A COUPLE have appeared in court accused of imprisoning and robbing a middle-aged man with arthritis.

Joanne Crossman, 29, and Rocky Gordon Parker, 27, are alleged to have locked up Vincent Powell by using a hockey stick and knife, and then kept him prisoner overnight in Crossman’s flat in New Earswick, York, on February 20.

Parker also faces allegations that eight days later with another, unknown man, he went to the home of Mr Powell, who is in his fifties, forced his way in and stole money from him. Mr Powell is believed to have left the city after the incidents.

Neither Crossman nor Parker applied for bail during the Saturday hearing at York Magistrates’ Court and were remanded in custody.

Crossman, of Station Avenue, New Earswick, and Parker, of Barkston Avenue, Acomb, both face one charge of false imprisonment, one of robbery and two of theft.

Parker also faces a third charge of theft and allegations of using violence to get into a house and driving while disqualified.

Magistrates sent their cases to York Crown Court for trial by a judge and jury.

The pair will appear there on Friday for a preliminary hearing, when they will have their first opportunity to enter a plea.