A SECOND person has appeared before magistrates in connection with the robbery of a 76-year-old Rodbourne pensioner.

Kathleen Shiel, 33, of Newhall Street, has been charged with robbery and two counts of burglary.

The robbery and one of the burglary charges relate to the alleged theft of almost £280 from a pensioner on January 9. It is said the man invited Shiel into his home on Montagu Street, Rodbourne, and began cooking her a meal but asked her to leave after she persistently asked him for money.

He is accused of making a grab for his wallet. In the struggle two other men came to Shiel’s aid. One, Simon Huckvale, was before magistrates on Saturday when he entered no pleas to a robbery charge and was remanded in custody.

The second burglary related to an incident on Pendennis Road, Freshbrook, on January 9.

Shiel spoke only to confirm her personal details. Pleas to the robbery can only be taken in the crown court.

She was remanded in custody and is due before Swindon Crown Court on February 21 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.