Two men have appeared in court accused of stealing equipment worth almost £70,000 during repeat burglaries at a site near Carlisle.
Sean McGuigan, aged 36, and 38-year-old Anthony Griffiths jointly face four charges.
One of these charges alleges conspiracy to commit burglary of a non-dwelling with intent to steal.
Court papers allege that McGuigan and Griffiths conspired together to enter Novus Property Solutions at Warwick Bridge, near Carlisle as trespassers, between September 29 and December 22 2022, with intent to steal.
The three other charges allege that the men burgled the same site on three separate occasions — between October 26 and November 1, 2022, between December 5 and December 12 2022 and between December 19 and December 22 2022.
Court papers allege that equipment respectively valued at £19,350, between £15,000 and £20,000. and between £26,000 and £30,000 was taken during those alleged burglaries.
This equipment is said to include composite doors, steel sinks, window frames, side screens, copper fillings, sink tops and silicon.
No pleas were entered when McGuigan and Griffiths appeared — in person and remotely over a video link, respectively, at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court earlier today.
The court heard that the conspiracy charge is classed as an indictable only allegation, which means it is so serious it can only be heard at a crown court.
Deputy district judge Matthew Wallace formally sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court.
McGuigan, of Cannock Road, Cannock; and Griffiths, of Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton, are due to appear in front of a judge for a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 8.
In the meantime both men have been granted unconditional bail.
