A teenager who threatened a chicken shop worker with a fake gun on Christmas Eve because of a mix-up with his sauce order has been jailed. Marwan Khadir, 18, of Malcolm Close, Penge, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, making threats to kill, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The incident occurred on 24 December at a south London chicken shop. Khadir complained to the employee about missing garlic sauce and wrong sauces in his bag. A video released by police shows Khadir returning to his home, discovering wrong sauces, and then going back to the shop. He shouted at the worker and demanded he open the counter door. When the worker refused, Khadir jumped on the counter and was pushed back.
He then pulled out a realistic imitation firearm, cocked it, and shouted: “I’m going to kill you now, are you mad?” He threatened to shoot and kill the employee and assaulted him multiple times. Officers identified Khadir through CCTV, financial tracking, and local resident checks between Christmas and New Year’s Day. He was arrested on 2 January by armed police, who seized the replica gun and fake ammunition.
Detective Sergeant Amy Cross, who led the investigation, said: “The tireless work by officers on this case over the Christmas and new year period is further evidence that policing never stops, and their efforts ultimately led to a conviction. All our thoughts continue to remain with the victim of this terrifying ordeal, something no one should ever have to go through, let alone at their place of work.” She praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and identifying the perpetrator.
