Algerian Teen Sentenced to Two Years for Rolex Robberies, Threats to Aled Jones

Zacariah Boulares, a teenager from Algeria, has received a prison sentence of two years and ten months after pleading guilty to multiple robberies, including a high-profile incident involving Aled Jones, a well-known singer and television presenter.

The 19-year-old had previously ambushed Jones on July 7, 2023, on Chiswick High Road, brandishing a machete and demanding his luxury £17,000 Daytona Rolex watch. Boulares reportedly threatened Jones with severe physical harm, including decapitation, if he pursued him after the robbery.

Deputy Judge Jas Jandu expressed grave concerns during sentencing, highlighting Boulares’ reckless behavior by roaming the streets armed with a deadly weapon, saying, “Robbing people in broad daylight is totally unacceptable.” His actions represent a significant rise in violent street crime, which has unsettled communities.

In addition to targeting Jones, Boulares had a pattern of theft that included attempting to steal a mobile phone from Genevieve Chenneour, another actress from the Netflix series Bridgerton, in early 2025. Boulares was apprehended following a series of thefts and attempted robberies, including two separate incidents in August 2023. He approached Mark Turner on August 9, threatening him and successfully stealing his watch.

The court also heard that Boulares had displayed extreme hostility during these robberies, issuing threats like “give me the watch or I’ll chop your hand off,” creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere for his victims. Mr. Turner’s personal account in court emphasized his feelings of fear and vulnerability, stating he felt compelled to surrender his belongings to ensure his safety.

Boulares was involved in another robbery attempt shortly after, targeting Dutch executive Neil Tallantire, where he brandished a machete. His repeated offenses pose serious questions about rehabilitation and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in handling young offenders.

This latest sentencing comes after Boulares previously faced justice for related crimes, having already accumulated 12 criminal convictions for various offenses. His behavior has drawn attention to the alarming trend of violent thefts, especially in affluent areas where individuals feel relatively safe.

Chenneour, who fought back against Boulares during her own robbery attempt, described her traumatic experience and its lingering effects, indicating a broader concern among victims about personal safety in their communities. She noted that even daily activities like getting coffee now induce stress due to her past encounter.

As the case unfolds, it raises eyebrows among legal professionals about the systemic issues within youth detention and crime prevention efforts. With Boulares’ history of offenses, public safety remains a pressing concern as communities seek solutions to mitigate such risks.