Jury deliberates in the £1.38m Richmond watch shop robbery trial after hearing evidence, including the store manager’s suicide.
Junior Kunu, 30, and Mannix Pedro, 37, face charges. They allegedly conspired to commit the robbery where over 70 valuable watches were stolen. This happened at a Richmond jewelry store last year.
Oliver White, 27, killed himself after the theft, and the court heard it was a direct result. Kunu and Pedro deny all charges. Their trial occurs at Woolwich Crown Court.
Judge Philip Shorrock spoke to the jury on Tuesday. He said they could give a majority verdict, though a unanimous verdict is still better. The jury has debated for three days after first meeting privately on February 13.
The court heard others involved remain free. Mr. White gave a statement to the police, and his statement was read aloud during the trial.
Mr. White said two men entered the store on May 25 and their behavior seemed normal at first. “Nothing made me suspect anything” he stated. He then said he was put in a headlock and could not move while they took the watches, causing his skin to turn red from the attack.
Pedro was not in the store on May 25. The court heard he planned the robbery closely and helped use a stolen Audi for the getaway. The trial is still ongoing.