A vulnerable man was lured to a house in Cambridge and subjected to a brutal and premeditated assault before being robbed of cash and valuables, a court has heard.
On 6 June 2023, 35-year-old Chemseddine Lahouel-Guettala, of Colville Road, Cambridge, kept the victim captive for hours, stamping on him and demanding his bank details. The ordeal only ended when the terrified man, covered in blood, approached a passerby for help.
“He genuinely believed he was going to be killed and buried,” police revealed.
The victim, who had gone for a game of pool at WT’s Pub in Cambridge City Centre, met two men who convinced him to visit a nearby house. Once inside, he was prevented from leaving, assaulted repeatedly, and forced into a car with threats of further violence. He eventually escaped and called for help, prompting police to respond.
Police discovered blood at the scene and on the victim’s clothing, with scans later revealing a fractured and displaced right eye socket and swelling to his scalp.
Investigators also traced a fraudulent bank withdrawal of £200 at Tesco, Cherry Hinton, while a larger £6,000 transfer was blocked.
Lahouel-Guettala was arrested at Luton Airport while attempting to board a flight. Despite denying all charges, his phone contained messages confirming attempts to steal the victim’s money.
At Peterborough Crown Court, the jury found him guilty of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, false imprisonment, and robbery. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
Judge Sean Enright described the victim as “targeted as a lamb” and noted the “serious injuries” inflicted during the premeditated attack.
Detective Constable Alex Galan-Tarachiu said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who genuinely feared for his life. We hope this conviction highlights that we will do all we can to bring those who carry out horrific crimes like this to justice.”
