Solicitor Wins Appeal Against Road Rage School Run Assault

Not Guilty: John McLarney

A solicitor convicted of a road-rage assault on a school run mum won his appeal and the return of his good character today.

John McLarney, 64 - a partner with 100 year-old Dodd Lewis Solicitors - had been accused of dragging the complainant alongside his car during a screaming row.

He had been ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag to enforce a three-month night-time curfew after his conviction. 

The three children in the back seat, aged eleven, eight and six years-old, screamed in terror during the heated confrontation.

McLarney, of The Landway, Kemsing, Sevenoaks denied, but was convicted of assaulting Lyndsey Gunning near St. Olave's Preparatory School in Southwood Road, Eltham on March 13, last year.

Jane Green & Lyndsey Gunning

He was also convicted of driving his blue Vauxhall Astra without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident.

At Woolwich Crown Court today the Crown Prosecution Service announced they were no longer in a position to continue.

As a result McLarney's appeal was allowed and he was cleared of the three offences.

McLarney denied speeding as he approached the women's car and speeding away with his wheels screeching.

His lawyer Mr. Edward Henry told the court during the sentencing hearing: "He is self-effacing and mild-mannered. This is a bewildering episode in a blameless life.

"He's been in practice thirty-eight years without even a warning and has now lost his good character, his reputation and maybe his job."

The conviction will be reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

"He has been disbelieved on oath and that goes to integrity, it undermines his career. He is the compliance officer at his firm.

"The loss of reputation is a significant punishment itself.

"He is looking towards his legacy and what he stands for and this has been a severe dent in how people see him.

"He has brought all this on his head and since he was notified of prosecution in August last year there has not been a day he has not been traumatised by the prospect of it.

"The SRA will take its own course and that stigma and humiliation will be great."

Sentencing McLarney, District Judge Louise Balmaine told him: "I regard this as a particularly serious incident and it is only sheer luck this lady, who was dragged alongside a moving vehicle, did not suffer severe injuries.

"I take into account this was a moment of madness on your part and even though I excluded custody previously in the cold light of day I regretted that."

McLarney, who repeatedly shook his head on hearing the sentence, was told to obey the curfew between 9pm and 6am, pay a £500 fine, with £620 costs, £200 compensation to Mrs Gunning and a £60 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months.

As a result of his successful appeal McLarney will no longer be subject to this sentence.

McLarney, who works in Blackheath, was forced to stop during his 8.40am journey when a vehicle, driven by Mrs Gunning's sister Jane Green, blocked the road.

Black cab driver Mrs Gunning was a front seat passenger and told the court: "This car came from nowhere, racing up the road. 

"It was so quick we could not get out of the way. I thought it was going to hit us.

"It came to a stop within a feet of our vehicle. Everyone was gasping, we all thought: 'This is going to be a crash.'

"Everything got a bit heated. My sister was motioning to him and he was quite aggressive.

"There were some choice words and some finger gestures as well.

"I remember the gentleman putting one finger up and I think it was a response to my sister putting two fingers up.

"My children were going crazy in the back, they thought the car was going to hit us. They were screaming.

"I got out of the car and did swear: 'What the f*** do you think you're doing?'

"There is a school within fifty yards and a lollipop lady.

"He was very angry, very angry towards me.

"He got hold of my fleece and his wheels started screeching, it was so loud and he was staring at me.

"I was thinking: 'What's going to happen?' and he just put his foot down.

"I said to him: 'What are you doing?' and tried to run to keep up with the car.

"He let go of me and sped off up the road. I was in a lot of shock.

"I went to the doctor and had a mild whiplash injury. I was aching because of the position my body was put into.

"The back of my neck and top of my shoulders were aching."

She admitted starting the row by saying: "I'm not having this," but added: "I'm a five-foot nothing woman and my seven year-old still asks me about it."

Her sister Jane, who was driving her eight year-old son along with Lyndsey's kids, told the court: "He had his window wound down and said I was a 'f***ing idiot.'

"He used the word: 'c***' to me and stuck his middle-finger up."

