A MAN charged with trying to rob a Chester city centre jewellers as part of a series of alleged offences has appeared at Chester Magistrates Court this morning (Monday, January 7).

James Fox, 27, of Watergate Street, has been charged with attempted robbery at a jewellers on Eastgate Street, possession of an imitation firearm, a public order offence committed in a Northgate Street coffee shop, shoplifting at a Watergate Street supermarket, theft of a laptop and wallet from a car on Grange Road and assaulting a police officer.

All offences are said to have happened between Saturday, January 5 and Sunday, January 6.

The alleged weapon is said to be a blow torch lighter.

Fox, who entered no plea after arriving from custody, was remanded in custody by Chester magistrates and is due to appear in Chester Crown Court next month.

Upon being led back to the cells, Fox cheerily said: "Thank you very much" to magistrates.