Mayfair Watch Robbers Sentenced for High-Value Theft Targeting Pregnant Couple
Two men have been jailed for robbing a man of his luxury Patek Philippe watch, valued at approximately £65,000, while he was out with his heavily pregnant wife in the exclusive Mayfair area of London. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday afternoon last May, involved a coordinated attack that prosecutors described as a planned assault on a high-net-worth individual.
Details of the Mount Street Robbery in London
Besart Krasniqr and his partner had just left a cafe on Mount Street in Mayfair and were walking toward his car when he was ambushed. According to court proceedings, one of the assailants forcibly removed Mr. Krasniqr's Nautilus 5711 watch from his arm. The robbery was executed by three individuals, including Belal Amine, 26, and Gabriel Kamali, 23, who then fled into nearby side streets.
Prosecutor Charles Digby emphasized the impact of such crimes on London's tourism industry, noting that Mount Street, near The Connaught Hotel, is frequented by affluent tourists. The stolen watch has never been recovered, adding to the severity of the case.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing at Southwark Crown Court
During the trial at Southwark Crown Court, it was revealed that Kamali acted as the "spotter," identifying the watch as a genuine high-value item. When Mr. Krasniqr attempted to chase the robbers, Kamali shoved him onto a parked car with such force that the vehicle sustained damage, preventing further pursuit.
Judge Gregory Perrins condemned the robbery as a "serious, planned, group attack," stating that the defendants were specifically targeting wealthy victims. Kamali pleaded guilty to robbery, while Amine was convicted after a trial. Amine received a four-year prison sentence, and Kamali was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.
Background of the Defendants and Deportation Orders
Both Amine and Kamali were in the UK illegally at the time of the robbery. Kamali, born in France, had entered the country by boat across the Channel as a teenager. His defense lawyer, Anne Asfaw, mentioned that he expressed remorse and wished to apologize to the victim. Amine, an Algerian national, was described as an asylum seeker not permitted to work, with his lawyer, Tim Williams, noting his desire to secure employment in the UK.
Due to the length of their sentences, both men are subject to automatic deportation provisions. Judge Perrins indicated his expectation that they would be deported upon release, highlighting the legal consequences for such violent crimes in London.
