A MAN has been remanded in custody for allegedly attacking the Long Gully post office licensee with a steel bar during an attempted armed robbery earlier this month.
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William Battye, in his early 20s, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Friday facing four charges for the incident on November 2.
He did not apply for bail and was remanded to appear in court on February 6.
Battye has been charged with attempted armed robbery, unlawful assault with a steel bar, recklessly causing injury and recklessly causing serious injury.
The court heard Battye “took a lot of drugs” the day before he was arrested and was in a drug-affected state while in custody, before he could be interviewed by police.
He was charged on Thursday.
Defence counsel Kate Youngson said Battye has an intellectual disability and he “complains of depression”, but has not been formally diagnosed with depression.
He was also charged with shop theft for an unrelated incident, the court was told.
The alleged attempted armed robbery of the Long Gully post office, on Eaglehawk Road, occurred about 5.20pm on Friday, November 2.
The victim was taken to Bendigo hospital in a stable condition with injuries to his upper body.
Nothing was stolen during the incident.
The post office was closed after the incident but reopened on Monday this week.
A spokesperson for Australia Post said support had been provided to the affected staff member.
“Safety is of the utmost importance to us, and we are providing ongoing support for our licensee and our team,” the spokesperson said.
“We are working closely and cooperatively with police who are investigating this matter.”
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