A MAN yesterday said that he stole #185,000 worth of jewels from
actress Sophia Loren's bedroom 32 years ago.
Ray Jones, 76, of Nantyglo, Gwent, said he was breaking his silence
about the theft even though he could still face prosecution.
Scotland Yard said his claims would be studied.
In May 1960 the actress, in Britain filming The Millionairess, offered
a #20,000 reward for the return of her jewels.
Mr Jones said: ''I stole the Loren jewels. It was the easiest thing in
the world.''
He said he and an associate found out Miss Loren was staying near the
Elstree film studios.
''We went to the place in a Rolls-Royce. We broke in and took the
jewels from a dressing-table drawer in the bedroom. We sold them to a
fence who gave us #44,000.
''People may say that I'm just trying to get publicity, but I'm not. I
did carry out the theft, and I want the police to prosecute me. . . I
want my day in court so I can have my say.''
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ''I wouldn't be shouting about it if I
were him -- #185,000 was a lot of money in those days and the case
caused a real stir at the time. At today's prices the haul would be
worth around #1m.
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