A cruel robber ambushed a 73-year-old man and tore a £30,000 Patek Philippe watch from his wrist in broad daylight near Hyde Park. Zakaria Senouci, 27, has been jailed for three years and nine months for the violent street theft.
Violent Robbery Caught on CCTV
The court heard how Senouci and a hooded accomplice loitered near Hyde Park before sprinting at victim Sunil Chopra. CCTV footage showed Senouci grabbing Chopra’s arm and violently ripping off the priceless watch, causing a scratch and tearing the man’s shirt sleeve. Mr Chopra, visibly shaken in the footage, spun around in shock as Senouci fled with the watch. The heartbreak doesn’t end there — the watch, which Mr Chopra planned to pass down to his son as a family heirloom, remains missing. It was uninsured and never recovered.
Judge Condemns Attack on Elderly Victim
“It was an unpleasant street robbery on an elderly victim in broad daylight,” District Judge Mark Weekes said. “He was entitled to feel safe in his own neighbourhood — he no longer does.”
The judge revealed the robbery has left Mr Chopra so fearful he is considering leaving the UK. He suffers from anxiety, nightmares, and constantly avoids risks. “Tragically… he no longer feels safe in this wonderful country,” the judge added.
Robber’s Motive and Sentence
Senouci, an Algerian national and asylum seeker who arrived in the UK aged 22, admitted to robbery on the first day of trial. He claimed he was promised €1,000 and received €700 for the job, describing it as an “opportunistic plan” targeting the watch, not Mr Chopra.
“You were handsomely rewarded for an hour’s work preying on an elderly man,” the judge told Senouci. “Your involvement was voluntary.”
Senouci’s defence said he regrets his actions and did not intend to cause harm. However, the court heard the valuable watch was handed off to others and its whereabouts remain unknown. After completing his sentence, Senouci’s asylum status puts him at risk of deportation, subject to a government review.
