Five east Belfast men walked free yesterday after a jury acquitted them of involvement in a £1 million tobacco robbery at Belfast docks last year. After a day and a half's deliberation, the Belfast Crown Court jury unanimously acquitted them of handling stolen goods.
Mr Derek Lammey (34) of Spring Place, Mr Eric Buchanan (36) of Glenview Heights, Mr Raymond Morton (40) of Templemore Close, Mr Step hen Matthews (36) of Cuba Walk, and Mr William Brannigan (32) of Jonesborough Park, were among eight men who were originally charged with stealing the tobacco.