Western Sydney man allegedly stole $17,500 using sawn-off shotgun

A western Sydney man is behind bars after allegedly holding-up two pubs with a sawn-off shotgun taking $17,500 in cash before being arrested in Castle Hill.

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A western Sydney man is behind bars after allegedly holding-up two pubs with a sawn-off shotgun taking $17,500 in cash before being arrested in Castle Hill.

Jason Bridge, 32, from Blackett, was arrested outside a Castle Hill hotel on Saturday morning following a police investigation into two armed robberies.

Bridge appeared at Parramatta Local Court on Sunday and was refused bail.

Jason Bridge is arrested outside a hotel in Castle Hill on Saturday. Picture: NSW Police

Police allege he held-up Winston Hills Hotel on Thursday, April 11 and The Royal Inn in Newcastle last Thursday using a shortened, double-barrel shotgun.

He allegedly took off with $1000 in cash during the first incident, in the cover of night, and $16,500 in cash during the second robbery in broad daylight.

Strike Force Yard was set up to investigate and officers found Bridge at a hotel in Castle Hill where they arrested him about 11.30am on Saturday.

Police executed search warrants in Castle Hill and Newcastle after the arrest, seizing cash and other items. Picture: NSW Police

A 32-year-old woman was also arrested and was charged for outstanding warrants.

Shortly after, detectives executed search warrants at a hotel room in Castle Hill and a home in Newcastle where they located several items including two firearms, $6000 in cash and prohibited drugs.

The items were seized and will undergo forensic examination.

Bridge is facing a long list of charges including robbery armed with dangerous weapon (x2), possess unregistered firearm, and supply prohibited drug (meth).

Two firearms were seized by police including this shortened, double-barrel shotgun. Picture: NSW Police

He is also facing multiple driving charges relating to an incident in Mt Druitt the day after the first armed robbery. Police allege he was spotted driving a BMW X1 dangerously along Ayres Grove in Mt Druitt about 3.50pm on Friday, April 12.

He has been charged with police pursuit not stop (drive dangerously) in relation to that incident as well as use offensive weapon (a vehicle) to prevent lawful detention.

Other charges he is facing include take and drive conveyance without consent of owner (x2) and larceny.

His case has been adjourned to Thursday, June 20 at Parramatta Local Court.