Southampton thieves stole £15,000 cash from businessman

Kareemullah Khan and Ismaila Sylla had “taken advantage” of their victim, Mohammed Rahman, as he got into his vehicle, a court heard.

Mr Rahman, who works for MD Perfect Solutions Ltd which operates travel agency activities, was carrying a bag containing over £15,000 from his clients.

He had intended to deposit the money into his bank, but before he could drive away, Khan, who was 18 at the time, snatched the bag.

Mr Rahman attempted to give chase but was tripped by Sylla before two other men appeared on bicycles.

Kareemullah Khan outside Southampton Crown Court. 31/3/2023 (Image: Newsquest)

Sylla and Khan fled the scene but Sylla was arrested later the same day - and police found he had £645 in cash.

Prosecuting, Michael Forster said Khan had a “leading” role in the offence but added he only has two previous convictions – one for assault and one for failing to comply with a court order.

Khan, 21, of Portswood Road, Southampton and Sylla, 21, of Kent Street, Southampton were later found guilty of theft by a jury. They denied the offences.

Sylla also pleaded admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, relating to a separate incident four days before he faced trial.

In a statement read out in court, Mr Rahman said he has been financially affected by the incident as he has had to pay the money back to his clients.

“My business reputation was affected. Some clients were reluctant to use my services.

“I don’t normally keep that amount of money in the shop but at the time it was during the Covid pandemic.”

Mr Forster said the victim had the cash as he "transfers sums around the world for members of the public".

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Mitigating for Khan, Gaylene Coles said her client had been “emotionally immature”, adding: “He got in with the wrong crowd.

She added that his mother has moved to Pakistan as she “could not bear the shame”.

Meanwhile, Jamie Gammon, mitigating for Sylla, said his client hadn’t offended again and has stayed away from drugs since.

But judge, Garry Burrell said it was a “cowardly incident where a totally innocent man was targeted.

“You both stole a lot of money. He was alone and he was vulnerable, and he was taken advantage of.

“I’m quite sure the offence was planned to some extent.”

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Khan was handed an 18-month term suspended for two years. He was also given 200 hours of unpaid work, 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and must pay £5,000 in compensation.

Sylla was jailed for 12 months suspended for two years, given 150 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation days.

He must pay £2,500 compensation.

A restraining order bans them from Mr Rahman’s shop for two years.

Judge Burrell added: “I was very much on the cusp of sending you both to prison.

“What has persuaded me has been your ages and the fact that you are not really criminals as such.”