Dylan Steven Lake was yesterday transported to Tamworth Correctional Centre after failing to secure his release on aggravated break-in offences, after Country Auctions and a Larool St home were targeted in the early hours of April 26.

Yesterday, Magistrate Michael Holmes found the 19-year-old had failed to show cause why he should not be detained.

Tamworth Target Action Group police arrested Lake on Thursday afternoon, following investigations into the offences.

Police will allege Lake and co-accused Corey James Hall broke into the Larool St home and stole items including a blue Holden Commodore, which was then used in a ram-raid attack on the Armidale Rd business at Nemingha.

Acting Detective Inspector Jason Darcy told The Leader the alleged offenders stole cash and a till that was later recovered in Chauvel Park.

“They’ve done extensive investigation since it happened, which has culminated in the arrest of the 19-year-old,” he said.

“All persons identified now have been arrested and charged, and police will allege they have forensic evidence linking both men to the scenes of the crime.

“This is a good result from the TAG team for the community, and it follows on from their recent loss-prevention operations and a number of significant operations conducted recently.”

Lake is charged with two counts of aggravated break-and-enter and committing a serious indictable offence in company, and being carried in a stolen car.

The court was told he  was on bail at the time for other charges.

Solicitor Joanne Patten argued Lake should be released because the case would face delays in getting to trial and there was no forensic evidence against her client. 

“It is a very weak prosecution case. All it relies on is one person who has given evidence.

“Mr Lake in his interview denies these offences.

“You would think they would have found Mr Lake’s fingerprints [on the window], but they did not.”

Police prosecutor Sergeant Cynthia Donovan opposed bail and said a significant piece of evidence had come to light.

“It’s a strong prosecution case in all aspects, especially when a co-accused gives evidence,” she said.

“It’s a continuation of a number of crimes over a short period of time.”

Magistrate Holmes refused bail and ordered Lake to remain in custody until next month.