Rachid Bouchibne, 27, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, facing charges related to the alleged robbery of a Patek Philippe watch from actor Alexander Johnson. The timepiece is valued at approximately £100,000.
Johnson, 39, who has appeared in films such as "The Chronology of Water" and "The Wizard of the Kremlin," reported the incident occurred on June 10, 2024, in Westminster, London. According to reports, Johnson stated he was pulled off his bike by a group of individuals in a swift and coordinated robbery, sustaining injuries including a black eye and two broken ribs.
Bouchibne, whose address is listed as Hornsey in north London, spoke in court to confirm his personal details. He was not asked to enter a plea during the brief hearing. Magistrate Alan Elias described the charge as serious, involving an item of significant high value, and noted that the case must be transferred to the Crown Court.
Bouchibne was granted bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for September 7 at Southwark Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Earlier this year, Johnson publicly appealed to political leaders to increase efforts in combating crime in London, telling The Mirror that "the injustice of attacks get under my skin" and that the frequency of theft in the city has become "a very serious problem that has to be properly addressed."