A 21-year-old air conditioning mechanic yesterday appeared in court charged with robbing a restaurant and bar at knifepoint of more than $4600 and wounding a staff member.

In a separate indictment in Magistrates Court, Randolph Lightbourne was also charged with causing the death of Colin Francis by dangerous driving on Middle Road, Warwick, on October 16, 1995, as well as driving an unlicensed and uninsured car.

It also alleged Lightbourne, acting with two others, attempted to pervert the course of justice in relation to the driving offence.

Magistrate Cheryl Ann Mapp released Lightbourne on bail totalling $40,000, including sureties, on the two charges.

It is alleged that Lightbourne, acting with another man, and while armed with a knife, stole cash from Woody's Drive Inn in Sandys on December 22, 1995.

He is further charged with unlawfully wounding restaurant worker Owen Trott and with wearing a mask with intent to commit a crime.

Lightbourne, of Apartment 21, Devon Spring Road, Devonshire, was not required to enter pleas at this stage. The case was set down for mention on February 11.