A FOOTBALLER said to be the brains behind a bungled robbery which left a businessman dead has branded the allegations ''laughable.''

Ashley Sestanovich, 24, played for Sheffield Utd for three years and was Thierry Henry's body double in a Nike advert. He was also at Chester City before he allegedly helped plot the raid at Fahey Roofing, in Streatham, London, which left Thomas Fahey, 41, dead.

The prosecution claim Sestanovich got the information from friend Carl Gibbs, 26, who worked as a roofer and who is also accused of planning the heist. The pair allegedly gave details to Damion Ennis, 25, and Hallroy Reid, 40, who have admitted carrying out the robbery but deny the murder of Mr Fahey.

Earlier in the hearing, Ennis, a barber, claimed Sestanovich came into his shop and said: ''I know a way to make some money.''

Wearing a suit, pink tie with a pink pocket square, Sestanovich said: ''It is unbelievable. Why would I, a professional footballer just walk in off the street and say ''I know a way to make some money''.

The court has heard Ennis and Reid raided the firm shortly before 3pm on June 24 last year, when there would have normally been up £11,000 in cash on the premises.

But boss Lawrence Fahey had by chance decided to leave the office to run an errand, putting the cash in the boot of his car.

When Ennis and Reid burst in, they found three employees and Mr Fahey's brother, Thomas.

Thomas Fahey was shot but chased the robbers who fired again at close range, fatally wounding him.

Sestanovich denies conspiracy to rob.

He was signed for Chester City by Liverpool legend Ian Rush. But he had a "couple of problems" at Chester, and transferred to Farnborough.

The trial continues.