Man in court over alleged Tesco bomb scare in Newcastle city centre

A man has appeared in court accused of sparking a bomb scare in Newcastle city centre after a fake device was allegedly found in a supermarket.

Tesco on Clayton Street, Newcastle , was evacuated on January 15 after a "mobile phone with wires to a battery pack" was found on a shelf.

James McDonnell, 53, of Appleby Gardens, Gateshead, appeared at Bedlington Magistrates' Court on February 11 charged with the offence.

He is also accused of stealing £160 worth of whisky.

Mr McDonnell pleaded not guilty to the bomb hoax matter and did not enter a plea to the theft charge.

He will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on March 12.