Misconduct trial jury told of drug baron’s ring theft

8:16am Saturday 11th October 2008

DRUG baron Allan Foster stole a ten-Carat diamond ring he had claimed to be viewing on behalf of a Newcastle United footballer, a court heard yesterday.

Foster was so trusted by the boss of an exclusive jewellers in the MetroCentre, in Gateshead, that he was able to take it on approval without a deposit.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the crime boss asked Sam Hamadi to find a ten-Carat diamond ring on behalf of a Newcastle United footballer, who wanted it as a gift for his pregnant wife.

Foster chose the £80,000 ring and promised to come back within days to either return or buy it.

But the 32-year-old, wanted for the murder of David “Noddy”

Rice in Marsden Grotto car park, South Shields, South Tyneside, in May 2006, never went back.

The police were called and a warrant was issued for Foster’s arrest for theft, which led to him fleeing the country.

Mr Hamadi’s statement was read in the trial of John Jones, a detective constable with Northumbria Police, who is accused of accepting £2,000 a week payments from Foster in exchange for police computer information.

Jones denies three charges of misconduct in public office.

Mr Hamadi said Foster first purchased a £7,000 Rolex watch from him before he and girlfriend Shareena McAuley became regular customers. He then bought an £8,000 ring and in November 2005 took a £9,000 Cartier watch on approval, returning later to pay for it in cash.

A week later, he took a £33,000 ring on approval, but returned it to the shop.

Days later Foster, who wore a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch and drove a £100,000 black sports Mercedes, asked for the jewellery on behalf of the footballer.

Mr Hamadi said: “Foster showed interest in the £80,000 ring and said he would go and show the ring to the person and come back on Friday.”

Mr Hamadi called police on December 24, 2005, and a warrant was issued.

The court has heard that a subsequent raid on Foster’s Sunderland home in April 2006 caused the end of his relationship with the detective because he had not been tipped off beforehand.

In early May 2006, Foster left the country on a false passport, but it is claimed he returned later that month and killed Mr Rice.

Jones denies having a corrupt relationship with Foster, now believed to be in Spain.

The trial continues.

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