Top store worker denies nicking the stock

A Harrods worker has denied swiping beauty products worth nearly £500 from the world famous store.

Douglas Dawood, 39, allegedly swiped two bottles of La Prairie eye cream worth £474 in front of two employees and a security guard on 6 October.

Dawood denied a single charge of theft by employee when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Malachy Packenham said the case was suitable for a summary trial to be heard by magistrates as the items were not ‘particularly expensive’.

Asked whether he would like his trial to be heard at the crown or magistrates’ court, the sharply dressed Dawood replied: ‘Here, the magistrates.’

The prosecutor said he intends to call three witnesses and play CCTV evidence at the trial, scheduled to last two-and-a-half hours.

Dawood was bailed ahead of trial at City of London Magistrates’ Court on January 12.

Dawood, of Capital Building, New Union Square, Battersea, southwest London, denies one count of theft by employee.
ends