Man jailed for Hyde Park robbery of £30,000 watch

A robber who ambushed a 73-year-old man and snatched a £30,000 watch from his wrist on a central London street has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Zakaria Senouci, 27, targeted Sunil Chopra as he walked along a pavement near Hyde Park, stealing his Patek Philippe watch worth around £30,000.

The attack took place in April last year and left the victim so shaken by the ordeal that he was considering leaving the UK, a court heard.

Prosecutors said the offence was planned, with CCTV capturing Senouci and an accomplice waiting nearby before choosing their moment to strike.

Footage showed Senouci running towards Chopra, grabbing his arm and forcibly tearing the timepiece from his wrist.

The victim stumbled and watched as the attacker ran off down the street. The watch has never been recovered and was uninsured.

Sitting at Southwark Crown Court, District Judge Mark Weekes described the offence as a calculated and distressing robbery of an elderly man who had every right to feel safe in his own neighbourhood.

The impact on the victim, he said, had been severe and long‑lasting.

Senouci, an Algerian national, admitted robbery after initially pleading not guilty.

The court heard he would be referred to the Home Office for consideration of deportation once he completes his sentence, as he is seeking asylum in the UK.

The judge said the evidence showed Senouci had travelled to the area with the intention of finding a victim and used sufficient force to cause injury and damage to the victim's clothing.

He added that the watch had been of "profound sentimental importance" and intended as a family heirloom, to be passed on to Chopra's son.

The court heard that a year after the robbery, Chopra no longer feels safe. Instead he is anxious, "hyper vigilant" and also has nightmares.

The judge added: "Tragically as a consequence of the offence, he no longer feels safe in this wonderful country and thinks he may have to leave the UK."

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