Watch thief who targeted a wealthy tourist for his £37,000 timepiece as he left a high-end restaurant will be deported

Algerian Burglar Set to Face Deportation After Stealing £37,000 Watch

A 19-year-old Algerian burglar, Mohamed Sellaoui, who pilfered a £37,000 timepiece from a wealthy tourist’s wrist during a high-end restaurant exit, has been sentenced to jail and will be deported upon release. The incident occurred in Mayfair, London, on February 26, 2024.

Targeted in Stratton Street Attack

Jiangfeng Ni, a chemistry professor at Soochow University in China, described the robbery to jurors at Southwark Crown Court with the help of a Chinese interpreter. He recounted being approached by two men from behind as he left Langan’s Brasserie on Stratton Street. According to Ni, he was cornered and one of the suspects attempted to remove his Patek Phillipe watch.

“The person with my watch fell over… the watch was still in his hand,” Ni said, emphasizing the clarity of the event.

Following the theft, the pair fled toward Green Park station. Ni added that he tried to pursue them but was struck by the suspect on his right, who also made “woo woo” sounds. “He was trying to attack me and allow time for his companion to run away,” the professor explained.

Legal Battle and Identity Doubts

Prosecutor Sue Obeney questioned Ni about his emotional state during the incident, to which he replied: “My mind went blank. In my head I had to ask myself: ‘What happened?’”

Defense lawyer Joshua Clements contested the testimony, suggesting the professor may have confused the suspects. “You got the two suspects mixed up, Mr. Ni, you cannot be sure who is who,” Clements argued, noting the professor had added “extra details” not in his initial police report. He also pointed out that Ni spent nearly an hour during the identity parade, requesting to see different images 15 times.

“How can I give a suspended sentence if he is here illegally?” the judge remarked, highlighting the legal implications of the teenager’s status.

Sellaoui, who used an Arabic interpreter, initially pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury after a three-day trial. Judge Gregory Perrins stated that a pre-sentence report would be ordered, though the teenager would have no illusions about the consequences. The judge emphasized that deportation would follow the sentence.

Met Police Commend Justice Secured

Detective Constable Kira Halson, leading the Met Police investigation, praised the case as a priority in combating violent crime. She noted that CCTV footage quickly identified Sellaoui as a suspect, with a local officer recognizing him during patrol and making the arrest. Despite his young age, Halson described Sellaoui as a “prolific offender” and expressed satisfaction with the outcome for the victim.

Sellaoui’s custody will continue until his sentencing on April 9. The case underscores the Met’s commitment to proactive teams tackling thefts in high-risk areas.