Bulgarian cleaner Katerina Ivanova nicked Tiffany and Rolex watches

A Bulgarian cleaner who accused of taking £32,350 of jewellery from a house in south west London is facing jail.

Katerina Ivanova, 30, swiped two rings and £350 cash from the home of Margaret Reiser in Kew, south west London on 4 August 2023.

Ivanova accepts she stole those items but denies taking Rolex and Tiffany watches during the crime.

Ivanova appeared wearing a long black puffa coat accompanied by a Bulgarian interpreter, and spoke to confirm her name and address at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

District Judge Andrew Sweet was going to hear evidence from Ms Reiser before passing sentence but she was told she did not have to attend.

The judge said: ‘Ms Reiser is the loser in this case, the purpose of this hearing is to establish what items were stolen.

‘Ms Ivanova says she took some items but not the watches, the court is to make an assessment as to whether those items were taken.

‘Ms Ivanova, I’m sorry your hearing hasn’t taken place today, you’ve heard the reasons why and why I’ve granted an adjournment, we’ve relisted it for 4 April back in this building.’

Ivanova, of Nelson Road, Haringey, admitted theft of the rings and cash but denies she took the high value watches.

In total the items are worth £32,350.

Ivanova was bailed ahead of sentence on 4 April.