A Bridgerton star clapped back at a teenage phone thief in Kensington who tried to rob her while she was in Joe and the Juice, Kensington. CCTV captures the moment Genevieve Chenneour, 27, fights back in front of stunned customers after Zacariah Boulares, 18, had pounced.
The teenager admitted to robbery and possession of an offensive weapon and he will be sentenced next month. Genevieve Chenneour plays Miss Clara Livingston in the popular Netflix period drama Bridgerton.
Ms Chenneour, born in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, said: “They didn’t expect me to stand up for myself – but I did. Getting a coffee shouldn’t be something you need your wits about you for. I’m so grateful to the staff at Joe & The Juice – they were incredible during the incident and when I went back to see them after.”
Boulares, who is a serial phone thief, also threatened to behead singer Aled Jones during a Rolex robbery in Chiswick, west London, in July 2023. He was sentenced to a two-year term at a youth detention centre, but released after just 14 months.
CCTV stills show Boulares, in a hood, lurking behind the actress, who was out with a friend walking her dog. He then took the star’s phone and assaulted fellow customer Carlo Kurcishi.
But the young actress was quick to take down the thief with the help of her friend. Ms Chenneour put her arm out to block him from leaving and then dislodged the phone from his hand.
After picking up the iPhone from the floor, she used the mobile to strike Boulares, leaving him helpless on the floor. A tussle continued for around four minutes, before the thief left the café without the phone.
A source was previously quoted by the Mirror saying: “Genevieve showed real bravery throughout. It was a very shocking incident. It shows what is happening on London’s streets on a daily basis.” The Mirror has approached coffee shop group Joe & The Juice for comment.
Police were called to reports of theft and an assault on February 8. Boulares appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 29, where he pleaded guilty to stealing the phone and assaulting Mr Kurcishi.
He also admitted to stealing a black leather handbag from a diner at a pizza restaurant in London’s West End on January 30 this year. The teenager was remanded into custody and he is due to be sentenced on July 17 at Isleworth Crown Court in west London.
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