A MAN accused of carrying out a £28,500 armed post office raid yesterday denied being anywhere near the scene.
Simon Bowman, 39, is accused of robbing Lothian Terrace Post Office, in Washington, Wearside, shortly before closing time on May 17, 2002.
It was alleged that Mr Bowman, wearing a balaclava, had warned the postmistress he would "stick a knife in her neck" if she did not allow him to take cash from the safe.
But he told Newcastle Crown Court yesterday he had only been with Kilwyn Stevens, who has admitted taking part in the raid, until the middle of the afternoon.
Stevens, of Wellington Walk, Washington, has admitted robbery. Mr Bowman, of Dean Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, denies robbery and the trial continues.
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