Jane admitted swearing at McLarney and watched as her sister approached his open window.

"I thought he was going to hit her. He sort of lunged forward and I realised he grabbed her coat up high.

"I just heard the screech of the wheels and she was dragged along and was running alongside the car.

"There was a noise and it just sped. She was trying to keep up with the vehicle so she didn't fall over."

She estimated her sister was dragged two car lengths.

Vicar Molester 14 Year-old Schoolgirl In Lay-By Over Four Decades Ago

A retired Church of England vicar will be sentenced next month for kissing and groping a 14 year-old girl over four decades ago.

Grahame Leslie Humphries, 71, of Lees Heights, Charlbury, Chipping Norton appeared at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday.

He had already pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting the girl between September 21, 1971 and September 21, 1972.

The court heard the victim wrote Humphries a letter of forgiveness in 1993 and he maintains he did nothing more than kiss her on the lips.

She was due to give evidence today for the court to determine the extent of the sexual abuse, but the prosecution and defence reached an agreement instead.

Judge Michael Hopmeier said: "This was a gross breach of trust, historic, the victim was fourteen years-old at the time.

"He took her into a lay-by in a car, touched her over her clothes and kissed her."

Humphries was a married curate at the time and worked at St. Michael's Church, Earlsfield south-west London.

He stepped down as vicar of Blockley and Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire in 2012.

Humphries was quizzed by police at his home address because his poor mobility made visiting the police station difficult.

The victim maintains the abuse was more serious than Humphries claims. "She says he went further than the basis of plea," said the judge.

"That does not mean it did not go further than he's prepared to accept. It's a very serious offence."

He bailed Humphries to return on August 10 for a pre-sentence report.

"The fact that bail continues is no indication of the likely sentence," the judge told him. "It crosses the custody threshold."

Police Complaints Manager Admits £20K Expenses Fiddle

A casual comment about travel expenses by a senior manager at the Independent Police Complaints Commission prompted an investigation into his £20,000 fraud. 

Ian Every, 50, of High Trees, New town, Uckfield, East Sussex was employed as the Procurement Manager at the IPCC's HQ at 90 High Holborn, central London.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position, between March 1, 2009 and January 1, this year when he made dishonest claims for travel and hotel expenses.

Prosecutor Mr. Arizuna Asante told Blackfriars Crown Court Every's loose tongue at an audit meeting on November 12, last year led to his downfall.

"During a meeting with the internal auditor he made the throwaway line: 'I encourage people to claim for train tickets whenever they can.'

"This led to a personal investigation into Mr. Every's claims and it was revealed he had made false travel refunds and false hotel booking refunds.

"He had claimed for tickets for his own personal travel without authorisation."

The prosecution have calculated the loss at £20,357 and are pursuing compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Every has previously explained he had significant outstanding debts to individuals, depression and a gambling addiction.

"The custody threshold has been passed," added Mr. Asante. The guidelines indicate a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment.

Every's lawyer Miss Josie Sonnossa told the court: "The defendant is well aware of the likely sentence. He is a man of previous good character."

Regarding compensation she added: "there is some form of pension. If that can be offset he will do so.

"He is currently in receipt of state benefits and is living with his parents."

Judge Peter Clarke QC bailed Every to return for sentencing on August 16, telling him: "The court will have to consider a custodial sentence of some length.

"I want to see if you can make some arrangement to pay back the money. In itself it will not keep you out of prison , but it is a factor."

Boss Of Landmark Thames Marina Denies Groping Bottoms Of Young Boatyard Workers

Marina Boss Myck Djurberg

The wealthy owner of a landmark marina abused his "power and control" to grope young apprentices working at his boatyard, a court heard yesterday.

Myck Djurberg, 56, who lives in a listed authentic Swiss chalet, imported to the Thames riverside in 1882, is the boss of Hampton Riviera Marina & Boatyard.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard he routinely slapped the behinds of young men, who were reluctant to complain for fear of losing work.

"This defendant has a sexual liking for the young apprentices he employs and took advantage of his power and control to sexually assault these young men," said prosecutor Miss Ruby Selva.

