Maida Vale men accused of stealing £2,000 egg made by Jude Law’s artist sister

by Court Reporter Thursday, November 29, 2012
4:42 PM

Two Maida Vale men accused of stealing a giant egg designed by Jude Law’s sister appeared in court today.

The egg by Natasha Law

Lounes Mazous, 22, and Darius Ravanshad, 27, allegedy damaged the artwork, entitled Hatch, beyond repair as they wrenched it from its mounting.

The egg, which was due to be auctioned for charity as part of The Big Egg Hunt, is said to have been stolen from New Bond Street on February 25 this year. Mazous and Ravanshad then allegedly drove off with it stashed in the back of their car, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

The artwork was specially created by artist Natasha Law as one of 210 three-foot tall eggs that were placed around London.

They were later auctioned off and raised more than £1million for Action for Children and the Elephant Family charities.

Darius Ravanshad leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court. Picture: Central News

Organisers had to shell out £2,000 for Ms Law to completely remake her egg, and £14,000 was spent beefing up security because of fears other eggs could be targeted, the court heard.

Prosecutor Edward Aydin said: “This was a theft from a charity, which spent £2,000 repairing the egg. There were also fears other eggs may be taken, so £14,000 was spent on security to ensure all the other eggs would be safe.”

Ms Law, in a statement read to the court, said: “It was beyond repair, it had to be completely remade.”

The elder sister of film star Jude, Ms Law is a noted fine drawing artist who joined the likes of celebrated fashion designer Bruce Oldfield and artist Marc Quinn in decorating the eggs.

The replacement was eventually sold for £3,000 at auction. Mazous, of Marlborough Place, and Ravanshad, of Warrington Gardens, deny one count of theft and have elected a trial by jury.

They were released on unconditional bail until the next hearing on January 10.