'Blackmail threatened to destroy charity'

A RECLUSIVE millionaire broke down in court yesterday as he described how blackmail allegations could affect a children's charity he helped to found, writes Nick Walker.

An Old Bailey jury was told this week of allegations that Conrad Jameson, 60, of Sydney Place, Chelsea, south-west London, threatened to expose the businessman, referred to as Mr A, as having a collection of pornography and a chair designed for sexual purposes, and as having homosexual leanings.

Mr A, who cannot be named, said all the allegations behind the pounds 250,000 blackmail bid were 'absolutely false'. When asked what the effect would be on the charity if the allegations were published, Mr A said: 'Children who need this organisation have a very low opinion of adults . . . and if a child believed this organisation was headed by a person who was doing the sort of thing they needed help for, they wouldn't seek its help.'

Mr A told the court that he was not homosexual and did not possess any pornography. 'I have one Picasso . . , and there's one that's certainly erotic.' Members of the jury were shown two paintings - Picasso's Homme et Femme and a watercolour by 19th century French artist, Gavarni, depicting sexual acts - and also a 19th century chair from Mr A's home, probably used by a gynaecologist.

The trial continues.