Raid make-up artist was 'duped'

The robbery took place at a Securitas depot in Kent in 2006

A make-up artist has told an Old Bailey trial she felt betrayed by her boss who "duped" her into making disguises for the �53m Securitas robbery gang.

Michelle Hogg was giving evidence at the trial of her former employer Michael Demetris, and Paul Allen.

The two men deny conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to kidnap.

Miss Hogg said Mr Demetris had "duped and misled" her into making prosthetic disguises used in the raid in February 2006, Britain's biggest cash robbery.

She was originally charged in connection with the raid but charges were later dropped when she agreed to give evidence for the prosecution midway through the first trial.

I don't have any feelings at all about him. I just feel extremely numb and betrayed

Michelle Hogg

Five people were jailed earlier this year for their part in the robbery while another man, cagefighter Lee Murray, remains in Morocco pending a decision on whether to extradite him.

Miss Hogg said Mr Demetris introduced her to Mr Murray and said he wanted her to work on a special make-up job.

At one point she sobbed as she told the court that Mr Demetris came to her flat after the robbery and said to her: "So Mich, how does it feel to be part of history? Nuts isn't it?"

She said the shock of realising what she had done felt like "being punched in the stomach".

Miss Hogg said Mr Demetris told her: "The boys are lying low but they want you to have some money." She said she did not want any money.

Paul Allen denies charges of conspiracy to rob, kidnap and possess firearms

Cross examining, Joel Bennathan QC, for Mr Demetris, said: "By now, from what you say, you clearly hate Mr Demetris?"

"No. I don't have any feelings at all about him. I just feel extremely numb and betrayed," she replied.

She admitted she had described him as "evil" and "a worm" during the first trial.

Miss Hogg, a policeman's daughter, said: "He duped and misled me and dragged me into it. I wouldn't have been part of something like this. I have a heart and a soul and a conscience."

She agreed when Mr Bennathan said Mr Demetris had told her the make-up job was to do with a martial arts film Mr Murray was making which was linked to a computer game.

But she denied suggestions that she had told Mr Demetris that she "could do with the money".

And she dismissed claims that she had fabricated the comments he allegedly made at her flat as "absolute rubbish".

The trial continues.