Tavern robbery accused remanded in custody

A 19-year-old man accused of attempted murder after an alleged armed robbery attempt at the Glenbyre Tavern in Bromley has been further remanded in custody at a brief appearance in Christchurch District Court today.

Ryan Randall Vlietstra, unemployed, of Beckenham, was allegedly detained at the scene by patrons until the police arrived last Wednesday night, after an incident where a shot was fired from a cut-down .22 rifle and injured a man at the hotel.

Vlietstra has not yet entered pleas to charges of attempted murder, being unlawfully in possession of the firearm, having the gun to commit a robbery, and assaulting a woman with intent to rob her while armed with the firearm, the Christchurch Court News website reported.

Defence counsel Craig Ruane asked Judge David Saunders for the remand to July 26 so that he could get more details from the police about the case.

Judge Saunders granted the remand and commented: "Bail has not been asked for, and neither would it be considered proper given the nature of the charges at this time."

- NZPA