Bilston recovery truck driver denies being part of cashpoint robbery gang and blames 'fabricated evidence'
A Bilston recovery truck driver accused of being in a gang that robbed cashpoints has told a jury he was fast asleep during the raids and is a victim of fabricated evidence.
Craig Howell, 45, is on trial with seven other defendants accused of stealing £673,000 from ATMs during a nationwide crime spree between January 1 and October 15 last year.
Taking the stand at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday (July 21) Howell, of Hatfield Drive, Bilston, told jurors he was not guilty of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary.
Howell described how he bought and sold cars and also ran a roadside rescue business whilst enjoying biking and quad riding during his free time.
He said: "None of this is to do with me, I lend out my van to people. At the time of these crimes my dad was dying and there was nothing I would do to risk not being there for my dad.
"Because of all this I missed my f****** dad's death."
