'Robber' denies stealing £2million of watches before salesman's death

A man has denied stealing £2million worth of designer watches in an alleged robbery that took place the day before a salesman took his own life.

Salesman Oliver White, 27, was held in a chokehold and restrained with cable ties as raiders stole timepieces from the 247 Kettles Store on Kew Road, Richmond on May 25.

Mr White took his own life the following day.

Wearing a prison issue grey tracksuit, Junior Kunu, 29, of Mitcham, denied conspiracy to commit robbery as he appeared at Woolwich Crown Court via video-link from HMP Thameside on Monday.

His alleged accomplice Mannix Pedro, 37, of Cobham, Surrey, is yet to enter a plea to the conspiracy charge.

The charge relates to a period of time between February 27 and May 26 this year.

Ms Nwanneka Aik, prosecuting, earlier said: 'The matter before the court relates to an incident that took place on May 25, 2024.

'It was a violent robbery that took place at a watch dealership in Richmond. Close to £2m of watches were stolen.' 

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'Robber' accused of stealing watches the day before Oliver White took his own life appears in court

A trial date for the pair has been provisionally set for January 20, 2025, at the same court and is expected to last five days.

Mr White's family earlier said in a statement: 'Sadly, it is our belief that Oliver subsequently took his own life due to the anguish and distress of this terrible incident.

'As a family we are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, funny, loyal boy, who lit up every room he walked into.'

In a tribute to Mr White, a spokesperson for the store said: 'It is with profound sadness we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Oliver, who was a close friend for 20+ years before working with us at 247 Kettles.

'In his time working with us Oliver left a long lasting impact on the watch community as a whole - both suppliers and customers alike were taken aback by Oliver's vibrant spirit and kind heart and his loss is felt deeply by all that knew him.

'Oliver had an incredible work ethic and a passion for pleasing customers. He liked to work around the clock and even out of hours to ensure customers were satisfied.

'As a business we will remain closed temporarily to grieve the loss of our friend. Any messages / requests will be picked up upon our return. Our thoughts are with all of Oliver's family at this time.'