An Armagh man accused of being in possession of a knife and attempting to steal the contents of the till at a city Chinese restaurant is to face Crown Court proceedings later this year.
The 41-year-old appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry on Tuesday, for the purposes of a preliminary enquiry (PE), the legal process during which a case is referred to the higher court.
Robert Philip Arnold, of Drumcairn Way, is charged with attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
As the charges were read, it was heard that the defendant is alleged to committed these offences on May 24, 2020.
Arnold is accused of attempting to rob the contents of a till and being in possession of a knife at East Chinese Restaurant on Railway Street, Armagh.
Appearing via videolink from his solicitor’s office, the defendant made no objection to the holding of a preliminary enquiry.
Prosecution submitted that based on the papers before the court there was a prima facie case to answer.
Defence barrister Conor Lunny made no contrary submissions.
Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that he was satisfied there was a prima facie case to answer.
Arnold was released on his own bail of £500, with conditions not to contact the alleged injured parties or enter the restaurant, to appear before Newry Crown Court on May 11 for arraignment.
