MONTREAL -- The case of five men charged in a series of armoured-car heists over a 16-year span will return to court next month.
The five accused appeared briefly in a Montreal courtroom on Wednesday as lawyers agreed to put off the case until Feb. 10 to continue with the disclosure of evidence.
Police allege they are responsible for several robberies dating back to 1999.
Paul Thomas Bryntwick 64, David Stachula, 47, Serge Fournier, 64, Gary Marsden, 63, and Walter Butt, who turns 55 on Thursday, were arrested just before Christmas.
Butt lived in Cumberland, Ont., Bryntwick resided in Mississauga, Ont., while the three others lived in Quebec.
The five, who face a total of 39 charges including armed robbery, conspiracy, confinement and break and enter, will remain detained as the Crown has opposed their release.
Authorities say the men allegedly disguised themselves to commit the robberies and sometimes tied up guards before making off with thousands in cash.
Only three of the five will appear in person at the next date, with a lawyer for Butt and Stachula saying their presence isn't necessary.
