A man accused of a plot to break into and blow up cash machines in the north west has denied involvement.

Michael Waine, 42, testified at Manchester Crown Court, refuting claims of committing these crimes.

Mr. Waine, along with Matthew Doyle and Daniel Grant, is on trial for attacks on ATMs at train stations in Lancaster and Berwick Upon Tweed.

The three men deny conspiring to enter Lancaster Rail station and steal from a cash machine. Mr. Grant and Mr. Waine also deny similar charges concerning Berwick Upon Tweed, along with conspiracy to cause an explosion.

Prosecutors allege the attacks occurred on October 11, 2019, in Lancaster and on March 4, 2020, in Berwick Upon Tweed.

Crow bars and an angle grinder were used in Lancaster, but the attempt failed. The Berwick attack involved explosives and succeeded, extracting over £100,000 and causing £90,000 worth of damage.

A fourth man, Craig Jepson, has admitted guilt to all charges. However, the focus remains on identifying the attackers, with prosecutors pointing to the three defendants.

Mr. Waine contested his involvement, citing mental health struggles and heavy drinking during the alleged incidents, and said he vaguely knew the other accused.

He denied purchasing equipment used in the attacks, attributing any such actions to his compromised state at the time.

Mr. Waine, residing in Manchester, and Mr. Grant and Mr. Doyle have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to burgle. The trial continues.