A jury has retired to consider verdicts in the trial of two Army officers accused of stealing military explosives and helping pass them on to criminals in Scotland.

A colour sergeant, aged 37, and a lance corporal, 28, who can only be identified as X and Y, deny conspiracy to possess explosives between October 31 last year and February 16.

They also deny conspiracy to steal explosives, detonators, flares, smoke grenades, destruction grenades and other munitions from the Army.

Another colour sergeant, known as B, 27, has admitted his inolvement and gave evidence for the prosecution in the trial.

B and ex-soldier Andrew Quinn, 26, admit conspiracy to possess explosives and conspiracy to dishonestly undertake or assist in the retention, removal or disposal or realisation of stolen goods.

All four were serving with the Fifth Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), based at Howe Barracks in Canterbury.