TWO men accused of criminal conduct as a car was driven ‘dangerously’ on south Cumbria roads - including the wrong way along the M6 for 12 miles - are to stand trial in the new year.

Robbie Archer, 21, and 22-year-old Kyle Thomas Macauley Salt faced one charge of aggravated vehicle taking when they appeared at Carlisle Crown Court.

This charge alleges that, knowing a Vauxhall Vectra had been taken without the consent of the owner, Archer and Salt allowed themselves to be carried in the vehicle as it was driven dangerously on a number of roads, including the M6 and A6070 near Burton.

The charge arises out of an incident which occurred just after 5am on February 16 in which a vehicle was driven south away from Windermere and then along the M6 between junctions 35 and 36.

In court today, Judge Nicholas Barker noted that the car was alleged to have been ‘driven for 12 miles on the wrong side of the motorway’.

From the dock, Archer and Salt both pleaded not guilty to the aggravated vehicle taking charge when it was read to them by a clerk.

Their case was listed for a trial, which is due to take place in the week of January 25 and, it is estimated, will last two to three days.

Mr Archer, of Robert Street, and Salt, of Mill Bank, both Barrow, were granted bail by Judge Barker.