In a recent court hearing at Southwark Crown Court, two individuals were sentenced to imprisonment for their involvement in a robbery targeting a tourist. Mohammed Ababsa, 38, of Salisbury Road, NW6, and Achraf Hammouth, 26, of Cricklewood Broadway, NW2, appeared before the judge on Friday, October 13, where they pleaded guilty to the charges of robbery.
Ababsa was sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment, while Hammouth received a sentence of two years and three months. Additionally, both men were ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228 each.
The incident took place on Friday, September 15, as the victim, a 51-year-old male tourist, was leaving a bar on Wardour Street, W1, and heading back to his hotel. Unbeknownst to him, the two suspects approached him from behind on Shaftesbury Avenue. In a coordinated effort, they forcefully barged into him from both sides, allowing one of them to swiftly snatch the watch from his wrist. After the theft, they fled towards Compton Street.
Determined not to let the culprits escape, the victim immediately contacted the police while giving chase. Responding swiftly, officers conducted a thorough search of the surrounding streets, resulting in the arrest of one suspect on Litchfield St, WC2, and the apprehension of the other at Newport Place, WC2. Both suspects were subsequently taken to west London police stations where they were charged on the same day.
Detective Constable Dalila Gomes, who led the investigation, expressed her disappointment that the stolen watch could not be recovered. She emphasised the sentimental value the watch held for the victim, who had traveled the world during his former career as a soldier. Det. Constable Gomes also highlighted the negative impact the defendants’ actions had on London’s reputation as a welcoming city for tourists, emphasising the importance of tourism to the vibrant capital.
“The defendants have let down the people of London who value tourism and the contribution it makes to our vibrant city,” stated Det. Constable Gomes. “Their callous and cowardly actions toward a visitor to our capital has, quite rightly, cost them their freedom. It saddens me that the watch was not recovered – I sincerely hope that the sentences handed down bring the victim some satisfaction.”
