A MAN accused of a £28,500 post office raid was trying to buy drugs shortly before the robbery, a court heard.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that two hours before the robbery, Simon Bowman had been seen in his car chatting to people on the streets in an area used by drug dealers.

Peter Corrigan, defending, told Newcastle Crown Court: "Bowman was waiting for some drugs, but the man had not come and so he asked for directions for another address."

He said Mr Bowman had approached a man who was walking his dog for a chat.

Mr Corrigan said: "Why on earth would he deliberately attract the attention of somebody who lived locally by pulling up beside him in his car, winding down the window and having a chat?

"That's about as stupid as you could get."

Mr Bowman, 39, is said to have targeted the Lothian Terrace Post Office, in Washington, on May 17 2002.

The prosecution says Mr Bowman, wearing a balaclava-type mask, had warned the postmistress he would stick a knife in her neck if she did not allow him access to the safe.

Bowman, of Dean Road, South Shields, denies robbery.

The trial continues.