Man accused of rolling pin assault fails to appear in court

Police are currently seeking a man who is alleged to have assaulted a shop worker with a rolling pin. Alexander Yarnley, aged 51 and of Essex Street, Plymouth, was expected to attend Plymouth Crown Court on Monday October 21 where he faced three charges relating to an incident on July 18, 2022.

He is alleged to have entered WH Smith store in New George Street, gone to the Post Office within the store and made an attempt to rob the shop worker of cash.

During the incident the shopworker is understood to have suffered a serious injury to his leg. Yarnley was later arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and wounding without intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He is alleged to have been found to be in possession of a rolling pin which was alleged to have been used during the incident within the store.

He appeared at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on September 19 and his case was adjourned to next be heard at Plymouth Crown Court. Deputy District Judge Hine granted him unconditional bail until that hearing.

However, on Monday, Yarnley failed to attend the Crown Court and Mrs Recorder Chloe Pawson-Pounds issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

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