Those behind the £26.5m (€33.5m) Northern Bank robbery were prepared to use the tactics of terrorism against innocent people whether they came from an organisation, a criminal gang or both, the judge hearing the case in Belfast said today.

The bank official charged with the £26.5m (€33m) Northern Bank robbery in Belfast made last minute changes to the rota of staff who had a key to the vault to put himself on duty on the day, the opening day of his trial was told today.