Charges over belting

POLICE have charged two men with armed robbery and assault after a man was hit repeatedly with a belt in Pakenham’s Main Street on Sunday morning.
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy of Pakenham police said the incident happened at 2.10am.
“A 28-year-old Berwick man was walking down Main Street when two males approached him and demanded cash. He handed over some money and they took out two belts with large belt buckles and threatened him,” Sen Sgt McCarthy said. “He gave them more cash and then they assaulted him.”
Sen Sgt McCarthy said the man, who received injuries to his back, ran to a nearby service station to report the crime.
An 18-year-old North Richmond man and a 24-year-old Lilydale man were arrested and charged with armed robbery, assault with a weapon or instrument and assault in company.
The two appeared in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, were remanded and refused bail.