Man in court accused of targeting Rastrick Co-op

Joshua Wannan, 20, of Amberton Gardens, Leeds, pleaded guilty to the offence of burglary at Calderdale Magistrates last month.

During the case at magistrates’ the court heard that witnesses saw a man prise open the door of the Co-Operative Store on Highfield Road in the early hours of Saturday, March 24.

Three men then streamed in and filled a duvet cover with cigarettes before loading it in the back of a van and driving away.

They were followed by police officers but pulled into Millroyd Mill apartment block and fled the vehicle.

Judge Jonathan Rose adjourned the case until Wannan’s co-accused are sent to Bradford Court for their plea and case management hearing.

Billy Kirkby, 22, of East Park Road, Leeds, and James Hawkins, 19, of Sutherland Terrace, Leeds, have pleaded not guilty to the offence of burglary. Jason Jones, 24, of Burmantofts, Leeds, has not indicated a plea.