Violent gang busted thanks to victims’ restaurant dinner snap

A gang violently attacked a rich couple before making off with a fortune in luxury jewellery. But this picture caused their downfall.

Earlier this year, a couple took an ordinary photo during a dinner date, unaware it held a vital clue to the violent gang who would subject them to a night of terror.

The unnamed pair took the snap at the Flying Pizza in Roundhay, England in July, capturing their table and several cars parked outside.

At that point, they didn’t realise they were being watched after catching the eye of a group of criminals.

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As the wealthy couple drove home in their Ferrari, they were followed by the gangsters in a BMW convertible, who noted down their luxury address in Leeds.

The next night on July 31, the gang returned and broke into the home as the couple slept upstairs.

They burst into their bedroom, pistol whipping the husband in the face and leaving him with facial injuries requiring 35 stitches.

This photo was the gang’s undoing. Picture: SWNS/Mega

The bedcovers were also torn from the woman and a gold necklace was ripped form around her neck during the ordeal.

In total, the thieves stole more than $A176,000 worth of jewellery from the home including a pair of diamond earrings, a diamond ring and two Rolex watches as well as the wife’s engagement ring, worth $A162,000.

After the robbery was reported to police, three of the culprits were eventually tracked down thanks to the photo taken by the couple the night before, which showed the getaway vehicle and its licence plate.

Daniel Inamder was slapped with a 12-year sentence. Picture: SWNS/Mega

The fourth gang member who attacked the husband remains at large.

Earlier this week, Leeds Crown Court heard Daniel Inamder, a 35-year-old father of three, planned the crime with the intention of selling the jewellery to some of his contacts.

He was jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to rob while Isaac Duncan, 20, was handed a ten year and five month sentence for robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Getaway driver Ali Agha, 27, was also given a 10-year sentence.

Prosecutor Michael Smith told the court last week the victims were “subjected to a terrifying ordeal”, The Sun reported.

While handing down the tough sentences, Judge Christopher Batty said the attack had been premeditated.

Isaac Duncan’s lawyer argued the 20-year-old was “easily led”. Picture: SWNS/Mega

“This was sophisticated, professional offending targeting high-value property. It involved significant planning and recruitment of a number of people,” The Sun reported him as saying.

“Telephones were purchased to assist in carrying it out but also in an attempt to escape detection. An imitation firearm was taken and gratuitous violence was used.

“They were confronted by three men, two of them had masks covering their faces, adding immeasurably to the fear of (the couple) in their home.

“It’s difficult to imagine how you feel if you have jewellery ripped from your person while you are lying in bed.”

The court also heard none of the jewellery had been recovered by police, and the couple both suffered from nervousness, anxiety and insomnia following the crime.

Getaway driver Ali Agha remained in the car as the attack was underway. Picture: SWNS/Mega

Inamder’s lawyer claimed he had not anticipated the degree of violence carried out in the attack, while Agha’s lawyer claimed he “wasn't involved in the violence” and didn’t enter the victims’ property at all.

Meanwhile, Duncan’s lawyer argued his client was “immature” and “easily led” due to his youth, and that he had shown “genuine remorse” for his involvement.

According to the Daily Mail, the thieves had shouted “police, police” as they smashed their way into the home, waking the couple from their sleep at around 11pm at night.

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