THREE men accused of a conspiracy to steal £1 million from small businesses across the South West have been remanded in custody before they answer the charges.

Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning, Jesse Gregory, David Royles, and Joseph Butler did not enter pleas to the charge of conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal, encompassing a total of 118 burglaries during last year.

Mr Gregory, 49, of Railway Cottages, Brinkworth, sat with his ear pressed against the glass panels of the dock, listening intently to the proceedings.

Mr Royles, 53, of Sandhurst Lane, Gloucester, wearing a patterned green jumper, leant back with his arms folded, while 24-year-old Joseph Butler, of The Willows, Gloucester, glanced up at his family sitting in the public gallery.

As he was led back into custody, they shouted: “We love you. Three weeks, that’s all it is.”

Nick Barr, prosecuting, told the court: “If convicted all three defendants would be looking at lengthy sentences of imprisonment.

"There are 118 burglaries detailed spanning five counties, all linked through specific modus operandi.

“They are usually isolated properties, such as golf clubs or garden centres.

“At a conservative estimate, the damage and cash stolen amounts to around £1m at the moment.”

Guy Percival, defending Mr Gregory and Mr Butler, said: “Mr Butler has a partner and he has been with her for many years, and has three young children.

"They live in a proper static caravan and he has been there for a number of years.

"His partner is three months pregnant. Mr Gregory is 49 and has lived in council accommodation in Brinkworth for the last eight years.

"He has a wife, and two teenage daughters.”

District Judge Simon Cooper, presiding, declined applications for bail.

“There are substantial grounds for fearing that you will fail to surrender to the court or go on to continue this deprivation across the south of England,” he said.

All three men will appear at Swindon Crown Court on June 19, and the custody time limit has been extended until November 27.