by Keith Hunt

A man has gone on trial accused of committing an armed robbery more than 11 years ago.

Two robbers were convicted and jailed in 2003 for a series of raids in Kent and Sussex. Another man was acquitted.

But Terence Pooke was only identified last year as the possible fourth member of a gang carrying out the terrifying robbery of a Securicor van in Wye, Ashford, in 2001, a court heard.

Security guards James Steers and Martin Thomas were delivering cash to Lloyds TSB in the High Street on March 27 that year when they were ambushed.

Prosecutor David Allan said although the target was £400,000, the gang made off with just £6,000 in cash.

The van had set off that day from the depot in Aylesford with Mr Steers driving.

After arriving at the bank in Wye, two raiders the prosecution say were Pooke and William Tobin moved in.

Mr Allan said Pooke had a gun in his left hand. Mr Thomas was warned not to touch the silent alarm in the van or his colleague, who was in the back, would be shot.

Mr Thomas was dragged out and made to lie face down on the ground.

One of the robbers drove the security van to a sewage works on the outskirts of the village, where Bobby Brown and “probably” his father Kevin Brown were waiting.

There was also a flatbed lorry with cutting equipment on it to get into the van. Mr Steers, who was still in the back was told to throw money out or Mr Thomas would be shot.

But Mr Allan told Maidstone Crown Court Bobby Brown made the mistake of jumping on the roof, which set off an alarm inside and locked other safes.

Tobin punched Mr Steers in the face and made more threats. But the raiders fled soon afterwards.

Tobin and Bobby and Kevin Brown were arrested. Kevin Brown was eventually acquitted of armed robbery.

“The fourth member of the gang, and it is believed the final member of the gang, remained unidentified,” said the prosecutor.

“Now we say he is the man in the dock - Terence Pooke.”

Pooke, 48, formerly of Rotherhithe, south east London, denies conspiracy to rob, robbery and possessing a firearm with intent.

The trial continues.