They were also charged that they "put the staff of the Millennium Dome in fear of being then and there subjected to force".

Bail refused

Motor trader James Wenham, 57, of Tonbridge, Kent, and his son Lee Wenham, a 32-year-old mechanic, of Gillingham, Kent, were charged with aiding and abetting the attempted robbery.

An application for bail by Lee Wenham was refused.

Mr Cochrane, Mr Betson, Mr Adams and Mr Ciarrocchi - also face two allegations of criminal damage.

The men were remanded in custody until 14 November but will not reappear in court until 7 December.

The accused chatted and joked during the brief hearing.

Broken cheekbone

Mr Cochrane's solicitor, Michael Holmes told the court that his client had broken his cheekbone during the course of his arrest.

"There was a collision between his face and some piece of equipment," the court heard.

"He did suffer a broken cheekbone, his left cheek is somewhat swollen."

Three others arrested in connection with the raid are still being questioned by detectives in Kent.

The collection of diamonds targeted in the raid but replaced with crystal replicas at the last minute will go back on display "in the very near future".

Negotiations are going on between the Dome and De Beers about when the real gems can be seen by the public again.