Securitas robbery jury discharged

Paul Allen denied conspiracy to rob, kidnap and possess firearms

The jury trying a man accused of taking part in the £53m raid on a Securitas depot in Kent has been discharged after failing to reach a verdict.

Paul Allen, 30, of Chatham, Kent, had been accused of conspiracy to rob, kidnap and possess firearms.

The Old Bailey jury was told Mr Allen was "at the heart" of the plot to raid the Tonbridge depot in February 2006. He had denied the charges.

His co-accused, Michael Demetris, 32, of Bromley, was acquitted in December.

Depot manager Colin Dixon and his family were kidnapped and members of staff tied up during the armed raid.

Jurors were told it was masterminded by Mr Allen's best friend and fellow cage-fighter, Lee Murray, who is now in Morocco.

They had begun deliberating in December and spent more than 27 hours considering their verdicts, either side of a break for Christmas.

Trial judge Mr Justice Penry-Davey told them they could record a majority verdict but after hearing that they were still unable to reach agreement, the judge dismissed them.

A hearing is due to be held at the Old Bailey on 13 January where a date for a retrial will be discussed.

Mr Allen has been remanded in custody.

Five people were jailed in January last year for their parts in the crime.