A GROUP of women have appeared in court over claims they conspired together to pervert the course of justice by hiding evidence such as weapons, phones and clothes.

Kimesha Bennett, 25, of Three Fields, Oxford, Sasha McMahon, 31, of Fern Hill Road, Oxford, and Korine Forbes, 28, of Starwort Path, Oxford, took to the dock at Oxford Magistrates' Court today.

They spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.

The trio are three of five people charged with conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

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Barry O'Loughlin, 42, of Sandy Lane in Oxford, and Charlotte Carney, 33, of Astrop Lane in Oxford, were also due to attend today's hearing but were both unable to due to illness.

Details of the charges claim that between May 31, 2017, and October 6, 2017, the group conspired together in Oxford with each other and others to do a series of acts namely to dispose of evidence including weapons, phones, and clothes with intent to pervert the course of justice.

The charges also include details of arranging transport for two people to leave Oxford.

Today's hearing heard how the charges are too serious to be dealt with at a magistrates' court and must be heard at Oxford Crown Court.

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Miss Bennett, Miss Forbes, and Miss McMahon were ordered to attend Oxford Crown Court on August 22 for a preliminary hearing at 9.30am.

They were given unconditional bail until then.

The case for the two defendants who were unable to attend today's hearing was adjourned until Tuesday, July 30, and following that hearing the pair are expected to also appear at Oxford Crown Court on August 22.