‘Robber threatened to cut Ashley Cole fingers off’

A robber threatened to cut former England footballer Ashley Cole’s fingers off with pliers during a violent break-in at his home, a court has heard.

Nottingham Crown Court was told the ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Derby County left-back was cable-tied and led around the house in just a pair of shorts during the ordeal.

Kurtis Dilks, 34, is accused of being part of a four-strong gang who in January 2020 smashed their way into the home of the former England defender and his partner Sharon Canu with a sledgehammer before stealing jewellery, mobile phones and a BMW key.

The couple’s two young children were in the house at the time and Ms Canu had tried to call police as she hid in a wardrobe.

But, 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.”

Mr Brady said the robbers then tried to bound Ms Canu’s hands but at first “rather bravely” she refused.

“That bravery understandably evaporated to a certain extent when she was threatened with a knife,” he added.

Huddlestone also targeted

The court heard Dilks was also accused of raiding the home of ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone – and is further facing accusations of being part of a six-strong gang who allegedly stole the £3.75 million Portland Tiara from the Welbeck Estate in 2018.

The tiara was worn to the coronation of Edward VII.

Prosecutors said its theft, previously described as a “national treasure”, was a “shocking event” and it will never again be seen in its original state. – Sky Sports