Jacob James Blechynden: Man yet to plead over alleged hatchet robbery in Geraldton

A man accused of chasing down his alleged victim with a hatchet on Geraldton’s main street in a bid to steal his shoes is yet to plead to the charge. Jacob James Blechynden appeared via video link in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday charged with attempted armed robbery in relation to the incident last year. He is also charged with five counts of breaching a family violence restraining order and four counts of gaining benefit by fraud, one count of obstructing public officers, stealing and possession of stolen property. The 32-year-old man pleaded guilty to all of the charges except the attempted armed robbery, for which no plea has been entered. Defence lawyer Karen Ward suggested they would argue a case of mistaken identity in regards to the attempted robbery charge. Police allege a 37-year-old man was approached by Mr Blechynden from behind while walking along Durlacher Street about 5.15am on December 2, 2022. Police say he asked the alleged victim for money, to which he replied he didn’t have any. The accused then allegedly demanded the man give him his shoes and when he refused, Mr Blechynden removed a hatchet from his backpack, threatening him. Police say the alleged victim ran away fearing for his safety and did not give anything to the accused, who briefly chased after him armed with the hatchet. Geraldton detectives arrested Mr Blechynden in the Geraldton CBD about 11am. He is also accused of being abusive to police and failed to co-operate with instructions after being remanded. The court was told Mr Blechynden has other matters in the Rockingham court and is due to be sentenced next week. He will appear via video link in Rockingham Magistrates Court on January 16 for a bail application.