Judge criticises CPS over £10,000 Rolex robbery case dropped after 11 years

A judge has criticised the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for what he described as a “waste of public money” after a robbery charge dating back to 2015 was discontinued at Southwark Crown Court. Khaled Gestalli, 33, had been accused of robbing Basheer Al Sawafi of a Rolex watch valued at £10,000 on Argyll Street in London's West End on 19 April 2015.

The proceedings were discontinued on 4 September 2026. Judge Mark Weekes questioned the CPS's handling of the case, stating that significant public funds had been spent before the decision was made to abandon the prosecution. He noted that the case had been brought back to life after the defendant was arrested on a warrant in July.

Identification and CCTV issues cited

Prosecutor Sophie Young informed the court that the case was very old and that identification issues, along with the failure to locate relevant CCTV footage, contributed to the decision to drop the charge. Ms Young stated she was unable to provide further details as the case had only recently been assigned to her for discontinuation.

Judge Weekes expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that Mr Gestalli was entitled to an explanation for being brought before the courts on multiple occasions. He remarked that it was "fairly unimpressive" and a "sorry state of affairs" that the case was discontinued so late in the process. The judge indicated that while the option to recharge remained open, it was unlikely.

Defendant's background

Des Jenson, representing Mr Gestalli, told a previous hearing that his client's recollection was that the alleged robbery occurred in 2014, not 2015. Mr Gestalli was initially arrested at a property in Islington and later moved to Hammersmith, where he has resided since. His defence stated he had been available, not in hiding, and had been running three restaurants.

Judge Weekes apologised to Mr Gestalli for the repeated court appearances, reiterating his clear feelings on the matter and the lack of explanation provided. Mr Gestalli was told he was free to go.