24 March 2023 , 19:35
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Two men have been convicted of robbing boxer Amir Khan of his £70,000 watch at gunpoint last year.
Dante Campbell, 20, and Ahmed Bana, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm.
The 2004 Olympic silver medallist, 36, was targeted as he and his wife, Faryal Makhdoom, 31, left Sahara Grill restaurant in Leyton, East London, on April 18 last year, the jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.
As he neared his car he was approached by Campbell, who pointed a gun in his face and shouted “take off the watch”.
Following the theft of the bespoke diamond encrusted Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph, the Met Police launched an investigation and eventually tracked down the pair.
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Detective Constable Stuart Ponder, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “This robbery was carefully planned and executed by these individuals who knew exactly who they were targeting and what they were aiming for.
Amir Khan's watch was stolen as he returned to his car in April 2022 (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)“Despite being on a busy street with other members of the public close by, they had no qualms about brandishing a firearm and threatening Mr Khan with the most brazen and extreme level of violence.
“We know every robbery has a significant impact on the victim and Mr Khan has spoken out about the impact this had, not only on him but his family.
“That is why we are doing everything we can to target individuals who think they can get away with this type of behaviour, from extra patrols at known robbery hotspots and developing intelligence on those carrying out these crimes.
“Anyone who is a victim of a robbery should report it as soon as possible – this helps us ascertain crucial forensic evidence to take these violent criminals off our streets.”
Dante Campbell thrust the weapon in Amir Khan's face and demanded his watch (Met Police)
Ahmed Bana acted as the getaway driver (Met Police)Officers from the Met’s Flying Squad checked CCTV and identified the robbers arriving in a silver Mercedes which pulled in front of Mr Khan’s car moments before the attack.
Enquiries showed the car was insured by Bana, who remained in the vehicle and acted as the getaway driver.
Through him, they were also able to identify Dante Campbell as the man who had carried out the gunpoint robbery.
Campbell and Bana were arrested as part of a planned operation in the early hours of 22 June 2022.
A screengrab from CCTV of last year's robbery (PA)Clothing and a backpack matching what was worn by the gunman on CCTV was found in Campbell’s bedroom.
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The pair will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court at a later date.
Earlier today, two men were cleared of acting as "spotters" during the gunpoint robbery.
Ismail Mohamed, 24, and Nurul Amin, 25, were accused of acting as spotters in the gunpoint robbery of the former world boxing champion.
Giving evidence, the former world heavyweight boxer said: “When he put the gun in my face I literally saw in the barrel. I felt really scared.
“I have got three kids, my wife was next to me as well. I was really, really scared.
“I am a sportsman, a father. I have always been put in tough situations when you are put in the ring to fight someone but this was totally different. This was very, very scary.”
One man, Hamza Kulane, remained wanted in connection with the robbery.
Officers urged anyone with any information about him to contact them immediately on 101 with reference Op Fanlight. Alternatively, call independent charity completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.