London, Europe Brief News – Several “ruthlessly performed” burglaries targeting players Ashley Cole and Tom Huddlestone were carried out by the gang allegedly stealing. A court has heard about the £3.75 million Portland tiara and brooches from a Nottinghamshire shop in 2018.
The prosecution, Michael Brady QC, said the burglary and violent robberies were “very severe, high-profile, and well planned.” Moreover, he opened the case against 11 suspects at Nottingham crown court.
Kurtis Dilks, 34, main suspect of being a member of a four-person gang. They blasted their way into Cole’s house in Surrey with a hammer and attempted to torment him before the cops came. Dilks got arrested and the Police charged him with attempted murder.
Ashley Cole Case Presented to the Jury
It was explained to jurors during a knifepoint robbery in January 2020. The robbers tied former England footballer Cole’s wrists with cable ties. Furthermore, he was made to kneel before his fiancée and two children as the thieves demanded that he give up jewelry and watches.
Dilks is also guilty of stealing the diamond-encrusted Portland tiara during a raid on November 20, 2018.
On the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire, three people allegedly entered the Harley Gallery. The jury was told they removed the tiara and brooch eight minutes before security came.
The court was told that they came with weapons in hand and power tools to obtain entrance to the gallery, vault, and display cabinet.
Millions of Dollars Worth of Jewelry Found!
According to the jury, the infamous Cartier jewelry, worn by the Duchess of Portland, got stolen in this “expertly conducted, well-planned act,”.
According to Brady, the items will never be seen in their original condition again since they were taken to a jeweler in Hatton Garden, London, for conversion.
Ashley Cumberpatch, one of the defendants accused of the burglary, had videotaped a reconnaissance visit to the place with his spouse and children on a GoPro camera a year prior.
Also heard admiring the Portland collection’s artifacts included a Michelangelo picture, Charles wore a pearl earring I at his death, and the glass case containing the tiara and brooch.
Another Robbery at Tom Huddlestone’s Estate
When former Tottenham player Tom Huddlestone returned home after a Derby County match, a “well-planned operation.”
Their alleged scheme included stealing £500,000 worth of gold and bags from Huddlestone’s wife, Joanna Dixon, including her engagement and wedding bands.
Jurors got told that the thieves tied Dixon’s wrists behind her back. This robbery was very similar to the Ashley Cole Robbery case.
Homeowners did not discourage the defendants, Brady said. Armed robbers came armed and children did not bother them. According to Brady, the thieves sent stolen goods to Tevfik Guccuk and Sercan Evsin, who “ran an allegedly legal jewelry shop in Hatton Garden.” Since the jewelry cold not be sold in the UK.
