Hunted South Auckland robbery suspect nabbed

Joseph Sua, the man wanted in connection with a number of quirky South Auckland robberies, is back behind bars after several months on the run.

Sua first appeared in the Herald in December in connection with an aggravated robbery at the Kiwibank in Flat Bush.

Several days later he allegedly rang the bank manager saying he wanted more money and asked for it to be brought outside.

Sua was arrested and appeared in court charged in connection with the incidents but was granted bail.

Early this year he breached his bail terms by returning to the Kiwibank and allegedly robbing it again.

Police allege he also tried to rob the Roop Shinjaar jewellery shop in Papatoetoe and a Wendy's restaurant.

In March, Sua was allegedly caught on camera at the Challenge service station in Papatoetoe showing the employee a picture of himself in the Herald's Crimescene column.

He then allegedly tried to rob the station.

Pleas through the news media for Sua to hand himself in failed and police had been hunting him for several months.

Detective Ian McGill said a combination of "good old-fashioned police work" and "good timing" led to Sua's arrest on Saturday.

He was found at an address in Porirua.

Sua was charged with the aggravated robbery of the Kiwibank, assault with intent to rob the Wendy's restaurant, the Challenge petrol station and the Roop Shinjaar jewellery shop, theft of a motor vehicle for use during a robbery attempt and obtaining by deception.

He appeared in the Manukau District Court yesterday and was remanded in custody without plea for two weeks.