Watch thief who targeted a wealthy tourist for his £37,000 timepiece as he left a high-end restaurant will be deported
Watch thief who targeted a wealthy tourist for his £37,000 timepiece as he left a high-end restaurant will be deported
An Algerian criminal who stole a £37,000 timepiece from a affluent visitor’s wrist during their exit from a upscale eatery faces deportation after serving time in prison.
Details of the theft
Mohamed Sellaoui, 19, targeted chemistry professor Jiangfeng Ni in Mayfair on February 26, 2024, for his Patek Phillipe watch. The professor, employed at Soochow University in China, described the incident to jurors at Southwark Crown Court, assisted by a Chinese interpreter.
According to Mr. Ni, he was approached by two individuals from behind as he departed Langan’s Brasserie on Stratton Street. He claimed he was ‘pushed into a corner’ and one of the suspects attempted to remove his watch from the left wrist. After the pair fled toward Green Park station, the professor noted that the person holding his watch fell over, still retaining it in his grasp.
Testimonies and challenges
‘My mind went blank. In my head I had to ask myself: “What happened?”’
Prosecutor Sue Obeney questioned Mr. Ni about his emotional state during the assault. However, defense lawyer Joshua Clements disputed his account, arguing that Mr. Ni had ‘mistakenly added extra details’ not present in his initial police report. He pointed out that the professor took nearly an hour during the identity parade and requested to view different images 15 times, suggesting uncertainty in identifying the suspect.
‘I was quite nervous at the time, but who pushed me, it was quite obvious. I remember it clearly.’
Mr. Ni countered by emphasizing his strong eyesight and the deliberate time he took at the identity parade to ensure accuracy. The professor insisted that the assailant’s actions were unmistakable, despite the defense’s skepticism.
Judicial decision and consequences
Sellaoui, supported by an Arabic interpreter, pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge but was found guilty following a three-day trial. Judge Gregory Perrins announced a pre-sentence report, noting that the defendant’s illegal status would lead to deportation after sentencing.
The judge stated, ‘How can I give a suspended sentence if he is here illegally?’ and ordered Sellaoui’s detention pending the April 9 sentencing. Detective Constable Kira Halson, leading the Met Police investigation, highlighted the significance of the case in combating violent crime. She explained that CCTV footage swiftly identified Sellaoui as a suspect, with a local officer recognizing him during a patrol and initiating the arrest.
Context and outcome
Despite his youth, Sellaoui is described as a frequent offender. The detective expressed satisfaction that justice was secured for the victim, underscoring the Met’s proactive approach to addressing such incidents through localized teams under their New Met for London initiative.
