Armed robbers 'left DNA at scene'

The armed robbery took place in Newport city centre

Four armed bank robbers were caught because they left a cigarette lighter at the scene of the crime containing traces of DNA, a court has heard.

Cardiff Crown Court was told the men from Birmingham shot a guard and stole £75,000 from the Halifax Bank, Newport.

Ryan Gamble, 23, Leroy Davidson, 22, and Daniel Nelson, 27, deny carrying out the armed robbery.

Michail Sinclair, 20, admits robbery and possessing a firearm, but denies unlawful wounding. The trial continues.

Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees said the men had committed a "determined and carefully planned robbery" in Newport in October 2005.

He told the court: "This was a proper bank robbery - they shot the security guard. But what they did not know was something had fallen out of one of their pockets.

"Police found a cigarette lighter in the shape of an iPod. It had DNA from both Sinclair and Gamble on it."

Cardiff Crown Court heard Mr Gamble, of Highgate, Birmingham, and Mr Sinclair, of Erdington, Birmingham, entered the bank in Newport and shot security guard Roy Grey in the leg.

None of them made any effort to distance themselves from the shooter and they divided their ill-gotten gains between them Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees

They allegedly escaped with three Securicor money boxes, each containing £25,000.

Mr Nelson, of Wellesley Gardens in Birmingham, is accused of driving the high-powered Mitsubishi getaway car.

The prosecution said Mr Davidson, of Ensdon Grove in Birmingham, tipped off gang members about the delivery of the cash.

Mr Mather-Lees said all the men shared responsibility for the actions of that day.

He said: "All four men knew that a firearm was being brought to the bank - the shooting took none of these men by surprise.

"None of them made any effort to distance themselves from the shooter and they divided their ill-gotten gains between them."

Mr Davidson and Mr Nelson deny conspiracy to rob, possessing a firearm with intent to rob and unlawful wounding.

Mr Sinclair admits robbery and possessing a firearm but denies unlawful wounding.

Mr Gamble denies all the charges and an additional charge of having a firearm with criminal intent.