FIVE men accused of attacking Aberystwyth university student Ifan Owens have opted to stand trial by a jury.

Michael Jones, Billy Valentine, David Lloyd, Lee Andersen-Warnes and Andrew Scott appeared before Judge Keith Thomas at Swansea Crown Court on Friday for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

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

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 6 August.