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Michael George White: Murwillumbah man to stay behind bars on remand after alleged armed Tweed servo holdup

Police allege a brave mum confronted a shotgun-wielding bandit who tried to rob a Tweed servo. Now, the accused is in custody on a string of charges, including manufacturing drugs.

Strike Force Barfield officers arrest in Murwillumbah

A man arrested in dramatic circumstances over an alleged botched sawn-off shotgun service station robbery in the Tweed will remain behind bars until his next court appearance.

Police also allege Murwillumbah man Michael George White, 53 - who has been in custody on remand - was found with equipment used to manufacture drugs.

CCTV was released of White’s dramatic arrest in a quiet northern NSW street. Picture: NSW Police
CCTV was released of White’s dramatic arrest in a quiet northern NSW street. Picture: NSW Police

White was arrested by NSW Police Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives on November 21 – nearly one month after the alleged Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah robbery attempt.

Police allege White entered the servo wearing a face mask and Coca-Cola bucket hat, armed with a loaded shotgun, about 2.50pm on October 24.

White allegedly fired a shot at the roof before he was confronted by a mother and her teenage son working behind the counter.

White was hit with nine charges after police raided a Murwillumbah property. Picture: NSW Police.
White was hit with nine charges after police raided a Murwillumbah property. Picture: NSW Police.

The woman courageously ran to confront White before he fled empty-handed in a Holden Colorado ute, police allege.

It’s also alleged a pursuit was initiated, but called off due to public safety.

CCTV released in relation to the alleged Murwillumbah service station armed hold up. Picture: NSW Police
CCTV released in relation to the alleged Murwillumbah service station armed hold up. Picture: NSW Police

Tweed Heads/Byron Bay police released CCTV footage and appealed for public assistance.

The shotgun believed to be the one used in the alleged attempted robbery. Picture: NSW Police.
The shotgun believed to be the one used in the alleged attempted robbery. Picture: NSW Police.

Detectives and the Tactical Operations Unit raided a Murwillumbah property, where officers allegedly found and seized the shotgun, ammunition and a vehicle of interest – all alleged to belong to White.

White’s alleged getaway car - a Holden Colorado ute. Picture: NSW Police
White’s alleged getaway car - a Holden Colorado ute. Picture: NSW Police

White was arrested and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station where he was hit with nine charges.

That includes attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm, manufacturing a prohibited drug and other firearm related offences.

He was refused bail and made his first court appearance on October 25.

No pleas have been entered.   

On Monday, White appeared via videolink in Tweed Heads Local Court for a brief mention. His bail status was not changed.

He will remain behind bars on remand until his next court appearance on March 25.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/michael-george-white-murwillumbah-man-to-stay-behind-bars-on-remand-after-alleged-armed-tweed-servo-holdup/news-story/d5ba87f27d04928c68768c189032f50b