A man who turned up to court an hour late after he slept in was told be would be sent to jail on remand if he was late again.

Kristian Cleverley and Stacey Kibble had been due before Swindon Crown Court at 10am on Tuesday to answer allegations connected to an aggravated burglary in Chippenham last year.

When the pair weren’t at court at 10.30am, Judge Jason Taylor QC told their barristers he would leave off issuing a warrant until midday but warned the court would not “dance to their tune”.

They arrived at court after 11am. Mark Ashley, for Kibble, said his client could not afford the £24 cost of a peak time train ticket and had boarded the first cheaper train.

Cleverley’s brief, Alejandra Tascon, said her client had had “some issues with his phone in terms of setting his alarm”. She added: “He does realise that’s not the best excuse.” The man apologised having told Judge Taylor he woke up between 9.30am and 10am.

Judge Taylor bailed them both. He said: “Miss Kibble I have more sympathy for your position but if you’re late again it won’t work twice, the court doesn’t work to your timetable.

“I have got little time for your explanation, Mr Cleverley. If you’re late again you will be remanded in custody.”

Cleverley, 31, of Derriards, Chippenham, pleaded not guilty to aggravated burglary, attempted robbery and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. It is said he armed himself with a metal bar before breaking into a flat in Royal Close, Chippenham, on June 13 last year. Kibble, 28, of Swann Court, Trowbridge, denied aggravated burglary but admitted attempted robbery. The plea was acceptable to the Crown, prosecutor George Threlfall said.

Cleverley’s trial is expected to start on December 7 and will last three to four days.