Stab victim: Omani national Mohammed Abdullah Al Araimi was knifed to death in Knightsbridge
(Picture: PA)A student who was stabbed to death in an alleyway next to Harrods during an alleged luxury watch robbery was “in the wrong place at the wrong time”, a court heard today.
Omani national Mohammed Al-Araimi, 20, was attacked from behind as he walked through Knightsbridge with his friend, 22-year-old Nasser Kanoo, in December 2019, it is said.
Mr Al-Araimi was wearing a £34,000 Patek Philippe watch while his friend had a £7,000 Rolex timepiece, jurors heard.
Badir Al-Nazi, 24, and Arseboon Dilbaro, 23, are both now on trial accused of Mr Al-Araimi’s murder and wounding Mr Kanoo with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.
“These two defendants had gone out that night looking for a victim or victims to rob”, said prosecutor Anthony Orchard QC.
“Their circuitous route to Knightsbridge demonstrating their desire to wait for the right victim or victims in the right location.”
He added: “Unfortunately for them, the two friends, Mohammed and Nasser, were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Mr Orchard said Al-Nazi and Dilbaro had knives ready to “enforce their threat”, and Mr Al-Araimi died within an hour of being stabbed. He collapsed near to the famous Harrods Christmas tree.
Mr Al-Araimi, an Omani national and student at King’s College London, had been out for dinner and was walking home with Mr Kanoo on December 5, 2019.
They had earlier dined at Sale E Pepe after meeting outside the Bulgari hotel close to Mr Al-Araimi’s family home address.
Al-Nazi, a Kuwaiti citizen, and German national Dilbaro, deny murder, wounding with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, and attempted robbery.
Al-Nazi has pleaded guilty to having a knife, while Dilbaro denies a similar charge.
The trial continues.
