A KNIFEMAN has been banned from entering Co-op stores across the country after being accused of robbing two of the chain’s stores in Swindon.

Jonathan David Berry was accused of robbing the Groundwell Road and Covingham Drive stores over the weekend.

It is alleged that on Friday (June 24), the 31-year-old stole £69 worth of laundry products from the Groundwell Road store, before making off with just under £50 of laundry products from the Covingham Drive store a day later.

He’s also accused stealing £50 of confectionary items from the Groundwell Road store on Saturday, as well as being in possession of a box cutting knife on Queens Drive that same day.

Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard Berry allegedly put a knife to a shop assistant who had approached him during the second incident.

Berry was brought before the court on Monday after being charged and held over the weekend.

District Judge Joanna Dickens granted him conditional bail, but warned him to stay away from any Co-op store in the country.

“I’m going to keep things simple for you,” she said. “Other stores are available for you but you can’t go to any Co-op store.”

Flanked by one security guard and wearing a grey tracksuit, Berry, of Tudor Walk, Walcot, pleaded guilty to the knife possession and theft from a shop charges – but was not asked to enter a plea to the robbery charges.

The case was sent to Swindon Crown Court, where Berry must appear on July 29.

He was also given a curfew between 7pm and 7am, which will be monitored by a tag.