Two Jailed for Brazen Tourist Watch Snatch on Shaftesbury Avenue
Two crooks have been locked up for robbing a tourist outside a London bar. Mohammed Ababsa, 38, and Achraf Hammouth, 26, admitted guilt at Southwark Crown Court for snatching a watch in a daring daylight mugging.
Swift Justice After Bar Attack
The robbery happened on September 15 as the 51-year-old tourist was leaving a bar on Wardour Street, heading back to his hotel. The pair ambushed him on Shaftesbury Avenue, barging in from both sides so one could yank the watch off his wrist before dashing off towards Compton Street.
But the victim gave chase and quickly called the cops. Police swooped in, arresting Ababsa on Litchfield Street and Hammouth at Newport Place the same day. Ababsa got 2 years 8 months, Hammouth handed 2 years 3 months. Both must also pay a £228 victim surcharge each.
Missing Watch and a Warning to London’s Thieves
“The defendants have let down the people of London who value tourism and the contribution it makes to our vibrant city,” said Detective Constable Dalila Gomes. “Their callous and cowardly actions toward a visitor to our capital has, quite rightly, cost them their freedom.”
DC Gomes revealed the priceless watch — a keepsake from the victim’s days as a globe-trotting soldier — was never recovered. She warned such crimes tarnish London’s image as a tourist-friendly city.
“It saddens me that the watch was not recovered – I sincerely hope that the sentences handed down bring the victim some satisfaction,” she added.
