Rapist Jailed For Italian Tourist's Ordeal

A multiple rapist who held an Italian tourist for two weeks at a suburban house – forcing her to have sex with a string of mystery visitors – has been jailed for sixteen years.

Stefan Cardei, 37, (pic.top) of Kings Drive, Edgware, North London was renting the property and told the victim she had to provide sex in exchange for staying at the accommodation.

He fled after police were tipped-off by the woman’s worried family and a second suspect, 25 year-old Florentin Nechita (pic.bottom) is still on the run.

Cardei was convicted at Harrow Crown Court on five counts of rape and one of false imprisonment, committed in November, 2007.

Police received a call from a member of the victim’s family in Italy on November 27, 2007 reporting concerns for her welfare.



Officers attended the address and spoke to the victim, who was on holiday from Italy, through an interpreter.



She said that she had gone to stay at the property with her boyfriend and had then been held against her will, beaten and raped on numerous occasions over a two-week period.

Other men also attended the address and raped her.

Cardei was arrested on the same day in connection with the investigation and later bailed pending a charging decision from the Crown Prosecution Service.

He failed to attend the police station on his bail date and fled to Italy, returning to the UK and arrested again on February 13, this year.

Detective Constable Anthony Stanton of Sapphire said: “I am pleased that today’s sentence goes someway to getting justice for the victim who was held against her will and subjected to nightly attacks by Cardei as ‘payment’ for him giving her somewhere to live.



“The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to solving rape cases and is appealing for information about the whereabouts of Florentin Nechita who we are also keen to speak to as part of this investigation.” 



Anyone with information on Nechita’s whereabouts is asked to call Sapphire on 020 8733 3718 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Glamour Girl's Gas Gun Shame

An actress and model caught with a loaded gun when police suddenly raided the suburban home she shares with her fiancé dodged prison today, but sobbed as her drug-dealing partner was sent down.

Blonde Suzy Deakin, 33, who has an online portfolio of glamorous shots and appeared in Brit horror flick The Stone, had a lethal Russian-made tear gas gun converted to fire live rounds.

She pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to unlawfully possessing the firearm, plus five rounds of live ammunition, and was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Deakin, of Cheam Close, Tadworth, Surrey was arrested on May 13, 2009 with 40 year-old Graeme Dean, who received five years.

He was convicted of possessing the firearm with intent; possessing 2.6 gms of cocaine and 89.7 gms of GHB, with intent to supply; possessing cannabis and veterinary drug ketamine - dubbed by users as Special-K.

Police armed with a search warrant found the firearm stuffed inside a sock, which was wrapped in a black bin liner and inside a computer bag placed at the bottom of a spare bedroom cupboard.

Deakin tried to convinced a jury her fiancé - a partner in bar/club Indigo, Seaside Road, Eastbourne at the time of the arrests - knew nothing about the gun, but this was rejected.

"A loaded gun is worse than an unloaded gun," Judge Tim Stow QC told the defendants, both first-time offenders.

"Possession of a loaded firearm is regarded extremely seriously by parliament and the courts. It gives the potential for serious injury and death.

"This was potentially a very serious weapon. It would not have taken that long to get hold of if someone wanted to use it."

The judge told Dean: "It is a possibility you supplied the odd customer at the club."

Deakin also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and received a one month concurrent sentence and no further penalty for admitting possessing a small amount of cannabis.

"I Hope You Die Of Cancer" Dodgy 'Vet' Tells DEFRA Investigators

A notorious fake vet who continued illegally dealing in illicit animal medicines after his release from prison for an identical scam has been jailed for twelve months.

Leonard 'Ginger' French, 73, of Tall Trees, Station Road, Langworth, Lincolnshire - who has changed his name by deed poll to Lee Wilson - unlawfully distributed at least £50,000 worth of the smuggled drugs.

"You are such a persistent breaker of the law I have no option, but to impose an immediate custodial sentence," Croydon Crown Court Judge Nicholas Ainley told him.

French pleaded guilty to six charges of unlawfully importing unauthorised veterinary medicines; six counts of supplying them and four counts of possessing them on various dates between July 16 2008 and February 22 this year.

