Italian burglar, 45, known as ‘The Pink Panther’ faces jail

April 24, 2021 Ava

An Italian burglar known as ‘The Pink Panther’ is facing jail after admitting his role in a £25million jewellery raid at F1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone’s Kensington mansion.

Alessandro Maltese, 45, pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to burgle properties between November 29 and December 18 2019.

He appeared at Isleworth Crown Court today alongside an Italian interpreter and spoke only to confirm his identity, before entering his plea.

The charge relates to burglaries including a raid on Ms Ecclestone’s London home in December 2019 in which thieves allegedly stole £25 million of jewellery and cash.

Ms Ecclestone, the socialite daughter of ex-Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, was on holiday in Lapland with her husband, art gallery owner Jay Rutland, their daughter and their dog at the time.

Other alleged victims of the conspiracy included former Chelsea FC player and manager Frank Lampard and his television presenter wife Christine, as well as late Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

Maltese was charged with the conspiracy alongside Alessandro Donati, 43, who pleaded guilty on April 13 and was remanded in custody.

Both men originally denied the charge before entering guilty pleas.

Maltese was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at a later date.

Timothy Cray QC, prosecuting, said: ‘Your honour the prosecution was aware this plea was likely to be entered, in fact Mr Maltese pleaded not guilty on the 16 March.

‘But at the last hearing two weeks ago before the Recorder of Kensington, it was indicated that this plea was likely to be made today.

‘The next hearing is on the 7 May where the other linked defendant is appearing for his plea and case management hearing.

‘So your honour could we ask that this case is adjourned to that date – that is when we intend to fix a date for sentence and also to review confiscation proceedings.’

Another man, Jugaslav Jovanovic, 23, has already made two court appearances in relation to the raid after he was extradited and arrested at Heathrow Airport.

He has not yet entered a plea but used the word ‘innocente’ when asked to confirm his date of birth and address.

Jovanovic is due back in court on May 7.

Source: Thanks msn.com