A man was found guilty in a £1.38M watch robbery plot. Prosecutors allege it led to a store manager’s suicide.
Oliver White, 27, managed the 247 Kettles store in Richmond, southwest London. He was tied up during the robbery, which occurred in May last year, and put in a headlock. Woolwich Crown Court heard the details.
Prosecutors said White was “extremely upset” and took his own life the next day. They claimed his suicide was a result of the robbery.
Mannix Pedro, 37, was found guilty of being “closely involved” in planning and executing the raid. The jury gave a majority verdict of ten to one after deliberating for over 23 hours.
Over 70 valuable watches were stolen. The business was a victim of theft before, three years earlier. Jurors learned the watches were not insured, and none of the missing watches have been found yet.
Pedro didn’t enter the store during the actual robbery. Prosecutors say he arranged a stolen Audi to be used as one of two getaway cars.
Junior Kunu, 30, from Mitcham, southwest London, is also on trial, facing the same charge. The trial will continue on Friday.