A driver employed by a Belfast transport company is alleged to have been responsible for the theft of a container-load of vodka valued at nearly £40,000.
Belfast Crown Court heard yesterday that two hours after collecting the container from Belfast docks in March, 1999, Mr Paul Thomas Largy reported to police that his lorry had been hijacked at Ravanhill Road.
He claimed he had been driven around East Belfast for some time before being dropped off at Connswater Shopping Centre. But yesterday Mr Largy (36), Alliance Avenue, Belfast, went on trial for the theft of the vodka on March 16th, 1999.
Mr Terry Mooney QC, prosecuting, told the jury Mr Largy's story was not accepted because he was the only one who could have informed the gang of the time and route the valuable load was taking.
Mr Largy is on trial with three other Belfast men who have pleaded not guilty to receiving the stolen vodka. The trial continues this morning.