Victim was punched and strangled and robbed of takings from family business

A vicious robber who punched and strangled a man in Wembley to steal from his family business before speeding away in a stolen car has been jailed for 10 years.

Mark Sanclemente, 32, from Shepherd’s Bush, and an accomplice, attacked the 29-year-old victim in Douglas Avenue, Wembley, on May 4.

The victim was carrying a money bag filled with cash from his family business in Oxford Street when was set-upon and punched and strangled before the robbers sped away in a BMW with fake number plates.

They were pursued by a witness, whose car they hit and damaged, before fleeing the scene in two other vehicles waiting nearby.

Sanclemente was arrested on June 14 and charged with robbery.

He was convicted at Harrow Crown Court last week and sentenced.

DC Tom Palmer from the Priority Crime Unit at Wembley Police Station said: “This was a particularly violent robbery in which a large amount of money was taken and I am delighted that the sentence reflects this.

“The defendant was identified following extensive enquiries by Brent Priority Crime Unit and was arrested with the assistance of Surrey Police.

“I hope this emphasises the determination of officers to pursue offenders wherever the investigation leads.

“I would like to commend the bravery of the witness who pursued the robbers and the courage of the victim in giving evidence about this traumatic ordeal.”

Sanclemente’s accomplice is still at large.