NINE men have denied conspiring to steal computer equipment from Motorola in Swindon.

The group denied the charge, said to have happened between December 19, 1999, and June 2 this year, when they appeared at a plea and directions hearing at Swindon Crown Court.

They pleaded not guilty to conspiring to enter Motorola, as well as other premises, to steal Sun Microsystems computer equipment.

The group included two Swindon men, 23-year-old Sajid Khan of Manchester Road and 25-year-old Arfan Khan of Ferndale Road.

The other men were: Andrew Chiory, 27, of Prince Henry Close, Bermondsey; Gbenga Biobaku, 27, of no fixed address; Jimmy Manuwa, 22, of Furze Close, Mitcham; Andrew Gill, 30, of Firland Road, London; Kevin Leslie, 30, of Corporation Street, Stratford; Martin Miller, 22, of Melfort Road, Peckham; Wayne Spencer, 28, of no fixed address; Thomas Williams, 19, of Thornhill Square, London.

Judge Tom Longbotham heard that the allegation related to the group, together with a man named as Darren Elaouad and "others unknown".

Remanding five of the men in custody, and bailing the others, the judge adjourned the case until November 15 for defence witness requirements and case statements to be submitted to the prosecution.