Gunpoint robbery on Leyton High Street ends with two guilty pleas
Robbers caught after daring £70k watch heist
Dante Campbell, 20, of Denmark Road, N8, and Ahmed Bana, 25, of Hale Gardens, N17, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm. The pair will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court soon.
Met’s Flying Squad cracks case fast
Detective Constable Stuart Ponder, leading the investigation, said: “This robbery was carefully planned. They knew exactly who they were targeting and what they wanted. Despite a busy street and nearby witnesses, they brandished a gun and threatened Mr Khan with extreme violence.”
“Mr Khan has spoken about the impact on him and his family. We are boosting patrols at robbery hotspots and hunting these criminals relentlessly.”
The robbery that shocked Leyton
- On 18 April 2022, Mr Khan and his wife left a restaurant on High Street, Leyton just after 9pm.
- As they crossed to their car, Campbell held a gun to Mr Khan’s face, shouting “take off the watch.”
- Mr Khan handed over his £70,000 watch.
- The robbers fled in a silver Mercedes, which officers later traced to Ahmed Bana – the getaway driver.
- CCTV and forensic evidence led to arrests in June 2022.
- Campbell’s clothing and a backpack matching CCTV footage were found in his bedroom.
One suspect still on the run
Hamza Kulane remains wanted in connection with the robbery. Police urge anyone with information to call 101 referencing Op Fanlight. Anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, two men, Nurul Amin and Ismail Mohammed, were found not guilty of conspiracy to rob after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
