Bank theft accused for September trial

The trial of a man accused of the £26.5m Northern Bank robbery is on course to start this September, a court heard today.

The trial of a man accused of the £26.5m Northern Bank robbery is on course to start this September, a court heard today.

Mr Chris Ward (26) denies robbery and two charges of false imprisonment connected to the 2004 haul.

The bank official from Colinmill, Poleglass, Belfast, appeared before Belfast Crown Court judge Lord Justice Girvan today for a pre-trial hearing.

His barrister Neil Fox said the date for the trial was fixed for September 8th but added that he believed no judge had been appointed to hear it yet.

Mr Ward, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, is to appear again on Friday.

He is accused of assaulting and imprisoning Kevin and Kyran McMullan as well as the robbery.

PA