Tuesday 31 January 2012

Cypriot Rapist Caged For Alleyway Attack


A masked knife-wielding rapist, who pounced on a lone woman in an alleyway behind his house, will be locked-up for a minimum of six years and deported to his native Cyprus.

The 31 year-old victim had just got off a bus from work and was walking home behind houses in Tranmere Road, Holloway on November 10, last year.

Aliriza Cezmi, 19, of Tranmere Road (pictured) was disguised with a bandana and forced the terrified woman into a nearby garage, where she was repeatedly raped.

He pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to four counts of rape and one of possessing an offensive weapon and received an indeterminate sentence for public protection.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detectives quickly identified the scene and with the help of the public Cezmi was arrested at midnight the same day.

Detective Constable Simon Chapman of the Sapphire Command said: “This was a most callous and violent attack on a vulnerable female.

“I hope knowing that her attacker is now behind bars will go some way towards allowing the victim to come to terms with what has happened to her and allow her to go on to have a fulfilling future.



“We encourage victims of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to police as soon as possible.

“Every single allegation will be investigated professionally and effectively in a victim centred way.

“If there are further victims of Cezmi out there we would encourage them to come forward and speak with us, or attend a Haven.”

Monday 30 January 2012

Cab Passenger Left Driver Brain-Damaged By Single Punch


A teenage thug, who left a mini-cab driver brain-damaged after punching him to the ground in West London, has been remanded in custody until he is sentenced next month.

Anthony Panayi, 18, of Eastcote Road, Ruislip attacked 40 year-old father-of-two Muhsin Akhtar after the cabbie ordered the defendant and his four friends out of the car.

He had collected the group outside ‘Fabric’ nightclub, Farringdon at 3:00am on March 18, last year.

In Bridgewater Road, Ruislip Mr. Akhtar stopped the vehicle and told the group to get out, but one of them threw his sat nav into a nearby park.

Panayi punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and suffer very serious brain injuries.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of wounding, causing grievous bodily harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “This case should serve as a reminder that if you chose to use your fists to settle a disagreement, the consequences are potentially life-changing for both the victim and the person who throws the punch.

“The MPS will do everything in its power to catch those who use violence on our streets and bring them before the courts to face justice.”


After Panayi threw the punch a female motorist spotted two men standing over the injured man, who ran away when she shouted at them.

A wallet left at the scene identified a possible suspect five teenagers were quickly arrested at an address nearby.



Charges against his four friends were dropped in May.

They are: Conor Graham Swift, 19, of Park Crescent, Harrow; George Simon Lynes, 19, of Larne Road, Ruislip; Christopher Boyce, 18 of Victoria Road, Ruislip and Ross Michael Bailey, 19, of Victoria Road, Ruislip.

Sunday 29 January 2012

Fatal Mugging: Police Continue Hunt For Killers


Police hunting the cowardly killers of an 81 year-old pensioner three years ago – mugged in the street for her handbag – have renewed appeals for information.

A £20,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for inflicting fatal injuries on Molly Morgan (pictured) in Streatfield Road, Harrow at 7:40pm on January 15, 2009.

Detectives have handed out leaflets and spoken to locals in the area.

She had walked a mile from her home to attend a lecture at Kenton Library about ‘Buildings in London’ when she was attacked.

She fell to the ground as her handbag was pulled and sustained a broken left arm and multiple fractures to the left side of her face.

She was rushed to Northwick Park Hospital where her condition deteriorated and she died the next day from a subdural haematoma. 



Her brown leather-effect shoulder bag, which was snatched, contained an empty Sainsbury's carrier bag, an electrical extension lead and a brown and gold 'Primark' umbrella. 



The extension lead and handbag were seen in Northwick Avenue, Kenton near the junction with Rushout Avenue, at 9:00pm on the night of the attack.

Witnesses saw two men/youths running along Streatfield Road towards Kenton Library immediately after the attack on Mrs Morgan. 



A man wearing grey jogging bottoms was seen walking ahead of Mrs Morgan in Streatfield Road and we still need to trace this man.



Detective Chief Inspector Jessica Wadsworth, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “The murder of Mrs Morgan does not get any less emotive despite the passage of time.

