Jackson Armstrong allegedly attempted to steal vapes from bottle-o

A young man allegedly armed himself with a knife and a replica gun before charging into a Canberra bottle-o and demanding the shopkeeper hand over vapes.

CANBERRA Jackson Armstrong leaves the ACT Law Courts on March 13 2023. Mr Armstrong allegedly attempted to steal a vape from a Canberra bottle-o armed with a replica gun and knife. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

A Canberra man has faced court after allegedly attempting to steal vapes from a bottle-o.

Jackson Armstrong, 20, appeared at ACT Magistrates court on Monday charged with possessing a firearm, possessing a knife without reasonable excuse and attempted aggravated burglary.

He did not enter any pleas.

The statement of facts tendered to the court allege Mr Armstrong attended the Auzi liquor store in Franklin at 5.05pm on Sunday wearing a black balaclava while having a folding knife and replica gun on his waistband.

Police allege Mr Armstrong demanded the shop owner to hand over nicotine vapes while gesturing to his waistband.

Jackson Armstrong allegedly attempted to steal a vape from a Canberra bottle-o armed with a replica gun and knife. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Police allege Armstrong said “I don’t want to harm you, what do you have under the counter, give me what you have under the counter” to the store owner who said he had nothing under the counter.

Mr Armstrong allegedly left the store without taking any items.

Police allege he gestured to the store owner with two fingers and said “I’m watching you … remember my face.”

Mr Armstrong was arrested at 5.25pm and police allegedly found a replica gun in his bag.

During a recorded interview, Mr Armstrong allegedly told police “i didn’t want to harm anyone, I just wanted to intimidate the shop staff.”

Police allege Mr Armstrong said he had the knife for personal protection.

Mr Armstrong’s lawyer told the court his client recently moved from Newcastle to get away from an anti-social crowd, but had issues with his new housemates in Canberra.

He said Mr Armstrong had no criminal record and had a background of mental health issues and trauma.

While Magistrate Robert Cook granted Mr Armstrong bail he said he was concerned by “the (alleged) manner of the crime” despite no items being stolen.

Mr Armstrong will appear again in court on April 3.