Two facing charges after failed robbery bid

TWO young men have been charged following an alleged attempted armed robbery in Launceston’s CBD — the third terrifying daylight holdup on Tasmania’s streets in July.

The alleged attempted armed holdup occurred on July 29 with police saying a member of the public was attacked in the Brisbane Street Mall.

Police said the man was confronted by two men in Princes Square demanding money. It is alleged he was assaulted before getting away.

The alleged offenders then found him in the mall near the bus interchange and police say he was struck to the head with a glass bottle.

Launceston detectives have now charged a 14-year-old male youth and a man, 18, both from Ravenswood, with attempted armed robbery.

The youth was given bail and will appear in court at a later date.

He was detained by police and appeared in the Launceston Court of Petty Sessions on Sunday.

“The man is recovering well from his physical injuries. He is understandably shaken up, but is expected over time, to make a full recovery,” Detective Sergeant Peter Roberts said.

It follows two bag-snatch attacks in Devonport in July.

Nathan Luke Deckers last week pleaded guilty to the armed robbery of a 63-yearold woman in Steele Street, Devonport, and the attempted armed holdup of a 72-year-old woman earlier the same day.

The Supreme Court in Launceston heard the woman let go of her bag after Deckers pointed a replica gun into her stomach. He had received the gun in the post the day before.