Only One Crook Caught as Rolex Bandits Pull a Didcot Heist
Three men tried to snatch an £11,000 Rolex from a man at Didcot railway station – but only one faced the music in court. The other two are either on the run or hiding abroad.
Only One Thug Faces Justice, Two Vanish
Rabah Bouhassane, 27, from Earley, Wokingham, Abdennour Hrawji, 29, and Abdehmane Chikh, 27, both Londoners, were found guilty of attempted robbery for their botched Rolex grab in September 2022. Chikh was the lone defendant who turned up for trial and sentencing on December 12. Judge Michael Roques revealed the other pair had dodged justice. One fled to Ireland, trying a new immigration claim after rejection. The other has been on the lam since 2023.
Thug Gets Suspended Sentence, Fugitives Jailed in Their Absence
Chikh, now settled in northeast England, bagged a two-year prison sentence – suspended for 18 months. He must also do 32 days of rehabilitation and wear a six-month curfew bracelet. Meanwhile, Bouhassane and Hrawji were sentenced to two years behind bars in absentia.
How the Rolex Snatch Went Wrong
Prosecutor Jacinta Stringer revealed the gang’s plan during the trial. Victim Adam Cave and his colleague Lauren Maddocks had just stepped off a train at Didcot Parkway when trouble hit.
- Two robbers lunged to snatch the Rolex from Mr Cave’s wrist.
- The third distracted the taxi driver to aid their escape.
- Mr Cave had already clocked the men on the train, noting they asked about the Swindon stop earlier.
The snatch failed, and the trio sped off. Dashcam footage from a nearby taxi caught part of their chaotic getaway.
Judge Roques on Chikh’s sentence: “Mr Chikh has demonstrated he will comply with court orders.”
