A MAN accused of masterminding the motorway hijack of a £171,000 computer load admitted at Worcester Crown Court that he was desperate for cash at the time.

But Terry Cutler rejected a suggestion from Nigel Godsmark QC, prosecuting, that he was so desperate he put a hood over the lorry driver's head and pointed a gun at him.

Cutler, aged 33, of Ellis Peters Drive, Telford, admitted conspiracy to steal the lorry, containing computer equipment, from Evesham.Com but denied conspiracy to rob and kidnap driver Alan Jones.

He has alleged that Mr Jones, who was called as a prosecution witness, was in the plot. Cutler estimated that the load could be sold for £45,000 with one third going to Mr Jones and the rest split among other members of the gang.

Mr Godsmark suggested Cutler was "a dishonest, deceitful, manipulative liar". Cutler replied he had answered all questions honestly.

He and eight other defendants deny conspiracy to rob and kidnap on June 21 last year. Co-accused are: Aaron Johnson, aged 19; his brother Simon Johnson, 21; and father Frederick Johnson, 43, all of Culmington Drive, Stirchley, Telford; Andrew Currie, 34, of Bourneside Drive, Brookside, Telford; Philip Price, 47, of West Road, Wellington; Terence Devine, 38, of Coronation Road, Walsall Wood, Walsall; Philip Dolphin, 40, of Bishopdale, Brookside, Telford; and Stephen Booth, 39, of Hurleybrook Way, Leegomery, Telford.

In addition to Cutler, Price and Devine have admitted conspiracy to steal the lorry. Cutler and Price deny possession of a firearm during a robbery.

Cutler and Simon Johnson also deny false imprisonment of an unnamed man, and possession of a firearm with intent to commit false imprisonment.

Simon Johnson decided not to give evidence as the trial entered its third week. Aaron Johnson told the jury that he was in the Rose and Crown, Ketley, on the afternoon of the robbery before returning home drunk at 8pm.

The trial continues on Monday, June 2.