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22/09/2008
Northern Bank Robbery Witness In Tears
As the only case to come to court following the massive bank robbery at the Northern Bank's headquarters in central Belfast in late 2004 continued today, the wife of one of the bank's staff - who was held hostage while the bank was robbed of £26.5m - broke down in tears in court.
The trauma followed her recounting how she had a gun pointed at her head during the run-up to the raid.
She was speaking at the trial of Chris Ward, 26, of Colinmill, Poleglass, a bank employee who consistently denies taking a part in the huge Belfast robbery.
Kryan McMullan, the wife of Kevin McMullan, who at the time of the heist was assistant manager of the bank's cash centre, told Belfast Crown Court that men posing as policemen called at their Loughinisland home.
Mrs McMullan said the two men called at their home at around 9.45pm, telling Mr McMullan they wanted to talk to him about a car accident.
Tearfully recalling the events from the evening of December 19, 2004, Mrs McMullan told Mr Justice McLauglin that as she walked across their lounge to comfort her husband about the alleged accident, one of the men posing as a policeman "grabbed Kevin on the shoulder and put a gun to his head."
She said she then felt someone grab her from behind and press a gun to the back of her head too while the bogus 'policeman' was saying "if you co-operate nobody will get hurt".
Mrs McMullan said one of the men then pushed her to the ground, sat astride her back and told her to hold her hands out so they could be tied.
She said she obeyed the order, telling the court: "I didn't feel I had a choice, I had a gun to the back of my head."
As well as denying a part in the actual robbery, Mr Ward further also denies holding hostage his boss, Mr McMullan and his wife on a date between 18 and 21 December 2004.
Although both the IRA and Sinn Fein have repeatedly denied any links with the raid and the accused faces no allegations regarding the IRA or republicans, the IRA was blamed at the time for the robbery by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde.
The British and Irish Governments and a subsequent report by the International Monitoring Commission also laid the blame on the IRA even though the IRA and Sinn Fein consistently denied the accusations.
See: Two men arrested in Northern Bank probe
(BMcC)
The trauma followed her recounting how she had a gun pointed at her head during the run-up to the raid.
She was speaking at the trial of Chris Ward, 26, of Colinmill, Poleglass, a bank employee who consistently denies taking a part in the huge Belfast robbery.
Kryan McMullan, the wife of Kevin McMullan, who at the time of the heist was assistant manager of the bank's cash centre, told Belfast Crown Court that men posing as policemen called at their Loughinisland home.
Mrs McMullan said the two men called at their home at around 9.45pm, telling Mr McMullan they wanted to talk to him about a car accident.
Tearfully recalling the events from the evening of December 19, 2004, Mrs McMullan told Mr Justice McLauglin that as she walked across their lounge to comfort her husband about the alleged accident, one of the men posing as a policeman "grabbed Kevin on the shoulder and put a gun to his head."
She said she then felt someone grab her from behind and press a gun to the back of her head too while the bogus 'policeman' was saying "if you co-operate nobody will get hurt".
Mrs McMullan said one of the men then pushed her to the ground, sat astride her back and told her to hold her hands out so they could be tied.
She said she obeyed the order, telling the court: "I didn't feel I had a choice, I had a gun to the back of my head."
As well as denying a part in the actual robbery, Mr Ward further also denies holding hostage his boss, Mr McMullan and his wife on a date between 18 and 21 December 2004.
Although both the IRA and Sinn Fein have repeatedly denied any links with the raid and the accused faces no allegations regarding the IRA or republicans, the IRA was blamed at the time for the robbery by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde.
The British and Irish Governments and a subsequent report by the International Monitoring Commission also laid the blame on the IRA even though the IRA and Sinn Fein consistently denied the accusations.
See: Two men arrested in Northern Bank probe
(BMcC)
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25 September 2008
Bank Robbery Trial Hears Of Panic As Mobile Signal Lost
Evidence continued yesterday in the Northern Bank trial, where a bank employee, Chris Ward continues to deny being part of the plot that ultimately robbed the city centre bank of £26.5 million.
Bank Robbery Trial Hears Of Panic As Mobile Signal Lost
Evidence continued yesterday in the Northern Bank trial, where a bank employee, Chris Ward continues to deny being part of the plot that ultimately robbed the city centre bank of £26.5 million.
25 June 2013
New NI Bank Notes In Circulation
New bank notes have been released into circulation in Northern Ireland. The £10 and £20 notes are being issued from Danske Bank and will gradually replace the existing Northern Bank notes. The design of the notes remains the same, the only difference is the Danske Bank logo has replaced the Northern Bank logo.
New NI Bank Notes In Circulation
New bank notes have been released into circulation in Northern Ireland. The £10 and £20 notes are being issued from Danske Bank and will gradually replace the existing Northern Bank notes. The design of the notes remains the same, the only difference is the Danske Bank logo has replaced the Northern Bank logo.
10 May 2012
Northern Bank To Be Rebranded
Danske Bank has announced a new organisational set-up for its operations in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The new structure will take effect on 1 June 2012. The re-organisation mirrors a similar Group wide set-up being introduced in all Danske Bank operations.
Northern Bank To Be Rebranded
Danske Bank has announced a new organisational set-up for its operations in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The new structure will take effect on 1 June 2012. The re-organisation mirrors a similar Group wide set-up being introduced in all Danske Bank operations.
03 January 2007
Bank robbery charges dropped
The County Down man accused of the £26 million Northern Bank robbery in 2004, has had the charges against him dropped. Dominic McEvoy, 23, a builder from Mullandra Park in Kilcoo, was not present in Belfast Magistrates Court during the hearing.
Bank robbery charges dropped
The County Down man accused of the £26 million Northern Bank robbery in 2004, has had the charges against him dropped. Dominic McEvoy, 23, a builder from Mullandra Park in Kilcoo, was not present in Belfast Magistrates Court during the hearing.
07 January 2005
Consequences ‘dire and grim’ says Robinson
The consequences for Sinn Féin will be “dire and grim” if Chief Constable Hugh Orde confirms IRA involvement in the £22 million Northern Bank robbery last month, said DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson.
Consequences ‘dire and grim’ says Robinson
The consequences for Sinn Féin will be “dire and grim” if Chief Constable Hugh Orde confirms IRA involvement in the £22 million Northern Bank robbery last month, said DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
