Designer 'strangled then robbed'

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Fashion designer Nicole Farhi was strangled until she passed out and threatened with a knife in a doorstep robbery, a court has heard.

She was allegedly attacked by two brothers at her home in Hampstead, north-west London, in April last year.

The men targeted lone women in wealthy areas, Wood Green Crown Court heard.

Matthew Mykoo, 27, from Brent, denies 16 counts of robbery but admits two. His brother Daniel Mykoo, 28, from Fulham, admitted 16 counts of robbery.

'Lone victims'

It is alleged the brothers carried out 16 robberies together, targeting a string of lone women and one man.

Prosecuting, John Carmichael said they were a "strangler-robber" team, with Daniel Mykoo attacking from behind while Matthew Mykoo snatched the victim's valuables.

They allegedly struck in areas including Hampstead, St John's Wood, Ladbroke Grove and Chelsea between March and June last year, robbing some victims of jewellery worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Mrs Fahri, who was made a CBE in 2007 for services to the retail industry, was attacked from behind in her driveway, the court heard.

She was allegedly choked with such force that she lost consciousness for a few minutes before the brothers stole a ring, money and her Rolex watch.

Her husband, playwright Sir David Hare, chased the attackers and took down their car registration number as they drove off.

She thought she was going to be murdered or sexually assaulted because of the violence of the attack Prosecutor John Carmichael describes alleged robbery victim Lisa Shortt's response

Mr Carmichael said another victim, counsellor Lisa Shortt, had a hand clamped over her eyes and her neck was gripped before rings worth £15,000 were stolen from her in March last year.

"She was really distressed. She thought she was going to be murdered or sexually assaulted because of the violence of the attack," he said.

The court heard that in another robbery, Matthew Mykoo had trouble removing a woman's rings so his brother said: "Take the finger off then."

The woman's wedding and engagement rings were eventually taken without further violence.

A stolen handbag was found near Matthew Mykoo's house and stolen cars linked to the robberies were parked nearby, the prosecution said.

Matthew Mykoo's DNA and fingerprints were also found in a black BMW which was allegedly used in some of the crimes.

Matthew Mykoo also denies taking a car without consent.

The trial continues.