Starmer arson accused refused to film attack, court told

A Ukrainian-born Romanian national testified at the Old Bailey that he refused to record an alleged arson attack despite an accomplice’s request. He said his friend carried out the first alleged arson for “money” and that he tried to persuade him not to proceed. He described being told the plan involved setting fire to a car and making a video, and he rejected it as “pure stupidity,” warning that setting cars on fire in city streets is a serious crime. He said the plan changed to breaking a window instead. He denied involvement in the conspiracy, but said he passed contact details for another accused person. He also said he knew the accomplice was to be paid by “El Money” and that the payment was linked to medical treatment needs.

"Addressing the court through a Russian translator, Carpiuc said he knew Lavrynovych was to be paid by "El Money" but he did not know who he was. Lavrynovych had wanted money by 10 May to pay for his father's medical treatment, Carpiuc told the jury. Answering questions from his barrister Shahid Rashid, Carpiuc said he was working at a west London hotel between 2100 BST on 8 May and 0900 on the"

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