- Brahim Keddad, a 29-year-old French national, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for attempting to snatch a £250,000 Richard Mille watch from a man in central London.
- Keddad attacked Sun Tao, a Chinese visitor, from behind in the St James’s area, pushing him to the ground and causing minor injuries as he tried to wrestle the watch from his wrist.
- The prolific thief, who has over 20 past convictions for theft and robbery, was apprehended by a plain clothes Metropolitan Police officer who had been tailing him after spotting him acting suspiciously.
- Judge Nicholas Ainley commended the police officers for their skill, noting that Mr Tao "must have been terrified" by the suddenness and force of the attack.
- Keddad, who claimed he committed the crime for his daughter, is also wanted in Belgium for theft and forgery and is expected to face deportation from the UK.