A MAN punched a shop worker in the face while trying to escape with stolen money, a court heard yesterday.

Andrew John Bell had gone to the Heron Frozen Food shop in Newton Aycliffe, on October 26 last year, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Graham Sabiston, prosecuting, said Bell went to a check-out with a pint of milk. While the assistant had the till open to give him change, he reached in and grabbed a handful of money.

Mr Sabiston said there was then a brief struggle as the cashier, Amanda Quinn, tried to shut the till drawer while Mr Bell's hand was still inside.

Miss Quinn said: "He then punched me in the face and ran off."

Mr Sabiston said Mr Bell, 22, of no fixed address, escaped from the shop with between £50 and £60.

Mr Bell denies a charge of robbery. He told the jury he had not punched Miss Quinn in the face and if he had struck her it was accidental.

He said: "She was not punched in the face. I did not punch her in the face."

The case continues, and the jury is expected to retire to consider its verdict today.