Residents of Knowle show support for Trude Mian following vicious robbery at garage

PEOPLE have rallied round to show their support for a courageous grandmother who was caught up in an alleged armed robbery last month.

Trude Mian, 65, of Braunton, said she had been inundated by kind gestures from local people following her ordeal.

She was working at Knowle Garage on the evening of Saturday, November 10, when she was confronted by two armed robbers.

CCTV images were caught on camera of the incident and the footage was printed in the Journal, which appeared to show Trude bravely fending off her attackers.

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People in Knowle have rallied around their heroine and the reaction of two local residents Anne Neal and Heidi Bryant is typical of the community's support.

When the shocking details emerged, Anne and Heidi decided to do something to cheer Trude up and show their support.

Anne said: "I was on my way round to buy a card when I met Heidi and we got chatting about it.

"We thought it would be a nice idea to get as many people as possible who live in our road to sign the card and give some money for flowers.

"Everybody was very willing and very supportive. All the people we managed to get hold of wanted to do something.

"When we realised how vicious and how shocking it was we just felt we wanted to send the flowers to say we are all glad you did not get hurt and we all support you."

Around 15 people who live on the "old road" through the village from the Ebrington Arms to where it rejoins the A361, signed the card and contributed towards the flowers.

Trude said of the gesture: "I thought it was so kind. I have been inundated with good wishes, hugs, flowers and chocolates.

"The response from the local community has been really great. They have shown their support in so many different ways.

"I have a list of names of customers I can ring if I feel threatened."

Jamie Latta, aged 27, from Braunton, North Devon, was arrested after the alleged robbery.

Latta appeared for the first time at Exeter Crown Court for a preliminary hearing in which he did not make a plea and spoke only to confirm his name.

Latta, of no fixed address, is charged with robbery.

Jonathan Barnes, for the prosecution, said any trial is likely to take three days.

Richard Crabb, for the defence, said Latta will be ready to enter pleas at the date of the next hearing in February next year.

Judge John Neligan remanded Latta in custody and set a trial date for April 3, 2013. He told him: "I have set a time table for your case today and your solicitors must be in a position to provide witness requirements by February 4."