Asylum Seeker Jailed for Robbery, Spitting Incident May Lead to Deportation

An Algerian asylum seeker has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for his role in a robbery at a London department store and subsequent assaults on retail workers. Kheirddine Fatmi, 35, of Wood Green, was part of a group that stole 13 designer handbags and a keychain valued at £12,800 from John Lewis on October 30.

During the theft, Fatmi shoved a security guard and spat on the guard's arm. According to court testimony, Fatmi was not fast enough to escape with the group and was apprehended.

In separate incidents that occurred in April 2025, Fatmi spat in the face of a Co-op worker. He later returned to the same store and threw food at another employee, and on a subsequent occasion, abused and spat at a staff member. He also stole a bottle of alcohol from the store in August 2025.

Fatmi, who works in construction, is seeking asylum in the UK. The court heard that his inability to work legally while his asylum claim is pending contributed to his involvement in criminal activities. He has admitted to charges including robbery, theft, and three counts of assault.

Mr Recorder Jas Jandu, the judge at Southwark Crown Court, noted that Fatmi minimized his behavior and suggested he was stealing to survive. Fatmi was also banned from entering the Baker Street Co-op for five years.

Fatmi, who has a young son in Algeria, is reportedly awaiting dental treatment in prison following a separate violent assault that resulted in the loss of 13 teeth.