A GANG of seven have appeared before Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with dodging tens-of-thousands of pounds-worth of duty on cigarettes and rolling tobacco.

The group of serving and former armed service personnel and civilians are understood to have brought the items into the UK from Afghanistan and the Middle East via RAF Northolt.

The value of the conspiracy is understood to be £78,000.

Seven people squeezed into the dock in court one on Wednesday morning to answer charges for their part in the alleged conspiracy.

They have been charged that between November 21, 2017 and April 9, 2018, they conspired to fraudulently evade duty chargeable on cigarettes and rolling tobacco.

The defendants are: Jennifer Cherry, 38, of Meadowsweet Close, Swindon; David McEwan, 40, of Cleveland Road, Swindon; Jan Coetzee, 37, of Drift Way, Cirencester; Rosie Parry, 30, of Dydale Road, Swindon; Gary Tomlinson, 31, of Gray Road, South Cerney; and Ben Wilson, 31, of Pevensey Way, Quedgeley.

Gareth Parry, 37, of Dydale Road, Swindon, faced an additional charge that between April 1, 2016, and October 31, 2016, he was knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty chargeable on cigarettes and rolling tobacco.

None of the defendants entered pleas to the charges. They were released on unconditional bail for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swindon Crown Court on May 31.

An eighth man, Gert Coetzee, 49, of Morecombe Way, Fairford, is expected to appear before JPs on the conspiracy charge later today.