Djurberg strongly denies the allegations, claiming the bosses of three companies he is suing for sub-standard work are behind the complaints.

He has designed 32 houseboats, which he hopes to sell for up to £850,000 and the apprentices were employed by companies building them.

The three men are an apprentice carpenter, who was 19 years-old; a 17 year-old dad-to-be, who worked for a roofing and window firm and his 21 year-old workmate.

The 19 year-old was offered a lifetime and work and like all the apprentices was offered a holiday at Djurberg's luxury hotel in the Caribbean, the court was told.

"As the apprentice puts it, the defendant was a 'creep' and made sexual comments and innuendo towards those working for him," added Miss Selva.

One day the teenager was in his work shorts when Djurberg said: "Look at that peachy arse," explained the prosecutor.

Djurberg was throwing a fireworks party at the marina on November 5, 2013 and was seen slapping the 19 year-old across the face, who responded: "What the f*** are you doing?"

Landmark: Swiss Chalet

"He slapped him again, harder and as the complainant turned away the defendant grabbed the cheek of his bottom, grabbing it hard.

"The complainant told him: 'I'm not f***ing gay.'

"Another witness says he saw the defendant slapping the bottoms of workers as they were bent over working," said Miss Selva.

The 17 year-old, who had a pregnant girlfriend, was also slapped on the bottom, the jury heard.

"It increased to a daily event and the complainant was too embarrassed to report it.

"The young man felt that because of his wealth he (Djurberg) could do what he liked."

The 21 year-old says Djurberg sent him unwanted texts that were sexually-suggestive.

"The defendant asked him to go to the gym with him, with the innuendo that he would give him a good work out."

The young man made up excuses when Djurberg asked him out on dates. "He also slapped him on the bottom, but the complainant did not want to cause trouble and put it down to him being weird."

Djurberg denied the touching when questioned by police on September 14, last year.

"He accused all three young men of being set-up by their bosses because he was suing them for shoddy work." said Miss Selva.

The first complainant told the jury Djurberg boasted of his wealth and promised them work on a new lakeside marina he was constructing in Shepperton. 

"We saw him funding luxury houseboats, he said he had all this money and a large hotel in the Dominican Republic.

"He told us he was a doctor, had houses here, houses there, but over time we realised none of it was true and he was a bit of a dreamer."

He recalled one outburst from Djurberg in front of a worker's 14 year-old son. "He said: 'You can't tidy up a mess like you can't hold a cock.

"I thought it was a very weird thing to say, but we did not pull him up on it."

At the party the witness was slapped by the defendant for complaining about the food. 

"I was angry and turned away and my bum was grabbed and squeezed quite firmly by Mr. Djurberg."

Djurberg has pleaded not guilty to to four counts of sexual assault against three young men on various dates between November 5, 2013 and July 1, last year.

The trial is expected to last a week…………

NOT GUILTY: Ex-Footballer Andy Roberts Cleared Of Assaulting TV Wife

100% Innocent: Roberts

Footballers Wives star Lee-Anne Roberts called police to her £1.8m house, claiming her former soccer star ex Andy assaulted her three days after she failed to have him booted out of the marital home.

The couple literally aired their dirty laundry in public with the 42 year-old actress and television consultant claiming retired midfielder Andy Roberts knocked her to the floor with a linen basket.

She pressed charges against the 42 year-old ex-Millwall, Crystal Palace and Wimbledon player, but he was cleared last Friday by a court, which ruled her evidence was "inconsistent."

The pair finally split in January after seventeen years together and a Family Court judge ruled Andy could live at The Georgian House, St. Paul's Cray Road, Chislehurst three days a week and Lee-Anne the remainder.

She called police to the five-bedroom detached property at midnight on April 9, claiming Andy attacked her with the plastic basket after returning home from an alcohol fuelled all-day Millwall FC tribute.

Just three days earlier she had been denied an occupation order, which would have banned Andy from the house they share with their daughter 12, and son, aged 10.

