Battle man denies cash van robbery

Billy Brown, of Coronation Gardens, appeared at Lewes Crown Court alongside John Hayward, 44, of Sutton Avenue, Seaford.

Both are charged with one count of robbery in relation to an attack on a cash transit van outside Waitrose.

Prosecuting Amanda Kelly told the court the robbery was in relation to two men refilling a cash machine.

The van was targeted outside the supermarket in High Street, Eastbourne, at 11am on Tuesday April 30.

Billy Brown is also charged with possessing heroin, a Class A drug with intent to supply, and possessing methadone, also a Class A drug, both relating to an incident on April 5 2013.

Brown, wearing a blue shirt and jeans, spoke only to enter not guilty pleas to these charges.

Hayward also pleads not guilty to robbery.

The hearing was adjourned for the robbery trial to be heard on October 14.

It is estimated to last five days.

The trial in relation to the drugs will take place on September 23.