Cambridge man denies stealing £500,000 diamond from London home of former billionaire

A former bodyguard from Cambridge appeared in court last week accused of stealing a £500,000 diamond.

Justinas Ivaskivicius, 34, was arrested by the Met Police’s Flying Squad on Wednesday (May 27) at a first floor flat in Fallowfield, Chesterton.

The arrest, the Met said, was in connection with a residential burglary in west London in 2017.

The diamond was said to have been among items taken from a safe at the home of James Stunt, the former husband of Petra Ecclestone, the daughter of F1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone.

Estimates suggested that items worth about £20m were taken from the Belgravia property.

On Friday (May 29) Ivaskivicius appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court via videolink where he was accused of taking the 16.18-carat gem.

Ivaskivicius, 34, denied theft and a second charge of possession of criminal property, namely tens of thousands of pounds in cash. In court he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and enter not guilty pleas.

He was refused bail and the case was sent to Southwark Crown Court for his first appearance on June 26.

The diamond was reported stolen following a break in between December 12 and 15, 2017.

Mr Stunt, 38, an art and gold bullion dealer who also has investments in mining and wine, was married to Ms Ecclestone in 2011 but the couple divorced in 2017.