"Inconsistent": Lee-Anne

Lee-Ann, who appeared in ten episodes of the ITV drama after initially being hired as a consultant, told Bromley Magistrates Court: "He put his face in my face, gritted his teeth, and said: 'Piss off.'

"There was a big plastic washing basket filled to the top at the bottom of the stairs and he's picked it up and slammed it into my chest as a sort of ram.

"I've fallen back onto the stairs and smashed my head on the wall and I screamed.

"I told him: 'You've just broken your non-molestation order' which was from a previous attack and he laughed in my face."

Lee-Anne, who continues to work full-time in the television industry, conceded the non-molestation order was not in place at the time, but made other complaints about their relationship.

"He had many affairs during our marriage. His career came to and end because of an affair with a team mate's wife.

"It's been an abusive relationship for many years."

She told the court her daughter was upset by a text Andy received from his new girlfriend, which referring to her, read: 'Beat the bastard.'

Luxury: The Georgian House

Andy had spent that Saturday with his children watching his old club Millwall's 3 - 1 victory over Shrewsbury Town. "He'd been drinking all day, that's what my children told me."

Lee-Ann admitted she was upset about Andy having a new girlfriend. "I was devastated after fifteen years of marriage that my husband moved on so quickly."

She suffered no visible injuries, but told the court: "I had a bump on the back of my head."

Andy said the couple agreed they could date other people last January, but he later discovered Lee-Anne was already having an affair.

He told the court his ex disapproved of his new girlfriend. "She was very upset and angry."

Staircase: Scene Of 'Assault' That Never Was

His football career was ended prematurely by a serious knee injury, not an affair, said Roberts, who now works for his family's travel agency business.

When he returned home that night his daughter turned on him. "She gets very angry because she has been told by her mother that I have split up the family.

"I wanted to get away from the confrontation. In her mind she's not the number one girl and is very angry.

"I was in the house three minutes, Lee-Anne said our daughter was angry about the text and then called the police.

"Three days earlier she had tried to boot me out of the house with the occupation order."

Shirty: Reminders Of Football Career

Officers arrived and arrested Andy, who told them: "I can't believe this. She just makes a phone call and this happens."

He was quizzed the next morning and said: "It's a waste of police time."

The Dartford-born former England Under-21 international, whose transfers total £4.25m was found not guilty of one count of assaulting Lee-Anne.

Magistrate Mr. Kevin McNicholson announced: "There is doubt," and said Lee-Anne's evidence had "inconsistencies."

Woman Robbed Of Her Crutch And Handbag In Early Hours

Police are hunting a cowardly late-night bag-snatcher, who targeted a woman walking with the aid of a crutch in east London.

Detectives from Tower Hamlets Borough have issued this CCTV image of a man they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.



On Sunday, January 24 police were called at around 3.30am to a report of a robbery on Old Montague Street, Whitechapel. 



A man approached a woman in her thirties walking along the location with a crutch and asked her for directions to an off licence.

The suspect walked with her and when they both turned down a nearby alleyway, he pushed her to the ground, stole her crutch and handbag and ran off towards Valence Road.



CCTV footage captured the suspect walking into a petrol station on Whitechapel Road prior to talking to the victim.



The suspect is described as an Asian man with short black hair of medium build, 30-40 years old wearing light coloured trousers and a dark jacket. He wore pointed shoes.



Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man or who witnessed the incident.



Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 204959 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 


Bus Thug Wanted For Racially-Abusing Driver

Police are hunting a pint-sized bus passenger, who hurled racist abuse and exposed himself to the driver during a service changeover.

Officers from the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released a CCTV still of a man they would like to speak to. 



On December 6, last year at 7.20pm a bus driver got onto a route 281 bus at a bus stop on South Road, Twickenham, south-west London.

The bus already contained a number of passengers, and as the driver got into the driver's cab he heard a whistle.



The driver turned around to check where the noise was coming from and as he did so a man on the bus hurled racist abuse at him. 





The man also banged on the door of the driver's cab, before exposing himself and subsequently made off in an unknown direction.



The suspect is described as a white man, thirty years-old, 5ft 4ins tall with short dark hair and was wearing a white Adidas jumper and blue jeans.



