A MAN has been charged with robbing a betting shop at gun point at the weekend.

Aaron Redman appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on Monday accused of committing a string of offences.

He faces nine charges, some of which relate to an alleged armed robbery at the Stan James Bookmakers in Durham on Saturday, July 1.

Redman – of Mandela Close, Sunderland – is accused of stealing cash during the robbery and possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He is accused of assaulting a man and two women on the same day and has also been charged with false imprisonment after allegedly detaining one of the women against her will.

The 30-year-old also faces one count of threatening to kill a police officer, two charges of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000 and using or attempting to use an imitation firearm with intent to resist arrest between Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2.

Redman did not enter a plea in relation to the charges and was remanded into custody by magistrates.

He will appear again at Durham Crown Court at the end of July.