THE trial of suspects charged in connection with the biggest robbery in criminal history in the United Kingdom could take up to four months.

Nine defendants charged in connection with the £53m Tonbridge Securitas robbery appeared at the Old Bailey via video link on Monday.

They spoke only to confirm their names amid a court packed full of barristers, solicitors and the world's press.

Two of the defendants, Katie Philp and Roger Coutts, will appear again on Tuesday, October 3, when they are expected to enter a plea.

They are facing a number of charges, including conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to kidnap.

Setting a provisional date for the trial, for April 16, 2007, Justice Penry-Davey said it could take up to four months to reach a conclusion.

The nine who appeared in court this morning via video-link were:

John Fowler, 60, a car dealer, of Chart Hill Road, Staplehurst, near Maidstone, charged with conspiracy to rob, three counts of kidnapping the depot manager, his wife and son, and handling stolen goods.

Raluca Millen, 25, a warehouse employee, of Dudley Road, Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to kidnap.

Roger Coutts, 29, a garage owner, of The Green, Welling, charged with conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to kidnap.

Katie Philp, a sales assistant, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, charged with conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to kidnap.

Stuart Royle, a car salesman, of of Allen Street, Maidstone, charged with conspiracy to rob.

Jetmir Bucpapa, 25, unemployed, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, charged with conspiracy to rob.

Lea Rusha, 34, a roofer, of Lambersart Close, Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells, charged with conspiracy to rob.

Ermir Hysenaj, 26, of New Road, Crowborough, Sussex, charged with conspiracy to rob.

Kim Shackleton, 39, a hairdresser, of Allen Street, Maidstone, charged with handling stolen goods.