A man has appeared in court over the Christmas Day robbery at a Dalton shop.

Kirklees magistrates heard that shop worker Mohammed Ishtiaq wrestled a gun away from the armed attacker during the incident at Long Lane Convenience Store.

Simon Tilotson, of Longfield Avenue in Dalton, appeared at the Huddersfield court charged with robbery.

He is also accused of possession of an imitation firearm, a black pistol, with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence.

Magistrates heard that the attack on the store happened at 7pm on Christmas Day last year.

Mr Ishtiaq was working in his uncle’s off licence when a male entered carrying a black pistol in his right hand, the court was told.

Prosecutor Alex Bozman said that the man demanded money which Mr Ishtiaq handed over.

Mr Bozman added that the shop worker was able to grab the gun while the robber’s attention was on the money.

He told the court that there was then a scuffle where Mr Ishtiaq was able to hit the robber who then ran off from the store.

Magistrates sent Tilotson’s case to Leeds Crown Court.

The 42-year-old will first appear there on May 13 and magistrates remanded him in custody.