An arrest has been made following the investigation of a violent armed robbery last month, where two masked Caucasian men left an employee of the Commonwealth Hotel Newcastle seriously injured.
On 28 February at 4:24am, it has been alleged that CCTV caught two men confronting the manager as he locked up.
The two men, armed with a machete and baseball bat, allegedly threatened the manager with death if he failed to assist them.
A police fact sheet alleges the manager was forced inside and made to move on his knees to open cash dispensers and safes. At one point it is alleged one of the perpetrators called the manager by name.
The perpetrators allegedly took $124,456.
34-year-old John Jerrett, a parolee, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm.
Jerrett, a casual demolition worker, was known to the manager as a regular of the Commonwealth Hotel.
Newcastle Local Court refused bail to Jerrett yesterday as police continue to look for the second masked man, and is to appear in court again in May.
The seriously injured employee, a cleaner, who had suffered a medical emergency after being assaulted by the offenders, has reportedly stabilized but is still in John Hunter Hospital after being revived by police at the scene.
Newcastle Local Court was told that part of the evidence includes CCTV footage as well as DNA taken from a glove found inside the hotel.
However, Jarrett’s solicitor Matthew Unwin, asserted the glove was a “relocatable” piece of evidence as his client was a regular of the establishment.
Further allegations include Jarrett’s Mercedes being caught on CCTV immediately prior to the event.
Unwin argued Jarrett did not have contact with his car. He further argued that while Jarrett’s clothing appeared to match that of the thieves caught on CCTV, the clothing was not distinctive, and stated this was a weak circumstantial case.
Magistrate Caleb Franklin did not agree, saying Jerrett was facing “very serious allegations” and noted the defendant’s extensive criminal history.
Management of the Commonwealth Hotel announced a fundraiser would be held today in aid of the affected staff members.
“Everyone who is part of our community knows that we’re more than just a pub,” said a statement.
“The Commy is a second home for many, and our staff and customers look out for each other like family.”
Police investigations continue.
