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 teenager has been convicted of stealing a £37,000 watch from a chemistry professor during a robbery in Mayfair. The court ordered his deportation after sentencing, despite his young age.
The Incident
Jiangfeng Ni, a professor at Soochow University in China, recounted the attack to jurors in a language barrier. He claimed two men approached him from behind as he exited Langan’s Brasserie on Stratton Street, pushing him into a confined space. One of the thieves attempted to remove his Patek Phillipe timepiece from his left wrist, while the other swung a punch.
“His companion fell over… the watch was still in his hand,” Ni stated, describing the chaos as he tried to chase the suspects.
Ni emphasized his confidence in identifying the assailant, citing clear memories of the event despite his nervousness during the identification process.
Legal Proceedings
Prosecutor Sue Obeney questioned Ni about his emotional state during the assault. The professor replied, “My mind went blank. In my head I had to ask myself: ‘What happened?’”
Defending Sellaoui, Joshua Clements argued that Ni’s testimony included inaccuracies. He noted the professor had confused the suspects’ roles and added extra details not in his initial police report. The defense also pointed out Ni’s prolonged time during the identity parade, suggesting uncertainty in his identification.
Judge’s Verdict
After a three-day trial, Sellaoui was found guilty of robbery. Judge Gregory Perrins acknowledged the defendant’s youth but warned, “You should have no illusion that you will be sentenced, and then you will be deported.”
The judge ordered a pre-sentence report, emphasizing Sellaoui’s illegal status as a factor in the deportation decision. Ni’s account, bolstered by his “very good eyesight,” was deemed sufficient to secure the conviction.
Detective’s Statement
Detective Kira Halson highlighted the Metropolitan Police’s focus on violent crimes. She explained that CCTV footage quickly identified Sellaoui as a suspect, with a local officer recognizing him during patrol. Halson noted Sellaoui’s history as a repeat offender, despite his age, and praised the successful prosecution of the case.
“Tackling violent crime like this is a key priority for the Met. We’ve set up proactive teams to address such incidents,” Halson stated.
The arrest followed swift investigations, ensuring justice for the victim. Sellaoui will face sentencing on April 9, with deportation looming as a likely consequence.
