An Algerian migrant who snatched a £65,000 luxury watch from a Canadian tourist visiting Wimbledon has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison. Txomin Huare-Place, 31, was handed the sentence consecutively to a prior six-year term for other robberies.
The victim, Axel Schwan, a coffee house owner and regional president of Tim Hortons' Canada and US business, had just attended an auction at Sotheby's in Mayfair after watching a match at Wimbledon when Huare-Place struck. The theft occurred around 4 p.m. as Mr. Schwan and his wife were walking to a shop.
Prosecutor Keren Weekes stated that Mr. Schwan felt a sudden, painful tug on his left wrist. The incident happened so quickly that Mr. Schwan initially could not comprehend what was happening. He attempted to chase Huare-Place, but lost his balance and fell as the robber escaped with two accomplices on bicycles. The entire incident was captured on CCTV.
The footage showed Huare-Place loitering and communicating with two other individuals before approaching Mr. Schwan and forcibly removing the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel timepiece. Huare-Place has since been identified as a member of the "Rolex Ripper" gangs, known for targeting wealthy tourists in London's West End.
Mr. Schwan described the emotional impact of the robbery, stating that the experience left him feeling vulnerable. The trip, intended to be enjoyable, took a "devastating turn" and cast a "shadow over the trip." The watch, originally purchased for £28,000, had become discontinued and was valued at £65,000 at the time of the theft. Mr. Schwan noted the financial strain and lingering security fears caused by the incident.
Huare-Place pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court wearing a black puffer jacket and was assisted by an Arabic interpreter. He has a history of previous convictions, including theft from a person and two similar watch robberies in June of the previous year.
Another individual, Ahmed Djidi, 27, also an Algerian migrant, received a 22-month sentence for his role in the theft of Mr. Schwan's watch.
Defending Huare-Place, Charlie Hutchins conveyed his client's remorse and apology to Mr. Schwan. He mentioned that Huare-Place wished to return to Algeria to work in delivery driving to support his family and noted his eligibility for early removal from the UK.
Sentencing Huare-Place, Judge Timothy Moloney KC acknowledged the high value of the targeted goods and the evidence of planning. He considered the totality of Huare-Place's sentences, noting his existing six-year term for previous offenses. Huare-Place was jailed for two years and nine months, to be served consecutively.