TWO men have admitted offering money to persuade a witness not to give evidence in court.

Anthony Wilding, of James Stree,t and Steven Wilding, of William Street, both in Northwich, offered cash via another person to a witness in a criminal case in an attempt to stop them from identifying someone involved.

The pair appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, where they each pleaded guilty to a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Peter Hussey, prosecuting, told the court: "This is in relation to the case of Shaun Higgins, a case which was heard at Chester Crown Court on charges of aggravated burglary, assault and escape."

He said that one of the witnesses involved in the case was approached on May 21 this year, via another person when cash was offered not to identify someone involved in the incident.

Judge Roger Dutton adjourned the case until October 14, for pre sentence reports. He said: "This is a serious matter and it is important we have all the information and facts."

Both men were released on unconditional bail.

Shaun Higgins pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and escape on September 14, at Chester Crown Court. He will be sentenced on October 7.