By JODY O'CALLAGHAN - Manawatu Standard
Last updated 14:32 16/07/2009
Marton man has admitted robbing two Manawatu banks while dressed as a woman, complete with high heels.
Unemployed man James Shevan Cassidy, 34, appeared in Palmerston North District Court yesterday, determined to plead guilty without seeking legal advice.
But it was only after Judge Les Atkins ordered Cassidy to see the court's duty solicitor that his pleas to the indictable charges were entered.
"I would like the matter dealt with in your court ... I plead guilty," he told Judge Atkins. "I am aware of my actions ... I am holding myself accountable and I would like this matter dealt with."
Cassidy admitted robbing $4300 from Feilding's Kiwibank, inside the Take Note bookshop, on June 29.
He also admitted robbing $835 from the Kiwibank inside the Terrace End Post Office on July 9.
After the first incident at the Feilding bank, police told media the suspect "could easily be mistaken for a woman".
A woman employee from a neighbouring shop, who did not want to be named, told the Manawatu Standard she saw the man moments before the robbery while she was on a break.
"When you do see them, they stick out. I've never seen him around before," she said.
A Robert Harris employee said she saw the high-heeled robber run past the cafe, next to Take Note, after the robbery.
It was quite odd, a "woman" running so fast, she said.
Cassidy was remanded in custody until sentencing on September 9.