A MAN accused of carrying out a knifepoint robbery at a village store will stand trial early in the New Year.

Kevin Andrew Lee is accused of committing the crime, in which an estimated £1,200 was taken by the culprit, from the Premier convenience store, in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, on Sunday July 30.

The perpetrator was said to have entered the Front Street premises, also known as Somal News, at about 4.45pm, carrying what was described as a mini meat cleaver.

Following threats made to a female assistant, who fled into a back room, the intruder went behind the counter and helped himself to the money from the till, before fleeing the premises.

Police were informed and the defendant was located at an address in the village about 40 minutes after the raid, where he was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The 30-year-old accused, of Albert Street, Grange Villa, appeared before North Durham magistrates on August 1 and was remanded in custody, as the case was sent to Durham Crown Court.

Appearing via video link to the court from nearby Durham Prison, the defendant, now 31, denied a charge of robbery at a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Sam Faulks, prosecuting, said the issue was, “a straightforward one”, of identity, although forensic test results are awaited on a £20 note said to have been dropped by the robber as he left the shop.

Both Mr Faulks and defence counsel, Dan Cordey, agreed a trial of two days-plus duration would be required.

An available start date of Wednesday January 24 was agreed by all parties and the defendant was remanded to remain in custody until then.