Vicious Clapham Thug Slams Victim with Sledgehammer After Date
A violent man has been locked up for 12 years after brutally assaulting and robbing a man he went on a date with in Clapham. Lee Anthony Smith, 39, who has no fixed address, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday 17 July.
Fake Name, Brutal Attack
On 20 May 2018, Smith, using the false name “Luke,” met his victim for a drink on Prescott Place, SW4. When the date ended, Smith led the man down a dark alley towards the high street and made unwanted advances.
After the victim rejected him, Smith lashed out with savage force, hitting him over the head and causing serious injuries, including fractured cheekbones. He then robbed the victim of a Rolex watch, iPhone, and debit card. Smith later used the stolen card to buy food.
Crime Spree Shocker: Burglary and Fraud Revealed
Smith’s crime spree didn’t stop there. He pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including burglary and fraud linked to separate incidents from February to July 2018.
- On 8 February, Smith forced his way into a home on Kenwyn Road at 1am, demanding money and claiming he was owed drug debts.
- He forced one occupant to withdraw £250 from an ATM and hand it over.
- On 11 July, Smith broke into the same house, stealing a backpack full of bank cards which he used immediately after.
Smith has now been convicted for three counts of fraud, one burglary, one robbery, and a separate fraud charge from the May attack.
Long Sentence and Tough Restrictions
Smith will serve 9 years for robbery and 3 years for burglary, to run consecutively. He also faces five months for fraud charges.
He’s slapped with a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from the Larkhall Ward in Lambeth, forcing him to wear a high-vis jacket when cycling, and placing multiple drug-related restrictions on him.
Victim Speaks Out, Police Praise Sentence
“After the incident, it took me six months to return to work due to PTSD,” the victim said. “I’ve never suffered anxiety before but have had to see doctors since the robbery. I still have numbness on the left side of my head and a scar.”
“This attack has shattered my trust in people and made me question my judgement.”
Detective Raymond Sekalongo of the Central South CID said, “We’re pleased with the sentence. Smith is a dangerous, unstable criminal who brutalised his victims for no reason.”
“The damage he caused is both psychological and physical, and could last a lifetime. We hope the victims can now find peace and confidence knowing he’s behind bars.”
