A DATE has been agreed for start of a trial for a postmistress’s husband who is accused of falsely claiming an armed robbery had taken place at the premises.

Arrangements for proceedings involving postal assistant Paul Ingham were agreed during a preliminary hearing in the case at Durham Crown Court today (Monday April 14).

Mr Ingham, whose wife Colleen runs the post office in Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, is said to have reported the raid having taken place at the Front Street premises on Tuesday, March 25.

It was said at the time that two intruders entered as he was closing the shop shortly before 5.45pm, forcing him to hand over a large amount of cash from the safe.

One of the robbers was said to have been carrying a small handgun.

The report of the raid triggered a large scale police response, with the force helicopter scrambled, while armed response officers and sniffer dogs were sent to the scene.

Forensic experts were also summoned to comb the area for clues to help pinpoint those responsible for the raid.

Police issued an appeal for information from potential witnesses which included descriptions of the alleged attackers.

But within days of the alleged crime Mr Ingham was arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice, by falsely reporting a report had taken place at the post office during which the large amount of cash was taken from the safe.

He is also accused of theft of £26,000, mostly sterling, but also some euros, all property of the Post Office.

Sixty-year-old Mr Ingham, of Front Street, Cockfield, was remanded in custody following his first court appearance in the case, at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court, on Monday March 31.

The magistrates sent the case to the crown court, where Mr Ingham made a short appearance today (Monday April 14).

John Gillette, prosecuting, and defence counsel, Ian West, agreed to a case timetable which includes a plea hearing on Friday June 27, with a provisional four-day trial starting on Wednesday September 10.

Mr Ingham was remanded back into custody to appear again briefly tomorrow (Tuesday April 15) for a further mention in proceedings.