Man jailed for seven years for violent robbery in Manchester city centre

A man has been jailed after attacking and robbing a man who was enjoying drinks while on a visit from Hong Kong.

At around 11.20pm on Friday 12 July 2024, the victim, a man in his 30s, had been out enjoying the city centre when he was walking back to his hotel.

He was shortly after approached on Back George Street by Ahmed Elgamodi (31/03/1996), who offered him cannabis. Following a brief conversation, Elgamodi violently threw the man to the floor and proceeded to assault him. The victim received minor swelling to his head.

The offender then grabbed the victim’s phone from his pocket before running away.

Police were called and an immediate investigation was launched, with CCTV being obtained by attending officers. Within two hours, an officer was able to identify Elgamodi, who was on a pedal bike in the city centre.

Following a short pursuit in which he refused to stop, Elgamodi was formally arrested for robbery offences. He was convicted of the robbery at Manchester Crown Court on 14 January 2025.

Elgamodi, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to five years and two months for the robbery, with an additional two years for being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, following a separate investigation.

A Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) also excludes him from parts of Manchester for eight years.

PC Jamie Acton, from GMP's Manchester Central Neighbourhood Team, said: “This disgusting attack on a visitor to our city is not something we will ever tolerate, and I am glad that Elgamodi was quickly identified and arrested following the robbery.

“The investigation into this incident was in conjunction with one into drug supply across Manchester, and ensured a seven-year sentencing. I hope Elgamodi takes time to think about his actions while in the four walls of a prison cell.”