A MAN has appeared in court to deny a string of offences including a hat-trick of robberies.

Soloman Loveridge, 42, is accused of a crime spree in November 2017.

But Loveridge denied he was one of two men who robbed a Tesco Express in St Christopher’s Road, Colchester, during a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He also denied robbing a Martin’s Newsagents in Fivefields Court, Colchester, and a Co-op in Earls Colne High Street.

Loveridge, of no fixed address, denied stealing a Volvo car from Fairhead Road, Colchester, and driving it dangerously two days later in St John’s Road, Colchester.

He also denied stealing cash and cigarettes from Appletree Garage in Little Bentley.

Loveridge did admit to burglary in Harwich Road, Colchester, where a mobile phone, collections of coins and a selection of jewellery was taken.

Each of the offences is alleged to have taken place in a time frame of less than three weeks.

Judge Christopher Morgan listed the trial for January 6 next year.

It is expected to last between four and five days.

Loveridge was remanded in custody and Judge Morgan told him he must comply with notices he is given or the trial may start in his absence.

He said: “The trial has been listed for January next year.

“There is another hearing in November where you can appear via video link or arrangements could be made for you to be produced.

“I need to give you these warnings .

“Given the nature of the allegations and what appears to be you defence you need to supply details of an alibi and supporting witnesses.

“If you for any reason fail to attend your trial then the trial may take place in your absence.

“You should understand this - it is becoming more and more common for defendants to refuse to leave their cell for

the trial for a myriad of reasons.

“If you do refuse to leave then it is rarely treated as acceptable and the trial may start without you.”

He will be sentenced for the burglary at the end of the trial.