Two accused over break-ins

TWO men have appeared in court over break-ins at farms in Huddersfield and Mirfield.

A car and horse saddles were stolen during the burglaries in October last year, Kirklees Magistrates’ Court was told.

Leon Brown, 32, of Birches Green Road in Birmingham, appeared at the Huddersfield court charged in connection with the raids.

He was joined by 20-year-old Patrick Connors via a video link from HMP Doncaster.

The farms were targeted during a three-day period between October 12 and 15, the court heard.

The first alleged burglary took place at Stoneroyd Farm in Healey Green Lane, Kirkheaton

Magistrates were told that the suspects entered while the victim was still inside and stole the keys to her silver Ford Fiesta.

They drove the car away and then broke into Holly House Farm in Liley Lane, Upper Hopton, near Mirfield.

The men allegedly entered the tack room and removed four horse saddles.

These were later recovered from the stolen Fiesta when it was stopped by police, magistrates were told.

Brown pleaded not guilty to two charges of burglary and one count of theft from a motor vehicle.

Connors gave no indication as to what his pleas will be to the same three charges.

Magistrates deemed the matters too serious to be dealt with by them.

They committed the men to Leeds Crown Court where they will first appear on November 8.

Connors was remanded into custody as a serving prisoner while Brown was granted unconditional bail.