Nottinghamshire Police charge Retford man in connection to break-in and SPAR ram-raid after Newark man appears in court in relation to same offences

Detectives investigating a ram-raid and a series of other offences have charged a second man.

Detectives have been carrying out an investigation since a ram-raid at the SPAR shop, Wesley Road, Retford, at around 3.30am on March 14, 2023.

A telehandler had earlier been stolen from outside a church in nearby London Road and used to knock down a side wall at the store.

The offenders fled empty-handed after being disturbed.

Officers had previously attended a break-in at the Vine Inn, Churchgate, Retford, on March 3, 2023, when offenders gained entry and stole cash.

Ruben Reynolds, 42, of College Close, Newark, has previously appeared in court charged with two counts of burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, attempted burglary, theft and assault of an emergency worker in connection with the incidents.

Reynolds appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on February 1 and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 29 February 2024.

Detective have now charged a second man in relation to the two incidents.

John Charles, 49, of Welbeck Road, Retford, has been charged with two counts of burglary and aggravated vehicle.

He is also charged with an attempted burglary at the same store on February 25, 2023, and theft after a vehicle number plate was taken from outside an address in Sutton Cum Lound, Retford, on March 3, 2023.

Charles will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court tomorrow (February 23).

Detective Constable Liam O'Kane, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The ram-raid caused a significant amount of damage to a popular community store and will undoubtedly have shocked people living in the neighbourhood.

“I hope the police response, which has now seen two men charged and placed before the courts, highlights how seriously we will always respond to this type of incident.”