Bank-robbing duo face bail hearing

Two teenagers accused of robbing a bank at gunpoint in the United States a week ago were indicted by a federal grand jury late on Saturday and are due for a bail hearing on Tuesday (NZT).

The jury found there was "probable cause" New Zealander Anthony Prince and Australian Luke Carroll, wearing ski masks and armed with BB guns, had robbed the WestStar Bank in the Colorado ski town of Vail of about US$130,000 ($182,000).

Both are aged 19 and believed to have been living in New South Wales until last November. They face up to 25 years in jail if convicted, and/or a US$250,000 fine.

Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the US Attorney's office in Denver, said bail for Prince and Carroll would be opposed because they were considered a danger to the community and were likely to flee.

A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said Prince was offered assistance but he opted to join Carroll in accepting Australian help.