Alleged hatchet-carrying robber charged over Canberra Centre incident

Trudy Pearl Murray is accused of committing a robbery at the Canberra Centre on 26 March. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A woman is accused of carrying an axe or hatchet while committing a robbery at the Canberra Centre last week, during which she allegedly stole socks.

Trudy Pearl Murray, 30, was charged with one count of aggravated robbery when she faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday (2 April).

She did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody while Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson adjourned the matter to 28 April.

The court heard Ms Murray allegedly carried an axe or hatchet during the robbery on 26 March 2025 when she stole socks and threatened to use force on a man.

Last week, ACT Policing said officers had been seeking witnesses to an alleged robbery in the Canberra Centre where a woman reportedly made threats.

Police said that at about 5 pm on 26 March, police received a report that a woman had entered a shoe store in the mall and tried to leave without paying for items.

“When she was confronted by staff, the woman allegedly said she had weapons in her bag and would stab them,” police said at the time.

Ms Murray did not enter a plea to her charge when she faced court.