Model invented kidnapping tale for publicity, court hears
CHLOE AYLING faked her kidnapping as a “publicity stunt”, one of her alleged kidnappers has claimed.
The 20-year-old model is said to have been snatched after being lured to a fake photo shoot in Milan in July.
The lawyer for one of her alleged kidnappers, Michal Herba, 36, who is fighting extradition to Italy, said the entire case could be a “sham”.
Mr Herba was arrested by the National Crime Agency on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Italian authorities. He appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court yesterday.
His brother, Lukasz Herba, 30, is in custody in Italy, after his arrest on July 17.
Florence Iveson, prosecuting, said Michal Herba has been requested by the court of Milan in relation to a single offence of kidnapping arising from events between July 11 and 17. However, George Hepburne Scott, Mr Herba’s lawyer, raised questions over Ms Ayling’s account, who claims she was drugged and bundled into a car boot on July 11.
The lawyer pointed to an alleged incident during which Ms Ayling and her captor went shopping, calling it a “wholly anomalous feature”.
District Judge Paul Goldspring pointed out that much of the material relied on by Mr Scott came from press reports, which he said did not prove any of the theories in the case.
He will give his ruling on Friday.