A man is accused of burgling Labour peer Luciana Berger, who told a court she felt "targeted" after he appeared at her home on two separate occasions. Sarbast Lokman, 34, faces charges of burglary, theft, and attempted burglary following alleged incidents at the politician's London property in April.
Alleged Incidents
According to prosecutors, Lokman attempted to enter the home through the back door on April 11. Finding it locked, he allegedly stole items left in the back garden. The next day, he is said to have returned and entered a car parked outside Baroness Berger's residence, stealing goods valued at £350.
The stolen items reportedly include a pair of Marc Jacobs sunglasses, two pairs of children's wellington boots and one adult pair, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a green picnic blanket, and a child's tracksuit bottoms and T-shirt. Additionally, Lokman is accused of taking a gift-wrapped Neom candle, a bottle of car fluid, and loose change from the vehicle.
Victim's Statement
Baroness Berger, 45, told City of London Magistrates' Court that she felt "targeted" due to her high profile within the Jewish community and her status as a peer and former MP. She served as the MP for Liverpool Wavertree from 2010 to 2019, holding shadow ministerial roles for climate change, public health, and mental health under Ed Miliband and Jeremy Corbyn.
She quit the Labour Party in February 2019, citing protest against Mr Corbyn's leadership and denouncing the party as "institutionally antisemitic." In February 2023, she returned to Labour under Sir Keir Starmer, and in December 2024, she entered the House of Lords as a life peer, taking the title Baroness Berger of Barnhill in the London Borough of Brent.
Legal Proceedings
Lokman also faces an additional allegation of attempting to burgle a home in Enfield, north London, in March. He had denied all charges and was due to stand trial on Thursday, but the case was adjourned until July 6 after it emerged that a Kurdish interpreter had not been booked. Court staff's last-minute efforts to find an available interpreter in London failed.
District Judge Annabel Pilling informed Lokman of the adjournment by typing an apology on her tablet, translating it via Google Translate, and showing him the screen. Lokman, who stated he is currently homeless but previously lived in North Finchley, north London, denies burglary, two charges of attempted burglary, and theft from a motor vehicle. He has been remanded in custody since his first court appearance in May.
