A husband and wife accused of armed robbery have made a desperate plea for release on bail out of concern for their two infant children.

Richard and Jessica Driscoll appeared in court separately by teleconference from the penitentiary and the St. John’s Lockup this morning.

The couple, both in their 30s, are charged with the armed robbery of Needs Convenience on Barbour Drive in Mount Pearl on the afternoon of March 11. Police say a woman armed with a knife demanded cash and cigarettes from the clerk, then sped away in a car driven by a man.

The car was found and pursued to a home on Empire Avenue at which point the driver got out and ran, but was chased and taken into custody. The woman was also arrested near the home, which is well known to police who’ve been there before with guns drawn.

This morning, both Driscolls asked for bail hearings as soon as possible, saying they were worried about their two infant children at home.

Richard Driscoll also told the court he plans to represent himself on the charges, insisting he was “overcharged” by police. Driscoll is no stranger to the courts, having previously been charged with firearms, robbery, and home invasion offenses.

In the end, the judge did grant their wish for a quick bail hearing, which is set for tomorrow morning.