Two Guilty in High-Value Gunpoint Watch Robbery
Dante Campbell, 20, from Denmark Road, N8, and Ahmed Bana, 25, from Hale Gardens, N17, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm. Their sentencing will be held at Snaresbrook Crown Court on a date yet to be announced.
Brazen Robbery on Busy Leyton Street
On the night of April 18, 2022, Mr Khan and his wife were targeted outside a restaurant on High Street, Leyton. After dinner, as they crossed the road to their car, Campbell suddenly confronted Mr Khan, pointing a gun at his face and shouting, “take off the watch.”
Terrified, Mr Khan handed over his watch — believed to be worth around £70,000 — before Campbell and Bana fled in a silver Mercedes.
Met’s Flying Squad Cracks It Wide Open
Detective Constable Stuart Ponder led the high-profile investigation. He said, “This robbery was carefully planned and executed by these individuals who knew exactly who they were targeting and what they were aiming for.”
“Despite being on a busy street with bystanders close by, they brazenly brandished a firearm and threatened Mr Khan with extreme violence.”
Police swiftly reviewed CCTV footage that showed the robbers arriving in the silver Mercedes moments before the crime. The car was insured to Bana, who stayed behind the wheel as the getaway driver, helping officers pinpoint Campbell as the gunman.
Campbell and Bana were arrested in a pre-planned police operation on June 22, 2022. Clothing and a backpack matching those worn by the gunman on CCTV were found in Campbell’s bedroom.
Ongoing Hunt for Third Suspect
One man, Hamza Kulane, remains wanted in connection with the robbery. Police urge anyone with information to call 101 referencing Operation Fanlight or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Two Others Cleared of Charges
Meanwhile, Nurul Amin (of Cavendish Road, N4) and Ismail Mohammed (of Sheldon Road, N18) were found not guilty of conspiracy to rob after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
“We know every robbery has a significant impact on the victim and Mr Khan has spoken out about how this affected not only him but his family,” added Detective Ponder. “We’re stepping up patrols and gathering intelligence to catch violent criminals like these. We urge anyone who’s a victim of robbery to come forward quickly to help us secure crucial forensic evidence.”
