A MAN accused of causing thousands of pounds of damage and robbery has been told to take time to consider his plea after legal advice because of the barrister strike.

Shane Roberts faces a string of related charges including robbing a packet of cigarettes and a lighter, worth £12.45, from Wayne Thwaites in Oswestry on January 19 this year, and driving a black Mini Cooper dangerously on the BP/Morrisons petrol station forecourt off Beatrice Street on the same date.

Roberts previously appeared at Telford Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 8 where the court was told he faces a fourth charge of causing £15,374.93 in damage to the shop frontage of the BP/Morrisons petrol station, belonging to Rontect Watford Services Limited, also on January 19.

He also appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday, July 5 but earlier industrial action by the Criminal Bar Association against the government led to an adjournment.

Roberts, of Mytton Close in Whittington, indicated that he would plead not guilty to all charges when he reappeared at Shrewsbury on Friday, July 15 despite having no representation from solicitors, but the case was adjourned before a plea could be taken in order for him to seek legal advice.

It is expected that any possible trial would go ahead around May 23, 2023.