Derren Brown’s cleaner made money disappear

Published on 14/09/2012 01:20

A CLEANER has admitted stealing cheques from illusionist Derren Brown.

Rocio Pavon-Navarrete, 47, took two signed cheques from Mr Brown’s home while he was away. Co-accused Bernard Ayanbanjo, 48, went on trial for fraud after it was alleged he paid the cheques into his bank account.

Mr Brown sat in the public gallery during the hearing at London’s Southwark Crown Court. Pavon-Navarrete broke down in tears after pleading guilty to one charge of theft. She will be sentenced on 11 October and judge David Higgins warned her she could be jailed.

“Whilst I have adjourned for a pre-sentence report, indeed a high probability remains that she will be sentenced to immediate custody given that which is obviously the grossest breach of confidence,” he said.

“I wish her to have no illusions about what the future is likely to hold, given the very serious criminality to which she has pleaded guilty.”

Ayanbanjo has pleaded not guilty to two charges of fraud.

Bethan Charnley, prosecuting, told the jury that he is accused of taking the cheques, worth £21,550.35 and £11,500, from Pavon-Navarrete and paying them into his own bank account between October and December 2010.

The cheques were signed by James Cooper, Mr Brown’s manager, but were left blank and stored at his home in Baker Street, central London, for use by his assistant while Mr Brown and Mr Cooper were away on business.