Michael Wheatley. Image: Met Police

The violent robber known as the ‘Skull Cracker’ has appeared in court having been charged with stealing £18,350 in an armed robbery, illegally possessing an imitation firearm and being unlawfully at large.

Dressed in a grey t-shirt and flanked by 4 police officers, 55-year old Michael Wheatley spoke only to confirm his name during the five-minute hearing.

He was suspected to have struck in Surrey after absconding from an open prison in Kent.

The robber is originally from the East London area.

He was spotted in Twickenham, but police believed that he may have headed to South-East London where it was thought he had connections.

He was arrested on a street corner in the Tower Hamlets area.

He has been remanded in custody by Redhill Magistrates to appear at Guildford Crown Court on 29th May.