Rochford: Two charged following robbery

Two people have been charged in connection with a robbery in Rochford.

It was reported a woman was approached in North Street at around midnight on 12 August.

Her bag was stolen and, subsequently, her bank cards were used to purchase items.

On 22 August a man and a woman were arrested in connection with the incident and they have now been charged.

Michael Steward, 42, of Alice Gardens, Rochford has been charged with robbery, possession of a Class A drug, and possession of knife or sharp pointed article in a public place.

Byrony Manning, 18, of London Road, Westcliff, has been charged with ABH, handling stolen goods, criminal damage, and fraud by false representation.

They both appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 23 August.

Steward has been remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 20 September.

Manning is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on 13 October.

We know this may cause concern in the community but, thankfully, incidents like this are rare in Rochford.