A man has appeared in court following an armed robbery at Maryport Post Office.

Mark John Mercer, 47, also faces a string of other charges, including theft and possessing a firearm.

Mercer, of Toll Bar Houses, Distington, is accused of the robbery of £1,530 from Maryport Post Office on High Street on Monday.

He is also charged with having a revolver with intent to commit an offence on that date and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He made a brief appearance before magistrates in Carlisle.

The other charges he faces are: 

  • Theft of a handbag and contents valued at £199 at Workington on November 20
  • Theft of a handbag and contents valued at £1,000 at Workington on December 1 
  • Theft of a handbag and contents valued at £312 at Cockermouth on January 8
  • Making off without payment of £40 for fuel at Cardewlees, near Carlisle, on January 24 
  • Possession of a firearm - a revolver - between January 24 and 27
  • Handling stolen goods - a Citroen C3, valued at £9,000 - between January 21 and 25. 

No pleas were entered by Mercer to any of the charges during a hearing which lasted less than 10 minutes. 

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address and that he understood what was going on. 

Magistrates sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court, where it is next due to be heard on February 29. 

Mercer was remanded in custody.