A MAN has admitted his role in a conspiracy to rob rural post offices and grow cannabis.

Robert Pittard, 41, of Princess Park, Liverpool, today admitted conspiracy to commit roberry and conspiracy to produce cannabis when he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody until he is sentenced at a date to be fixed.

Prosecutor Mark Giuliani said Pittard, of Princess Park, Liverpool, had not actually taken part in any robberies.

Robin Patton, for Pittard, said he had a 21-year-old conviction for a like offence but had not been convicted of anything since.

Sylvia Bleasdale, 61, of Sophia, Seaham, County Durham, was accused of conspiracy to produce cannabis but she walked free when the prosecution said it was not in the public interest to try her and asked that the charge lie on file.

At a previous hearing Malcolm Robson, 37, also of Sophia, Seaham, admitted conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to produce cannabis.

He also admitted three village post offices armed robberies - at Wingate, Trimdon Station, both County Durham, and at Elwick, near Hartlepool.

These were carried out with other people in December and January.

Charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice against Pittard and Robson were allowed to lie on file.

Mr Giuliani said the Crown was not proceeding against a 17-year-old youth for conspiracy to commit robbery. His role had been to print out details of post offices "under duress'' and it was not considered to be in the public interest to prosecute him.

James Murray, 39, of Kirkstone Avenue, Jarrow, South Tyneside, faces charges of conspiray to commit robbery, conspiracy to produce cannabis and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

He did not enter a plea to the charges but his barrister John Wilkinson said that he would be pleading not guilty.

He was remanded in custody and the case against him was adjourned to tomorrow for a short hearing.