Woman cleared in £53m raid trial

The £53m Securitas raid was the UK's largest cash robbery

A defendant in the £53m Securitas depot robbery trial at the Old Bailey has been cleared.

A formal not guilty verdict was entered against hairdresser Michelle Hogg after the prosecution dropped charges.

Sir John Nutting QC said the Crown had discontinued proceedings against the 32-year-old from south-east London.

Seven men deny a series of charges in relation to Britain's biggest cash raid, which took place in Tonbridge, Kent, in February 2006.

It had been claimed that Ms Hogg, from Brinklow Crescent, Woolwich, was responsible for masks used by the robbers to disguise themselves during the raid.

She had been charged with conspiracy to rob, and other offences.

The development came four months after the start of the trial.

Conspiracy charges

The defendants on trial include car salesman Stuart Royle, 48, of Maidstone, and his former business partner, John Fowler, 58, of Staplehurst, both Kent.

Also charged are former depot worker Ermir Hysenaj, 27, of Crowborough, East Sussex; Jetmir Bucpapa, 26, of Tonbridge, Kent; roofer Lea Rusha, 35, of Southborough, Kent; and garage owner Roger Coutts, 30, of Welling, south-east London.

They all deny conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to kidnap and conspiracy to possess firearms.

Signwriter Keith Borer, 53, of Maidstone, Kent, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of handling stolen money.

The trial continues.