THE trial of seven men and one woman accused of taking part in the £53million Securitas cash heist was adjourned today after one of the defendants dismissed his counsel.

Stuart Royle, of Allen Street, Maidstone, stood down his barrister following a submission to the judge on Friday.

After explaining the situation to the jury, Judge Mr Justice Penry-Davey requested that the jury return to the Old Bailey in London for 10.30am tomorrow when it is hoped the trial will continue.

Lea Rusha, of Lambersart Close, Southborough; Stuart Royle, of Allen Street, Maidstone; Jetmir Bucpapa, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge; Roger Coutts, of The Green, Welling; John Fowler, of Chart Hill Road, Staplehurst; Ermir Hysenaj, of New Road, Crowborough; and Michelle Hogg, of Brinklow Crescent, Woolwich, have all pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to have in their possession a firearm.

A seventh man, Keith Borer, from Hampstead Lane, Yalding, stands accused of dishonestly receiving £6,100 of stolen Securitas money, which he denies.