Four individuals have been sentenced to prison following a harrowing robbery in Nottingham that left a 19-year-old student assaulted and coerced into an alley, where he was robbed of his possessions. The robbery, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 18, 2023, has led to significant convictions, bringing closure to the traumatic event for the victim.
What Happened:
In the early morning of April 18, 2023, a 19-year-old student was walking alone on Wellington Street in central Nottingham when he was suddenly confronted by three masked individuals. The assailants forcibly pulled him into a private alleyway, where they secured a gate to prevent his escape. During a terrifying 40-minute ordeal, the victim was threatened, and his iPhone was taken from him. The attackers also forced him to reveal his passcodes, enabling them to access his banking app. They transferred £1,539.63 from his account before fleeing the scene with his phone.
The brutal nature of the attack and the financial theft sent shockwaves through the Nottingham community. The victim was left traumatized, and the case prompted a thorough investigation by Nottinghamshire Police.
Investigation and Breakthrough:
CCTV footage from nearby cameras played a crucial role in solving the case. The suspects were tracked to a restaurant in Hockley, where one of them was seen using a bank card. This led investigators to Oliver Sapounov, who was found to be one of the suspects connected to the crime. Sapounov, along with Aqeel Hussain and Sefa Duzgan, were linked to the robbery through their connections at a college in Luton. The three men were co-directors of a company formed just two months before the robbery occurred.
Search warrants executed at various locations uncovered vital evidence, including large sums of cash. The stolen iPhone was found in Sapounov’s bedroom, and further financial inquiries confirmed the involvement of Adeel Din, who was linked to money laundering associated with the crime.
Sentences and Court Proceedings:
In Nottingham Crown Court, all four suspects were brought to trial. Sapounov was found guilty of robbery and money laundering by a jury, while Hussain, Duzgan, and Din admitted to multiple charges. The four men were sentenced to prison for their roles in the violent crime.
Community and Victim Impact:
The victim’s life was profoundly impacted by the robbery and assault, which has led to an outpouring of support from the community. The conviction of the four men marks the end of a traumatic chapter for the young student, who is now slowly recovering from the emotional and financial toll of the crime.
Closing Line:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
