THREE men have appeared in court accused of robbing and assaulting a woman in Crediton in January this year.

The men are alleged to have been armed with an imitation pistol and a knife during the robbery and one is accused of sexually assaulting the woman.

Liam Ingham, aged 22, of Bewsley Hill, Crediton; and Royston Cottle, aged 21 of Crediton, both admitted robbery while Oliver Checkley, aged 20, of Butt Parks, Crediton, denied the same charge.

The robbery allegation involves the theft of an iPhone, and iWatch, bank and identity cards, a handbag and cosmetics on January 26, 2022.

Cottle admitted possession of a Python 357 Magnum gas powered imitation revolver with intent to cause the woman fear of unlawful violence on the same date. The other two denied the charge.

Checkley denied possessing a knife in Crediton on the same day while Cottle and Ingham both denied causing the woman actual bodily harm. Cottle also denied assault by penetration.

Cottle and Ingham also denied assault on another man which caused him actual bodily harm during the same incident. Ingham also denied arson in which he is alleged to have damaged the back seat of a police car.

Recorder Mr Philip Mott, KC, adjourned the disputed cases for trial at Exeter Crown Court next year.