Two men jailed for armed robbery and weapon offences in Reading
A third man awaits sentencing for offences committed during a violent burglary
Two men have been sentenced to substantial prison terms following their involvement in a violent armed robbery in Reading.
On Friday, 21st November 2025, Abdul Kareem Haji, 26, of Redbridge, Stantonbury, Milton Keynes, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court to 15 years in prison, with an additional four years on extended licence. Mustafa Mohammed Jeylani, 29, of Vale Road, London, received a 14-year prison sentence during the same hearing. Both men were convicted by the jury on one count each of robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a bladed article.
A third offender, Sofyan Amar, 20, from Broughton, Milton Keynes, is awaiting sentencing for the same offences, with the hearing scheduled for 3rd December 2025.
Details of the crime
The crimes took place on 22nd December 2024, when the victim was awoken at their home on Halls Road, Tilehurst, by the sound of the living room window being forced open.
Masked men armed with baseball bats, knives, and hammers entered the property, shouting “police, police.” The victim, trying to shield their partner and seven-month-old baby, was struck over the head by the offenders wielding a knife and bats.
The attackers demanded cash and jewellery while continuing the assault, fleeing the house with stolen items that included jewellery belonging to the baby.
Thames Valley Police officers arrived quickly and managed to chase the offenders, who attempted to flee in a stolen BMW. The vehicle was halted, and officers arrested the offenders. A search revealed stolen items and various weapons, including the knives and bats used during the attack.
Police response and sentencing
Haji, Jeylani, and Amar were arrested on the same day and later charged and remanded into custody on 23rd December 2024 due to the seriousness of their offences.
Detective Constable Jennifer Cox of Newbury CID commented on the incident, describing it as “an extremely distressing, and frightening ordeal” for the victims.
“They were awoken in the middle of the night by masked men entering their home, armed with weapons... In order to protect their family, the victim tried to prevent the offenders entering the bedroom, at which point the offenders attacked him with weapons,” DC Cox said.
“The victims have been extremely brave throughout, attending court and providing evidence to help secure these convictions. It is imperative that dangerous individuals like this are taken off our streets, and they have now been given very substantial prison sentences. Thames Valley Police remains committed to keeping our communities safe.”