COMPUTER repairman Simon Cheney fooled mobile phones by inserting computer chips into the system, a court heard.

Mobile phones seized could have been used to make £26,000 of calls, Swindon magistrates were told.

Cheney, aged 34, of Kitchener Street, Swindon, described as experienced in repairing computers and mobile phones, previously admitted a charge of fraudulent use of the telecom system.

Diane Walker, prosecuting, said 13 mobile phones were seized when a search warrant was executed at Cheney's home on January 14 this year.

When they were examined by BT and computer experts, it was discovered they had been inserted with computer chips which fooled the phones into thinking credit had been put in.

Potentially you have got 13 phones which could be used to make £26,000 of calls, Ms Walker told the court.

A total of 3,457 calls were made but Cheney denied making 2,095 on one phone.

Diane Moreton, defending, claimed that just six of the phones were activated and used.

Cheney was committed to Crown Court for sentence on August 18. He was granted unconditional bail.