Off licence armed robbery accused remanded into custody
A man charged with allegedly stabbing a member of staff working in an off licence in Carrickfergus, has been remanded into prison custody at Maghaberry.
Edward Stuart Cambridge, with an address at Dismas House Hostel on the Ormeau Road in Belfast, appeared in Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3rd August, where he faced a total of 12 charges in relation to an armed robbery in a Carrickfergus business.
The shocking incident allegedly took place on Friday 31st July when the 34-year-old entered the Winemark off licence on the Woodburn Road in Carrickfergus at approximately 8.10pm. Police received a report that a man had entered the store a short time before, grabbed a female member of staff from behind and held a pointed item to her throat while demanding cash.
The female staff member was forced to the back of the store, where her colleague was working. The two were then made to obtain cash for the man, who began punching and kicking the male staff member.
The male member of staff was also stabbed in the side with a pointed item, later discovered to be a screwdriver. The two staff members were able to escape while the accused was distracted.
Police officers later spotted a man who matched the description given by staff and after a foot chase, a struggle followed during which an officer was punched before the man was detained.
Detective Inspector Gallagher praised response officers who found the suspect shortly after the alleged incident.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for the off licence staff, who showed great presence of mind in being able to escape from the store,” said Detective Inspector Gallagher.
“We’re relieved that, although shaken by their experience, neither sustained serious injury.”
Cambridge subsequently appeared in court, where he was charged with two counts of robbery, two counts of assault on police, criminal damage, two counts of false imprisonment, making threats to kill, theft, two counts of common assault and a charge of aggravated burglary and stealing.
He was remanded into custody at Maghaberry to appear in court again, by videolink, on Monday 10th August.
