AN AVIATION student, accused of two armed bank raids, which caused a Bradford branch to close, has appeared in court.

Eighteen-year-old Ahmad Junaid is charged with robbery and attempted robbery in separate incidents at the Nat West in Fair Road, Wibsey, within five weeks of each other.

Junaid, of Hope Avenue, Bankfoot, Bradford, also faces two charges of possessing an imitation firearm.

Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court was yesterday told the first incident of alleged robbery took place on October 30 last year, when an imitation black handgun was said to have been used.

The alleged attempted robbery, involving an imitation double barrelled sawn-off shotgun, occurred at the same branch on December 2.

Bank bosses decided to permanently close the branch, to protect staff and customers, after carrying out a security review following the two incidents.

Junaid's solicitor, Shahid Ali, told the magistrates his client was indicating not guilty pleas and denied any involvement in either raid.

Prosecutor Linda Fowler said the matter could only be dealt with at the crown court. She said the prosecution opposed bail.

Slim, clean shaven and short-haired Junaid, who was dressed in a blue zip up top and blue jeans, spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the 25-minute hearing.

Mrs Fowler said both robberies were serious matters involving weapons. She said they were well planned and involved stolen vehicles. She said detectives were still investigating and there were other lines of inquiry.

Applying for bail, Mr Ali said the evidence against his client was very weak.

Mr Ali said: "All matters will be denied. He is a young man in full time education."

Mr Ali said his client was studying level three aviation at Kirklees College and was also his mother's carer. He suffered from psychological problems and had a history of self harm.

The magistrates rejected the bail application.

Chairman of the Bench, Dr Celia Hickson, told the defendant: "You are being sent for trial to the crown court, sitting on February 24, in Bradford, for the following offences; armed robbery, attempted robbery and possession of imitation firearms.

"Your case is adjourned until then. In the meantime you are remanded in custody."

The court heard custody time limits lasted until July 27.

* Two weeks after the second raid, Nat West bosses announced it was shutting down the Wibsey branch.

A spokesman said: "The safety and security of our customers and staff are of utmost importance to us and unfortunately several incidents over the last few months, including the two raids, have resulted in this being compromised. This is a decision we have not come to lightly, but we feel we have no alternative."