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

Algerian Robber Convicted for £37,000 Watch Theft Faces Deportation

Following a three-day trial at Southwark Crown Court, Mohamed Sellaoui, 19, was found guilty of robbing a Chinese professor and has been sentenced to deportation after his release from prison.

Targeted in Mayfair

Sellaoui, who is Algerian, attacked Jiangfeng Ni, a chemistry professor at Soochow University in China, in Mayfair on February 26, 2024. The incident occurred as the professor left Langan’s Brasserie on Stratton Street.

Account of the Attack

Jiangfeng Ni recounted the event to jurors, aided by a Chinese interpreter. He claimed two men approached him from behind, forcing him into a tight space. One of the suspects attempted to snatch his Patek Phillipe watch from his left wrist.

“The person with my watch fell over… the watch was still in his hand,” Ni explained.

“I went to approach them but when I was bending down the person on my right swung a punch at me. He was waving his fist and making ‘woo woo’ noises.”

“He was trying to attack me and allow time for his companion to run away,” Ni added.

Defense Challenges Testimony

Joshua Clements, Sellaoui’s defense attorney, questioned the professor’s account. He argued that Ni had confused the suspects, adding details not present in his original police statement. Clements also noted that Ni took over an hour during the identity parade, examining images 15 times.

“You asked to see different images 15 times. The reality is, Mr Ni, after all of that, you could not have been sure who the suspect was,” Clements stated.

“Mr Ni said he has very good eyesight and took his time at the identity parade because he ‘wanted to make sure’,” the defense claimed.

Judge Orders Deportation

Sellaoui pleaded not guilty to the robbery charge but was convicted by the jury. Judge Gregory Perrins emphasized that despite Sellaoui’s age, his unlawful presence in the UK meant deportation would follow any sentence.

“Being in mind of your age at the time, I am going to order a pre-sentence report. But in fairness, you should have absolutely no illusion that you will be sentenced, and then you will be deported,” the judge remarked.

Met Police Statement

Det Con Kira Halson, who led the investigation, highlighted the importance of addressing violent crime. She noted that CCTV footage swiftly pinpointed Sellaoui as a suspect, with a local officer recognizing him during a patrol.

“Tackling violent crime like this is a key priority for the Met. We’ve set up local, proactive teams to deal with robberies as part of our New Met for London plan,” Halson said.

“Despite his young age, Sellaoui is a prolific offender, and I’m pleased we’ve secured justice for the victim in this case,” she concluded.

Next Steps

Sellaoui will remain in custody until his sentencing on April 9. The defense had sought a suspended sentence, citing his 17 years of age at the time of the crime, but the judge ruled against it due to his illegal status.