Alleged kidnappers seized nearly £50,000 during a foiled robbery, a Belfast court heard today.
Three men are accused of a hostage plot against Post Office staff. Patrick Smyth(43), Sean Hughes (35), and Mark O'Neill (30) have all been charged with unlawfully taking Nicola Canavan against her will on Monday.
A day later the men allegedly robbed her and another woman named as Claire Canavan of £40,000 in cash and €11,000.
Police claim thieves planned the kidnapping in a bid to force Post Office employees at the Yorkgate Retail Complex to hand over cash.
Officers rammed a car after a high-speed chase through the nearby New Lodge district on Tuesday.
One man was arrested at the scene, another arrested nearby and two others were held later.
Although one of the suspects has since been released, the three men in court today were charged with both kidnap and robbery offences.