He was prosecuted by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) after he was linked to a French-based £6m veterinary medicine scam - Europe's biggest-ever.

That was run by disgraced Ronald Meddes, 73, and Regine Lansley, 62, who French acted as a UK agent for - collecting a 10% commission - as well as selling black market veterinary medicines he bought from them in his own right.

"You were an important cog in the Meddes machine, an important and persistent agent," Judge Ainley told him.

"The fact you were sent to prison does not appear to have stopped you pursuing this illegal trade as soon as you left, knowing the Meddes empire was criminal."

Four years ago French was jailed after a BBC undercover reporter proved he was illegally treating pets and administering illegal drugs - pocketing £170,000 from dog owners, companies and hunts.

He continued illegally supplying while on bail for those offences and after his release from a twelve month sentence - describing the drugs as 'sweets' in e-mails with Meddes.

French sold to farms, stables, kennels, hunts, shoots and veterinary practices and the medicines supplied included anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, tranquillisers, antibiotics, sedatives, painkillers and other miscellaneous products administered to horses, household pets and farm animals.

He was also well-known for selling out of the boot of his car at horse fairs around the country.

He was arrested for possessing illegal medicines in May, 2009 and February, this year - when he kicked the arresting police officer in the groin.

French's lawyer Mr. Ravi Dogra told the court: "He continues to see little wrong in his behaviour despite the convictions. He says he has given his life to animals and will never stop doing that.

"There does not appear to be any evidence of harm, but there is a risk in the unregulated way he was selling these products.

"They were not counterfeit, but manufactured by companies with a positive reputation."

French, who staggered around the dock on a pair of crutches throughout the fifty-minute hearing told DEFRA investigators after he was sentenced: "You bastards. I hope you die of cancer."

B.O.B Squad Nick Trio In Murder Hunt

Police investigating the fatal shooting of a man in South-East London – gunned down in his car – arrested and quizzed three suspects today.

Operation Trident – which investigates black-on-black crime in the capital – took the men aged 28, 34 and 27 into custody and bailed them until November pending further enquiries.

Genson Courtney, 23, (pictured) was shot in Banning Street, Greenwich at 10:50pm on July 3 as he sat in a black VW Golf.

He was rushed by ambulance to hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:43am.

A post-mortem examination at Greenwich Mortuary on Monday, July 4 gave the cause of death as a gunshot wounds to the head.

An incident room was opened under Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gower from Trident.

DCI Gower said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact the police.

“I would like to reassure anyone concerned about contacting the police that Trident has great expertise in protecting witnesses and there are a huge variety of measures that can be put in place to protect you.”

Anyone with any information should call the incident room on 020 8733 4211 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Busy B.O.B. Squad Probe Another Shooting

Operation Trident police are still appealing for witnesses to come forward to help solve the violent murder of a South London teenager – shot dead on a notorious estate.

Nana Darko-Frempong, 18, (pictured) was shot outside Purser House, Tulse Hill just after 11:00pm on June 6.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and a post mortem examination gave the cause of death as two gunshot wounds.



Witnesses have told police they heard several gunshots and a vehicle leaving the scene. 



Detective Inspector Matt Gosling said: “This was a brutal murder of an innocent young man who had a bright future.

“Arrests have been made and our enquiries are progressing.

“However, I believe there are people within the local community who may hold vital information and I would urge them to come forward to help us achieve justice for Nana’s family.

“We understand the fear of witnesses in contacting police but Trident has extensive experience in witness protection and anonymity and have used these measures successfully on many occasions.”

Operation Trident investigates violent black-on-black crime in the capital.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8247 4554 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

On August 25 a 26 year-old man and a woman aged 22 were arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed to return in mid November, pending further inquiries.

Twelve Years For Teenager Who Stabbed Cop

A teen who stabbed a plain-clothes policeman during a seemingly routine stop-and-search in Croydon has been locked-up for at least 12 years.

