Isak targeted during break-in spree, court hears
ReutersA gang of burglars targeted Premier League star Alexander Isak as they carried out a series of high-value break-ins, a court has heard.
The Newcastle United and Sweden forward was believed to be the gang's third victim, having already stolen jewellery and clothes worth more than £1m from a Tyneside businesseswoman, jurors were told.
Newcastle Crown Court heard three members of the same family, living in Italy, have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.
But a fourth family member, Valentino Nikolov, 32, denies the charge.
Dan Cordey, prosecuting, said the Newcastle United player's home, in Darras Hall, was broken into in April 2024.
Mr Cordey said the suspected gang had arrived in the UK, travelling on a ferry from Calais to Dover in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome, a few months earlier, in March.
They had headed to London, before driving to the north-east of England a few days later, Mr Cordey said.
Handbags and shoes
The first burglary was at the home of Helen and Michael McCardle in Jesmond, Newcastle on 30 March, while the couple were away on holiday, Mr Cordey said.
The gang stole her CBE medal, the prosecution said, as well as clothes, jewellery, gold coins and handbags - with a total worth of more than £1m.
Two days later, the gang broke into the home of Stephanie Stokoe, in Whitburn, South Tyneside, and stole property including jewellery, designer handbags and shoes worth more than £100,000, the prosecution said.
Valentino Nikolov, of Tew Park Road, Birmingham, is representing himself at the trial and requires an Italian interpreter.
Jurors have been told his brother, Giacomo Nikolov, 28, his sister Jela Jovanoic, 43, and her son Charlie Jovanovic, 23 - who all reside in Italy - have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.
Safet Ramic, the 58-year-old father of Valentino Nikolov's former partner, also from Birmingham, denies handling stolen goods.
The trial continues.