In a scene straight out of a modern-day fairytale gone wrong, Londoners took matters into their own hands last August when a phone thief was caught after a frantic chase on the streets of Ludgate Hill.
Spencer Duarte, 29, known by police as the “Cinderella phone snatcher,” was finally sentenced to 15 months in prison following the bizarre and dramatic incident.
Thief Caught by His Lost Shoe
The unusual twist that helped authorities catch Duarte came from his own footwear.
After stealing a phone from 66-year-old Brian De Clare, a former advisor on climate issues to President Bill Clinton, Duarte was chased and knocked off his e-bike by members of the public.
In the scramble, he lost a shoe, which contained DNA that police used to identify him.
City of London Police forensics manager Andrew Walker explained, “The slipper fitted our Cinderella and we were able to bring him before the courts.”
The DNA from the trainer provided a perfect match in the national database, leading to Duarte’s eventual arrest.
Victim’s Perspective: Fear in the City
Brian De Clare described the terrifying incident and its lasting impact on him.
He had always felt safe walking in central London, but the robbery left him anxious whenever he returns.
“This incident and another theft of my wallet have not stopped me from visiting London, but it has made me nervous walking even on major streets,” he said.
De Clare urged visitors to the city to remain vigilant, particularly older people who may be targeted.
Dramatic CCTV Footage Shows Public Heroics
CCTV footage captured a quick-thinking pedestrian leaping into the street to intercept Duarte, who fell off his bike during the struggle.
While Duarte briefly escaped, he lost both his shoe and a rucksack containing face coverings and silver kitchen foil intended to block phone trackers.
The footage highlighted the courage of bystanders who refused to let him get away.
Court Details: Theft and Past Crimes
At Inner London Crown Court, Judge Freya Newberry condemned Duarte’s actions, noting the fear and shock they caused.
She described the theft as “dramatic and striking” and highlighted that dishonesty had been a recurring pattern in his life.
Duarte, from Saffron Walden, Essex, admitted theft and has a history of 29 previous offences, including a high-profile handbag gang raid in Chelsea in 2015.
The “Cinderella” Moniker and Forensic Breakthrough
The media dubbed Duarte the “Cinderella phone snatcher” after his lost trainer became the key to his capture.
Forensics experts obtained a full DNA profile from the shoe, which ultimately led to the match in the national database.
Police stressed that this case demonstrates the effectiveness of CCTV and forensic work combined with vigilant public intervention.
Duarte’s Explanation and Personal Struggles
During probation interviews, Duarte explained he owed £460 to a drug dealer due to a cannabis addiction and that theft had been a way to pay off debts.
He also described past gang involvement in Islington and admitted that London could “trigger” his offending behaviour.
His defence noted he had been unemployed due to arthritis from a 2021 motorcycle accident and faced Universal Credit sanctions at the time of the crime.
Police Message and Community Impact
Police Constable Jake Dean issued a warning to would-be criminals: “Do not come to the City and think you can steal from residents, workers, or visitors without paying the penalty.
Our targeted patrols, excellent police work, and extensive CCTV will mean you will be caught and brought to justice.”
With stolen phones in the city valued at £50 million annually, the case serves as a reminder of both the risks of street crime and the role everyday citizens can play in stopping it.