Alastair Gregson, 18 of Whitefield Avenue, Purley pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on Constable Nigel Albuery, 34, in Bute Road, Waddon on May 19.

He was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence for public protection of ten years – plus two years for assaulting an 18 year-old girl five days earlier.

At 9:45pm officers from Broad Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team stopped a group of teens and one of them – Gregson – stabbed the officer four times and fled.

He was arrested the next day. No charges were brought against the three youths with him.

Croydon Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts said: “This was a completely unprovoked and savage attack on an officer conducting routine stop and search.

“Gregson clearly had no regard for PC Albuery’s life when he made the decision to stab him, not once but four times.

“The sentence Gregson received today will see him locked up behind bars for a long time which is where he belongs.”

PC Nigel Albuery said: “My life was turned upside down by the un-provoked actions of Mr Gregson when he tried to end my life.



“I joined the police service in 2004 and started to learn my job. My confidence grew and I became a competent, reliable and good officer.

“I enjoyed my job and looked forward to coming to work. I made plans for my future career and also plans with my family.

“At approximately 21:45 hours that night it all changed. 



“I was stabbed four times and it has destroyed my confidence and upset all those plans.

“Due to the injuries received I had to spend several nights in hospital many miles away from my family in incredible pain and I also had to have nine weeks off work to recover.

“The time in hospital for me was quite stressful and very upsetting for my family.

“On my time off I was unable to do simple tasks like housework or washing up as I could not stand up for too long.

“Still now I suffer pain in my back if I am standing for long periods of time.

“The prognosis is a haematoma in the back which will take several months to disperse and will cause me pain.

“I have also suffered scars that will be a constant reminder to me and my family of what happened that night.”

Road-Rage Woman's Leg-Break Threat

A wealthy Porsche-driving businesswoman repeatedly kicked a chauffeur during a violent 'road rage' row while screaming: "I'm gonna break your fucking legs if you don't get out of my car."

The chauffeur suspected Maria Lemos, 40 - the director of a furniture design company - was drunk when her £55,000 4x4 Cayenne bumped into the rear of his E-class Mercedes.

Lemos, of Bryanston Court, George Street, Marble Arch - where an apartment is currently on sale for £2.5m - was convicted of assaulting Kenneth Oakley,50, in Chelsea Bridge Road on November 7, last year.

Mr. Oakley told City of London Magistrates' Court he approached the defendant after their vehicles made contact at traffic lights.

"I did smell what I believed to be alcohol coming from the car and the lady. Her eyes were glazed and her speech was slurred."

Lemos (pictured) got out of her Porsche and after dismissing Mr. Oakley's claims of contact tried to drive off.

"Then it all got a bit horrible," the chauffeur told the court. "I stood in front of her door to stop her and she pulled the door forcibly, slamming it into my arm.

"A lot of abusive language started to come out and I was also kicked twice. There was enough force to make me wince."

Meanwhile, the defendant, who had been planning to collect her children, was on the phone to her businessman husband George Lemos with a running commentary of the incident.

"Because of the pain I moved back," said Mr. Oakley. "She started driving and I got out of the way, not wanting to be run over."

Lemos was arrested at the family home that night and charged on January 10, maintaining her innocence throughout.

She told the court she feared being the victim of a potential car-jacking, describing Mr. Oakley as: "Angry, forceful and aggressive."

Denying she had been drinking Lemos said: "He was pissed off and I was scared and just had to get out of there. I was just trying to escape."

She admitted kicking out at the victim, but insisted it was in self defence.

"I heard these stories growing up. They try to get into your car."

Lemos was fined £600, with £300 costs and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr. Oakley. She will also pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Child Porn Addict Caught By Police

An online paedophile, who got his kicks from watching the hardest category of child porn, dodged jail on Friday for his “utterly obnoxious” collection.

Angelo Francis, 46, of Westcott Close, New Addington was arrested after a surprise police raid at his home – identified via his computer’s IP address.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to twenty-five sample counts of possessing indecent images, which included 10 movies at the highest level and 181 at the next highest.

The worst movies – which had been downloaded by Francis – involved sex acts, which included animals.

