THE brother of a man accused of killing two French students made threats from prison to a separate robbery victim, the Old Bailey heard today (May 18).

Dano Sonnex and Nigel Farmer are on trial accused of murdering Laurent Bonomo and Gabriel Ferez on June 29 last year.

Farmer admits burning down the murder scene in Sterling Gardens, New Cross, later that day but claims he did so due to threats from the Sonnex family.

The court heard today how Sonnex's older brother Bernie allegedly made threatening calls while in custody in connection with a robbery at The Royal Archer pub in Egmont Street, New Cross, last year.

Because of threats made to landlord Ted Bandelow and his wife Sharon, telephone monitoring equipment was installed by police.

In a statement read in court, Detective Constable Keith Simmonett, of Lewisham CID, said Bernie Sonnex was caught on tape threatening Mrs Bandelow.

He allegedly said: “You do not want to go to court.

“Ted's not well, he has a bad heart.

“I am the master of control.”

The court also heard today from Georgina Culyer, the mother of Bernie Sonnex's pregnant ex-girlfriend Fay.

Mrs Culyer said Fay had told her the Sonnex family had burnt clothes in their back garden and she had then hosed the fire down.

The prosecution allege this was the clothing worn by Farmer and Sonnex during the murders.

Dano Sonnex, aged 23, of Etta Street, Deptford, and Farmer, aged 34, of no fixed address, deny murder, arson and false imprisonment.

Farmer denies burglary but Sonnex admits the charge.

Sonnex is due to give evidence tomorrow.

The trial continues.