Amir Khan Leyton gunpoint robbery: Pair convicted after stealing box watch at gunpoint in Leyton

Two men who had “no qualms” about threatening Amir Khan with an “extreme level of violence” have been convicted for robbing the boxer of his £70,000 watch.

Mr Khan handed over his diamond-encrusted watch after being confronted by a man with a gun as he and his wife left a Leyton restaurant last April.

Dante Campbell, 20, of Denmark Road, and Ahmed Bana, 25, of Hale Gardens, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and possession of an imitation firearm for their involvement in the incident on April 18, 2022.

They will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on a date to be set.

The robbery

After leaving the restaurant in Leyton’s High Street at around 9.10pm, Mr Khan and his wife were approached by Campbell as they walked towards their car, who pointed a gun in Mr Khan’s face and shouted: “Take off the watch.”

Mr Khan handed over the watch, believed to be worth around £70,000, and Campbell ran towards a nearby car before quickly driving away.

Enquiries by the Met Police showed the vehicle was insured to Bana, and it was through him that officers were able to identify Campbell as the man who carried out the robbery.

Another man, Hamza Kulance, remains wanted in connection with the incident. Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Met Police on 101, reference Op Fanlight.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Two other defendants, Nurul Amin, 25 of Cavendish Road, and Ismail Mohammed, 24, of Sheldon Road, were found not guilty of conspiracy to rob at the conclusion of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Met Police

Following the convictions, 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.

“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.”