This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
On July 25, 2019, a brazen attempted carjacking took place in North London, involving Arsenal players Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac. The incident occurred when a black Mercedes, driven by Ozil, was boxed in by motorbike riders wearing helmets.
Video images showed Kolasinac, a Bosnian defender, getting out of the vehicle and confronting the attackers. The attackers, however, were not deterred and continued their attempt to steal watches worth £200,000 from the Premier League players.
Ashley Smith, 30, and his accomplice, 26-year-old Jordan Northover, were later apprehended and charged in connection with the attack. Smith admitted to the crime and was sentenced to 10 years in jail at Harrow Crown Court on Friday.
Judge Ian Bourne described Smith as a “career criminal” who was well known to police. Northover, who also admitted involvement in the attack, is awaiting sentencing.
