Abijath Desikan​, 36, is charged with armed robbery, and assaulting a woman and detaining her against her will and was committed for trial last month when he refused to enter a plea before a magistrate. The magistrate entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

Police allege Mr Desikan was armed with a knife when he stole keys and security access to the Ludlow Bar and Dining Room in Southbank on April 5 and then assaulted a staff member and held her hostage until the next morning. Mr Desikan once worked at the restaurant as a chef.

The County Court heard on Thursday he had dropped his lawyer and was now seeking fresh legal advice.

His trial is due to start in May next year but Mr Desikan is due to return to court in December for a mention hearing. He was remanded in custody.