Van-driver gets 12 years for robberies

A former Securicor driver who helped in two armed robberies from his employers which netted nearly £200,000 was jailed for 12…

A former Securicor driver who helped in two armed robberies from his employers which netted nearly £200,000 was jailed for 12 years yesterday by Belfast Crown Court.

Judge Anthony Hart was told that Eric Higgins (34) had been approached by his girlfriend's brother for information about Securicor deliveries and agreed to help to pay the woman's debts. He provided details of routes and delivery times. Higgins, from Forthill Park, Carnmoney, pleaded guilty to the armed theft of £25,000 last May on Belfast's Antrim Road, and £160,000 at Belfast Zoo in September.

He also admitted two thefts totalling £6,000 from bags in his van between September and November last year.