A man, Sarbast Lokman, aged 34, is facing charges of burglary, theft, and attempted burglary for allegedly targeting Labour peer Luciana Berger’s London residence on two separate occasions in April. The incidents involved Lokman attempting to access the property through the back door on April 11, followed by stealing items from the back garden. The next day, Lokman returned to the property, gaining access to a car parked outside, and stealing various items totaling £350, including Marc Jacobs sunglasses, children’s wellington boots, a first aid kit, blankets, clothing, a gift-wrapped Neom candle, car fluid, and loose change.
Baroness Berger expressed feeling singled out due to her prominent status in the Jewish community and as a former MP, stating her concern at the City of London Magistrates’ Court. She previously served as the MP for Liverpool Wavertree and held ministerial positions in climate change, public health, and mental health under different party leaderships. Despite leaving the Labour Party in 2019 over leadership issues, she rejoined in 2023 under Sir Keir Starmer and was later appointed to the House of Lords as Baroness Berger.
Apart from the charges related to the incidents at Berger’s residence, Lokman also faces an allegation of attempting to burgle a home in Enfield. His trial, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed to July 6 due to the unavailability of a Kurdish interpreter. Lokman, who disclosed being homeless but previously residing in North Finchley, denies all charges and remains in custody awaiting trial since May.