Chippenham teenager denies string of knifepoint robberies (From Wiltshire Times)

Chippenham teenager denies string of knifepoint robberies

5:01pm Friday 7th September 2012 in Wiltshire By Staff reporter

A teenager is to face trial accused of carrying out a string of knifepoint robberies.

Joseph Kingsley is said to have tried to hold up five small shops and two petrol stations across north Wiltshire over a three week period.

The 19-year-old is also said to have been armed with a knife during six of the alleged incidents in Swindon, Royal Wootton Basset, Chippenham and Corsham.

Kingsley, of Lower Field, Allington, Chippenham, pleaded not guilty to six counts of robbery, one of attempted robbery and six of having a bladed article.

The first alleged robbery is said to have taken place at Oakleys newsagents in Corsham on Monday March 19.

He is accused of striking again in the town three days later when there was a robbery at Costcutters.

Just over a week later the teenager is said to have held up a member of staff at the Esso on Kingshill Road, Swindon, on Friday March 30.

The following day he is said to have robbed the Esso in Royal Wootton Bassett and a week later he is accused of robbing the Best One Express on Clifton Street, Swindon.

On Monday April 9 he is accused of robbing McColls in Chippenham and trying to rob the Hythe Road Store, in Old Town Swindon.

The final charge, where the would-be robber was chased off by the shopkeeper, is the only one where he is not accused of having a knife.

Judge Douglas Field adjourned the case to Wednesday January 2 when he is to face trial and remanded him in custody until then.