Gang threatened to cut Ashley Cole’s fingers off during robbery

Kurtis Dilks is alleged to have robbed former England defender

Ashley Cole

and his partner Sharon Canu of watches, mobile phones, cash, a Gucci bag, headphones, and a BMW smart key during a break-in at their home in January 2020. The couple's two young children were in the house at the time.

One of the gang repeatedly asked to cut the footballer’s fingers but was prevented by an accomplice, a jury at Nottingham Crown Court heard. Another was allegedly armed with a sledgehammer.

prosecutor Michael Brady QC, told the court:

"The next thing Ms Canu knew was when one of the robbers opened the wardrobe door and took the phone from her while she was talking to the police. She then saw Mr Cole on his knees with his hands tied behind his back. That bravery understandably evaporated to a certain extent when she was threatened with a knife."

Dilks is also accused of raiding the home of former

midfielder

. Dilks and two others are accused of conspiring to rob Huddlestone's wife, Joanna Dixon, of £500,000 of jewellery, and handbags, including her wedding and engagement rings. Jurors were told robbers tied Dixon's hands behind her back with cable ties.

A total of 11 defendants have been charged with various offenses. Only Kurtis Dilks, was allegedly involved in robbing Ashley Cole and his partner.

The majority of the charges relate to the theft of the £3.5m Portland tiara from the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire. The defendants deny all charges and the trial continues.

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