A Norwood man accused of robbing brothels across south London claims he was trying to stop Albanian gangsters forcing a young Asian girl into prostitution.

Kingston Crown Court heard last week that Daniel Fuller, 25, from Clifton Road, Norwood, was a victim of a plot against him by shady brothel owners who control the sex trade.

Defending, James Eaton said they had tired of Fuller trying to track down and save the girl.

He named people called Costas', George' and Zefer' involved in the plot, but a receptionist at a Wimbledon brothel where Mr Fuller is accused of robbing prostitutes denied knowing anyone with these names.

Another receptionist was asked about a phone call from Fuller which she claims was to book an appointment.

Mr Eaton said his client was trying to find out if the Asian girl was there. He said: "He was making inquiries about an Asian girl he believed had been coerced into acting as a working girl."

This was denied by the Surbiton receptionist, who had earlier cried while describing a robbery.

She told the court how, as soon as he came in, Fuller had a telephone conversation and said he had to leave before threatening her with a hammer.

Sobbing in the witness stand she said: "He put it (the hammer) towards my head. I was trembling and crying. I had a bad back so I told him I wasn't well. I just wanted him to get out."

Fuller denies robbery.

The trial continues.