Five London men admit to robbing Michael Spiers jewellers on North Road, Taunton

Reece Francis, 24, of Abbott Road, Poplar, London, Louis Kelly, 25, of Belgrave Gardens, St John's Wood, London, Steven Shields, Orchardson Street, 32, and Christopher Gibbs, 33, from Paddington, all from London, Charles Johnstone, 27, of no fixed abode, when they appeared before a judge this morning.

The court heard all five were arrested by police in connection to the incident which took place at at Michael Spiers jewellers on North Street at 11am on Wednesday, March 2.

The five men were all charged with three counts, one of robbery of five Tag Heuer watches, one of getting in a Mini that had been taken without the owner's permission and driving it, and  one of aggravated taking of a BMW without the owner's consent and driving it dangerously.

As reported in The Gazette, a massive man hunt was launched after five people robbed the Michael Spiers jewellers on March 2.

After the raid a high speed police chase ensued with the five suspects arrested following a crash on the M4 by Wiltshire Police a couple of hours later.

(The scene on the M4 following the crash)

Appearing before Judge John Trevaskis at Taunton Crown Court all five admitted to the charge of robbery, but pleaded not guilty to the charges relating to the stolen vehicles.

William Hunter, prosecuting, said: "The Crown has decided not proceed with counts two and three as it is not in the public interest to do so in this case."

Speaking to the five men in the dock Judge Trevaskis told them that they would be remanded in custody until their next court appearance.

The sentencing of the five was suspended for pre-sentence reports conducted by the probation service.

The five men will be sentenced on May 6 at 2pm at Taunton Crown Court, and will remain in custody until that appearance.