Carnes Hill Marketplace: Paul Flanagan charged with armed robbery at jewellery store

The alleged shooter in a frightening ‘stick-up’ robbery of a jewellery store in Sydney’s southwest has appeared in court, while the hunt intensifies for his alleged accomplice.

The scene of the brazen armed robbery at Carnes Hill.

The alleged armed robber who used a shotgun to terrify a southwest Sydney jewellery store business has appeared in court, sporting a large lump on his forehead, while his alleged accomplice remains at large.

Paul Flanagan, 23, allegedly fired a .22 gauge shotgun during a robbery of a Carnes Hill Marketplace retailer about 4:45pm on Monday.

Police allege Flanagan entered the store and threatened a 52-year-old employee with a firearm before shooting the weapon, smashing glass display cabinets with a hammer, and grabbing jewellery before fleeing on a motorcycle.

He was located at Busby and allegedly threatened police officers with a shotgun, before dropping it and running. After a short pursuit, Flanagan was arrested, with police allegedly seizing stolen jewellery, ammunition and methylamphetamine.

Appearing in Liverpool Court today, Flanagan did not apply for bail through his Legal Aid lawyer and his case was adjourned to December 1 when he has another alleged offence listed for Liverpool.

Police investigating the scene of the armed robbery.

Magistrate Kemp made an order for his head to be treated while in custody.

The “outstanding bravery” of two police officers who arrested Flanagan has been praised as the hunt intensifies for the alleged accomplice.

NSW Police Detective inspector Andrew Evans said the alleged robbery was a random incident and serious example of alleged criminal behaviour.

The jewellery store which was robbed. Picture: Facebook

Police outside the store.

“The two officers that arrested this man, I would say their actions were extraordinarily brave,” he said. “They were very well trained, and obviously equipped to arrest offenders who are armed and dangerous. But their bravery is outstanding.”

Insp. Evans said the jewellery store owner’s actions to immediately activate the alarm was critical, with the man “still very shaken”.

“The worst case scenario was someone could have been killed or seriously injured,” he said.

“Discharging a firearm in a crowded shopping centre in the middle of the afternoon is extraordinarily dangerous.”

More than 20 witnesses called police following the incident at Carnes Hill Marketplace, with police confident the second man, described as being in his mid-20s, wearing a grey hoodie and pants and riding a black motorcycle, will be swiftly identified and arrested.

Flanagan faces charges including two counts of fire firearm at other than dwelling disregarding safety, and one count each of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, possess unregistered unauthorised prohibited firearm in public place, and resist/hinder police officer in execution of duty.

More than 20 witnesses called police following the incident at Carnes Hill Marketplace, with police confident the second man, described as being in his mid-20s, wearing a grey hoodie and pants and riding a black motorcycle, will be swiftly identified and arrested.

Flanagan faces charges including two counts of fire firearm at other than dwelling disregarding safety, and one count each of robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, possess unregistered unauthorised prohibited firearm in public place, and resist/hinder police officer in execution of duty.