Zacariah Boulares, a 19-year-old from Feltham, has admitted to a series of machete-related robberies across London's most affluent neighborhoods. The Algerian teenager allegedly targeted high-value items, including luxury Rolex watches, while threatening victims with extreme violence.
The £17,000 Rolex and the threats against Aled Jones
Zacariah Boulares allegedly used a machete to ambush TV host Aled Jones on Chiswick High Road in 2023. As the report details, the teenager snatched a £17,000 Daytona Rolex and threatened to "cut your head off" when the presenter attempted to follow him. The attacker reportedly told Jones to "walk the other way" to avoid further violence.
This incident was part of a broader spree where Boulares targeted individuals in high-end areas like Kensington and Bayswater.. the report notes that Boulares also robbed Mark Turner in Kensington Square Gardens and attempted to rob Neil Tallantire outsside a Waitrose in Porchester Road.
The 'rich pickings' pattern in Kensington and Bayswater
Judge Martin Edmunds KC characterized the defendant's actions as a "systematic pattern of stealing from people as they are enjoying a meal or refreshment at a restaurant." This predatory approach focused on what the judge described as "rich pickings" in London's most expensive districts.
The criminal activity extended to various dining and retail locations ,including a theft from a blind woman at a Five Guys in Thurloe Street and a rucksack theft at Pizza Pilgrims near Carnaby Street. according to the report,the defendant appeared to operate under the belief that those who can afford luxury items are fair targets for theft.
12 convictions and 28 offences for a 19-year-old
Zacariah Boulares enters these new admissions with an extensive criminal record that includes 12 convictions for 28 different offences. these crimes range from theft and weapon possession to violent threatening behavior.
Before these recent machete-related admissions, Boulares was already serving a 22-month prison sentence. This sentence stemmed from a February incident where he attempted to steal a mobile phone from actress Genevieve Chenneour on Kensington High Street. Additionally, the court heard that Boulares was previously sentenced to a 24-month youth detention order for stealing a £20,000 Rolex from an elderly man at Paddington station in May 2023.
The Southwark Crown Court's pending psychological assessment
The legal proceedings regarding the August 2023 robberies have been adjourned at Southwark Crown Court. Judge Alexander Milne KC has requested a psychological assessment of Boulares to better understand his mental state during these crimes.
The court is also awaiting a probation report regarding the defendant's "dangerousness" before a final sentencing date is set. It remains unclear how much weight the court will give to the psychological findings when determining the length of his next detention.
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