The 19-year-old at the centre of an armed robbery in St Kilda remains on the loose as the other two women accused of the incident are released on bail.
Police yesterday confirmed they were searching for Trent Willis following the aggravated robbery of a group of teens in St Kilda on September 16.
Two women were arrested by armed police in Maitland St later that day.
Desiree Alamaine Cooper (38) appeared in the Dunedin District Court via audio-visual link from Christchurch Women’s Prison yesterday, in relation to the incident. She was bailed to a Dunedin address following the appearance.
Elaine Aroha Tongia (32) was released on bail by police consent.
Details of the incident emerged in court for the first time during Cooper’s appearance.
Police allege a 15-year-old boy was punched in the head by Cooper’s son, Trent Willis, and a replica firearm was held to the head of a 15-year-old girl.
Cooper, Willis and Tongia then accompanied the teenagers back to a residential address where the firearm was produced again and cash was handed over, it is alleged.
The dispute stemmed from the sale of a cellphone to Willis.
Tongia was bailed to a Christchurch address by a court registrar.
Cooper was granted bail by Judge Kevin Phillips, with strict conditions, including a prohibition on drugs and alcohol, a daily curfew of 8pm-6am, non-association orders with her co-offenders, victims or witnesses, and an order preventing her from entering South Dunedin.
"If she is found guilty, she will go to prison," Judge Phillips said.
The court heard the whereabouts of Willis remained unknown and police were concerned Cooper might collude with Willis to help him avoide the police.The firearm used in the incident was also yet to be located.
Police also opposed bail as Cooper had previous convictions in relation to driving, drugs and violence.
She had also breached bail previously, police prosecutor Stewart Sluis said.
Defence counsel Meg Scally said Cooper had three children aged between 7 and 16, who were being cared for by her brother, and she wanted to return to him to take care of them.
Her four days in police custody and four days in Christchurch Women’s Prison were a wake-up call, she said.
The two women are next due in court on October 14.Police said anyone with information about Willis’ whereabouts should contact police immediately.
● Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.