Waterfront mugging accused plead not guilty to aggravated robbery

Two young people allegedly involved in a waterfront mugging that police claim led to the tragic drowning of a 27-year-old Hobart man have both pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery.

A vigil and walk held for 27-year-old drowning victim Deepinderjeet Singh at Franklin Wharf in January. Picture: Chris Kidd

Two young people allegedly involved in a Hobart waterfront mugging that police claim led to the tragic drowning of a 27-year-old Tasmanian man have both pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery.

Deepinderjeet Singh is being remembered as kind-hearted.

Chantelle Gloria Devine-Wordsworth, 25, and Hayden Thomas Nichols, 19, each appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, facing charges relating to an incident that occurred at Franklin Wharf in late January.

The Lenah Valley woman pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by Magistrate Glenn Hay to return to court on Thursday 25 July.

Nichols, from Berriedale, also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail to return to court on Thursday 8 August.

Neither of the pair have been charged with causing the death of Deepinderjeet “Deep” Singh, who drowned after he and his female companion were both allegedly pushed into the water during an apparent handbag snatch gone wrong.

Mr Singh’s female companion was able to swim to safety, but, despite efforts from passers-by, Mr Singh could not be saved.

A vigil and walk held for 27-year-old drowning victim Deepinderjeet Singh at Franklin Square. Picture: Chris Kidd

A 17-year-old boy from Goodwood, who allegedly pushed Mr Singh into the water, has been charged with manslaughter, while a 17-year-old Berriedale girl is facing an aggravated robbery charge.

Mr Singh’s death triggered an outpouring of grief within Hobart’s multicultural community, with hundreds of mourners holding a public vigil in Franklin Square in the week following his death.