London -The solicitor acting for Princess Diana's former butler accused police of starting a "trophy trial" yesterday as Mr Paul Burrell, who the princess once described as "her rock", appeared in court to plead not guilty to three counts of theft from Kensington Palace.
Among the 315 items he is accused of stealing from the princess's estate are dresses, shoes, photographs, private letters, handbags, records and CDs, a ceremonial sword and a notepad with details of landmine victims in her handwriting.
The items are said to have gone missing from Kensington Palace on or before June, 1998. The day started badly for Mr Burrell as he arrived early at court to find himself briefly locked out among photographers and camera crews.