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£40m Graff gems raid suspect wrote apology

The Graff Diamonds robbers, caught on CCTV entering the store
12 April 2012

One of the two men accused of carrying out a £40 million jewellery heist wrote a letter apologising for his role, a court heard today.

It was found in the prison cell of Craig Calderwood, 27, during a search last year after he had been arrested over the raid at Graff's jewellers in Mayfair.

Prosecutor Philip Bennetts told Woolwich crown court that Calderwood said he took part in the armed robbery because he was "in fear for his life".

Mr Bennetts read Calderwood's letter to the court: "I'm truly sorry for the crime I committed... I dug a hole, a great big hole, for myself in life and now by admitting my guilt I'm now filling it in with me in it."

Mr Bennett added Calderwood's letter included an apology to staff at the shop during last August's raid. Calderwood and Aman Kassaye both deny conspiracy to rob. Kassaye also denies kidnap.

The pair further deny firearms offences. Seven other defendants deny conspiracy to rob.

The trial continues.

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Mayfair
Woolwich Crown Court