Irreplaceable tiara and Premier League footballers targets of 'violent robberies'

Thousands of pounds worth of items were stolen from former English Premier League footballers Ashley Cole and Tom Huddlestone by violent robbers in a series of "ruthlessly executed" burglaries, a UK court heard on Monday.

Kurtis Dilks is alleged to have robbed ex-England defender Cole and his partner Sharon Canu of watches, mobile phones, cash, a Gucci bag, headphones and a BMW smart key after breaking in to their home in January 2020.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that Mr Dilks is also accused of being part of a gang of six who allegedly stole the £3.75 million ($4.89m) Portland Tiara from the Welbeck Estate, central England in 2018. The diamond-encrusted tiara was worn to the coronation of Edward VII in 1902.

Prosecutors said the theft of the tiara, previously described as a "national treasure", was a "shocking event" and it would never again be seen in its original state.

Opening the case against 11 accused on Monday, prosecutor Michael Brady QC told jurors the home of former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Huddlestone was targeted in a "well-planned operation" while he was playing for Derby County.

Mr Dilks, Ashley Cumberpatch and Andrew MacDonald are accused of conspiring to rob Huddlestone's wife, Joanna Dixon, of £500,000 worth of jewellery and handbags, including her wedding and engagement rings.

Jurors were told robbers tied Ms Dixon's hands behind her back with cable ties, with one allegedly saying: "Don't make this difficult, we don't want to manhandle you."

Former England midfielder Tom Huddlestone (L) playing for Hull City in January. Getty

Beginning his opening speech to the jury, Mr Brady said: "These defendants were to a greater or lesser extent involved in a series of extremely serious, high-profile,