Two men have appeared in court charged with handling stolen goods after a three-ton digger went missing in Wiltshire.

Christopher Cox and Patrick Murphy, both from London, are charged with handling stolen goods in Christian Malford, near Chippenham.

The items belonged to Smith’s Tool Hire, the charges put to them state.

It is alleged that they dishonestly undertook or assisted in the retention, removal, disposal or realisation of stolen goods, namely a pneumatic drill, a petrol generator and a three-ton sk28 digger belonging to Smith’s Tool Hire on August 25, 2020.

Both defendants, aged 31 and 47 respectively, have also been charged with going equipped for theft.

They allegedly had possession of cutting equipment, walkie talkies and gloves which prosecutors say was use in connection with theft.

Both Cox, of King Edwards Road, Enfield, and Murphy, of Reapers Close, Camden, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and were released on unconditional bail pending the next hearing at Swindon Crown Court on March 18.

Murphy appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court via video link on February 16, whereas Cox appeared in person on February 22 and was represented by duty solicitor Luke Jameson.