Robbery

Robbery is the taking of property belonging to a person, or money from a business with violence or threatening violence.

The threat of violence can be by using words, or by signalling to a person.

The maximum penalty for a robbery of this type if 14 years imprisonment.

In circumstances where an offensive weapon, instrument, or if it is in the company of another person is involved, the maximum penalty increases to 15 years imprisonment. An offensive weapon is defined under the Act as:

(a)  a dangerous weapon, or

(b)  any thing that is made or adapted for offensive purposes, or

(c)  any thing that, in the circumstances, is used, intended for use or threatened to be used for offensive purposes, whether or not it is ordinarily used for offensive purposes or is capable of causing harm.

This penalty can increase where the offence is aggravated.

These offences are generally dealt with in the District Court. In instances where the value of the property is under $5,000, we have been successful in having these matters finalised in the Local Court, thereby significantly reducing the applicable penalty.