Mum denied bail over spending spree

A single mum allegedly robbed a Gold Coast real estate agent at gunpoint to go on a shopping spree.

Amy Lee Niwa, 27, of Carrara, is said to have committed 21 offences, including armed robbery and fraud, on the same day to fund the $1000 shopping spree on Saturday.

The New Zealand citizen was refused bail at Southport Magistrates Court yesterday following her arrest on Tuesday afternoon.

Police allege Niwa pretended to be a buyer at a Saturday open house in Surfers Paradise, before robbing the real estate agent of his keys and mobile at gunpoint.

Niwa, an unlicensed driver, then allegedly headed to the shops in the man's car where CCTV footage shows her spending big at Billabong and Hot Brands outlet stores using a stolen credit card.

Upon arrest, Niwa admitted she was armed with a 20cm kitchen knife secreted in her jacket sleeve with a loose syringe and a small quantity of methamphetamine.

She was remanded in custody to return to court in early August.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin
Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Simon Black