Wine 'stolen by pallet load'

TWO directors of one of Britain's oldest wine merchants accused of stealing nearly 7,000 cases worth pounds 2m from clients, took wine from stores in 'pallet loads', a former employee told Inner London Crown Court yesterday, writes Stephen Ward.

Raymond Burraway, 52, of Wandsworth, south London, Joseph Mankowitz, 49, of Kensington, west London, directors of Greens Ltd, established in 1787, and a third defendant, Anthony Boylan, 58, of Dulwich, south-east London, all deny conspiring to steal wine held by the company on behalf of customers. The victims included professional wine experts and aristocrats.

Within a few months of the alleged theft, customers 'complained vociferously' that their wine was missing and police were alerted, the court was told. After a six-week investigation, police arrested the two directors and Mr Boylan, who is accused of collecting the wine, in early 1991.

The hearing continues.