motherf---er.
“I’ll punch you in the mouth.”
“We’re black that’s why,” Alberts interjected.
The Wanniassa man was led into custody on charges of aggravated robbery and joint commission assault.
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