THE case of 16 people accused of allegedly being involved in a scam selling warranties for Sky Television has been delayed.
A plea hearing was due to take place on May 13. But Judge Keith Thomas set a new date in June after it became clear that hearing would not be able to take place on that date.
The 16 men and women, some members of the same family, face charges of conspiracy to defraud, while two also face a charge of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
None of the accused were required to attend court, but legal representatives for all were present during the latest hearing at Swansea Crown Court.
The accused are: Sammy Joe Matthews, 23, of Heol Penar, Penlan; Sara Ann Louise Nash, 26, of Northhill Road; Darren Richard Smith, 33, of Clos Camlas, Morriston; Jamie Williams, 32, of Clos Camlas; Richard Smith, 54, of Wychtree Street, Morriston; Kelly Stockting, of Northway Court, Bishopston; Ryan Alex Davey, 30, of Martin Street, Morriston; Richard John Charles Imms, 43, of Mysydd Road, Landore; Christopher John Smith, 35, of Llys y Bryn, Birchgrove; Michael James Stockting, 28, of Northway Court, Bishopston; Barbara Swain, 59, of Woodford Road, Blaenymaes; Neville James Watkins, 35, of Langland Close, Mumbles; and Thomas Arthur Howlett, 30, of Pentregethin Road, Ravenhill.
In addition to the conspiracy charges, Paul Curtis Delamare, 39, of Clos y Maerdy, Garden Village, and Jordan Diment, 32, of Lon Gwynfryn, Sketty, are also charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Another man, Nicholas Griffiths, 27, also faces a conspiracy charge.
Judge Thomas said an indication about how each person will plead to the charges needs to be sent to the prosecution by May 24 to allow trial dates to be fixed at the plea hearing.
Prosecuting barrister Peter Rouch said the defendants may stand trial in two of three separate groups once pleas have been entered. The plea hearing will take place on June 7.
