Laurence Sinfield: ‘Well-known’ identity allegedly targeted same man twice in Werribee robberies

A “well-known” transient man in Melbourne’s west allegedly bashed and robbed the same person twice in five months.

A “well-known” Werribee man allegedly bashed and robbed the same man twice in five months, a court has heard.

Laurence Sinfield faced Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Thursday via audio link from the Metropolitan Remand Centre for a bail application on robbery and attempted robbery charges.

The court heard the “transient” man, who usually lives in Williamstown, was arrested on January 9 on Manly St after allegedly attempting to rob a man outside Werribee Cash Converters two days earlier.

Detective Senior Constable John Gorgy told the court the victim had received a refund from the store and was standing outside when he was approached by Mr Sinfield.

“He tried to snatch the cash out of his hand yelling: ‘give us the money, give it over’,” he said.

“The victim was punched to the head and face repeatedly before witnesses took him back inside Cash Converters to protect him from the accused.”

The accused was allegedly unsuccessful in his robbery attempt and the man later walked to Werribee Police Station to report the incident.

Mr Sinfield had allegedly robbed the same man five months earlier on August 6, 2021, after he had withdrawn $380 from an ATM.

During that incident police allege he followed the man along Whatley St in Werribee before pushing him to the ground and punching him to the head numerous times.

Det Sen Constable Gorgy said because of the earlier incident, the victim was able to identify Mr Sinfield.

“They’re known to each other in the Werribee area,” he said. “I’m unable to say what kind of relationship they have but the accused is well-known”.

Prosecutors opposed Mr Sinfield’s bail application alleging he was a risk of committing further offences and a risk to the safety of the victim.

The court was unable to complete the bail application due to time constraints and the matter was adjourned until February 17.