A NEWCASTLE Emlyn man is one of five defendants who will stand trial accused of attacking Aberystwyth university student Ifan Owens.

Lee Andersen-Warnes, along with Michael Jones, Billy Valentine, David Lloyd and Andrew Scott today appeared before Judge Keith Thomas at Swansea crown court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Andersen-Warnes, aged 20, of Maes y Dref, Newcastle Emlyn, Jones, aged 24, of Waunwen Farm, Llanfairclydogau, Valentine, 19, of the flat, Vale of Rheidol, Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, Lloyd, aged 25, of no fixed address, and Scott, 23, of Dolwyre, Llangwyrfon, Aberystwyth, all denied inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on January 14.

Four of the defendants also denied a lesser charge of inflicting gbh but without intent. Valentine admitted the charge but Jim Davis, the barrister leading the prosecution, said his plea was not accepted because of the basis he wished to put forward.

All five defendants denied an additional charge of violent disorder on the same date.

They were all remanded in custody and a two-week trial will begin on August 6.