THE Securicor worker at the centre of last week's 'tiger kidnapping' trial has said he will never drive a cash-in-transit van again.

Paul Richardson, who together with his wife and two teenage sons was targeted by raiders in 2005, said they are relieved the trial is finally over and they can begin rebuilding their lives.

Three of the five men on trial for the kidnapping of the family were convicted of the €2.28m robbery and false imprisonment last Thursday. Two others walked free after the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, Richard­son said his family is now determined to put the ordeal behind them.

Richard­son still works for Securicor but says he could never return to his driving job. "I am still with them [Securicor]. I spoke to the company and I am now in a different part; they removed me from the vans," he said. "I would never go back to the vans."

The Richardson family is so determined to get back to normal that they have refus­ed to change anything about their lives – including the house in which they were targeted in March 2005.

Although the thought of moving had crossed their minds, Richardson said he decided it would not be the right thing to do.

"Probably, at one stage, it had to [have been a consideration] but we just didn't, we just stayed. It's no good uprooting the family, it wouldn't be fair on the boys," he said.

Richardson's wife Marie and their sons Ian (17) and Kevin (13) had been at home on a normal Sunday night in the quiet Raheny suburb in north Dublin when the raiders attacked.

When Richardson return­ed later he was met with the sight of the armed men and bundled into the sitting room with his terrified family. The gang pointed guns at their heads and took pictures.

Later Marie and the boys were taken by jeep to Wicklow where they were held, leaving Richardson with no choice but to cooperate.

He reported to work as normal at the cash depot in Rialto, southwest Dublin, after which he told colleagues, with help from the photographs, what had happened.

They were instructed by the gang to leave the €2.28m in cash in a pub car park near the Phoenix Park. Once the pick-up was complete, Richardson's family was released.

"It's very traumatic and very tiring," he explained of the experience and the years leading up to the court case.

"It takes a lot out of you physically and mentally but it's over and it's done."

Last Thursday night, the 67-day trial concluded after the jury deliberated evidence for 22 hours over three days.

"The jury were very good in what they had to do and we thank them for all their diligence," said Richardson.

"It was a long-drawn trial and it had to take its course but eventually it had to get to the finish and the jury gave their decision.

"We have good neighbours and good friends and family and that is the most important thing. They were very supportive the whole way through.

"And to have people behind you – you do need them to lift you up and help you along."