A MAN has appeared in court accused of two knifepoint robberies on South Tyneside shops.
Ricky Ceolin is accused of raids on Alan’s Corner in Black Road and Auckland Discount Store in nearby Auckland Road, both Hebburn.
On Wednesday, a man went into both shops and demanded cigarettes and booze before pulling out a knife and threatening staff.
Ceolin, of Kirkstone Avenue, Jarrow was arrested in connection with the raids soon after and charged with two counts of robbery and two of possessing a bladed article.
The 25-year-old was at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he entered no pleas and spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
Stan Sudworth, prosecuting, told the court that the charges are so serious, they can only be dealt with at Newcastle Crown Court. He added: “Urai Reed was working at her shop, Alan’s Corner, when a man came in and asked for cigarettes and a bottle of vodka.
“When she put them on the counter, the man pulled a knife out and took the items.
“Mrs Reed was scared he was going to stab her and worried she would die.
“Later the same day the same man went into Auckland Discount Store and asked for cigarettes, cans of lager and a bottle of vodka.
“He then pulled out a knife and began to wave it around in front of the shop’s owner, Samar Iqbal.
“He went behind the counter and cut the shopkeeper’s fingers with the knife before leaving and throwing an empty vodka bottle at Mr Iqbal.”
Magistrates agreed to send the case to Newcastle, where Ceolin will appear on February 15.
He was denied bail and remanded in custody until then.
Twitter: @shieldsgazcrime
Comments