Knife-wielding thug caught red-handed robbing young man at High Street ATM
Brazen robbery in busy High Street
On the evening of 26 February 2022, a man in his 20s was targeted next to a cash machine on the High Street. A gang, including 22-year-old Ghandi Mallak, confronted him. They threatened the victim with a knife and forced him against the ATM while rifling through his pockets.
The gang made off with the victim’s phone and bank cards, leaving the scene without a second thought.
Heroic bystander attacked
A passerby tried to step in and help but was viciously assaulted by Mallak. The Good Samaritan suffered grazes and bruises to his face, showing the thuggish nature of the attackers.
Swift police action leads to arrest
The victim reported the crime immediately. Police rushed to the area and, thanks to sharp-eyed CCTV operators, quickly identified two suspects nearby.
Mallak was searched and found with 17 wraps of Class A drugs hidden in his sock. The no-fixed-address criminal was arrested on the spot.
Criminal faces lengthy jail term
Mallak was charged with robbery, possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, plus assault causing actual bodily harm. He admitted guilt at Maidstone Crown Court.
On Monday 17 October, the thug was slapped with a hefty prison sentence of six years and six months. This also covered his involvement in heroin and crack cocaine supply in Sussex from September 2021.
PC Vicki Hartland of North Division CID said: “This criminal was part of a gang that brazenly robbed a young man in a busy shopping area. Mallak arrogantly walked from the scene but was swiftly detained by patrols guided by alert CCTV operators.
“We are committed to keeping our town centres safe. Those who bring violence to the streets will be pursued and brought to justice.”
