Accused pearl raider in court

An alleged gems raider accused of robbing a famous designer at knifepoint for £630,000 worth of jewellery has been remanded in custody.

Ricky Gray, 39, is said to have robbed Christianne Douglas at the Coleman Douglas Pearls store in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, on 9 July last year.

Mrs Douglas is known as the ‘Pearl Queen’ with clients including Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Halle Berry.

Gray is charged with robbing Mrs Douglas of jewellery ‘to the value of £630,003′ at Coleman Douglas Pears and one of possessing a knife in the same store.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (thurs) speaking to confirm his name and address.

Gray was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Isleworth Crown Court on April 16.

Prosecutor Misba Majid said Gray went into the store and threatened a member of staff with a knife he took from his shoulder bag.

He then allegedly threatened Mrs Douglas when she came to investigate what was taking place.

‘It is at that point he used a knife and threatened the victim and asked her to give him money from the safe,’ said Ms Majid.

‘She explained there was no money only card transactions took place. He asked her to fill three large bags up with jewellery. He left the jewellery store.

‘In his attempt to flee he dropped one bag of jewellery.

‘They got some of the bags back so the total stolen value is £630,000.’

District Judge Samuel Goozee told him: ‘The robbery charge can only be dealt with in the crown court. I’m sending you to stand trial.

‘Your next appearance will be at Isleworth (crown court).’

Gray, currently held at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, is charged with robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.