A MAN accused of robbing a schoolgirl of her mobile phone in the centre of Carlisle is to stand trial later this year.

Aaron Raymond Duncan, 30, faced one charge when he appeared at the city's crown court earlier today.

This alleges that he robbed the girl of an iPhone 6 on July 4 last year.

That charge arises out of an incident which is said to have occurred outside the Iceland store on Lowther Street, Carlisle, at around 3-20pm on that date.

During a short hearing in front of Judge Andrew Jefferies QC, Duncan pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge.

A timetable for the progression of the case was outlined by a prosecutor.

A trial date was listed for November 18. It is estimated this hearing, in front of a jury, will last three to four days.

In the meantime, Duncan was remanded in custody by Judge Jefferies.