Two men jailed for watch robbery spree across South London that left one victim with fractured skull

Two men who went on a high-value watch robbery spree across South London leaving their victims unconscious have been jailed.

Asonu McKenzie, 29, and Reshaun Nembhard, 29, both of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery between May and July last year.

During a two-month period last summer, 12 robberies were carried out in Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, Croydon, Wandsworth and Hammersmith and Fulham.

McKenzie and Nembhard drove around the areas in a silver Audi Q2 to locate their victims.

Once a victim was identified, the men would get out of the vehicle and attack them from behind. The victims were struck on the back of the head with a blunt object before having their high value watches removed from their wrists.

The injuries caused to the victims ranged from minor grazes and lacerations, to fractured skulls, with one of the victims still under assessment for potentially losing his sight.

A four-week manhunt took place to arrest Nembhard, which saw enquiries by the Met at many addresses across South London and Essex.

At Southwark Crown Court on Friday, McKenzie received a 14-year jail sentence, while Nembhard was handed an eight-year sentence.

Acting Detective Sergeant Ash Francis, of Central South BCU, said: “I am proud of the investigation that was undertaken by officers of the Robbery team on the Central South borough command unit. This case demonstrates their dedication and tenacity. Their diligent investigation resulted in the arrest and conviction of two violent offenders.

“We are doing everything in our power to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. We understand the impact of robbery on victims and know that the effects are more than just the loss of property. Robbery is a violent and often traumatising crime, and we remain committed to tackling robbery in all of its forms.”

Pictured top: From left, Asonu McKenzie and Reshaun Nembhard (Picture: The Met)