'Robbers used internet research'

A gang of armed robbers used the internet to research intended targets during a nine-month crime spree which netted £130,000, a court was told.

The gang, from Basildon, Essex, are accused of using websites to learn layouts of pubs and restaurants before striking with knives and replica guns.

Luton Crown Court heard firms were targeted as staff cashed up at night.

Kevin Taylor, 21, Nicola Yates, 20, and Peter Williams, 22, deny conspiring to commit robberies.

They also deny conspiring to use an imitation firearm to commit robberies between 31 August 2002 and 15 June 2003.

Scream masks

The court was told the masked gang struck up and down the country at pub chains such as Harvester, Toby Inns, Brewsters, Beefeater and Wacky Warehouse.

Prosecuting, Stuart Trimmer said the three defendants were part of a team of five who committed 30 armed robberies.

He said they struck as far north as South Yorkshire, and as far south as Dorset, as well as in Hertfordshire, Essex, Wiltshire, Northamptonshire and Surrey.

Mr Trimmer added the gang went into some restaurants and pubs through the back door and once inside rounded up staff at gun point.

The gang hid their faces behind balaclavas, "Scream masks" or full-faced crash helmets.

The court was told the other two gang members - Mr Taylor's mother Laila Newman Weekes and her partner Callum Hunter - had already pleaded guilty to two conspiracy charges.

The case continues.