THE crown court trial of a group of men who deny involvement in an alleged north Cumbria burglary plot is to take place in February next year.
Four men have pleaded not guilty to the two charges they each face.
One charge alleges conspiracy to burgle with intent to steal – between January 1 and June 27. The other alleges going equipped for burglary, on April 26 – with four pairs of gloves, four balaclavas and a number of heavy duty tools.
The four men who deny these charges are Dillon Broderick, 22, of Main Street, Ellenborough; Ashley George Macauley, 25, of Castlegate, Penrith; John James Thompson, 26, of Harriston; and Scott David Martin Walpole, 28, of East Crescent, both in Aspatria.
A fifth man also stands charged with the alleged conspiracy to burgle charge, although he has yet to enter a plea.
The men are accused of involvement in a plot to commit burglary in Brampton, near Carlisle.
The latest hearing in the men’s case took place at the city’s crown court today (WED) as their respective lawyers appeared in front of Judge James Adkin.
A trial date has been listed for February 25, and it is estimated that this hearing could last a number of weeks.
In the meantime, all five men have been granted bail.
It was said today that police enquiries into alleged offending are ongoing.
