De Niro's wife targeted by maid

Robert De Niro's wife Grace Hightower [R] lost valuable items

The wife of film star Robert De Niro was targeted by a housemaid who now faces theft charges, according to New York court documents.

Lucyna Turyk-Wawrynowicz, 35, told police after her arrest that she allegedly stole from Grace Hightower because she was a bad employer.

"I only stole from people who didn't treat me with respect," said Ms Turyk, who denies charges of theft.

Other alleged victims include the actress Candice Bergen.

"If she treated me better, with more respect, I probably wouldn't have done this," said Ms Turyk during her police interview.

Attempted contact

"I didn't steal from Isabella Rossellini because she treated me so well," she added.

While searching the defendant's home in June, police found a set of diamond earrings worth $96,000 (£53,205) and a suede jacket belonging to Ms Hightower.

The De Niros' family lawyer said that Ms Turyk had little contact with Ms Hightower and spent two weeks working for her.

Ms Turyk initially denied raiding Ms Hightower's jewellery box.

But police say that when asked about the earrings, she said:¿ They are at my house, and I will get them for you."

She is also said to have attempted to contact Ms Hightower, but added she would not take her telephone calls any longer.

Ms Turyk is due to appear for a further pre-trial hearing at the Supreme Court in Manhattan on 11 October.