Jayden Rees charged with a string of armed robberies at bottle shops
Jayden Victor Rees, 42, of Ettalong has been charged over a series of armed hold ups at bottle shops on the Central Coast.
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A man has faced court charged with holding up three bottle shops on the Central Coast as well as a terrifying alleged armed robbery at Shelly Beach Golf Club.
Jayden Victor Rees, 42, of Ettalong, was arrested during a vehicle stop near his home on Flathead Rd last week following an investigation by detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad.
About 8.15pm on Friday, September 13, two men — one armed with a shortened double-barrel shotgun — entered Liquor Land at Long Jetty and allegedly threatened the staff member and a customer, demanding cash.
Charge sheets tendered in court allege Mr Rees stole $2500 before running from the store.
In the second incident, police allege Mr Rees was armed with a shortened double-barrel shotgun when he entered Wine Palace at Wamberal, shortly before 8pm on Wednesday, September 18, and threatened the employee before taking $1800 cash and fleeing the scene.
Police will allege about 9pm on Monday, September 30, Mr Rees, again armed with a shortened double-barrel shotgun, entered Shelly Beach Golf Club in company with another man where they allegedly threatened staff and security, demanding cash.
Both men fled the scene with $3150 in cash.
In the final incident about 7.15am on Tuesday, October 8, Mr Rees was armed with a shortened double-barrel shotgun when he entered Bateau Bay Cellars and threatened the staff member, demanding cash and cigarettes, according to court documents.
Charge sheets allege Mr Rees stole $175 cash, 35 packets of cigarettes and two bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey.
Local detectives commenced inquiries before the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad formed Strike Force Conus to investigate the incidents, which police believed were linked.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by the Tactical Operations Unit arrested Mr Rees during a vehicle stop about 7.40pm on Thursday.
Shortly after the arrest, investigators attended a nearby home, which police allege appeared to have been booby trapped.
The home was rendered safe before a search warrant was conducted.
During the search, police seized ammunition, handcuffs, and various items of interest to investigation.
Mr Rees was charged with two counts each of armed robbery and armed robbery in company.
He was also charged with driving while disqualified and possessing ammunition.
Mr Rees said little when his matter was mentioned in Gosford Local Court other than to confirm his surname was “Rees”.
In the dock he had a bandage around his right forearm and a cut on his forehead.
He will face court again on December 13.