Fake Punter Robbed Brothel

A knife-wielding teen, who raided a brothel with an accomplice during a “frightening attack” has been caged for five years and three months.

Muhammed Rashiq, 19, of Mildred Avenue, Watford, arranged via phone, to visit a sex worker at an address in Maida Vale, west London.

On Wednesday December 30, last year at approximately 11.50pm, Rashiq arrived at the location with a second man wearing covid face masks and forcibly entered the property armed with large knives.

The robbery was disrupted by another person at the property, who pretended to call the police and the men fled with the woman’s iPhone.

Investigations by detectives on the telephone number used to book the appointment identified Muhammed Rashiq as a suspect.

He was then picked out by the victim on an ID parade and the box belonging to a telephone linked to the offence was found at his address. 

He initially denied the robbery, but subsequently admitted it at a preliminary court hearing.

He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

DC Ben Lovatt, of Central West Robbery Squad, based at Charing Cross Police Station said: “This was a frightening attack on a young woman.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, working tirelessly to target the perpetrators, prioritising action against sexual and violent, predatory offenders.

“We want all women and girls to feel safe anywhere in London and have the confidence to come to us when they are not.’’