Anyone who may recognises the man is urged to call the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command on 07500 607 652 quoting crime reference 0712318/15 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Inheritance Conman Jailed

Woolwich Crown Court

A conman, who tricked lenders into believing he had a lucrative lump sum coming his way after the death of his mother, which they would benefit from, has been jailed.

David Francis Millbank, 50, of Broughton Avenue, Richmond-upon-Thames was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

After his arrest he was allowed his freedom on bail with the condition he signed-on weekly at his local police station.

He was originally charged with fraud by false representation in that between January 1, 2013 and October 31, 2015 he claimed he was due a substantial inheritance from his late mother's estate and would make substantial payments to individuals he had borrowed money from.

Millbank received two years and two months imprisonment.

Robber Snatches Savings From Pensioner On Bus

Police are hunting a ruthless robber, who targeted a pensioner on a bus minutes after he withdrew a large amount of cash from his bank.

This CCTV image of the suspect has been released by police in Wandsworth, south-west London.

At about 10.35am on Tuesday, October 25, last year the 65 year-old victim boarded a route 295 bus on Plough Road, Battersea and sat at the back.

The suspect also boarded the bus at the same stop and also sat at the back of the bus near the victim. 



After a short while, the suspect approached the victim and grabbed him while stealing an envelope containing the cash from his pocket. 



He then got off the bus and made off. 



The suspect is described as a black man, about 6ft tall and unshaven.

He wore a black coat, black trousers and grey trainers. 



Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise this man. 



Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting ref: 0323227/15 or call anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knifepoint Bookie Bandit Hunted: CCTV Released

Police are appealing for information about a knifeman who twice robbed a bookmakers in east London – snatching £7,500.

The robber struck at Coral Bookmakers on The Portway, Stratford, on November 24 and December, 4 last year.

On both occasions, a member of staff was threatened at knifepoint as they were on their way to the bank with takings.

The suspect is described as a black man, wearing a black balaclava with grey vertical stitching up the middle, a black Nike puffa-style jacket and black Nike Air Force 1 trainers with white soles.

If anyone has information regarding the identity of this man they are asked to call the Flying Squad on 020 8345 1400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference 5334676/15.

Patient Swindled Free Private Medical Treatment At Harley Street Clinics

A woman who has suffered with ill-health since her birth dishonestly obtained treatment from Harley Street specialists and other health providers by lying she had private medical insurance.

Ruthie Zangi, 38, of Kingsway, North Finchley was born one month premature and amongst other ailments has scoliosis, a debilitating spinal condition.

Despite this she has made a name for herself by leading an active lifestyle, particularly on the tennis courts.

At Isleworth Crown Court she was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years and was ordered to complete 50 hours community service work.

USA-born Zangi has undergone speech-therapy and assistance in learning to walk and after her family moved to the UK from Israel. 

She attended the former Jewish Free School and Barnet College.

She was originally charged with nine counts of fraud by false representation between August 30, 2012 and January 13, last year.

The health providers included in the original charges are Harley Street ENT Clinic; Harley Street Diagnostics; The Doctor's Laboratory; BMI Healthcare; United Open MRI; The BUPA Cromwell Hospital; The Parkside Hospital and The London Cardiovascular Clinic.

The sums involved are £2,463; £570; £190; £1,202; £1,338; £875; £440 and £775.

Pedestrian Headbutted: E-fit Released

Police are hunting a late-night thug, who headbutted a fellow-pedestrian when they brushed shoulders in the street.

Detectives from Croydon have released this E-fit image in an attempt to identify the suspect responsible for the violent and unprovoked attack.

The attack left the 28 year-old victim with a broken nose and requiring hospital treatment.

The assault happened at approximately 11.05pm on December 17, last year outside the Millets store on High Street, Croydon.

The victim and his friend were returning from a Christmas function.

As they were walking along the High Street the lone suspect was walking in the opposite direction and their shoulders made contact.

The suspect then stepped towards the victim and became verbally aggressive.

