Italian man, 43, admits role in £25m jewellery burglary at Tamara Ecclestone’s Kensington mansion

An Italian man today admitted his role in a £25million jewellery raid at the Kensington mansion of Formula 1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone.

Alessandro Donati, 43, pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to a single count of conspiracy to burgle properties between November 29 and December 18, 2019.

The charge relates to burglaries including a raid on Ms Ecclestone’s London home in December 2019 in which thieves allegedly stole £25million of jewellery and cash.

Ms Ecclestone, the socialite daughter of ex-Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, was on holiday in Lapland with her husband, art gallery owner Jay Rutland, their daughter and their dog at the time.

Other alleged victims of the conspiracy included former Chelsea FC player and manager Frank Lampard and his television presenter wife Christine, as well as late Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

Donati, who previously denied the charge, was taken from custody at HMP Wandsworth to appear in person at court charged with conspiring to burgle.

Appearing in the dock with an Italian interpreter, wearing a green Armani EA7 sports tracksuit, he spoke only to confirm his identity before entering the guilty plea. 

Judge Martin Edmunds QC remanded him in custody ahead of sentencing at a later date. Donati is charged with the conspiracy alongside Alessandro Maltese, 44. 

He previously pleaded not guilty and is next due to appear in court on April 23.