Alleged teen mugger wants rugby bail

One of the two teenagers who allegedly mugged a 95-year-old Flaxmere woman wants his bail conditions altered so he can play rugby for his school.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named, did not deny the charge when he appeared in Hastings Youth Court on Monday.

It is alleged Elsie Jones, 95, was grabbed by two youths who stole her handbag, cash and milk as she walked back home to her flat from the Flaxmere Shopping Centre on July 9.

Judge Richard Watson said he would consider an application to change the bail conditions but he expected police to oppose it.

Wairoa Tatanapene Gemmell, 18, who is jointly charged with robbing Mrs Jones, denies the charge.