Russell’s Food and Drink on the Holywood Road in East Belfast A teenage kickboxer on steroids allegedly robbed a convenience store at knifepoint, a court has heard. Farron Locke, 19, is accused of taking nearly £200 in cash after threatening female staff with the large blade on Thursday evening. Young children were also present during the raid carried out at Russell’s Food and Drink on the Holywood Road in East Belfast.
Locke, of Rathmore Street in the city, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday on charges of robbery and possessing an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. READ MORE: Sinn Féin blasts £40K Halloween Council fund “being blown on pumpkins” READ MORE: Belfast Botanic Gardens to host special 'Christmas Ice Experience' He faces a further count of stealing a bottle of Pina Colada mix valued at £12.99 from the same store earlier on the same day.
Prosecution counsel claimed Locke returned to the premises wearing a mask and armed with a knife which he brandished at a shopkeeper. Money was taken from the cash till before the robber left the scene. “A receipt showed that the till was down by £185.
98, which is alleged to be the value of the robbery by this defendant,” the lawyer revealed. Police opposed bail amid claims that he poses a risk of causing harm. “The accused armed himself with a large knife and threatened female members of staff while the shop was busy with members of the public, including very young chil.