Two individuals from Leeds made their appearance before magistrates today, facing charges of robbery in connection with a recent break-in at a prominent jeweller located on Queen Street, Morley. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 8, has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Leeds Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Lee Wakefield, a 38-year-old resident of Belle Isle Road in Leeds, was brought before the Leeds Magistrates Court this morning, charged with robbery and two counts of handling stolen goods. Accompanying him was Ashley Cookson, also 38 years old, residing at Flexbury Avenue in Morley. Cookson faced charges of robbery, two counts of handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Following the court appearance, both accused individuals were remanded in custody pending their appearance before the Leeds Crown Court. The legal proceedings are set to take place in the coming weeks, where further details of the case will be presented.
Leeds CID continues to actively investigate the break-in at the jewellers and is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses any footage that may assist with the investigation to come forward. Leeds District CID can be contacted at 101, and individuals can also utilise the live chat feature on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting log reference number 600 of June 8.
Furthermore, individuals can choose to report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers through their hotline at 0800 555111 or via their online platform.
As the investigation progresses, authorities hope that valuable information from witnesses or potential video evidence will aid in bringing those responsible for the robbery to justice.
