Three men accused of a burglary conspiracy, including theft of war medals from a 100-year-old former Desert Rat, will stand trial in September.

Brothers Benjamin Samuels, 32, and Sidney Samuels, 37, both of Milbourne Grove, Milton Regis, were originally charged with committing a series of burglaries, one of which was at the home of centenarian Leslie Stelfox in Cherry Close, Milton Regis, on March 18.

Alan Looker, 33, also of Milbourne Grove, was originally charged with handling stolen goods.

But all three now face a single charge of conspiracy to burgle between January 21 and March 23 this year.

They had pleaded not guilty on April 11 but the charge was put to them again on Friday.

The Samuels brothers appeared by TV link with Elmley Prison and Looker was in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court.

Judge David Griffith-Jones set the trial date for September 22.

Benjamin and Sidney Samuels were remanded in custody. Looker’s bail, conditional on residence and a tagged curfew between 7pm and 6am, was continued.