Not guilty pleas in dairy robbery

TWO men have denied the violent armed robbery of a Mosgiel dairy and are gearing up for a jury trial.

Dunedin scaffolder Alistair McFarlane (31) yesterday pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He made a brief appearance in the Dunedin District Court by video link and no bail application was made by his counsel, Sarah SaundersonWarner.

McFarlane is accused of using a claw hammer during the incident in which the pair allegedly made off with cigarettes from the Mini Mart on March 3.

The shopkeeper was seriously injured.

Invercargill man Corey James Young (31) previously pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated robbery and dangerous driving.

He was declined bail last month. The owner of the dairy previously told the Otago Daily Times he was struck over the head then locked himself in a back room before calling police.

Emergency services arrived minutes later and the dairy owner was taken to hospital where he spent five nights after having surgery on his skull.

Young will appear in court again this month while McFarlane will come back before a judge in July.