“She was a lady who had contributed much to society and was killed for essentially an empty handbag.

“We continue to investigate all new leads in order to bring the offender to justice.

“I would particularly urge anyone who has so far been reluctant to approach police with information to now come forward.

“There is a reward available as we continue to try and bring some form of closure to Mrs Morgan's family.” 



Hilary Underwood, Mrs Morgan’s daughter, said: “Three years after the death of my mother I am still struggling to come to terms with her tragic loss.

“Christmas is particularly hard for me to bear. It is such an important time for families.

“The anniversary of her death follows so soon after. It is hard to find peace when whoever killed her has not been found.

“The police continue to investigate my mother’s death and I appeal to anyone who may have any information that could identify my mother’s killer or assist the enquiry to contact police.” 



Anyone who has recovered or seen the handbag and its outstanding contents - or saw the two men/youths running along Streatfield Road or the man in the grey jogging bottoms - is asked to speak to police. 



Anyone who can assist should call the Incident Room on 020 8358 0300 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Saturday 28 January 2012

Cops Seize £100K Worth Of Nicked Kegs


Police in North London have seized 1000 stolen beer kegs worth over £100,000 after raids at two separate addresses.

Two suspects were arrested and bailed following the investigation involving ‘Kegwatch’ – a brewery industry initiative aimed at preventing the theft of kegs, casks and gas cylinders.

Police raided properties in South Tottenham and Edmonton on January 13 in simultaneous noon operations and arrested a male, aged 19, and an 18 year-old female on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

The beer kegs (pictured) were stored in shipping containers at both addresses.

Officers from Haringey Borough have been working closely with local public houses and Kegwatch to prevent keg thefts. 



Each individual beer keg is worth between approximately £75 and £165.



Detective Inspector Steven Dryden of Haringey CID said: “In the last ten years, the price of metal has soared 400%.

“It's a valuable commodity that makes it an attractive prospect to thieves.



“Thieves and unscrupulous dealers will find industries are not prepared to suffer any further, and police in Haringey will not hesitate to take action against anyone who is found to be involved in this form of criminality on the borough.”



Security Director of Kegwatch, David Belcher, said: “Stainless steel beer kegs are used in pubs and clubs across the country.

“Stolen kegs are often disposed of illegally through illicit outlets and scrapyards.

“We work hard with police forces up and down the country to stop this from happening and as a result we have had many successful prosecutions. 



“Today was the result of a coordinated, pre-planned operation between police in Haringey and Kegwatch. We really appreciate the work the police have done for the brewery industry today.”

Friday 27 January 2012

Smiley Culture's £400K Cocaine Gang Facing Grim Sentences


Two fellow-conspirators of deceased eighties pop star Smiley Culture - who stabbed himself to death during a police drugs raid - have been convicted of a £400,000 cocaine supply plot.


The star - real name David Emmanuel, 48, - masterminded the conspiracy from his gated Surrey mansion, where undercover police watched accomplices collect the drugs.


Emmanuel, (pic.top) who had hits with 'Police Officer' and 'Cockney Translation' was charged and on bail when he stabbed himself through the heart on March 15, last year during a separate 7am police raid at the property.


Today Lloyd McCalla, 51, (pic.2nd top) of Temple Avenue, Dagenham and 27 year-old Carlene Wilson, (pic.3rd top) of Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford were found guilty of conspiring with Mr. Emanuel and Lloyd's son Ryan, 30, to supply cocaine between June 30 and July 2, 2010.


During the Croydon Crown Court trial jurors were told Emmanuel funded an all expenses paid trip to Barbados for five drug mules, arrested at Grantley Adams Airport, with nearly 30kg of cocaine.


He had flown to the island with them and was booked on the same return flight on February 27, 2010. Four of the women, all British, were later convicted of drugs offences.


One of them told police Emmanuel had funded four previous similar cocaine-smuggling trips and police were investigating this allegation when he killed himself.


Prosecutor Mr. Tom Little told the jury: "This involves a well organised drugs conspiracy to supply a kilo of cocaine, involving at least four individuals.


"David Emanuel was the main organiser of the conspiracy and needed these drugs distributed and that is where the McCalla family come in."


