NSW police charge man over armed robbery and spitting on police officers

A man has been charged over the alleged armed robbery of two women in an inner-city park and assault of police while in custody earlier this week.

About 10.40pm on Sunday (16 February 2020), a group of people were approached by an unknown man while they were sitting in the barbecue area of Prince Alfred Park.

Police will allege in court that the man grabbed two of the women’s handbags and after they attempted to retrieve them, the man smashed a glass soy sauce bottle and threatened the group.

The man ran through the park before jumping fences onto the rail corridor. Inquiries revealed the man tripped while running and struck his face on a steel beam. One of the stolen handbags was later located in this area.

Officers from Police Transport Command were alerted and located the man on Platform 22 at Central Railway Station with a deep laceration to his face.

The 20-year-old man was taken by NSW Ambulance paramedics to St Vincents Hospital, where he later underwent surgery.

It will also be alleged that while he was being guarded in hospital, the man became aggressive towards the police officers, throwing a water bottle and food and spitting on them. He also allegedly caused significant damage to the hospital bed, rendering it non-operational.

After being released from hospital, the man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, where it’s alleged the man again spat on a police officer.

He was subsequently charged with two counts of larceny, armed with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, destroy or damage property, and robbery armed with offensive weapon.

The man appeared at Central Local Court today (Tuesday 18 February 2020), where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court on Tuesday 14 April 2020.

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