Greg Rutherford’s ex-agent to face trial accused of £66,000 theft
THE former agent of Olympic hero Greg Rutherford accused of scamming the long jumper out of £66,000 is to stand trial.
Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford's former agent faces trial for alleged theft
Gaby Stone, 33, allegedly pocketed sponsorship and appearance fees from the London 2012 gold medallist and Rio bronze medallist on 15 occasions between 2014 and 2015.
Stone, appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court today, wearing a white shirt and dark trousers to deny one count of theft.
Stone has a degree in sport's sciences from Loughborough University, and also represents gymnastics champion Louis Smith, and used to represent two-times gold medallist boxer Nicola Adams.
An earlier hearing had heard Stone had been Rutherford's financial manager at the time of the alleged theft.
Prosecutor Marila Tuksel had said: “There was a contractual agreement that the defendant and his company would organise commercial fees and sponsorship and the defendant would receive 20 per cent of the earnings and 80 per cent would go to the complainant.'
Gaby Stone is accused of stealing £66,000 from the athlete
“It is said he didn't remunerate the complainant in excess of £66,000 for various commercial appearances - there was some 15 appearances for which monies were supposed to be received going back to 2014.
There's the breach of trust placed in the defendant by the complainant
“There's the breach of trust placed in the defendant by the complainant. The amount involved is £66,000 and the Crown say the dishonesty was prolonged.”
After Stone denied one count of theft, Judge John Hillen QC set a trial date of January 30, 2017 at Blackfriars Crown Court.
He said: You pleaded not guilty and therefore there will be a trial on January 30.'
Stone arriving at Blackfriars court, South London to attend a preliminary hearing
The alleged theft is a over sponsorship and appearance fee agreements
Rutherford shot to fame after taking the gold at London 2012, and setting the British record for the long jump.
He was unable to repeat the feat at Rio de Janeiro where he won bronze.
Since the end of the games he has announced that he will be joining the line-up on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, following the footsteps of Louis Smith.