A FILM producer was convicted yesterday of stealing thousands of

pounds from two investors who thought they were backing top-flight

films.

Keith Cavele, 43, was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court in London

on six charges of theft involving more than #5000.

His latest film, Split Second, starred Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, who

appears in TV's Guinness commercials.

Cavele used his reputation to entice investors to put money into a new

company he set up, the court was told. He said Grentrove Ltd, trading

from his lavish home in Walton Street, Chelsea, would be used to back

film productions.

Two investors put in more than #60,000. Cavele siphoned off the money

to prop up two other debt-ridden companies where he was a director.

He had faced 16 charges of theft. Sentence was adjourned until April

14.