On July 2, 2010 undercover police from the Met's Central Task Force were staking out Mr. Emanuel's home in Hillbury Road, Warlingham when Lloyd and Ryan, (pic.bottom) who pleaded guilty to the charge, arrived at 7.45pm.


"It must have been at this point the drugs were handed over by Mr. Emanuel to the McCalla's and taken out by Ryan," Mr. Little told the jury.


"Ryan walked with a bag containing the cocaine to a taxi, where Wilson was waiting and she was given the drugs and the taxi drove off.


"The McCalla's followed behind and the taxi was stopped by police and the drugs were found in the bag between the feet of Wilson."


When analysed the drugs were found to be 77% pure cocaine.


The three defendants will be sentenced on February 10 and Judge Heather Baucher announced: "I want to make it clear this is a very serious offence, it was a massive quantity of drugs.


"A custodial sentence is inevitable in this matter."

Thursday 26 January 2012

Who'd Be a Bus Driver, Eh?


Police hunting two late-night bus passengers, who dragged the driver from his cab and repeatedly punched and kicked him to the head and body, have released these CCTV images of the suspects.

Officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit are appealing for anybody who recognises them to come forward.

The brutal assault occurred at half-past-midnight on November 20, last year on a route 121 bus travelling along Windmill Hill, Enfield, North London.

The male bus driver was dragged from his cab by the two suspects and subjected to a sustained attack of kicking and punching to the head and body. 



He was taken by ambulance to Chase Farm Hospital where he was treated and later discharged. 



Suspect 1 is described as a white man, with brown hair wearing a light coloured hooded top with a green body warmer. 


Suspect 2 is described as a white man with short fair hair wearing a light coloured hooded top with a dark jacket.



Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Paul Brown leading the investigation for the Workplace Violence Unit on 020 3054 5400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Bus Robbery: Do You Know These Scumbags?


Two cocky bus muggers, who robbed a fellow-passenger on the top deck of a packed bus in Aldgate last summer, are being hunted by City of London Police.

This CCTV image of the pair boarding the number 25 bus on July 16 has been released in the hope they will be identified and brought to justice.

The sleeping victim, who was sitting in front of the suspects, woke as his pockets were been rifled at 5:40am as the bus travelled along St. Botolph Street and was repeatedly punched when he woke up.

No other passengers assisted and the robbers sat grinning in their seat after snatching the victim’s wallet.

They are described as black, in their twenties and wearing distinctive brightly-coloured clothing at the time of the robbery.

One man was wearing a blue and green jacket and the other, a red and white baseball style jacket and matching cap.

Following the robbery, the two men got off the bus on St. Botolph Street and items from the victim’s wallet were later found at Stratford train station.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact City of London Police CID on 020 7601 2670 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Passenger Wanted For Violent Bus Stop Row


A vicious bus passenger, who punched the driver when not left off at his stop, is being hunted by police who have released this CCTV image of the suspect.

On September 12 last year a number 78 bus was travelling along St. Mary’s Road, Peckham, South London at 5pm when a passenger became abusive after discovering his stop was out of service.

He got off at the next stop, but rounded the bus to the driver’s side and punched him in the face and fled.

The driver received a cut to his nose and was treated at the scene by an ambulance crew.

The suspect is being hunted by police officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit.

The suspect is described as black, with short dark hair, wearing a dark T-shirt and holding a light coloured jumper. 



Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Andy Barnard leading the investigation for the Workplace Violence Unit on 020 3054 5406 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Monday 23 January 2012

Neighbours-From-Hell Sentenced


Three residents involved in a boozy brawl on a Beckenham council estate, which saw a knifeman battered to the ground and kicked in the head, have all dodged jail.

Police were met with a chaotic scene involving a huge mob "shouting, swearing, crying and screaming" at Clifford House, Southend Road, Croydon Crown Court was told.

Alvin Smith, 27, pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour on March 13 and was fined £500, with £250 costs.

Chloe Hodgson, 21, admitted the same charge and was given a twelve-month community order and must complete 100 hours community service.

Her boyfriend, jobless 22 year-old Andre Thomas pleaded guilty to assaulting Smith and was fined £90.

