Marco Pierre White Jr, son of renowned Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White, has admitted to breaking into an antique shop and stealing £1,500 worth of collectible Jellycat toys. The 30-year-old former reality TV star, known for his appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, has faced multiple burglary charges over the past few years and acknowledged his involvement in a spree of crimes.
White Jr’s troubles with drug addiction have been well documented. His latest admission follows a guilty plea regarding the burglary of a tattoo shop in Somerset last year. Prosecutors stated that he caused over £40,000 in damages, including the destruction of four mounted crystals, although White Jr disputes the amount claimed.
Prior to this, he burglarized a deli in Kensington, stealing valuable items such as a laptop, iPad, and cash till. In another incident, White Jr forced entry into a Chelsea residence, causing approximately £7,000 in damage to the front door.
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Most recently, on July 21, he broke into a shop in Barnes, South West London, and made off with the Jellycat plush toys. Appearing via video link from HMP Wandsworth at Isleworth Crown Court, he admitted to four counts of burglary and one of criminal damage.
At Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, White Jr had previously pleaded guilty to three burglary counts. His defense attorney, Graeme Logan, contested the total damage figure and indicated intentions to offer a lesser plea for a robbery charge he denies.
Judge Edward Connell scheduled further hearings, noting the seriousness of White Jr’s offenses and confirming that sentencing will follow. The former Celebrity Big Brother participant had been released from prison only two months before the latest burglary.
Marco Jr’s decline began after his abrupt exit from Celebrity Big Brother, where his controversial behavior drew viewer complaints and formal warnings. Incidents included inappropriate conduct with housemates and subsequent legal troubles such as driving under the influence of cocaine, disorderly conduct, and confrontations with law enforcement.
In 2022, he served an 18-month sentence for multiple offenses including racially aggravated abuse, heroin possession, and carrying a knife. His criminal record also includes high-profile burglaries, such as the theft from a deli featured on Netflix’s Bridgerton, where CCTV footage infamously captured his escape with his trousers snagged, revealing distinctive tattoos that aided in his identification.
Local business owners have recounted instances of theft, highlighting the repeated impact of White Jr’s actions on their establishments. Despite these setbacks, the legal process continues, with sentencing set for November 29.