Swift Police Action Follows Knife-Point Robbery in Central London
In a dramatic incident on Oxford Street, a quick-thinking victim managed to capture a photograph of his assailant, leading to the rapid arrest of two perpetrators within minutes of the crime. The event unfolded in the early hours of July 26th, when Ashley D'Souza was violently accosted by Hamdan Khowjsly, a 21-year-old Sudanese refugee.
Violent Confrontation and Theft of Sentimental Heirloom
Khowjsly held Mr D'Souza at knifepoint, violently grabbing the collar of his t-shirt before stealing a gold chain valued at £700. The chain, which featured an emerald stone, held significant sentimental and religious value as a family heirloom and has not been recovered. Despite his terror, Mr D'Souza followed his attackers as they fled, using his mobile phone to photograph them.
Police officers, alerted to multiple robbery reports in the area, noticed two men matching the description just minutes later. The suspects, wearing balaclavas and dark clothing while carrying carrier bags, were identified as Khowjsly and his 22-year-old accomplice, Mohammed Adam.
Dramatic Arrest Captured on Camera
Footage of the arrest shows two police officers leaping from their van to pursue Adam, while Khowjsly attempted to discreetly walk away. He was swiftly apprehended and pushed against a railing. Both men were searched, revealing knives concealed within their carrier bags.
During their appearance at Southwark Crown Court, both defendants required Sudanese interpreters. They were convicted of robbery and carrying a blade in a public place. Prosecutor Sarah Memmi detailed how Mr D'Souza felt terrified during the attack, believing resistance would lead to further violence.
Victim's Trauma and Lasting Impact
In his victim impact statement, Mr D'Souza described being left shaken and humiliated by the experience. He reported suffering flashbacks and feeling helpless during the incident, despite screaming for help on the crowded street. The theft has fundamentally altered his perception of safety while walking in London.
"He always enjoyed walking in London but this has made him question how safe it is to walk on the street," Ms Memmi told the court. "He felt helpless and scared. He was screaming for help, nobody came despite there being lots of people in the street."
Defendants' Backgrounds and Sentencing
Defense counsel presented traumatic backgrounds for both men. Luna Spada, representing Adam, described his difficult childhood and traumatic upbringing, noting he arrived in the UK in 2024 with five-year status to remain after being shot at age 19 and losing his family due to war.
Hannah Bentwood, defending Khowjsly, explained her client pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. She detailed how Khowjsly witnessed his mother's murder during a village attack in Sudan at age 12, was tortured with his parents, and fled alone to the UK via Libya at 16.
Judge Adam Hiddleston acknowledged these backgrounds but questioned their relevance to the crimes committed. He emphasized the premeditated and violent nature of the robbery, which involved brandishing a large kitchen knife and concealing identities with balaclavas.
"Your victim was clearly terrified by what you did to him," Judge Hiddleston stated. "The experience continues to have a seriously detrimental effect upon him."
Both men, previously of good character, were sentenced to a total of 52 months imprisonment. Detective Constable Emily Blatchford, who led the investigation, praised the quick work of Metropolitan Police officers in making arrests within minutes of the offence.
"We know that thefts like this remain a key concern to those who live, work or visit the West End," DC Blatchford said. "We're committed to tackling it head-on by strengthening our neighbourhood policing teams to make sure officers are out on the streets - where they're most needed."
