Grandfather Fends Off Rolex Thieves with Bag of Takeout Food in Dramatic London Incident

Grandfather Fends Off Rolex Thieves with Bag of Takeout Food in Dramatic London Incident

Edited by: Fern Sidman

A shocking robbery attempt in central London became a tale of courage when Christopher Harris, a grandfather, fended off two determined thieves using nothing but his takeout food bags. The dramatic altercation, which took place in July of last year, unfolded as Mr. Harris was targeted for his $20,000 Rolex Yacht-Master watch while walking back to his rented Airbnb. The Standard of the UK has closely reported on the incident, revealing the bravery of Mr. Harris and the subsequent sentencing of the attackers.

The report in The Standard of the UK detailed how the incident began as Mr. Harris picked up food from the Queen of Sheba restaurant in Paddington. Unbeknownst to him, one of the muggers, Amine Bentaib, was lurking outside the eatery, carefully observing his every move. CCTV footage captured Bentaib shadowing Mr. Harris as he walked back to his Airbnb on Bouverie Place, where he was staying with family.

As Mr. Harris neared his destination, Bentaib struck, grabbing the victim’s wrist in an attempt to wrest the valuable Rolex from him. Moments later, his accomplice, Rayan Belhadj, joined the attack, escalating the confrontation into a violent street struggle.

In a vivid account provided by The Standard of the UK, Mr. Harris fought back with remarkable bravery, using his bags of takeout food as improvised weapons. Despite the chaotic scuffle, during which his shirt was torn, Mr. Harris managed to fend off the attackers, forcing them to flee empty-handed. The ordeal left Mr. Harris physically unharmed but emotionally shaken.

The case was brought before Southwark Crown Court, where both Bentaib and Belhadj faced justice. On Monday, Bentaib was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, while Belhadj had already begun serving a three-year sentence for his role in the crime. The report in The Standard of the UK indicated that the judge, Adam Hiddleston, took a hardline stance against such offenses, describing watch muggings as “an absolute scourge on London.”

In his remarks, Judge Hiddleston condemned Bentaib’s actions, highlighting his history of similar offenses, including a previous jail term of two-and-a-half years for attempting to steal a £1 million Rolex. “This kind of offense seems to be increasing and attracts people like you who think it’s a way of making easy money,” the judge said, according to the information provided in The Standard of the UK report. He added that such crimes have a severe impact on victims’ well-being.

The Standard of the UK report called attention to the fact that high-value watch robberies have become a growing problem in London, with criminals increasingly targeting luxury items such as Rolexes. The judge’s stern words reflect the need for harsher penalties to deter such crimes and protect innocent members of the public.

Mr. Harris, according to the court, has been left “extremely shaken” by the ordeal. He is now apprehensive and anxious in public spaces, a stark reminder of the psychological toll such incidents can have on victims.

As reported by The Standard of the UK, Judge Hiddleston made it clear that the judiciary would continue to impose “lengthy prison sentences” on individuals who engage in such crimes. His ruling sends a strong message to would-be thieves: offenses of this nature will not be tolerated.

 Judge Hiddleston speculated that Bentaib either spotted the luxury watch himself or was informed about it by an accomplice. The Standard of the UK report indicated  that Bentaib waited patiently outside the restaurant until Mr. Harris emerged, then followed him to the door of his Airbnb. It was there, just outside the property, that Bentaib, along with his accomplice Rayan Belhadj, launched their attack.

In his remarks during sentencing, the judge praised Mr. Harris for his courage, stating: “He got the better of the both of you. You failed to get the watch off his wrist and then you made off.”

Bentaib was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. Additionally, The Standard of the UK revealed that he now faces deportation while serving his sentence. His accomplice, Belhadj, is already serving a three-year sentence for his role in the crime.

Detective Constable Alex Earley of the Metropolitan Police, who led the investigation, spoke to The Standard of the UK about the gravity of the crime. “Belhadj and Bentaib stalked and targeted the victim, carrying out this appalling incident in broad daylight,” DC Earley said. He commended Mr. Harris’s bravery in resisting the attackers and cooperating with the investigation.

DC Earley also highlighted the importance of reporting such crimes promptly. “This case shows the importance of reporting a robbery as soon as it happens. I urge anyone who may sadly be the victim of a similar incident, or sees a robbery taking place, to call the police by dialing 999 immediately. This makes a significant impact on our ability to catch those responsible and prevent them from causing any further harm.”

The swift sentencing of Bentaib and Belhadj sends a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. As The Standard of the UK highlighted, the bravery of Mr. Harris, combined with effective police work, ensured that the perpetrators were held accountable. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, community support, and the legal system’s role in maintaining public safety.