Wanted Man Extradited Over Historic NSW Bank Robberies After 30 Years
A 76-year-old man has been extradited from Queensland to New South Wales to face charges for two armed bank robberies that occurred nearly three decades ago in regional areas of the state. The long-awaited arrest follows a joint operation between NSW Police and Queensland Police, culminating in the man's apprehension in the Sunshine State.
Details of the 1996 Coonabarabran Robbery
The first incident took place on October 28, 1996, in Coonabarabran, located in NSW's Central West region. According to police reports, an unknown man, allegedly armed with a shotgun, entered a local bank and demanded cash from staff. To secure his escape, he reportedly took a female customer hostage, holding her until he reached his motorcycle parked a short distance away from the bank.
Second Robbery in Laurieton in 1997
Months later, on January 10, 1997, a similar robbery occurred in Laurieton, within the Port Macquarie region of NSW. Police allege that an unknown man, again armed with a shotgun, entered a bank and directed staff to fill his duffle bag with cash. He then took a bank employee hostage, escorting her out of the bank to his nearby getaway car before releasing her and fleeing the scene.
Arrest and Extradition Process
NSW Police had issued arrest warrants for a man, aged 47 at the time, in 1997 for both incidents. After nearly 30 years, authorities successfully located and arrested the now 76-year-old man in Queensland based on these outstanding warrants. On Tuesday, police were granted an extradition order to bring him back to NSW to face charges.
The man was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was formally charged with robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon (two counts) and detain for advantage without causing injury to victim (two counts). He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in Bail Division Local Court 1 on Wednesday.
This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing historic crimes, demonstrating that even after decades, individuals can be held accountable for serious offences. The extradition marks a significant step in the legal process, bringing closure to a long-standing investigation that has remained active for nearly three decades.
