Prince Harry's friend robbed of wallet and phones, court hears (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Prince Harry's friend robbed of wallet and phones, court hears

9:00am Tuesday 21st August 2012 in News

A friend of of Prince Harry was robbed of two mobile phones and his wallet, a court has heard.

Winful Taylor, 27, of Streatham, is accused of stealing the items from the Royal's friend Thomas van Straubenzee, in Albert Bridge Road, Battersea, on December 2 last year.

Kingston Crown Court heard Mr van Straubenzee, 29, was making his way home from work in Chelsea when he was allegedly approached by the defendant and another unidentified man.

The jury heard the pair told Mr van Straubenzee they had a knife and grabbed him by the throat - they went on to steal a wallet, a red Nokia phone, a Samsung and a leather diary.

After taking the items, the court heard, they made off and a passer by came to Mr van Straubenzee's aid, calling the police just after 7.15pm.

The phone was traced through it's IMEI number, two days after Mr Taylor was arrested, with both mobile's being found at his home address.

He was interviewed in Battersea Police Station, but denied the offences, claiming he was set up because he was arrested only hours after buying the Nokia for £20 from a friend.

Police officers searching his home were unable to find any of the other belongings, while swabs taken were unable to match up Mr Taylor's DNA.

The trial, which is expected to last two days, continues.