Mohamed Guemat, 30, has been locked up for 16 months after snatching a £7,000 Omega watch from a drinker outside a Sloane Square bar. The victim, Sirous Wadia, caught up with Guemat following a thrilling 20-minute chase through the posh gardens and backstreets of Chelsea.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest
The daring theft happened on October 18 around 1am when Guemat tore the strap of Mr Wadia’s luxury watch as he got into an Uber with a friend. Refusing to let the thief get away, Mr Wadia, his friend, and a security guard gave chase, jumping over fences and dashing through private gardens before police cornered Guemat late that night.
Criminal Already on Suspended Sentence
At the time of the robbery, Guemat was serving a suspended sentence. The Southwark resident appeared at Isleworth Crown Court and admitted theft. With the help of an Arabic interpreter, he confirmed his personal details but said little else.
Defence Cites Asylum Seeker’s Dire Situation
Defence lawyer George Dugbo revealed Guemat is an asylum seeker from Algeria, currently living with a friend while his claim is processed by the Home Office. “He has no job and no means,” Dugbo added, but that failed to sway the court.
