Police Impersonation and Violent Robbery… 5-Year Sentence Upheld on Appeal

TDT | Manama

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The First High Criminal Court of Appeal upheld a five-year prison sentence against two appellants convicted of a robbery involving assault at a garage. The defendants were found guilty of breaking into the premises at night and stealing belongings from three victims using force.

According to court records, the first and second defendants scaled the garage wall and entered the premises, where they confronted two victims, falsely claiming to be police officers. They assaulted the victims using their hands and an iron rod, causing injuries as documented in medical reports, in order to immobilize them and prevent resistance before stealing valuables and fleeing.

The case dates back to when the third, fourth, and fifth defendants were at the second defendant’s residence. The fourth defendant informed them of an Asian man at a garage in Salmabad and suggested robbing him to obtain drugs. The second defendant then contacted the first defendant, who agreed to participate.

The group drove to the location in a car driven by the first defendant. Upon arrival, the second, third, and fourth defendants entered the garage after scaling its gate, while the first and fifth remained in the car. They stormed the victims’ room while they were asleep, shouted at them, pretended to be police officers, and assaulted them before stealing mobile phones, a wristwatch, a tablet, BD350 in cash, ID cards, drugs, and the garage’s surveillance control device and monitor. They then locked the victims inside and fled.

The incident was reported the following day by the garage owner. Investigations led to the identification of a red vehicle seen repeatedly near the scene. Through further inquiries and confidential sources, authorities identified the suspects.

The first defendant was later arrested while driving the vehicle and confessed to the crime, leading police to the second and third defendants, who also admitted their involvement. Subsequent investigations confirmed the participation of the fourth and fifth defendants, who were also arrested.

The Public Prosecution charged the defendants with robbery by force after unlawfully entering the premises and stealing the victims’ belongings under coercion.