A man has denied a series of robberies at an Asda filling station and convenience store and possession of a knife. 

James Newton, 32, has been charged with nine robbery and theft from shop offences in the Costessey area of Norwich between January 17 and March 3.

Appearing before Norwich Crown Court via video link from HMP Norwich, where he is on remand having been denied bail, he pleaded guilty to five shop thefts.

READ MORE: Man charged with robbery and theft in Norwich and Costessey

However, he pleaded not guilty to three robberies at Asda on Dereham Road on January 17 and March 2 in which hundreds of pounds worth of groceries, bottles of vodka and cigarettes were taken. 

He also denied possession of a knife when he was arrested on Dereham Road on March 2.

Judge Alice Robinson set a date for him to stand trial on August 27.  

Rob Pollingtonm, for Newton, said discussions were continuing with prosecutors that might avoid the need for the trial. 

Among the thefts Newton admitted three from the Co-Op store on Norwich Road, where groceries worth hundreds of pounds were stolen, and two from Asda.