A previously reported theft in which £1.38 million worth of watches were taken from a store in south-west London was purportedly a “staged” event with the consent of all participants, including a store manager who tragically took his own life afterward, a court has been informed.
Junior Kunu, 30, and Mannix Pedro, 37, both refute allegations of conspiring with others to orchestrate the robbery during which 70 high-end watches were taken from 247 Kettles in Richmond on May 25 of last year.
While testifying at Woolwich Crown Court, Mr. Kunu consistently stated, “This was not a robbery; it was staged,” and mentioned he was promised £5,000 for placing the watches into a bag.
The court previously learned that Oliver White, the store’s office manager, took his life the day following the incident, which jurors were told was “a direct result” of the theft.
Mr. Kunu explained that he had been invited to participate in a fabricated robbery, believing it to be part of an insurance scheme. He insisted that had he known it was real, he would not have participated.
“I understood that the individual in the store would comply. I was aware I would be putting watches in the bag and that would be the extent of my involvement,” he stated in court.
Two additional individuals connected to the heist, Michael Ashman and Kyle Bowrage, remain at large after reportedly fleeing abroad shortly afterward.
In his testimony, Mr. Kunu indicated that Mr. Bowrage had briefed him on the plan, which unfolded as anticipated.
“He informed me that Oliver White would comply, and he did,” Mr. Kunu recounted to the jurors.
“He assured me that the police would not be summoned, and they weren’t.”
“He said that Mr. White would not activate the panic button or anything of the sort, and he didn’t.”
Mr. Kunu insisted in court that if it had been a legitimate robbery, Mr. White would have triggered the panic button or made a scene.
Additionally, he noted that although Mr. White had been put in a headlock and restrained with cable ties, it was all part of a “role play” meant to “create the illusion of authenticity.”
The court was informed that Mr. Kunu had been approached by a man whose identity remains undisclosed, who recognized Mr. Kunu’s desire to earn some money.
“I believe he realized I was… somewhat gullible. He understood my naivety,” he remarked.
Last week, while providing evidence, Connor Thornton, co-owner of the store, denied believing the occurrence was an “inside job.” Meanwhile, Mr. White’s mother, Amy Keane, described him as a “dedicated young man” who was “deeply affected by the robbery.”
Woolwich Crown Court had previously heard that Mr. White attempted to transfer £14,000 from his personal savings to his employers following the incident.
Mr. Kunu, who hails from Mitcham in south-west London, faces accusations of entering the store to execute the robbery, whereas Mr. Pedro from Cobham, Surrey, is alleged to have assisted in its planning.
The trial is ongoing.
