Man asks for trial over allegedly bringing imitation pistol into Northampton jewellers

A man has asked for a jury to decide if he is guilty over an incident where an imitation firearm was allegedly brought into a Northampton jewellers.

Sem Birch-Abban, of Collyweston Road, was arrested on the morning of May 21 and at the time was cautioned for attempted robbery of Michael Jones Jewellers, in Gold Street.

However at Northampton Crown Court on Wednesday (June 23), the 23-year-old was not charged with robbery but with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause distress.

Birch-Abban pleaded not guilty to the single charge and is asking for a jury to decide what his intentions were on the day.

It is alleged that Birch-Abban brought an imitation pistol into the Gold Street jewellers with the intent to scare staff and customers inside. The 23-year-old has denied this.

He will stand trial on the week of November 29.