A wanted man has been arrested in Queensland over two historic bank robberies in NSW almost 30 years ago.
Police say an unknown man entered a bank in Coonabarabran in 1996 armed with a shotgun and demanded cash from staff.
He allegedly took a female customer hostage to secure his escape, holding her until he reached his motorcycle a short distance away.
Just three months later, the same man is alleged to have committed a similar style robbery at a bank in Laurieton, where he was again armed with a shotgun and directed staff to fill his duffle bag with cash.
He also took a bank employee hostage, escorting her out of the bank to his nearby getaway car before releasing her and fleeing the scene.
In 1997, NSW police obtained arrest warrants for the man, who was aged 47 at the time of both incidents.
He remained on the run for three decades, before detectives yesterday travelled to Queensland where they applied for and were granted the man’s extradition to NSW.
The 76-year-old was escorted to Tweed Heads Police Station, where he was charged with Robbery while armed with two counts of dangerous weapon, and two counts of detain for advantage without causing injury to victim.
He was refused bail to appear in court today.
