IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Ex-nanny spikes sex-shop mogul's soup to get at chef

A London judge sentences the ex-nanny of a sex-shop tycoon for spiking her employer's asparagus soup with windshield washer fluid in an attempt to get the household's chef in trouble.
/ Source: The Associated Press

A London judge on Friday jailed the ex-nanny of a British sex-shop tycoon for spiking her employer's asparagus soup with windshield washer fluid in an attempt to get the household's chef in trouble.

Allison Cox, 33, had pleaded guilty to one charge of administering poison to Jacqueline Gold last October "with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy." She was employed to look after Gold's daughter, Scarlett, when the poisoning took place.

Prosecutors dropped two other charges of attempted poisoning with sugar and salt.

Judge Christopher Critchlow sentenced Cox to a year in jail, saying her "calculated and deceitful behavior" was a "gross breach of trust." He also called the actions "totally bizarre."

The plot unraveled after Gold criticized the cook about the odd-tasting food and the chef removed the broth from the trash to investigate.

The prosecution previously had said the soup did not harm Gold physically but sparked anxiety.

Gold is one of Britain's richest women. Her chain of stores selling racy lingerie and sex toys has earned her a fortune estimated at 180 million pounds ($293 million).

A spokeswoman for Gold said she would be making no comment on the sentencing.