The man who robbed the BNZ Cromwell branch bank on April 3 was found with the cash hidden up his anus, Judge Alistair Garland heard in the Alexandra District Court yesterday.

Michael Geoffrey Linn, 36, unemployed, yesterday admitted robbing the bank of around $2000.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Tom Scoullar said Linn had pressed the buzzer to gain entry to the bank and pulled a green hand-knitted balaclava over his face.

After a staff member had filled a bag with what money she had, Linn had apologised, saying: "I'm sorry miss, I didn't mean to frighten you but I'm very, very desperate." Linn drove to the lakefront, removed his clothes and set them alight using petrol and paper from his car, Mr Scoullar said.

The fire was noticed by members of the public and firefighters were called. Construction workers nearby got there first and, using shovels, rescued the clothing and papers, some of which had Linn's name and address on them.

When he was taken to the Queenstown police station, he said he had given the money to an associate.

Police noticed some rustling sounds from Linn's bottom area and on closer inspection a roll of cash was found protruding from Linn's anus, the full amount of cash taken in the robbery.

The money will be destroyed.

Linn was remanded in custody until June 5 for sentence.

 

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