The court heard most of the participants in the disturbance had been drinking all day and tempers flared over a camera somebody had lost.

Smith emerged from a flat armed with a knife, inflicting minor injuries on the couple.

Hodgson then went to a flat on another floor and returned with an object, which she bashed Smith over the head with, inflicting a wound requiring five staples.

Thomas then jumped in and kicked and punched Thomas as he lay in a pool of blood.

Judge Simon Pratt told the defendants: "This was a nasty little incident and what went on reflects badly on all of you."


Sunday 22 January 2012

HIV-Positive Caribbean Cocaine Smuggler Jailed


A HIV-positive mother-of-three, caught at Gatwick Airport with nearly £100,000 worth of cocaine after stepping off a flight from the Caribbean, has been jailed for five years.

Trinidad-born Dona Latchman, 34, had 1,000 gms of 66% pure cocaine and $630 U.S. on her when arrested.

She has been in custody since her arrest almost three months ago and deportation papers have been served.

Her lawyer told Croydon Crown Court last week: "She got into financial difficulties when her husband died eight years ago of a HIV-related illness.

"When she discovered she was HIV-positive she lost her job at a restaurant and drifted into prostitution."

An ex-boyfriend asked Latchman to smuggle the cocaine.

She also has malaria, suspected womb cancer and her sixteen year-old daughter is pregnant.

Judge Nicholas Ainley told the defendant: "I accept it was financial desperation that drove you to do what you did."

Saturday 21 January 2012

"Isolated" Paedophile Downloaded Child Porn While Caring For Mum


A paedophile, caught with over 10,000 sickening child porn images on his computer when police raided his Wallington flat, has dodged prison with a suspended sentence.

Kelly Ware, 39, of Marlesford Court, Rectory Lane was tracked online via a Luxembourg-based internet server, which hosted chats between paedophiles.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) to seven counts of possessing a total of 10,214 indecent images and yesterday was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Prosecutor Miss Shahnaz Ahmed told the court police began investigating potential users of the Luxembourg server in April 2009 and executed a search warrant at Ware’s flat on June 21, last year.

“He admitted immediately he had been viewing indecent images of children on his computer,” said the prosecutor and when arrested Ware simply replied: “I understand.”

On his computer hard drive officers found indecent pictures and movies of children engaged in sexual activity.

He was bailed and later charged at Sutton police station on September 21.

The court heard Ware – the sole carer of his elderly mother – felt “isolated socially and geographically” and his adult porn viewing “degenerated” into watching underage pornography.

Recorder Alexander Milne QC told Ware: “This will be the only chance you will be given. The one opportunity you will have to get a grip on your life.”

Ware was also placed under two years supervision, made subject to a Sexual Offenders Prevention Order and all seized computer equipment will be destroyed.

Friday 20 January 2012

Gardening Van Joyrider Hosed By Judge


A joyrider, who jumped into a gardening crew’s van as they tended a roundabout and mounted the kerb and jumped red lights as he tried to evade police, was jailed for six months today and banned from the roads.

Gavin Stewart, 28, of Holmesdale Road, Selhurst pleaded guilty to taking and driving away the Iveco van on May 18, last year and driving dangerously in Shirley Road (pictured) and Elmers End Road.

Prosecutor Mr. Julius Capon told the Croydon Crown Court it was 9:20am when Stewart suddenly jumped into the vehicle as the gardening crew worked on the Shirley Road roundabout.

“The police were called and a few minutes later approached the van, but the defendant drove off and there was a slow-speed pursuit.

“The van mounted the kerb and then went on the wrong side of the road and on the right side of a keep-left bollard,” explained Mr. Capon. “The van also went through red lights before the police eventually stopped Stewart.

“He accepted he was caught red-handed in the van and said it was a spur of the moment act of stupidity.”

Stewart was charged, but jumped bail and spent Christmas in custody after magistrates jailed him for fourteen days.

Judge Simon Pratt sentenced him to six months for dangerous driving, plus two months concurrent for taking and driving away.

Stewart was fined £500 with the alternative of five days served for driving without insurance and was disqualified from driving for twelve months.

“There was clearly danger caused to the public and it remains good fortune nobody was injured or that there was no damage to property,” the Judge told him.

