Two thugs locked up over violent £100k watch heist on US tourists
After a gritty probe by the Met’s Flying Squad and Westminster Robbery Squad, two men were slapped with hefty prison terms for a savage robbery targeting American visitors in London.
Six Years and Nine Months for Men Behind Brutal Watch Snatch
Thomas Lenaghan, 24, from SW6, and Ronnie Fitzgerald, 20, from Romford, were sentenced to six years and nine months at Isleworth Crown Court on January 24. Both admitted to conspiracy to rob, wielding a bladed weapon, possessing and threatening with a stun gun. Their violent spree left victims terrified on the streets of London.
Meanwhile, John Stovell, 51, of North End Road, W14, bagged 18 months for dealing in stolen goods and helping offenders. They all pleaded guilty back in October 2022.
How The Daring Robbery Went Down
In the early hours of November 16, 2021, three US tourists walked along Pavilion Road when a gang dressed in black balaclavas pounced.
- A 31-year-old man was pushed down and blasted with a stun gun.
- The gang demanded his £100,000 Rolex. His attempt to resist put his father in danger, with a knife slashing his coat but missing him.
- The victims’ friend was also threatened and forced to hand over her £200 watch.
- The robbers then bolted in a stolen Jaguar F-PACE with fake plates.
Met Police Crack the Case with Sharp Detective Work
CCTV and phone videos showed the crime — but the gang covered their faces and wore plain clothes, making ID tough. The stolen Jag’s fake number plates added a layer of complexity.
However, eagle-eyed detectives spotted a small parking permit sticker on the windscreen. Tracking stolen Jaguars reported to police, they narrowed it to 30-40 vehicles.
One owner’s permit matched the sticker, cracking the case wide open.
This lead revealed the car’s movements and eventually helped police nab the suspects from photos circulated after CCTV caught them without masks.
The getaway car was found parked on North End Road, SW6, and forensic evidence linked the trio directly to the scene.
Police Hit Back Against Rising Watch Robberies
“This robbery shook the victims but we’re proud they escaped more serious harm,” said DC Robert Rodak. “No one should fear walking our streets. We’re determined to hunt down violent offenders like Lenaghan, Fitzgerald, and Stovell.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards added, “We’re focusing on hotspots after a climb in watch robberies. Our team is relentless in bringing crooks to justice. This case sends a clear message – commit these crimes and we will catch you.”
Thanks to sharp teamwork and dogged detective work, London’s streets just got a little safer from watch-snatching thugs.
