A CULM Valley man has appeared in court after carrying out a ram raid on a Blackdown Hills village shop and stealing tobacco and alcohol products.

Steven Keeling, aged 40, of Denners Way, Uffculme, admitted the offence when he appeared before magistrates in Exeter on Wednesday (October 14).

He was charged with with aggravated burglary for the raid on the Spar shop in Station Road, Hemyock.

The court heard Keeling used a vehicle to smash his way into the shop, where he then stole cigarettes and beer.

Police were called to reports of a break-in at the Spar store at about 2.30 am on Wednesday, September 30.

Keeling was later arrested and subsequently charged.

The magistrates remanded Keeling in custody and committed him to Exeter Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, November 11.