Couple accused in $10K diamond heist in Saint John get more time to find lawyer

A Russian-speaking couple accused of stealing a $10,000 diamond in Saint John will get another week to find legal counsel before their bail hearing.

Grigori Zaharov, 70, complained in court Monday that he couldn't reach a lawyer because he had difficulty making calls from jail.

A Russian-speaking interpreter helped him communicate, but he also spoke frequently in broken English.

Zaharoy said his calls from remand, were being cut off after one minute.He also said he didn't want legal aid unless he had no other choice.

And, he repeatedly urged the judge to let his wife go free. He described her as a "good Russian girl," who was only following her husband.

Natalia Feldman, 44, spoke briefly near the end ofMonday'shearing,only to say that "her husband had decided." She was referring to his request to seek more time to get representation.

• Suspects in diamond theft appear in Saint John court
• Suspects arrested in $10K diamond theft in Saint John

The pair will be back in court on Nov. 7. Meanwhile, they remain in custody.

The two were arrested on Oct. 19outside their condo near Toronto.

A warrant was issued after W. Smith and Company in Saint John released surveillance video from their store in Brunswick Square.

The video shows a couple looking at diamonds at the store counter. At one point, the man slips something into his pocket.

The store said the diamond was worth $10,000.

Zaharov disputes that value.He said the diamond was worth between $3,000 and $4,000 wholesale.

Charlottetown police say Zaharov and Feldman also face charges in P.E.I. for allegedly swapping out two diamonds for cubic zirconia.