Austin Cornish charged with Launceston CBD armed robbery

A young Tasmanian man who allegedly stabbed a person in the neck and abdomen while robbing him of his phone and wallet has been identified in court.

A young Tasmanian man who allegedly stabbed a person in the neck and abdomen during a violent armed robbery has been identified in court.

Newnham man Austin Mathew Cornish, 20, was charged with aggravated armed robbery and wounding following the alleged incident in Launceston CBD’s Brisbane St Mall in the early hours of June 5.

According to documents filed with Launceston Magistrates Court, Tasmania Police allege Mr Cornish was in the “company of others” when he robbed a 24-year-old South Launceston man, who the Mercury has chosen not to name, of a black Gucci wallet and iPhone 12.

Police allege Mr Cornish was armed with a knife during the robbery and that he used it to stab the complainant to the neck and abdomen.

Police previously revealed the complainant was transported to Launceston General Hospital with “non-life threatening injuries”.

They confirmed no-one else has been charged with offences stemming from the alleged incident.

Mr Cornish, whose charges were mentioned for the first time in court on Wednesday, did not enter a plea.

Both matters were adjourned to September 6.