A MAN has appeared before magistrates in relation to a robbery at a newsagents on Saturday afternoon.

Raymond Bell appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday following the incident at Anekas News in High Street, West Cornforth.

Mr Bell, of Maughan Close, West Cornforth, was charged with robbery after allegedly stealing a cash register containing £100 from the shop.

He was also charged with possessing a knife or sharp pointed article in a public place, namely a hunting knife, along with a further charge of possessing an offence weapon in a public place, namely a baseball bat.

The 55-year-old, who spoke only to confirm his name and address, did not enter a plea at this hearing, and magistrates committed the case to Durham Crown Court on February 15.

Mr Bell’s solicitor, Zoe Passfield, applied for bail on her client’s behalf but the request was returned down by the bench.

Mr Bell was remanded in custody until his next court hearing.