Foster was trusted so much by the managing director of an exclusive
jewellers in the MetroCentre he was able to take the jewellery away on approval without leaving a secuirty deposit.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the crime boss had asked jeweller Sam Hamadi to find a 10-carat diamond piece on behalf of a Newcastle United footballer who wanted to purchase a gift for his pregnant wife.

Mr Hamadi produced a diamond baguette worth £80,000, diamond ear-rings
worth £20,000, a solitaire ring worth £40,000 and a smaller baguette wort £35,000 for him to view.

Foster chose the £80,000 baguette and promised to come back within a few days with either payment for the ring or to return it.

But the 32-year-old, who is now wanted for the murder of David 'Noddy' Rice in May 2006, never went back.

As a result the police were called, and a warrant was issued for Foster's arrest for theft - which led to him fleeing the country.

Mr Hamadi's statement was read to jurors in the trial of John Jones, a
detective constable with Northumbria Police, who is accused of accepting
£2,000 a week from Foster in exchange for information from the force
computer.

Jones denies three charges of misconduct in public office.

Mr Hamadi said in his statement he had known Foster for around two or three years by 2005.

He said Foster first purchased a £7,000 Rolex watch from the business, then he and his girlfriend Shareena McAuley became regular customers.

He then purchased a ring for £8,000, and in November 2005 he took away a £9,000 Cartier watch on approval, and returned a few days later and paid for it in cash.

A week later he took away a £33,000 ring on approval, but returned it to the shop.

A few days later Foster, who wore a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch and drove a £100,000 black sports Mercedes, came into the store asking for the jewellery on behalf of the footballer.

Mr Hamadi said: "It was about 10 or 14 days after he purchased the Cartier watch. He called me on my moblile and said something to the effect he was involved or had a friend he was selling a car to who played for Newcastle United football club.

"He said the person's wife was expecting a baby, and the footballer was
looking for a 10-carat diamond ring.