Hartlepool man appears in court over alleged knifepoint robbery of town shop

Paul Smith, 33, of Windermere Road, Hartlepool, is charged with robbing a shop on Brenda Road on April 17 and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Monday, April 27, when the case was committed to the crown court to be dealt with due to the seriousness of the allegation.

No pleas have been entered at this stage.

Offences of robbery can only be dealt with at a crown court, known as an indictable only offence.

Smith, who was arrested in Northamptonshire on Sunday, April 26, was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on the morning of Friday, May 22.

Cleveland Police say inquiries into the alleged robbery are continuing.

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