A builder accused of helping steal a valuable Banksy artwork has denied acting as a getaway driver during his trial at Kingston Crown Court. James Love, 54, from North Stifford, faces burglary charges after a limited edition Girl With Balloon print worth £270,000 was taken from Grove Gallery in central London.
The theft occurred on September 8 last year when Larry Fraser, 48, smashed the gallery's glass door and stole the artwork in just over 30 seconds. Fraser has already admitted to carrying out the burglary.
CCTV evidence presented
Jurors were shown surveillance footage on Wednesday depicting Love's van arriving near the gallery shortly after the break-in. The video captured Fraser approaching the vehicle while carrying the stolen Banksy before Love assisted him into the van.
Love testified that this moment marked the first time he realised what Fraser had done. "As he walked in front of me I thought, 'what the f*** has he got there?'" he told the court. Fraser reportedly told him: "Sorry bro, I had to do it, I owe money."
Defendant's account
When prosecutors suggested Love had acted as Fraser's getaway driver, he firmly replied: "No." Love described his state of mind during the incident, saying: "I don't know, I wasn't thinking right - all I was thinking about was family, I'm going to get in trouble, cameras, I wasn't thinking."
Love claimed he became furious with Fraser during their drive away from the scene. "When we drove off I started shouting, abusing Fraser. He said he needs it, he owes a large drug debt," Love testified. "I said, 'you've used me, you've f***** me'."
Artwork recovery
Despite his anger, Love later deposited the stolen print at a block of flats in the Isle of Dogs. He explained his reasoning: "I decided to put the picture there so Fraser couldn't get his hands on it and hopefully get it back to where it belongs."
Police successfully recovered the artwork using a map and instructions Love provided during his first court appearance. Love, who described Fraser as a long-time acquaintance he occasionally hired for labouring work, said Fraser would typically do "dirty work" such as "ripping up carpets and taking up floorboards."
Prosecution allegations
Prosecutor Philip Stott challenged Love's account during cross-examination, suggesting: "You persuaded him to do another kind of job - stealing a Banksy for you. A different kind of dirty work." The court examined bank records showing Love had sent Fraser small amounts over time, typically around £20.
The largest transfer of £200 occurred on the day of the burglary, which Love insisted was an error. "It should have been £20 and I put an extra zero on it," he claimed. "I was in panic mode, my eyes were bad - I've had eye tests since then and now I wear glasses for this very reason."
Prosecutors allege Love, who reportedly owns numerous heart-themed pictures, drove to the Fitzrovia gallery on the morning of the theft and maintained regular contact with Fraser throughout the day. When asked if he stole the artwork to add a picture "with a heart on it" to his collection, Love answered: "No." He stated he was "not particularly" a Banksy fan and knew little about the street artist's work.
The trial continues.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
