Man who terrified two sex workers at gunpoint in robbery scam is jailed for 14 years

A man who robbed one woman, and attempted to rob another at gunpoint has been jailed.

Ismail Tajzai, 26, of Moberly Road, Clapham appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, after he pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of having an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery.

He also pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill, strangulation and perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced to 14 years in jail. and a restraining order was put in place banning him from contact with the two victims.

The court heard Tajzai committed the offences on February 21 and 22 after arranging an appointment with two sex workers. In the first incident Tajzai produced a handgun, tied the woman up and then stole approximately £2,000 from her.

The next day, Tajzai attempted to rob a second woman after producing the handgun, which he hit her with. He also attempted to strangle her after she fought back, before he fled.

Detectives in Westminster launched an investigation and identified Tajzai’s DNA and fingerprints at the scene in Kensington.

An extensive CCTV trawl was conducted, which provided facial imagery of Tajzai. The gun and cable ties were recovered at the time of his arrest in a backpack thrown from the balcony at his home address.

Detective Constable Stephanie Clarke, of the Westminster Public Protection team, said: “The defendant sought to exploit vulnerable sex workers, and deliberately aimed to commit crimes against a group of people whom he assumed were scared to report crimes to police.

“I had first-hand experience during the investigation of how scared the victims were to report to police, out of fear of repercussions that could be caused to them. I would urge anyone else who has been the victim of similar crime to contact police and an investigation will be launched with specialist support for the victims.”

Detective Inspective Luke Bacon, of the Westminster Public Protection team, said: “I would like to commend my officers for their dedication in identifying this particularly dangerous individual and the swift action they took to ensure his arrest and prosecution.

“This was a time-sensitive investigation, and I firmly believe that if it were not for the actions they took, more attacks would have occurred.

“I would also like to reserve particular praise for the victims involved in this terrifying case. They showed immense bravery in coming forward to report to the police in the first instance, and in doing so they have ensured that this dangerous individual was caught, prosecuted and convicted.”

Pictured top: Ismail Tajzai (Picture: The Met)