Premier League footballer Alexander Isak became a target for a family of thieves involved in a series of significant burglaries, a court was informed.
The Newcastle United and Swedish national team player was the third victim of this group. They had previously stolen jewelry and clothing worth £1 million from a businesswoman in Tyneside.
Three family members, residing in Italy, have confessed to conspiracy to commit burglary at Newcastle Crown Court.
However, a fourth individual, Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charges and is currently on trial.
According to prosecutor Dan Cordey, the group entered the UK via ferry from Calais to Dover in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome last March.
They initially traveled to London before moving to the North East a few days later, Mr. Cordey stated.
The first burglary occurred at the Jesmond, Newcastle home of Helen and Michael McCardle on March 30 of the previous year, while the couple was on vacation, the court heard.
The gang is accused of stealing Mrs. McCardle’s CBE medal, along with clothing, jewelry, gold coins, and handbags exceeding £1 million in value.
The trial is ongoing.
Marcus Bellamy