Two Birmingham men were accused of staging an aggravated burglary, armed with an axe, at a construction company site office near Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire.

Jason Ward, 27, of Gideon Close, Yardley, pleaded not guilty at Gloucester crown court to committing the offence on 30th January this year at the JCA Construction office in Willersey.

Paul Stuchbury, 45, of Amanda Drive, Birmingham did not give his plea to the allegation and his lawyer requested an assessment of his mental health.

Judge Ian Lawrie QC heard that the alleged incident involved the men attending the site office whilst they were in possession of an axe.

Charlotte Surley, representing Stuchbury, said "There are concerns about his mental health. There is depression and some level of disordered thoughts.

"This alleged offending was out of the blue and out of character."

The judge ordered the "mental health diversion" team to assess Stuchbury, and adjourned the case against him until 3rd April.

Joe Maloney, representing Ward, told the judge: "He accepts presence, but believed he was going there to work.

"He had no idea what was about to happen and took no part."

The judge fixed his trial for 10th July 2018.

Ward was granted bail, whilst Stuchbury was remanded in custody pending his mental health assessment.