25-year-old man to face court on 22 charges linked to historic aggravated robberies

Detective Sergeant Hains said the summons was a significant milestone for Operation Athabasca.

A 25-year-old man has been summoned to court on 22 charges including attempted murder, forcible confinement and aggravated robbery in relation to a series of offences committed since he was a teenager.

The man was charged as part of Operation Athabasca, which saw police link 14 incidents – including 13 aggravated robberies – on licensed premises across the ACT since 2009.

The offenders in the aggravated robberies used guns, knives and modified nail guns across the 14 robberies, some of which had yielded the offenders more than $80,000. CCTV from the incidents released on 1 August shows two or three offenders but Detective Station Sergeant Harry Hains said officers were not sure how many people were involved and expects further arrest and charges to be made.

“It’s clear from the videos and appeals we have released that there was more than one alleged offender,” Detective Sergeant Hains said. “I am not ruling out laying further charges against any persons at this moment – in fact, we would hope to lay more charges.”

Detective Sergeant Hains said the summons was a significant milestone for Operation Athabasca, which is ongoing and will continue to target other offenders in this series of events. He thanked the public for their assistance and said the public’s help was a significant factor to the success of the operation.

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the courage of the victims, for their assistance and despite still recovering from these traumatic events, they have been with us all the way,” he said.

“The victims suffered from both physical and mental injuries as a result of these violent offences.

“You have our ongoing support.”

Detective Sergeant Hains said the success of this operation served as a reminder to anyone who commits a serious crime that it doesn’t matter whether it is “one day or ten years after the event”, ACT Police will keep looking for those responsible.

“There are further people that we want to talk to and I hope they’re watching,” he said. “My detectives are looking forward to meeting with you.”

The 25-year-old will face the ACT Magistrates Court on September 26 on 22 charges including:

• Attempted murder
• Ten counts of aggravated robbery
• Two counts of attempted aggravated robbery
• Forcible confinement
• Use of a prohibited weapon
• Aggravated burglary
• Theft
• Criminal damage
• Four offences relating to stealing motor vehicles

Operation Athabasca is ongoing, and Police urge anyone who may have any information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website

Please quote reference 6283658. Information can be provided anonymously.