A HOMELESS man has been charged with stealing a £150,000 violin from a musician as he dined in a pub.
Ahmed Sami Madour, 46, is accused of nicking the instrument from a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra at the Marquess Tavern in London.
The antique violin was crafted in Florence, Italy, in 1740 and had been loaned to David Ibanez for his performances with the orchestra.
It was allegedly nicked from the pub in February last year as David was dining with a friend.
Cops later confirmed Madour was charged with two counts of theft on January 19, in relation to the stolen instrument.
Madour is also accused of nabbing a guitar worth £4,000 in Hackney on the same day.
He appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week where his trial was set for May 10, 2027.
Madour entered not guilty pleas on both counts of theft.
The Met Police said: “The theft of a violin, valued at £150,000, was reported to the Met on Tuesday February 18 2025.
“It was stolen from the Marquess Tavern, Islington.
“Madour was arrested on Wednesday June 25 on suspicion of theft.
“He was taken into police custody and later released on bail pending further inquiries.”
Following the theft, an appeal was issued by PC Michael Collins from the Met’s local policing team.
He said: “The victim, who is a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, has told us the piece is worth more than £150,000 and was made in Florence in 1740.
“It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless.”
After the theft musician Ibanez said the instrument had: “Lived 300 years prior to my hands touching it.”
He added: “It’s got its own history. You get taught from a very early age to take such good care of it.
“Nothing prepares you for having it snatched away.”
Madour, of no fixed abode, was released on unconditional bail.
