Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s home was raided by a group of burglars who stole his car and £68,000 worth of jewellery, a court heard on Wednesday.
The Sweden international was not at his Northumberland residence when the gang broke in through a glass door last April, Newcastle Crown Court was told.
The burglars had already stolen over £1 million in jewellery and clothes from a businesswoman and £100,000 worth of designer goods from another woman in previous days. Three members of the same family, based in Italy, have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary, while a fourth, Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge.
Prosecutor Dan Cordey revealed that Isak was away from his home between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm on April 4 and discovered the break-in upon his return. The gang stole between £5,000 and £10,000 in cash, jewellery worth £68,000, and his Audi, which was later found abandoned.
“This was a professional group of travelling burglars,” Cordey said. “Two men and one woman have already admitted their part.” The gang reportedly arrived in Britain via a ferry from Calais to Dover in March, using a motorhome as their base.
Nikolov, of Birmingham, is representing himself in court with the aid of an Italian interpreter. His brother Giacomo Nikolov, 28, his sister Jela Jovanovic, 43, and her son Charlie Jovanovic, 23, have all pleaded guilty.
Isak has been in outstanding form for Newcastle this season, scoring 22 goals across all competitions as Eddie Howe’s side prepares to face Liverpool in the League Cup final on March 16.
