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A man who allegedly doused a supermarket worker with diesel while robbing the shop has appeared in court.

David Steven Murray, 54, from Ty Brynseion, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, is charged with five counts of robbery, making off without payment, possession of an offensive weapon, theft of a mobile phone and actual bodily harm.

South Wales Police officers were called to the incident at Lidl in Dowlais on Saturday evening.

Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court was told on Wednesday that Mr Murray stole £500 from the store.

Ryan Colamazza, prosecuting, said he took the can to a petrol station and put diesel in it before leaving without paying.

He then went to Lidl where he used the fuel to threaten two cashiers, pouring it on one of them and the floor of the store, Mr Colamazza added.

The court was told he also stole a mobile phone and assaulted an acquaintance, who needed hospital treatment.

Magistrate Kim Davies said the alleged offences were so serious they could only be dealt with by a crown court.

Mr Murray is due to appear at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on 17 January.