Tuesday 19 November 2013

Financial Advisor Continues Pleading His Innocence From The Witness Box


A financial advisor, accused of battering his millionaire client to death after stealing £343,000 from him, told a jury: "I have never hurt anyone in my entire life."

David Jeffs, 36, of Larch Close, Arnold, Nottingham denies murdering  wealthy gay Mayfair socialite Roberto Troyan, 63, who suffered fatal head injuries at his home in Mount Street on March 8.

Twice-married father-of-one Jeffs (pic.bottom) told the Croydon Crown Court jury he was confronted outside Mr. Troyan's apartment by a bloodstained mystery man who was probably a "rent boy" or "angry pimp."

He admitted driving to Guildford and buying identical fresh clothing after hearing Mr. Troyan (pic.top) was dead to separate himself forensically from the event.

"I wanted to avoid a connection with the man I met at Robert's place and all the madness that surrounded his life," Jeffs told the jury.

Prosecutor Mr. Edward Brown QC told the defendant: "You knew you killed Roberto Troyan and needed a new set of clothing," but Jeffs replied: "That's not true."

"I never went into that flat on that Friday," insisted Jeffs, dismissing the suggestion he looked "more dishevelled" on CCTV, which recorded him leaving the building.

"Except for my scarf not being tucked into my jacket I'd say I looked the same."

Jeffs admitted trying to "disavow" himself from any connection with the mystery man, but complained: "At many times I've felt that the entire weight of the Metropolitan Police force is against me."

Mr. Troyan, the civil partner of the late interior designer Anthony Feldman, invested bonds of £650,000 and £550,000 on the advice of Jeffs, who also became his £1,000 per week 'financial concierge'.

The defendant was also earning £53,000 per year with London and Weybridge, Surrey-based HFM Columbus and enjoyed an annual expense account of £8,000.

The jury have been told he abused his client's trust, buying himself two Lotus sports cars, blowing £19,500 in one night at lap dancing club Spearmint Rhino and treating himself to "expensive" holidays in the USA, Mauritius and Ibiza.

There were also VIP rugby and polo events, stays at expensive hotels, meals at top restaurants, a £1150 night at celebrity West End club Chinawhite and evidence of cocaine and ecstasy use.

Jeffs has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr. Troyan on March 8 and defrauding him between March 1, 2010 and December 2, last year.

He was found on his blood-splattered kitchen floor by his cleaner and had suffered multiple skull fractures, a fractured jaw, cheek and eye-socket and had inhaled blood into his airways.


The trial continues…………

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