Footballer’s wife feared she might be ‘killed or raped’ during raid, court told
The wife of former Premier League midfielder Tom Huddlestone said in a statement read to jurors that she thought masked robbers “might kill me” as they stole thousands of pounds’ worth of jewellery – including an FA Cup runners-up medal.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that other items stolen from the couple’s home in Caythorpe, Nottinghamshire, included a £121,000 (€142,000) engagement ring and two of Huddlestone’s watches worth £40,000 (€47,000) and £18,000 (€21,000).
In a statement read to the court by prosecutor Samuel Skinner on Thursday, Joanna Dixon said she went through a “range of emotions” as two men tied her up with cable ties during a break-in at the property on May 1st, 2019.
“I was predominantly scared, but I was also concerned for my son,” Ms Dixon’s statement said.
Kurtis Dilks (34), Ashley Cumberpatch (36), and Andrew MacDonald (42) are all accused of conspiring together to rob Ms Dixon.
The trio are also alleged to have converted criminal property alongside jewellers Sercan Evsin and Tevfik Guccuk on May 2nd, 2019.
Dilks, of Whitegate Vale, Clifton, Nottingham, is also charged with being part of a four-strong gang who smashed their way into the Surrey home of former England left-back Ashley Cole with a sledgehammer in January 2020.
It is alleged an aggressive robber threatened to cut the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Derby County defender’s fingers off during the violent break-in.
On Thursday, Ms Dixon said the robbers had told her they knew Huddlestone, who now plays for Hull City, was playing a match for Derby County away at Swansea City as they raided drawers and safes.
Her statement read: “On May 1st, I was at home with my son while Tom was away playing football for Derby County.
“One of the bedroom