A teenager who is alleged to have tried to rob three convenience stores on the same evening has appeared in court.

Magistrates refused a bail application for Lee Bavin, who is alleged to have been armed with an air pistol when the offences took place.

Bavin, 19, of Darnay Lane, West Bowling, made a first appearance at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

He faced six charges: three of attempted robbery and three of possessing an imitation firearm.

All the offences were alleged to have been committed on January 8 this year.

The attempted robbery charges separately alleged he had tried to rob a business premises, Kamla Patel and Dinesh Shah, while in possession of an air pistol.

It is claimed the offences took place on Tuesday evening in Carrbottom Road, Bankfoot, in Manchester Road, and in Bowling Old Lane.

Dark-haired Bavin, who was wearing a blue sweatshirt and grey tracksuit bottoms with green stripes, was flanked by two security officers in the dock.

He spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

Prosecutor Vanessa Schofield said the matters would have to be sent to the crown court and asked the court to remand Bavin in custody.

Miss Schofield said the weapon alleged to have been involved in the offences was a 0.115 calibre air pistol, or BB gun.

Bavin’s solicitor, Claire Moran, applied for bail.

She said Bavin’s girlfriend was due to give birth in 13 days and he was due to start a job at a car wash in Thornton Road, Bradford, next week.

Miss Moran said he could comply with a curfew and exclusion zone, and report to a police station.

Magistrates rejected the application and remanded him in custody.

He will next appear at Bradford Crown Court on Thursday.