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Fraudster misses sentencing after claiming luggage injury

Created at 4 Sep · 7:31 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Nabila Habiby, who pawned ex-Premier League footballer Edgar Davids' art collection, failed to attend her sentencing hearing. She claims she suffered a concussion after being hit by luggage en route to the airport.

Key Numbers

£188,000value of Edgar Davids' art collection
37artworks pawned by Nabila Habiby
£31,500loans obtained by Habiby
September 2025date of guilty plea
34 monthspotential prison sentence

Who's Involved

Nabila Habiby
fraudster who pawned Edgar Davids' art collection
Edgar Davids
ex-Premier League footballer whose art was pawned
Hannah Thomas
defence barrister for Nabila Habiby
Judge Emma Deacon KC
presiding judge at the sentencing hearing

↳ Why This Matters

This case highlights the complexities of the justice system when defendants fail to appear for sentencing, raising questions about the validity of excuses and the integrity of the legal process. It also underscores the significant financial and emotional impact of fraud on victims.

Key facts

  • Nabila Habiby, a wealth manager, pawned 37 artworks from Edgar Davids' collection.
  • She obtained £31,500 in loans by using Davids' art as collateral.
  • Davids entrusted Habiby to store his possessions during a house move.
  • Habiby pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud in September 2025.
  • She failed to attend her sentencing hearing on Friday, claiming a head injury from luggage.
  • The judge deemed the medical evidence provided inadequate.

Nabila Habiby, a wealth manager, has failed to attend her sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to fraud charges related to pawning ex-Premier League footballer Edgar Davids' art collection. Habiby obtained £31,500 in loans by using 37 of Davids' artworks, valued at £188,000, as collateral while he was moving house. She had pleaded guilty in September 2025 to two counts of fraud and was warned she could face up to 34 months in prison. On Friday, Habiby's defence barrister informed the court that she was unable to attend her sentencing because she had been hit on the head by a piece of luggage on her way to the airport, resulting in a concussion and hospitalisation. The judge noted that the medical evidence provided from Belgium was inadequate but agreed to adjourn the hearing. The original judge who oversaw the guilty pleas will now pass sentence.

Frequently asked questions

The collection belonged to ex-Premier League footballer Edgar Davids and consisted of 37 modern art pieces valued at £188,000.

Habiby obtained £31,500 in loans by pawning the art.

Her defence stated she was hit by luggage on her way to the airport, suffering a concussion and requiring hospitalisation.

The judge described the medical evidence provided from Belgium as 'inadequate'.

What Happens Next

01The sentencing hearing will be adjourned.
02The original judge will pass sentence on Nabila Habiby.

How It Developed

Nabila Habiby pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud in September 2025.
Habiby was bailed with a warning of up to 34 months in prison.
Her sentencing attempt in March was delayed by a failed bid to withdraw guilty pleas.
Habiby failed to attend her sentencing hearing on Friday.
Her defence barrister stated Habiby was hit by luggage on her way to the airport and suffered a concussion.
Habiby was taken to hospital and remains on a drip.
The judge received inadequate medical evidence from Belgium.
The sentencing hearing was adjourned to allow the original judge to pass sentence.

Sources

T1
Fraudster who pawned ex-Premier League footballer's art collection misses sentencing after 'being hit by luggage'Sky News
T2
Thief who targeted Edgar Davids misses sentencingbbc.co.uk

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