A MAN who is accused of robbing a Swindon bookmaker while armed with an imitation firearm has been remanded in custody by a judge.

Michael King is said to have stolen £300 when he allegedly held up the Coral betting shop in Old Town on January 12.

The 38-year-old is also accused of burgling two commercial buildings in the two weeks before the incident.

King, of Olivier Road, Abbey Meads, was due to enter his pleas at Swindon Crown Court yesterday, but the case was adjourned because he failed to be brought to court from custody, where he is being held on remand.

A 42-year-old woman, who is also charged with the robbery, did appear in the dock but the charge was not put to her and no plea was made.

Taylor Croft, of Deerhurst Way, Toothill, was released on conditional bail to March 2 when she is due to reappear in court to enter her plea.

The pair are both charged with robbery while King is also accused of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He is also alleged to have burgled Retrac Composites, on Bramble Road, taking cash, on the same day and MTC Learning, on Manchester Road, on New Years Day.