Victim brutally beaten up and robbed in Watford town centre

The victim, who was in his early 20s, had been out with his friends in the town before becoming separated from them on September 16, 2018, St Albans Crown Court heard.

He had been befriended by Anton Guinchard, Waeil Hammed and another unknown person before being taken down a road.

The victim was then knocked to the ground before being punched four to six times, Prosecutor James Murray Smith said.

Mr Murray Smith told the court that the victim had been drunk and that the attack had been “opportunistic”.

The victim’s wallet had been stolen during the attack and shortly after Guinchard used the victim’s debit card to buy cigarettes and other items.

The incident occurred in Watford town centre

The court heard the victim’s injuries had impacted to an extent where for a period of time he could only eat mashed food.

He also had to get his mother to cancel his cards as he could not speak, the court heard.

Guinchard and Hammed were convicted of robbery following a trial at St Albans Crown Court – Guinchard was also convicted of fraud.

Guinchard appeared via video link in prison to be sentenced on September 24, although Hammed refused to attend.

The court heard that Guinchard had 15 convictions from 21 offences and that Hammed had 39 from 84 offences.

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Nasreen Tincey, for Hammed, said it is “unfortunate” that he has not engaged although described him as “intelligent”, adding the 52-year-old has a degree in computer science.

She said he also suffers from mental health and bi-polar disorder, adding that he also had an alcohol addiction.

But Ms Tincey said Hammed, of Cassiobury Park Avenue, Watford, is working to deal with his difficulties.

Charles Durrant, for Guinchard, said the defendant was “remorseful” for his actions and that he realises the “seriousness” of the offence.

Guinchard, of Langley Road, Watford, also read out a letter expressing his remorse for his actions.

Mr Durrant said the 31-year-old has been attending courses which have made him think about the consequences on victims and that there is a chance of rehabilitation.

He added that Guinchard has been dealing with mental health issues and that his parents are very ill in hospital.

Recorder Reiz jailed Hammed for three years for robbery.

Guinchard was jailed for two years and three months for robbery and one month for fraud, which will run concurrently. 

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