Ashley Evans of Worcester denies robbery of a mobile phone

Ashley Evans, of Holly Mount Road, Tolladine, appeared on videolink from HMP Hewell to Worcester Crown Court on Monday, (August 22).

The 30-year-old denied a charge of robbing James Hargreaves of a mobile phone on July 5 this year.

COURT: Ashley Evans will face a trial for robbery of a mobile phone. Picture: Getty Images (Image: Getty Images)

Evans also denied breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO), on the same date, by allegedly committing an act in an aggressive manner in a public place that was prohibited by the order. 

The court heard Evans had been made subject to the three-year order by Worcester magistrates on July 28, 2021. 

Simon Hunka, prosecuting, said Evans had already pleaded guilty to theft from a store and another breach of criminal behaviour order by being present in Worcester on that date, which was prohibited under the order.

But Mr Hunka added the prosecution wanted the other two matters to still go to trial.

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When Judge James Burbridge asked Evans what his defence was he replied simply that he hadn't been involved in a robbery. 

COURT: Ashley Evans appeared at Worcester Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

The stage dates - when the prosecution and defence reveal their evidence and the full details of the defence - were also set across four dates up to October 29. 

Judge Burbridge told Evans that his trial would be placed in a warned list for December 5.

A warned list means a trial can be held, at short notice, at any point within the fortnight of a given date.

The judge warned the defendant he should attend the trial, which is expected to last two days, or risk it proceeding in his absence.