The defence of five men, accused of conspiring to rob 18 post offices across north Wales and England, has begun at Chester Crown Court.

During the six-week trial the court has heard how armed robbers stole �500,000 during raids at rural sub-post offices, seven of which were in Wales.

The court has heard six weeks of prosecution evidence

The men have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On Monday, the defence team questioned a senior police officer over the way his team searched for evidence.

Cheshire police's investigating officer was asked why he chose to disregard a post office robbery near Stoke in December last year when it shared many hallmarks with the other raids.

The court heard how in the other robberies, the men wore balaclavas and lay in wait inside the post office for staff to open up.

They also had extensive knowledge of security systems, enabling them to steal thousands of pounds.

Burgled branches

However, Detective Chief Inspector Charlton said the Stoke burglary was different.

He said although masks were worn, they were stockings and not balaclavas.

He also stated the men did not seem to have the knowledge of post office security systems.

The alleged raids were carried out in Flintshire, Deeside, Merseyside, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Anglesey between May 2000 and November 2001.

On Monday afternoon, jurors heard from the first of the accused when car dealer John Barlow from Liverpool was called to the witness box.

DNA swab

He denied taking part in the robberies or visiting any of the burgled premises.

His four co-accused are Stephen Barlow, 38, Alan Motion, 34, of Bootle, Paul Molloy, 35, of Aintree, and Duane Trussell, 39, of Walton.

John Barlow said he could not explain prosecutors claims that footprints, which matched the soul of his trainers, were discovered at one of the post offices.

He also could not say how a DNA swab taken from the handle of a safe at one of the burgled branches in England matched a DNA sample which prosecutors say he supplied.

The court heard that the police investigation, which was spilt between north Wales and Cheshire, involved 6 months of surveillance.

Tracking device

Officers also used high-tech instruments to keep tag of the suspects.

Mr Barlow told the jury he noticed a device under his car as he went to change a tyre.

He said he has since found out that it was a tracking device.

There have been six weeks of prosecution evidence prior to the defence's case.

The trial continues.