Police executed a search warrant at the address on October 5, last year and seized the defendant’s computer and a laptop.

Francis (pictured) immediately admitted he downloaded the obscene material and co-operated with police throughout, claiming the raid was the best thing that could have happened to him.

He described the movies and still images as “repulsive and sickening.”

The Recorder of Croydon Warwick McKinnon announced: “If he is sent to prison he simply will not get any proper treatment to turn him around. He will turn out worse than when he moved in.”

Francis was sentenced to a three-year community order with a requirement to attend a community sex offenders work group programme.

“Pornographic and sexual abuse of children was found on your computer, plus bestiality,” the judge told the defendant.

“These are extremely serious offences. To say they are distasteful is an understatement, they are utterly obnoxious to all right-minded people.

“Some would say you would richly deserve to go to prison today.”

A five-year Sexual Offenders’ Prevention Order was made prohibiting Francis to use the internet, except for a lawful purpose and he will sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.”

Race-Hate Arson Attack On Hunger-Striking Asylum Seekers Tent

Iraqi asylum-seeker protesters on hunger-strike outside a Home Office building are: "Guests in this country exercising their right to protest," a Crown Court Recorder told a racist who tried to burn down their tent.

The four men - refused leave to remain in the UK - were three weeks into a demonstration outside Lunar House, Croydon when they were abused and their tent set ablaze.

Jobless Peter Sapwell, 35, of Lansdowne Road, Croydon pleaded guilty to attempted arson and racially aggravated threatening behaviour and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

Mehran Meyari, 20, his brother Mahyar, 17, Keyvan Behari, 30 - whose lips were sown shut - and a fourth asylum-seeker are determined to stay in the UK despite their applications being refused.

"Four people were exercising their democratic right by taking part in a hunger-strike outside a Home Office building," Recorder Cairns Nelson QC told Sapwell.

"They are entitled to the protection of the law when involved in lawful protest."

Prosecutor Mr. Julius Capon told Croydon Crown Court Sapwell (pictured) abused the asylum-seekers on April 21 then returned the next day at 10.30am.

"He was very hostile and made various abusive remarks. He said: 'You fucking foreigners, the country is full of you. I don't have any human rights.'

"He used his cigarette lighter to set alight the support rope on the tent.

"The victims felt there were racial undertones and were upset by what was undoubtedly an unpleasant experience," added Mr. Capon.

Sapwell also tore up one of the signs the group had to bring attention to their hunger strike.

Police were called and Sapwell told officers: "I only went back to the tent for a bit of banter."

Sapwell will also have to complete 150 hours community service.

After the attack Mehran vowed: "We were shocked and scared by what happened, but it is not the first time.

"Since we came here people have thrown glass bottles at us and shouted from their cars.

"None of this matters. We are here until someone takes responsibility, until someone listens."

Twins Bring Double-Trouble In Boozy Bar Brawl

A pair of identical twins both battered a fellow bar customer who was bitten in the face and thrown into the road after they branded him a “nuisance” for pestering girls in their group.

The victim was left with a bite mark near his eye, a perforated eardrum and bruising and swelling around his head following the attack outside Be At One, Putney High Street.

Head chef Frazer Wood, 28, and his brother Christopher Wood, 28, both of Hayward Gardens, Putney were thrown out of the trendy venue (pictured) with the victim just after midnight on September 4, last year.

Frazer pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to assaulting Brendan Perivolaris, causing him actual bodily harm, and Christopher admitted the lesser charge of common assault.

Prosecutor Miss Jennifer Newcomb told the court the brothers became “angry” in the bar and were ejected along with Mr. Perivolaris, who they were arguing with.

“Outside the victim was punched to the back of the head and a fight ensued and he does remember being bitten in the face.”

Neither twin took responsibility for inflicting the bite.

“They were clearly the aggressors and were seen both punching the victim,” added Miss Newcomb.

“Frazer was pulled away twice, but returned to the victim and punched him in the face with a clenched fist.

“He was pulled away again, but returned, flinging Mr. Perivolaris into the main road, landing face first.”

