Miner charged over theft, threats at North West District

A 30-year-old miner was yesterday read four charges, three counts of robbery where he allegedly stole a total of $435,000 in items and one count of making use of threatening behaviour.

The four charges against Alex Williams were read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that between September 13 and 14 at Red Road Backdam, North West District, he stole a $120,000 Honda pump, property of Godfrey Ashby.

On October 24, at 4 Miles Arakaka, North West District, Williams is alleged to have broken and entered a home, stealing 10 pennyweights of raw gold valued at $100,000 and a $55,000 phone, property of Wilbert Nippington

Williams also allegedly stole a $100,000 Honda pump and 20 feet flex hose valued $60,000 on December 4 at Purple Heart, Arakaka property of Terrance Bowman.

The final charge against the defendant is that on October 28 he made use of threatening behaviour to Nippington.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Bail was not objected to by the prosecutor but he requested that if granted it be substantial.

Chief Magistrate McLennan subsequently granted the defendant $165,000 bail, placed him on a bond to keep the peace until the completion of the trial and ordered that he remain 50 feet away from Nippington.

The matter was then adjourned to February 7, 2017 when it will be called in the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.