Girl, 9, ‘drugged and sexually assaulted after being kidnapped outside Harrods in every parent’s worst nightmare’

A YOUNG girl was drugged and sexually assaulted after being kidnapped by a man outside Harrods, a court heard.

Robert Prussak is accused of approaching the nine-year-old after she became separated from her family while they visited London.

Reuters

The 57-year-old asked if she needed help before “every parent’s worst nightmare” unfolded, jurors were told.

He allegedly lured her back to his flat a few minutes’ away where he gave her a “bitter” drink.

Prussak then took her to a park nearby where he sexually assaulted her, Isleworth Crown Court was told.

The alleged ordeal only ended when a police officer spotted the pair walking through the capital and recognised them from an alert.

Prussak was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and officers interviewed the girl before she was taken to hospital.

Jurors heard she had diphenhydramine – the active ingredient in Benadryl – in her system, which causes drowsiness.

Nneka Akudolu KC, prosecuting, said the girl had been visiting London from France when the April 2023 horror took place.

The family were “so mesmerised” by the size of the building that they “momentarily” did not pay attention to the children, the jury heard.

The prosecutor added: “This defendant took advantage in a situation where a nine-year-old girl had become separated from her family.

“He tricked her before leading her away from the last place they had seen her and back to his flat.”

CCTV showed an image of a man walking away with the schoolgirl – sparking a huge hunt.

Officers conducted searches of nearby shops and restaurants and her image was circulated around museums and black cab drivers.

Prussak and the girl meanwhile walked for a few minutes before entering his apartment, it was said.

Ms Akudolu said: “Once there, she watched TV and was given a drink which she described as ‘bitter’, she didn’t like it.

He offered her another drink which she declined, but he told her that she should drink because the apartment was ‘humid’.”

Prussak denies three counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, one count of kidnapping and one count of committing an offence of kidnapping with an intent to commit a sexual offence.

He has also pleaded not guilty to one count of administering a substance with intent.

The trial continues.