A food delivery courier who waged a violent campaign of robbery against his colleagues across South London has been handed a significant prison sentence.
Daniyal Hussain, 24, from Nine Elms, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars at Kingston Crown Court after being found guilty of five counts of robbery. The court heard how Hussain specifically targeted other delivery drivers, using the guise of a collected food order to lure them into vulnerable positions before attacking them.
A Pattern of Violent Deception
Hussain's criminal spree took place between December 2022 and February 2023 in upmarket areas including Wimbledon, Kingston upon Thames, and Wandsworth. His method was consistently ruthless: he would place a genuine order for food, wait for the courier to arrive, and then ambush them.
Armed with knives and other weapons, he threatened his victims before stealing their electric bikes, which were essential tools for their livelihood. The attacks left the victims not only without their valuable property but also severely traumatised by the threats of violence.
A Complex Police Investigation
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad began to connect the dots between the seemingly random attacks. Through meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, financial records from the food orders, and mobile phone data, they were able to identify Hussain as the common link.
Despite initially refusing to answer police questions, the evidence against him was overwhelming. Detective Constaneble Jack May-Russell, the investigating officer, stated the case highlighted the force's commitment to tackling robbery and violent crime on the streets of London.
Impact on the Community and Sentencing
The judge emphasised the profound impact Hussain's actions had on his victims, who were simply trying to earn a living. The theft of their e-bikes represented a significant financial loss and an attack on their ability to work.
This case serves as a stark warning and highlights the risks faced by those working in the gig economy. The substantial 12-year sentence reflects the seriousness of these premeditated and violent offences.
