Employee stole items worth £53,000, court told

Maria Susana Mendes appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court

A woman has appeared in court charged with stealing more than £50,000 worth of artwork, jewellery and designer clothes from her employer.

Maria Susana Mendes, 54, is alleged to have taken the items from Jessica Mort, between 1 October last year and 21 March.

The total value of the items alleged to have been stolen was £53,000, the court heard.

Ms Mendes did not enter any pleas at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court and is due at Wood Green Crown Court on 25 November for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Diamonds and designer goods

According to the charge sheet, Ms Mendes is said to have stolen a Peter Lik artwork valued at more than £20,000 and a Michelle Y Williams piece valued at about £3,000.

Ms Mendes is also accused of taking a Harry Winston diamond bracelet valued at nearly £27,000, and a brown Chanel flap bag worth nearly £9,000.

A Max Mara coat, a Brunello Cucinelli globe and other ornaments are also listed.

The defendant, of Lambeth, south London, appeared in person at the hearing and spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address.

She was ordered by the judge not to directly or indirectly contact Ms Mort or go to her address in Camden, north London.