A TEENAGER has appeared in court accused of a knifepoint robbery at a newsagents.

Lewis James Benson is alleged to have fled J&L News, on High Grange Estate, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, with cash from the till after threatening a lone female assistant with a kitchen knife.

He was one of three teenagers subsequently arrested in connection with the incident, but youths aged 15 and 17 have since been informed no further action is being taken in their cases.

Mr Benson, formerly of Brandon, near Durham, is charged with robbery and possessing an offensive weapon, stemming from the incident, on Wednesday February 4.

The 18-year-old, whose address was now given as The Fells, a hostel for men at Plawsworth, near Chester-le-Street, appeared at Durham Crown Court via video link from the city’s nearby prison.

Neither of the charges were put during the short hearing and the case was adjourned until a plea hearing, in July, with a provisional trial date agreed to start on August 17.

The defendant was remanded to remain in custody until the plea and case management hearing, on Friday July 17.