Gang who attacked and robbed victims in Slough jailed for more than 18 years

A gang who attacked victims for the ‘thrill of mindless violence’ have been jailed for a total of 18-and-a-half years.

Following robberies in Slough last year, Mustafa Ahmed, 18, of Lerwick Drive, Sibtain Kiyani, 20, of Lerwick Drive, Haider Anwar, 18, of Crayle Street, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, January 15.

Ahmed was jailed for a total of five-and-a-half years, Kiyani and Anwar for four-and-a-half years each, and the 17-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison.

On the evening of May 13, a 21-year-old man was approached and assaulted in Farnham Road, Slough. The victim fell off his bicycle and was further assaulted as he lay on the ground.

During the assault, the victim lost consciousness. He later managed to cycle home, when he realised his mobile phone and wallet were missing. He received hospital treatment for his injuries and was later released.  

At around 5am on May 14, a 44-year-old man was assaulted and had his mobile phone stolen in Whitby Road, Slough, after he was approached and asked for a cigarette, which he did not have.

At around 5.34am the same morning, a 36-year-old man was walking home from work via the Cinder Track, near Beaumont Road, Slough, when he was assaulted and robbed.

Ahmed and the 17-year-old were found guilty of all three robberies. Kiyani and Anwar were found guilty of two and not guilty of the robbery which took place in Farnham Road.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Tom Digby, said: “I am pleased with the sentences handed out by the court. They reflect the serious nature of the offences, which were characterised by the unnecessary and excessive use of violence, hospitalising two of the victims.

“The offences were committed in the course of one night whilst the offenders were out celebrating a birthday and under the influence of alcohol. There appears to be no motivation for their actions other than the ‘thrill’ of mindless violence.

“Their attitudes whilst in police custody and throughout the trial made it clear that they had no remorse for their actions or realisation of the gravity of the offences and the harm they have caused. Hopefully these sentences will change that and drive home to them the seriousness of what they have done.”