Man cleared over alleged Lando Norris watch theft in Euro 2020 final incident

Henry Valantine
Lando Norris in the paddock. Sao Paulo November 2022.

McLaren driver Lando Norris arrives in the paddock on Friday. Interlagos November 2022.

A man has been found not guilty of robbery after Lando Norris had his watch stolen in an incident at the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium in London.

The McLaren driver was left “shaken” but “unhurt” after he was apparently targeted following England’s defeat against Italy in the final of football’s European Championships, when he was confronted on the way back to his car following the match.

Harrow Crown Court heard that Norris had been grabbed by one robber while another ripped the one-of-a-kind Richard Mille timepiece, fitted specifically for Norris and valued at more than £140,000, from his wrist.

Liam Williams, 25, from Bootle in Merseyside, was arrested in the days following the incident and had stood trial accused as one of the robbers from July 2021, with his DNA having been found on Norris’ left wrist after the incident took place.

After pleading not guilty to robbery and a week of court hearings, Williams was cleared after almost two hours of jury deliberations.

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In the aftermath of the robbery, Norris was understandably shaken by what had happened to him that night at Wembley, admitting that he had been struggling to sleep as he looked to mentally recover, though thankfully, he was largely physically unharmed.

The British Grand Prix took place the weekend after the football match, and Norris was grateful for the support he received from the Formula 1 fan community following a distressing time on a personal level.

“Hi world, thanks for all the messages everyone,” Norris posted on social media after the incident took place in July 2021.

“Really means a lot to see so many messages of kindness and love from you all.

“Thought I’d let you know I’m doing well and trying to make sure I’m ready and in the right zone for this weekend to perform at my best.

“Love you all and can’t wait to see so many of you back at the track this weekend.”