Frazer was arrested on the spot when police arrived and Christopher arrested a month later.

The first-time offenders claim they were initially acting in self-defence, but admit this became excessive.

The Wood’s accuse the victim of being a “nuisance” in another local bar towards girls in their group hours earlier and continuing the behaviour in Be At One.

Judge Nicholas Jones told the twins: “You have both lost your good character.

“You and another man were evicted in the late evening early hours of a Saturday night in an incident that involved some degree of provocation.

“You went over the top and used excessive force and this was aggravated by the two of you being involved.”

Frazer was sentenced to a twelve-month community order with 180 hours community service and was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the victim.

Christopher was fined £350 and also ordered to pay £150 compensation.

S.M.N Celeb Spot: No. 1 - Jane Asher

Spotted at Kingston Railway Station in South-West London yesterday was celebrated actress turned cake entrepreneur Jane Asher.

While Square Mile News normally concentrates on covering the courts we could not turn down the chance of some paparazzi-style news.

The former squeeze of Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and all-around 60's It Girl was just a face in the crowd of sombre commuters as she sat waiting for the 4:oopm service to Clapham Junction.

Jane, 65, may have been on her way to her cake shop in upmarket Chelsea, which has proved to be as successful as her acting career.

She has also penned three novels and and published more than a dozen lifestyle, costuming and cake decorating books.

But never mind that. All we want to know is: "What's in your carrier bag Jane?"

'Bus Baby Buggy Rage' Man Cleared

A man accused of a 'bus baby buggy rage' attack on disabled mum as they travelled on a crowded double-decker burst into tears as he was cleared by a jury today.

Electrician Wayne McCatty, 34, of Stroud Crescent, Putney (pic.bottom) tried to force a buggy carrying a small child into a tiny space and admits punching the mother and her husband in self-defence when a row broke out.

Nova Whiting-Willet, 36,(pic.top) received injuries on the packed number 85 double-decker while travelling with her three year-old daughter and husband Anders, 32(pic.top) in Kingston, South-West London on September 19, last year.

The Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury found McCatty not guilty of assaulting Mrs Whiting-Willet, causing her actual bodily harm, and assaulting her husband.

The defendant claimed he was abused and was forced to protect himself when Mrs Whiting-Willet told her husband: "Just hit him."

McCatty admitted he was the man captured on the bus's CCTV when giving himself up to police three months later after a media appeal.

He had boarded the Kingston to Roehampton service with his partner, her seven year-old child and younger child in the buggy at 1.45pm that Sunday afternoon.

Mrs Whiting-Willet admitted lashing out, but insisted it was only after the defendant grabbed her. "It was not hard and it was only once," she told the court.

McCatty told officers he "decked" Mr Whiting-Willet, but this was only after Nova ordered her husband to hit him.

The defendant was not legally aided and was awarded legal costs from central funds.

The jury returned majority verdicts on both counts.

Russian Celebration: Did CCTV Capture A Wanted Rapist?

Police hunting a rapist, who attacked a 22 year-old woman after giving her and her friends a lift from an East London nightclub in the early hours, wish to identify this suspect.

The victim and her three pals got into a BMW outside the club in Barking Road, East Ham on November 21, last year and she was attacked in a wooded area after they were dropped off.

The suspect parked in Romford, Essex and subjected the woman to a 45-minute ordeal on the back seat – punching her in the chest when she struggled – then dropped her off at a bus stop in Victoria Road.

He is described as Lithuanian and spoke Russian throughout the incident.

He is white, aged 25-30, around 6 feet tall, with dark brown shortish hair, blue eyes - the left one permanently half-closed, a large nose, clean-shaven and slim.

He wore a cream cardigan with dark brown wooden buttons down the front and white jeans. He may be called Darius.



The BMW is described as blue or black.



Despite extensive enquiries, detectives have been unable to trace the suspect but he is believed to have been captured on CCTV at a Russian celebration in Trafalgar Square on Sunday March 6.



Anyone with information about the suspect or who recognises him is asked to please contact Sapphire on 01708 779 685 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.