Man accused of £2m theft from Topshop family

A MAN has appeared in court accused of a theft of £2million of jewellery from the London home of Sir Philip Green’s stepson.

Robert Lewis, 40, is charged with burglary at the £18.6million Grade II listed mansion in St John’s Wood. The property is the home of the billionaire retailer’s property developer stepson, Brett Palos.

Mr Palos, the son of Lady Christina Green and her first husband, South African businessman Robert Palos, is on the board of Taveta, which controls Arcadia Group, owner of brands such as Topshop. The property developer became embroiled in the BHS saga in 2015 when it emerged that one of his firms had bought one of the retailer’s stores for £6.9million only days before Sir Philip sold the company. Mr Palos sold the store on to Topland Group for £10million two months later.

Mr Lewis appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court wearing a black and grey jumper and spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the short hearing.

No details of what was stolen during the burglary on December 10 last year were revealed.

Mr Lewis, of Paddington, west London, will face Southwark Crown Court next month.