Accused Rolex robber is cleared

An alleged Rolex thief walked free from court after he insisted: ‘I didn’t do anything.’

Martin Cox was accosted by two men as he left the Golden Lion pub on Dean Street, Soho, at around midnight on 22 February 2022.

Mr Cox was approached from behind and his arms were held before realising his £36,000 Rolex had been taken, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Romanian Ioan Horvath, 55, was cleared of theft by a jury after insisting he had nothing to do with the crime.

Earlier Richard Paton-Philip, prosecuting, told jurors: ‘Mr Cox was out in a pub called the Golden Lion, a pub on Dean Street in Soho.

‘At around about midnight this was taking place.

‘He was with a friend walking to Piccadilly Station. As Mr Cox was walking down the road on the pavement, he was approached from behind and his arm was taken hold of, both hands on his arms, one on his wrist.

‘The man who had done this was talking to him.

‘He has described him as shorter, possibly Turkish and was wearing a suit-type jacket.

‘And this man was offering him girls and drugs.

‘He said he didn’t want any. A few moments later the man let go of Mr Cox.

‘At that point Mr Cox realised his wrist didn’t feel right. His wrist felt lighter. His watch had been removed.

‘Before he realised the man had got away from him. Of course, he reported this to the police.’

CCTV showed a male and female approach Mr Cox from behind and grasp his arms for no longer than three seconds.

The video evidence was shared with police and an officer recognised Horvath.

Horvath was arrested at his home on 16 June last year and told police: ‘I didn’t do anything.’

He said in a prepared statement: ‘I deny the allegation. I cannot say for sure, but most likely I was at my home address where I was with my daughter. I completely deny the allegation.’

Horvath, of Leytonstone, denied and was found not guilty of theft.