William Howie: Accused armed robber’s alleged brazen attack

A young Malvern East heroin addict allegedly smashed up a milk bar, threatening the owner with a meat cleaver, during a brazen armed robbery.

A young, rich east Malvern man is accused of smashing up a milk bar and threatening the owner with a meat cleaver during a brazen armed robbery, a court has heard.

William Howie, 27, had tears in his eyes as he faced Melbourne Magistrate’s Court last week facing a string of charges over two alleged armed robberies.

The court heard Mr Howie allegedly robbed a post office on Darling Rd in Malvern East on May 11 wearing a black trench coat and surgical mask.

Police say he loitered outside for 15 minutes before entering and demanding cash from the store operator, pointing a machete at him.

“Fearing for his life, the attendant complied and handed over $1800 and two money order pads,” an armed crime squad investigator told the court.

Just 12 days later, it’s alleged he broke into a milk bar in Elwood shouting: “Give me money” at the employee while holding a meat cleaver.

Police say the employee ran outside screaming and attempted to lock Mr Howie in the building.

He allegedly smashed through a glass panel and fled the scene empty-handed.

Prosecutors told the court both victims were “traumatised” by the incident and fearful of the 27-year-old getting bail.

“The post office operator, in particular, said every time someone walks into the store wearing a face mask it takes him back to that moment,” the investigator said.

It’s alleged he was caught and charged with armed robbery and attempted armed robbery after DNA evidence found at the milk bar matched the accused man and CCTV evidence showed him driving his mum’s rare Peugeot wagon to and from the crime scenes.

The court heard Mr Howie grew up in a loving, tight knit and “affluent” family, but had become a heavy heroin user after the deaths of two close friends.

His lawyer, Joanne Poole, said those events had “drastically” altered the young man who previously had a “bright future ahead of him”.

She said 11 days in police custody had been a “wake-up call” and he now realised he needed to do something about his addiction, proposing he enter a rehab facility if granted bail.

“It’s conceded this may lead to a lengthy prison sentence, ”she said. “But ultimately it’s in the community‘s interest for Mr Howie to be given an opportunity for community rehabilitation now.”

Magistrate Tara Hartnett said this was a “devastating case” highlighting the dangers of drug addictions.

“Heroin doesn‘t discriminate between demographics. It’s an evil drug,” she said.

“I’ve agonised over this decision but ultimately I am prepared to give you bail. It can never be said the courts did not give you a chance at rehabilitation.”

Mr Howie was granted bail under strict conditions mandating he attend rehab and will return to court on October 8.