22 May 2024 , 12:40
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A man has denied the abduction, drugging and repeated abuse of a nine-year-old girl who was taken from her family outside Harrods.
Robert Prussak, 56, was identified from CCTV images seen by police after the child, who cannot be named, had vanished near the iconic department store in Knightsbridge, central London.
The man was arrested on the same day in the Knightsbridge area - three hours after the youngster had gone missing - and subsequently charged with kidnap, administering a substance, namely the antihistamine Benadryl, with the intention of stupefying or overpowering to enable sexual activity and five counts of sexual assault.
But Prussak denied each of these charges as he appeared via video link at Isleworth Crown Court in west London today. Despite having no fixed abode, Prussak spoke with an American accent to plead not guilty. He now faces trial in October.
Judge Martin Edmunds told him: "Mr Prussak I have today given directions for the preparation of matters. Your trial will commence on 21 October this year with a time estimate of five to six days."
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A police spokesperson earlier said: "The charges relate to an incident involving a nine-year-old girl who was reported missing at Brompton Road, SW1 on Monday, April 22."
At the time, a Harrods spokesperson said: "We supported the Metropolitan police with an incident outside Harrods that has now thankfully been resolved. We cannot comment any further on the details as it is a police matter, but are thankful the Met Police's swift actions led to this safe resolution."