A MAN accused of robbing a South Cumbria filling station shop is to stand trial later this year.

Colin Eaves, 33, faces two charges which arise out of a late night incident at the Burton Road business premises in Oxenholme.

This is said to have occurred at around 10-30pm on November 22, sparking a police investigation and a public appeal for information. Eaves appeared at Carlisle Crown Court on Monday over a video link for a short hearing in front of Judge Nicholas Barker.

Eaves pleaded not guilty to the alleged robbery of a male shop employee, and also the possession of an offensive weapon - a meat cleaver - in public “without good reason or lawful authority”.

Cash, tobacco products and alcohol are said to have been stolen during the raid, and staff members threatened.

A Cumbria police spokesman said in the aftermath: “No one was injured during the incident.”

Eaves, who is said to be from Kendal but of no fixed address, is now due to stand trial in front of a jury at the crown court. The hearing is due to start in the week of March 30 and, it is estimated, will last around four days.

In the meantime, Eaves was remanded in custody by Judge Barker.