Sailor charged over Navy patrol boat raid

Updated

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Police speak about the latest arrest (ABC News)

A 26-year-old Royal Australian Navy sailor has been remanded in custody over the alleged theft of guns from a patrol boat at a Darwin naval base.

Leading Seaman Matthew Evans appeared in Darwin Magistrates Court, charged with aggravated robbery and two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, in connection with the raid at HMAS Coonawarra last month.

In his brief court appearance, Evans was wearing dark clothing and no shoes.

He did not apply for bail.

Northern Territory Police announced his arrest this morning after taking him into custody yesterday.

Evans will face court again in February.

Last month a duty sailor on board the patrol boat HMAS Bathurst, moored at HMAS Coonawarra, was allegedly assaulted and tied up before guns were stolen from the vessel's armoury.

The weapons - two shotguns and 12 handguns - were quickly recovered in a police raid on a Darwin city unit the following day, and a 40-year-old man arrested at the apartment was charged with receiving stolen property and possessing firearms without a licence.

The incident was described as a breach of national security and senior Australian Defence Force officers ordered a review of security measures at all major bases around the nation.

Police say more arrests are expected to be made and have described the incident as a "conspiracy".

They say they have identified other "persons of interest".

Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs says the ADF has started its own "administrative action" against the sailor.

He says the Navy does not tolerate any form of criminal behaviour and it will assist in any way possible with the investigation.



Topics: defence-forces, navy, police, darwin-0800, larrakeyah-0820, australia

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