Four men accused of raiding Edinburgh jeweller and 'striking owner with axe'
Aaron Brannan, 28, Dean King, 26, Anthony Wheeldon, 28, and Dylan Azzopardi, 27, faced the accusations at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday.
Brannan, Wheeldon and Azzopardi are said to have joined another man in raiding Miena Jewellery in Edinburgh’s Great Junction Street last August 31st.
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Hide AdIt is claimed they assaulted worker Wail-Al-Khamis and forced open a security door with a sledgehammer.
He is said to have been struck with an axe before cabinets were smashed and jewellery stolen.
Wheeldon and King are then charged with being involved in a similar crime at Walker the Jeweller in Dundee last September 23rd.
It is alleged – together with another individual – they brandished an axe, mallet and hammer before forcing open display cases to grab watches.
A man there is said to have been assaulted with a mallet to his injury and permanent disfigurement.
Edinburgh break-in and car theft
Brannan, Wheeldon and Azzopardi face earlier charges of breaking into a house in Edinburgh and stealing a car.
Wheeldon and King are separately accused of the reset of a motor in Dundee.
Lawyers for the four pled not guilty on their behalf at the hearing.
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Hide AdThey agreed along with prosecutor Ashley Edwards QC that a trial could be set.
Lady Stacey fixed a trial due to begin on August 20th. The case could last 10 days.
A further preliminary hearing will take place before then.