TWO men are set to stand trial for offences relating to the alleged theft of almost £6,000 from the Metrolink.

Paul Higham and Michael Gavin, both of Eastham Way in Little Hulton, both appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

They are both accused of stealing £5780 from Metrolink on December 11 last year.

Higham, aged 39, pleaded guilty to theft but only on a basis of plea, indicating that he denied some elements of the charge.

He denied attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a police officer and handling stolen goods, also on December 11.

Gavin, aged 41, pleaded not guilty to theft and handling stolen goods but admitted possession of a bladed article, in relation to him having an axe at Crumpsall Metrolink station. The charges of possessing stolen goods relates to a Ford Transit van.

A trial date has been set for May 21 this year and it is expected to last four to five days.