Twelve charged over beer kegs plot

Twelve men appeared in court in Sandwell today following an alleged plot to steal more than £9 million of beer kegs from across the region.

The allegations relate to the discovery by police in Oldbury of a lorry allegedly containing the stolen goods in February last year. An investigation led detectives to uncover the alleged plot.

Appearing before West Bromwich magistrates today were Stephen Page, aged 49, of Oak Road, Pelsall, and Simon Gray, 36, of Lindon Drive, Brownhills. Both face a charge of theft.

Anthony Geeling, 59, of Bellmead, Studley, and Ian Lewis, 43, of Sunnymead, Clent, Stourbridge, face handling stolen goods and conspiracy to steal claims.

David Fellows, 55, of Belbroughton Road, Blakedown, Kidderminster; Paul Westwood, 45, of Kingsley Wood Road; Mark Westwood, 48, of Stonehouse Road, both Rugeley; Martin Knight, 49, of Maud Road in West Bromwich; Neil Mackay, 35, of Church Road, Sutton Coldfield and Tom Kibble, 30, of Berkley House, Birmingham Road, Sutton, are charged with conspiracy to steal.

Marc Curley, 41, of Brookwood Avenue, Hall Green, and Keith James, 60, of Solihull, face a handling stolen goods charge.

All were granted bail.