Transgender woman held over armed robberies

Police at the scene of the robbery at Sue Todd Antiques. Photo / ODT

A 40-year-old Waitaki woman charged with three Dunedin armed robberies using an imitation pistol has been remanded to a men's prison.

"There's a bit of a predicament," defence counsel Anne Stevens said.

Despite Shelley Lee Williams' gender noted as "female" on court documents, Stevens said her birth certificate classed her as "male".

Stevens said her client wanted to go to Otago Corrections Facility - a men's prison - rather than Christchurch Women's Prison.

Judge Kevin Phillips said that was "appropriate".

The defendant appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning where no pleas were entered.

Court documents allege Williams first robbed McAuliffe Jewellers on June 6 where she made off with $550 cash.

According to charge sheets she then targeted Sue Todd Antiques on Stuart St on June 23 from which she took $5520 of gold and silver jewellery.

At 4.30pm the same day it is alleged the woman also robbed Elgin Food Market of cash and tobacco worth $1970.

The fake pistol was then allegedly pointed at a member of the public who chased the offender, police said at the time.

Williams faced a count of assault with intent to facilitate flight from the scene of a crime as a result.

After her arrest, police said CCTV footage and other cameras throughout the city had been of assistance in the investigation.

During all three aggravated robberies, the offender was disguised, leading police initially to search for a "solidly built male".

Williams will appear in court again in three weeks.