£100K Watch Heist: Two Thugs Jailed After Brutal Mugging of US Tourists
Thomas Lenaghan, 24, and Ronnie Fitzgerald, 20, have been locked up for six years and nine months each after violently robbing US visitors of a £100,000 Rolex watch. The savage robbery unfolded just after midnight on November 16, 2021, on Pavilion Road.
Violent Mugging in Broad Daylight
The pair, along with accomplice John Stovell, 51, ambushed three victims clad in black and balaclavas. One man, 31, was slammed to the ground and stunned with a taser while his father was threatened with a knife — the blade cutting his coat but thankfully causing no injury.
The gang made off with the pricey Rolex and a £200 watch from their friend before fleeing in a stolen Jaguar F-PACE with fake plates. Despite CCTV and phone footage, their disguised faces kept the identities hidden—until police spotted a tiny sticker on the car’s windscreen.
Met’s Flying Squad Cracks the Case
Detectives scoured police records for stolen Jaguars and hunted down owners with matching stickers. A break came when one owner recognised a school parking permit sticker, revealing the Jaguar’s true identity.
This led to more CCTV footage showing the crooks’ faces without masks. Lenaghan, Fitzgerald, and Stovell were identified, and the car was found in a North End Road car park. Forensic evidence tied the trio to the crime.
Justice Served for Targeted Tourists
“This was a shocking and violent robbery that understandably left the victims shaken,” said DC Robert Rodak. “Everyone should be able to walk our streets without fear. We are doing everything to remove violent offenders like Lenaghan, Fitzgerald, and Stovell.”
Stovell took an 18-month sentence for aiding offenders and dealing in stolen goods. Detective Chief Superintendent Owain Richards, leading Kensington and Chelsea policing, added:
“Our robbery team relentlessly pursues criminals. This conviction sends a clear message: watch thieves will be caught and punished.”
