Two years' jail for bogus robbery that netted $100

Faking the knifepoint robbery of a Foxton cafe has seen a Manatwatu teen jailed for two years. File photo / NZ Herald

A Manawatu teenager who faked being the victim of a Foxton knifepoint cafe robbery has been jailed for two years.

Andrew Crombie, 18, admitted to police he was part of a hoax on December 19 that saw two associates, disguised with bandanas over their faces, burst into the Foxton Tram Cafe where Crombie was working and demand money.

Damien Bhana held a knife to Crombie's throat and punched him in the head as part of the bogus robbery, which netted them $100.

Crombie, who admitted charges of aggravated robbery and perverting the course of justice, was sentenced to two years' jail when he appeared in Palmerston North District yesterday, The Dominion Post reported.

His lawyer Steve Winter said Crombie took steps to protect innocent parties in the cafe that day, keeping only a small amount of money in the till, and making sure other staff were on a break.

Bhana was jailed for two years in April. A woman and two men are yet to be sentenced for their part in the robbery.

- NZPA