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A Rolex thief who tried to snatch an £18,500 watch from a grandfather’s wrist was wanted by police for deportation, a court heard.
Amine Bentaib, 30, admitted one count of attempted theft and was given a 45-month prison sentence and a criminal behavior order.
He targeted Christopher Harris for his Rolex Yacht-Master in Paddington, west London, in July last year.
Mr. Harris was staying in an Airbnb with his wife and granddaughter at the time.
He was followed by Bentaib and another unknown man to his front door after going outside to pick up a takeaway.
When they went inside to get his watch, Mr. Harris managed to stop them.
Prosecutor Allison Summers KC told the court that Bentaib had been pursued for deportation since September last year.
Judge Adam Hiddleston jailed Bentaib for 45 months, adding that he “will qualify as a foreign criminal and be subject to automatic deportation.”
The judge said: “I have carefully displayed and viewed the CCTV recording of this incident and from what I saw it is clear that you were aware of what you expected to steal – and that it was in fact a Rolex watch.”
Bentaib then “assaulted” the victim, the judge said.
“Luckily you two were thwarted by Mr. Harris, who bravely fought back with his takeaway bag to fend you off.
“He got the upper hand on both of you – you couldn’t get the watch off his wrist and you ran off.”
Judge Hiddleston added: “The theft of such valuable items has become an absolute scourge in London, affecting not only those who live here but also visitors to the capital.”
He added: “While I believe it is unlikely that you will be released before you are deported, should circumstances arise which would allow you to walk freely on the streets of London in the future, all measures that can be taken should be taken be used in my judgment to prevent further violations.”
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