Three men are accused of being involved in stealing £15,000-worth of tyres and selling them on eBay.

Appearing before Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Adam Thomas, 28, of The Lawns, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Ricky Waugh, 30, of Cranesbill Road, Melksham, did not enter pleas to allegations of theft by an employee and handling stolen goods respectively.

A third man, Matthew Smith, 28, of Waterdown Close, Taw Hill, faces a charge of handling stolen goods. His case was adjourned to September 24, when he will appear in court via the video link.

Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the men had been employed by Tyres on the Drive in 2019 when the company shut its Bristol office. Instead of moving spare tyres from Bristol to the firm’s base in Swindon, it is said they took the tyres to a garage and later sold some of the items online.

Thomas and Waugh were bailed to appear before Swindon Crown Court for a plea hearing on October 16.

Solicitor Terry McCarthy appeared for Waugh. Leanne Ballato represented Thomas.