DNA evidence has delayed the case against an Armidale teenager accused of a late-night robbery last year.
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Oliver Sindel is yet to enter a plea to six robbery, weapon and drugs offences following his arrest in Armidale in November, 2015, after investigations into a hold-up in Dangar Street.
Sindel, who is being held in custody at the Grafton Correctional Centre, did not appear in Armidale Local Court on Wednesday, however, solicitor Emma Carruthers said they were ready to proceed with the case.
“We're ready to reply to the brief today,” she said.
But the court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions was still awaiting the results of forensic evidence obtained from the alleged weapon.
“There is still some forensic evidence outstanding and that is in relation to DNA,” DPP solicitor Sue Hynes said. “I was instructed to ask that the matter be adjourned for negotiations.”
In January, the court heard there were delays in the laboratory to obtain DNA results from evidence. Magistrate Darryl Pearce ordered police to serve the balance of the brief with the DNA results before the case returns to court in March.
“Bail not applied for, refused,” he said.
Sindel is accused of robbing a 48-year-old woman about 10.20pm in Dangar Street on October 30, last year. Police allege the 19-year-old waited until the woman had used the ATM and returned to her car, when he grabbed her wallet.
The victim allegedly struggled with Sindel and injured her wrist when the car door was slammed, before Sindel ran off.
Investigators claim a witness tried to stop Sindel before he allegedly produced a knife and threatened the 64-year-old man, and then ran off.
Sindel was arrested less than a fortnight after by police who claim he was identified in closed circuit TV footage. He has been behind bars since his arrest, charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon, robbery, using an offensive weapon to commit an indictable offence, armed with intent, common assault and possession of a prohibited drug.