A Moray man has appeared in court in connection with a digger raid that left the front of a convenience store devastated.
Duncan Elrick faced six charges at Elgin Sheriff Court yesterday following the incident at the Spar shop in Keith at the weekend.
The 35-year-old has been charged with attempted theft by opening a lockfast place, namely a cash machine.
Elrick, whose address was only given as Moray, faces further charges of theft by housebreaking and culpable and reckless conduct.
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He has also been accused of the theft of a motor vehicle and driving while disqualified as well as a further allegation of attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
Elrick made no plea when he appeared in court in private yesterday. His case was continued for examination and he was remanded in custody.
Yesterday the clear-up operation continued at the Regent Street shop to repair the damage caused in the incident, which took place at about 3.30am on Saturday.
Police launched an appeal for witnesses and have encouraged people who were in the area at the time to come forward.
A notice attached to the wooden boards covering the entrance to the shop explains the branch will reopen “as soon as possible”.
It is understood that attempts will be made to resume trading from the outlet before the end of the week.
The incident caused significant disruption in the area on Saturday after the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road was closed through Keith for about 10 hours to allow police to carry out investigation work.
Debris that had broken free following the considerable damage caused to the businesses also required to be cleared from the road.
Traffic was diverted through Drummuir and Newmill while officers worked to reopen the busy route.
Police have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact them by calling 101.