Three men have been granted bail after being charged in connection with a series of alleged armed robberies targeting bottle shops in Muswellbrook, in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
Police allege the incidents occurred on the evening of 3 July 2026, when a group entered three separate liquor businesses across Muswellbrook. Investigators claim the offenders threatened staff members using weapons, including a hammer and a knife, before stealing alcohol and leaving the area in a silver ute.
The businesses allegedly targeted included locations on Rutherford Road, Sydney Street and Bridge Street. Police allege the group first attended a bottle shop on Rutherford Road, where an employee was threatened with a hammer before alcohol was taken. Shortly afterwards, another business on Sydney Street was allegedly targeted, followed by a third incident on Bridge Street.
Following investigations by officers from the Hunter Valley Police District, police located a silver ute believed to be connected with the alleged offences. The vehicle was seized for forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Police later executed search warrants at properties in Moobi and Scone, where officers allegedly seized items including a hammer, knife, clothing and alcohol believed to be relevant to the investigation.
The three accused men were identified as:
Joshua Smith, 28 — charged with alleged robbery offences involving an offensive weapon and robbery in company. Thomas Riordan, 18 — also charged with alleged armed robbery offences. Riley Rodden, 18 — charged with alleged accessory offences relating to the robberies and other matters.
During bail proceedings, the court heard arguments from both prosecution and defence. Defence lawyers raised issues including the strength of evidence linking some accused men to the alleged crimes, while prosecutors argued the offences were serious due to the alleged use of weapons and threats against workers.
The court granted bail with strict conditions. Conditions reportedly included requirements such as regular police reporting, curfews for some accused, restrictions on entering the affected businesses, bans on alcohol and drug use, and orders preventing contact between the accused men.
The case remains before the courts, and the allegations have not been proven. Under Australian law, all accused people are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Police investigations into the alleged robberies are continuing, and further court appearances are expected in September 2026.
