Sunderland machete man admits attempted shop and post office robberies

Keaton Cooper, 21, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court via video link where he pleaded guilty to four charges relating to offences in Sunderland on March 30.

Cooper, of Trevarren Drive, Ryhope, admitted attempting to rob Grangetown Post Office in Stockton Terrace of £350, as well as Premier Stores in Villette Road in Hendon.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and an offensive weapon – a machete.

Cooper, who was wearing a grey tracksuit, queried the figure of £350, but when Judge Paul Sloan explained he'd only attempted to steal that amount, he accepted this was correct.

Judge Sloan adjourned the case for pre-sentence and mental health assessment reports.

He told Cooper: "I am adjourning sentence in your case just heard. The sentence is adjourned to June 18."

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