The trial of two soldiers from army barracks in Kent who allegedly stole military explosives and pyrotechnics is under way.

The colour sergeant and lance corporal are said to have been involved in passing on explosives, detonators, flares, smoke grenades, destruction grenades and ammunition from the British Army to a civilian associate connected to the criminal underworld in Glasgow.

The soldiers - who can only be referred to as X and Y - were serving with the Fifth Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) at the time and were stationed at Howe Barracks, Canterbury.

Maidstone Crown Court heard they were arrested following a drugs raid on a flat in Glasgow which revealed a stash of military equipment in a cupboard.

This led to a joint investigation by police in both Scotland and England, and the arrests of the soldiers.

A third member of their platoon - a sergeant aged 27 - was also arrested. The jury of eight women and four men was told he has pleaded guilty to his involvement and will be giving evidence for the prosecution. The civilian, 25, from Glasgow has also pleaded guilty.

The soldier who has pleaded guilty and will give evidence against them will be known as B. The civilian will be referred to as A.

X and Y both deny conspiracy to possess explosives between October 31 last year and February 16. It is alleged they conspired together, with B and A and with persons unknown to possess explosives in such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that the explosives would not be in their possession for a lawful object.

X and Y have also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to steal explosives, detonators, flares, smoke grenades, destruction grenades and other munitions from the British Army between the same dates.

Furthermore, they deny conspiracy to dishonestly undertake or assist in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen goods.

The trial continues.

~ Read the full report at kentishgazette.co.uk >>>