A 26-year-old immigrant who targeted City workers in a series of violent muggings outside a London Underground station has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Wasiu Smith, who was born in Nigeria but holds a Dutch passport, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court following a string of daylight robberies near Farringdon Tube station.
During the trial, Smith offered the bizarre defence that he was only in the area to view Christmas lights—despite the lights not yet being switched on.
Multiple victims traumatised in Central London attack
The court heard that Smith orchestrated an “out-of-control” crime wave to fund a crack cocaine addiction.
Operating with his face covered by a scarf, he successfully robbed three individuals and attempted to mug a fourth.
Among his victims was Alex Belsham-Harris, a senior executive at the charity Citizens Advice. Smith ambushed Mr Belsham-Harris as he left a local gym, striking him repeatedly behind the ear before fleeing with a rucksack containing a corporate laptop. The assault left the victim disoriented and struggling to stand.
Smith’s other victims included:
Alexander Burgess: Forced to hand over a newly repaired £600 family heirloom opal ring after Smith threatened to punch him while gesturing that he had a concealed weapon.
Bonny Wambulu: Cornered outside his office building and ordered to hand over money under the threat of a hidden weapon.
Michael Evesque: A lighting company managing director whose path was physically blocked by Smith in the middle of the pavement.
Wasiu Smith shows no remorse
Metropolitan Police officers intercepted Smith shortly after the spree on a local bus. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of the stolen goods and a wrap of crack cocaine.
When questioned, Smith claimed the stolen items belonged to him, that he was the actual victim of an assault, and that the drugs had been planted on him by police.
In court, he further attempted to evade justice by claiming he suffered from ADHD, PTSD, and a brain injury.
“Completely out of control” — Judge delivers verdict
Presiding Judge Charles Falk dismissed Smith’s claims entirely, noting that there was absolutely no medical evidence of any psychiatric conditions. He criticised the defendant for showing a complete lack of insight and remorse.
“I cannot trust a word that comes out of your mouth, Mr Smith… You were completely out of control and inflicted pain and suffering on members of the public,” Judge Falk stated during sentencing.
Smith showed no emotion as he was handed a five-year prison sentence. He was convicted on three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, one count of common assault, and one count of possessing a Class A drug.
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