Thursday 19 January 2012

Pop Star In Police Raid Suicide Dealt Cocaine, Jury Told


Deceased eighties pop star 'Smiley Culture' masterminded a £400,000 cocaine supply plot from his gated Surrey mansion, the trial of his alleged conspirators was told this week.


The singer, 48 (pictured) - whose real name was David Emanuel - was charged and on bail when he stabbed himself through the heart on March 15, last year during a separate 7am police drugs raid at the property.


Lloyd McCalla, 51, of Temple Avenue, Dagenham and 27 year-old Carlene Wilson, of no fixed abode, have both pleaded not guilty to conspiring with Mr. Emanuel and Lloyd's son Ryan, 30, to supply cocaine between June 30 and July 2, 2010.


Prosecutor Mr. Tom Little told Croydon Crown Court: "This involves a well organised drugs conspiracy to supply a kilo of cocaine, involving at least four individuals.


"David Emanuel was the main organiser of the conspiracy and needed these drugs distributed and that is where the McCalla family come in."


However, the jury were told they would not need to consider a verdict in relation to Mr. Emanuel.


"Police attended his home again on March fifteen last year in relation to a different drugs conspiracy and Mr. Emanuel stabbed himself and died. He committed suicide."


On July 2, 2010 undercover police were staking out Mr. Emanuel's home in Hillbury Road, Warlingham when Lloyd and Ryan, who has pleaded guilty to the charge, arrived at 7.45pm.


"It must have been at this point the drugs were handed over by Mr. Emanuel to the McCalla's and taken out by Ryan," Mr. Little told the jury.


"Ryan walked with a bag containing the cocaine to a taxi, where Wilson was waiting and she was given the drugs and the taxi drove off.


"The McCalla's followed behind and the taxi was stopped by police and the drugs were found in the bag between the feet of Wilson."


When analysed the drugs were found to be 77% pure cocaine.


The trial is expected to last two weeks...........

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Hug Snub Wife Jailed For Trying To Kill Forgiving Hubby


An angry wife, who tried to smother her sleeping husband to death with a pillow after he refused to give her a hug, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.


Linda McQuade, 53, told police: "I wanted to get rid of him. I had enough of him. I was not going to stop."


The first-time offender pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Steve McQuade, 54, at the one-bedroom flat they shared above their shop in Clarence Road, Grays, Essex on March 20, last year.


Remarkably, the couple have patched things up and Mr. McQuade has made regular weekly visits to Holloway Prison, where his wife has been held on remand since she tried to kill him.


Prosecutor Mr. Julius Capon told Croydon Crown Court (pictured) Mr. McQuade snubbed his wife's request to lie down with her and give her a hug and she told him: "You don't love me anymore."


Instead he napped alone and the defendant pounced.


"He woke up gasping for air and his wife was standing next to him with a pillow in her hand," explained Mr. Capon. "She said: 'I will fucking kill you'."


Mr. McQuade tried to dial 999, but his wife completed the call for him and allowed the police in.


"She told the officers she had tried to murder her husband," added the prosecutor.


Mr. McQuade told the police: "I still feel a bit shocked and shaken, but I think it was out of character for Linda and I want her to get help."


Mr. Capon added: "He withdrew his statement and has not supported this prosecution.


"His view is that Linda is still his wife and it is his wish she returns to be with him."


Her lawyer Mr. Andrew Hope said: "She has a long history of depression and she taken overdoses in the past.


"She has also taken herself off for a few weeks at a time to sort herself out, get well, and return.


"Another way she has dealt with depression is to drink alcohol and to drink heavily, two to three bottles of wine a day plus vodka.


"He was spending a lot of time in the pub and she was left feeling lonely and isolated.


"She wanted a hug and on that particular day he did not reciprocate and the defendant struggles to recall what happened during the rest of the day," explained Mr. Hope.


"This is an offence committed on the spur of the moment and she is deeply remorseful and regretful."


Judge Christopher Mitchell told McQuade: "You were under the influence of alcohol when you came to smother your husband and everything was a blur.


"His attitude has been one of utmost support and he did not want you prosecuted.


"It was a spontaneous attempt to kill."