Exeter University student on London riots theft charges

A wealthy undergraduate from the University of Exeter has been accused of stealing from shops during the riots in London.

Laura Johnson, 19, has appeared before magistrates in Bexley on five counts of burglary.

Miss Johnson, who is reading English and Italian, is reported to be the daughter of a millionaire businessman from Orpington, south-east London.

She was released on bail, to return to court on 21 September.

A statement released by the University of Exeter said: "We can confirm that Laura Johnson is an undergraduate student at the University of Exeter.

"The university will await the outcome of the court case before deciding on whether to take any action."