'Robber', 29, accused of stealing £2m of designer watches the day before Oliver White took his own life in woodland is remanded in custody after appearing in court

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An alleged robber charged with stealing £2m worth of designer watches the day before Oliver White took his own life, appeared in court today.

Junior Kunu, 29, and an alleged accomplice — who remains at large — are accused of 'posing as customers' before carrying out a robbery at the 247 Kettles store in Kew Road, Richmond on May 25.

Mr White, who was a sales manager at the store, was put in a chokehold while a robber swept up large numbers of expensive luxury watches.

The 27-year-old was found dead in woodland in Shepperton, Surrey, the next day. 

Wearing a black fleece, Kunu spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth when he appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court today charged with robbery.

Ms Nwanneka Aik, prosecuting, said: 'The matter before the court relates to an incident that took place on 25 May 2024.

'It was a violent robbery that took place at a watch dealership in Richmond.

'Close to £2m of watches were stolen.'

Watch dealer Oliver White (pictured) took his own life after robbers claiming to be clients raided his shop

Metropolitan Police have said Mr White's death is not being treated as suspicious.

Earlier this week, Surrey Coroner's Court heard Mr White, from Shepperton, had died from suspension. 

He was pronounced dead at 9.59pm on May 26 in a wooded area adjacent to Sheep Walk.

His body was identified by his stepfather Mark as the inquest into his death was adjourned until a later date.

In a statement his family said: 'Our son Oliver returned home from his place of work on Saturday traumatised and unable to speak.

'He had been the victim of a terrifying attack and high value robbery at his place of work, which was later shared widely on social media.

'Sadly, it is our belief that Oliver subsequently took his own life due to the anguish and distress of this terrible incident.

'As a family we are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, funny, loyal boy, who lit up every room he walked into.'

Oliver pictured with his girlfriend, Alana Dredge. She described it as their 'last photo together'

A spokesman for 247 Kettles had posted a statement on Instagram claiming Mr White should have never have been alone in the store in the first place.

'Unfortunately on Saturday the attempt succeeded in a violent robbery which Oliver was the victim of.'

In a tribute to Mr White, a spokesperson for the store said: 'It is with profound sadness we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Oliver, who was a close friend for 20+ years before working with us at 247 Kettles. 

'In his time working with us Oliver left a long lasting impact on the watch community as a whole - both suppliers and customers alike were taken back by Oliver's vibrant spirit and kind heart and his loss is felt deeply by all that knew him.

'Oliver had an incredible work ethic and a passion for pleasing customers. He liked to work around the clock and even out of hours to ensure customers were satisfied.

'As a business we will remain closed temporarily to grieve the loss of our friend. Any messages / requests will be picked up upon our return. Our thoughts are with all of Oliver's family at this time.'

Kunu, of Mitcham, south London was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing on 4 July at Woolwich Crown Court.