A 30-year-old man has appeared in court charged with robbery following an alleged knifepoint theft of a £270 Ninja air fryer in Birmingham. Daniel Roberts is accused of stealing the Ninja DT200UK unit during an incident on 23 October last year.
Roberts made his first court appearance via video link from HM Prison Stoke Heath at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 19 August, for a plea hearing. During this hearing, he did not enter a plea.
Due to the serious nature of the allegation, which involves the use of a knife, the case has been referred to Birmingham Crown Court. Roberts is scheduled to enter a plea on 1 September at the higher court.
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The prosecution stated that the involvement of a knife necessitates the case being heard at crown court. Only limited details were disclosed during the magistrates’ hearing.
It was revealed that Roberts responded with “no comment” during police interviews concerning the alleged robbery. Initially considering representing himself, he later expressed a desire to have a defence solicitor.
Magistrate G. Hidderley addressed Roberts, encouraging him to discuss the charges with his solicitor before the next hearing, remarking: “Hopefully, between now and September 1, you will be able to have a proper conversation about the robbery charge you face. We’re sending it to crown court. It’s an offence that can only be heard at the crown court. You will attend there on September 1. That will be for a plea and trial preparation hearing.”