Former grammar school pupil Laura Johnson was "obsessed" by crack dealer friend, court hears

The 20-year-old denies burgling electrical items, alcohol and cigarettes on August 8 and during the early hours of August 9.

Sandy Canavan, prosecuting, told Inner London Crown Court, Johnson had tried to phone Emmanuel Okubote, who she knew as T-Man, more than 80 times in the two weeks before the f riots.

She said: "Based on these phone records it looks like you're almost obsessed with T-Man."

Johnson replied: "I wouldn't say that's the truth."

Johnson admits to driving looters around south east London during the riots but claims she was forced by T-Man, who threatened her by pressing his thumb into her throat.

The court heard they had exchanged messages earlier in the day of August 8 when Johnson told T-Man not to "get in any trouble."

Johnson said she had been referring to him getting in trouble with his mother because he had not come home the night before.

The court also heard Johnson texted her mum and other friends throughout the evening and was left alone at several points throughout the evening.

Ms Canavan suggested she had opportunity to phone the police or ask for help.

Johnson said: "I didn't want to involve my family in the situation because I felt they would be my responsibility as well.

"My phone was being used by different people, there was a possibility they would read a message. I was scared they would read a message and they would have a problem with me."

Johnson, who lives with her parents in Sheepcote Lane, Orpington, was arrested in the early hours of August 9 after being found with stolen TVs, cigarettes and alcohol in her car.

She denies three charges of burglary and three alternative charges of handling stolen goods.

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, denies two charges of burgling electrical items and two alternative charges of handling stolen goods.

He has already pleaded guilty to burgling cigarettes and alcohol from a BP garage.