A man accused of robbing a watch dealer who later killed himself has pleaded not guilty. Junior Kunu, 29, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court via video-link from HMP Thameside to deny the charge.
The alleged robbery took place at the 247 Kettles store in Richmond, south-west London, on May 25. Prosecutors say Kunu and an accomplice put Oliver White in a chokehold and restrained him with cable ties before stealing £2 million worth of watches.
Mr White, 27, was found dead by suicide the day after the incident. His family described him as a 'beautiful, funny, loyal boy' who was 'traumatised and unable to speak' after the attack.
Independent jewellers 247 Kettles said Mr White was a 'close friend' of more than 20 years who 'left a long-lasting impact on the watch community as a whole'.
Kunu, from Mitcham, south London, was remanded in custody. A trial is set for November, with a pre-trial hearing in September.
