Author of book on armed robbery ‘stole thousands’

A crime writer who wrote a book called The Art Of Armed Robbery, was a member of a gang which stole thousands of pounds during attacks on security guards delivering cash to hole-in-the-wall machines, a court heard yesterday.

Terry Smith, aged 49, of Canvey Island, Essex, together with his brother Len, aged 50, of Dagenham, Essex, and Brian Wall, aged 61, also of Dagenham, conspired to commit seven robberies in London and Essex between 2006 and 2008, prosecutors told jurors at Chelmsford Crown Court.

During one raid, at Rayleigh, Essex, in May 2007, computer worker Adam Mapleson, then 24, was shot in the chest by Wall when he went to the aid of a female security guard, said prosecutor Patricia Lynch QC.

All three deny conspiring to rob and conspiring to possess firearms with intent to rob. Wall also denies attempting to murder Mr Mapleson, robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to rob.

Ms Lynch said Terry Smith, who had previously been convicted of armed robbery, told detectives “this is outrageous” when he was arrested at his home at dawn in May 2008.

She said members of the gang had been seen meeting at a pub called The Dick Turpin near Basildon, Essex.

And she said a witness saw Wall looking out of the window of a getaway car following the Rayleigh raid and told police, “he had a haircut like (rock star) Noel Gallagher”.

Mr Mapleson, of Rayleigh, who was on his way to catch a train, recovered after undergoing emergency surgery, jurors heard.

He is expected to give evidence later in the trial — which is due to last at least two months.

The hearing continues.