Hunt for conman who stole Fonteyn’s ballet shoes - Detectives on the look out for Graham Shoebridge, 37
Published: 27 August 2010
by TOM FOOT
A CONMAN who befriended a pensioner and stole his prized pair of Margot Fonteyn’s ballet shoes is on the run.
Detectives are hunting Graham Shoebridge, 37, after he failed to appear for sentencing at Blackfriars Crown Court on Friday. He was bailed after pleading guilty to burglary and criminal damage at Highbury Magistrates’ on July 22.
Islington police were contacted in December 2009 by the victim’s family after Shoebridge “systematically harassed” the pensioner, stole items from him and damaged his home in Finsbury Park.
He made obscene phone calls to the man’s elderly sister and sent offensive letters to the pensioner and his late partner, to family members and friends.
He stole the ballet shoes, worth £40,000, on December 17.
Shoebridge was snared in Torquay after being arrested for a similar sting in Devon.
Detectives later secured a full admission. He admitted stealing the ballet shoes, which were returned.
Detective Sergeant Julie Henderson said: “We would urgently like to trace Graham Shoebridge, who has previously targeted members of the LGBT community. This has been extremely upsetting for the victims and their families, and we want to trace him to ensure he is sentenced for these crimes. I would ask anyone who knows anything that could help us find Shoebridge, or thinks they have previously been a victim of this type of crime, please to get in touch . People should be aware that he may be using a different alias.”
Call 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.