Ryan William Wayne: McDonald’s armed robbery accused in court
A 23-year-old man has been released on bail a day after an alleged knifepoint robbery of a McDonald’s in Tweed Heads. Here’s why.
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A 23-year-old man has fronted court after he allegedly robbed an employee at the Tweed South McDonald’s and fled with cash.
Police allege Ryan William Wayne entered the McDonald’s at Minjungbal Drive near Parry Street about 11.30am on Thursday.
It is alleged Mr Wayne demanded money from an employee before fleeing the scene a short time later with cash.
Police searched the scene where Wayne was arrested nearby and he was allegedly found with a knife which was seized for forensic examination.
Mr Wayne appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday charged with one count of robbery armed with an offensive weapon.
No pleas have been entered.
Defence lawyer Lucas Swan applied for bail in court.
Mr Swan told the court his client had cerebral palsy and schizophrenia that was treated by medication and suffered physical pain.
He said Wayne had a place to stay with a group home in Tweed Heads.
He conceded the prosecution had a strong case but said jail was not the only option for his client upon sentence.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Chris Martin said it was a very serious offence that would have had an impact on the alleged victims.
He opposed bail on the basis of protecting the community.
Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy noted the charge carried a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in jail and could not be determined in the local court.
“The (police) facts are very troubling,” Mr Dunlevy said.
He said the alleged victims would have been very frightened.
However, he noted Wayne would suffer a higher degree of hardship in custody.
He granted house arrest bail with conditions not to leave the residence without staff with him and he was not to enter the McDonald’s on Minjungbal Drive.
The matter will be back before the court on February 7, 2022.
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Originally published as Ryan William Wayne: McDonald’s armed robbery accused in court
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