He then headbutted and punched the victim before running away.

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for facial and head injuries He suffered a broken nose in the unprovoked attack.

The suspect is described as black, 6ft tall, aged in his mid 20s, and had corn rows.

Detective Constable Abhi Bibra, said: "This was a violent and unprovoked attack that left an office worker requiring hospital treatment during the Christmas holiday period.

"I would ask the public to contact me if they recognise the person who may have been responsible, or have any other information about this assault.

“Your information may be vital in identifying the person responsible and will be treated as confidential."

Anyone with information should contact Croydon CID on 020 3276 2236 or 07769 922321. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Violent Handbag Robber: CCTV Released

Police are hunting a bag-snatcher, who threw a middle-aged woman to the ground as she left a south-east London train station.

On November 16, last year at around 8.00pm, the 52-year woman exited Plumstead Station and walked along Walmer Terrace.

On Walmer Terrace she was approached from behind by a male who grabbed her handbag.

The woman was thrown to the floor and the man made off with the bag that included her personal items.

The man was later captured on CCTV cameras walking along Plumstead High Street towards Lakedale Road.

He can be seen walking along Lakedale Road before making his way back to Plumstead High Street where he sits at a bus stop before walking out of camera view.

The male is described as a black male, aged in his twenties, around 5'9", with short black hair and facial hair possibly a beard or goatee.

On CCTV he can be seen wearing a light coloured hooded top with dark shoulders and hood, but he turns this inside out making it a dark coloured hooded top when he commits the offence.

Detective Constable Danny Banks from Greenwich CID said: "We believe the man we are seeking to trace is either local to the area or has links to the area and I am appealing to anyone with any information as to the identity of the suspect to please come forward and assist us with our investigation.

"This man has caused much distress and it is of paramount importance he is caught as quickly as possible.

“We have carried out extensive enquiries and are now releasing footage of this man in the hope that someone recognises him.

"I would like to reassure people who may be concerned that local Safer Neighbourhoods officers have stepped up patrols in the area and are distributing crime prevention messages to residents, in particular asking them to be aware of their surroundings and of who is around them."

Anyone who recognises this man or can provide information on their whereabouts should call DC Danny Banks from Greenwich CID on 07789 574 885 quoting reference number 3623536/15 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Online Scammer Avoids Prison For Horse Riding Con

Scammer: Poppy Eastwood

A notorious internet fraudster, who conned online buyers into forking out for equestrian equipment she never supplied, has avoided prison with a suspended sentence.

Poppy Valentine Eastwood, 24, of Pike Close, Bromley lied to customers she was selling her horse riding tack because she was suffering multiple sclerosis.

She pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation and one count of acquiring criminal property, namely £10,873.

At Croydon Crown Court she received six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, and was ordered to repay her victims £2,403 compensation.

In 2014 she was convicted of selling iPads that never arrived to facebook customers and the website has a group with 4,000 followers called: 'Scammed by Poppy Eastwood.'

During the course of the police investigation, officers from Operation Falcon, the Met’s Cyber Crime unit, found 46 victims who had attempted to purchase horse related items from Eastwood at a number of online market places between 20 January 2014 and 13 November 2014.

Eastwood would discuss possible transactions with potential customers prior to a deal being struck.

During a number of these conversations she falsely claimed to be selling the riding equipment because she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Typically, the victim would transfer the funds to purchase the item and await receipt of the goods.

However, they never received the goods leaving them out of pocket.

Eastwood would initially make excuses for non-receipt of the goods but would eventually cease all contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Stephen Westlake of Operation Falcon said: “'Eastwood has defrauded a large number of online buyers who believed that they were dealing with a genuine seller.

“She has also pretended to suffer from a life changing illness to gain the trust of her victims.

“The effects of becoming a victim of crime run far deeper than the loss of cash. I hope that Eastwood’s victims gain a measure of closure following today’s sentence."

Polo-Playing "Rich Man" Thumped Cabbie During Route Row

"Rich Man": Lo Gatto 

A polo-playing businessman returning home from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gave a mini-cab driver a black eye while boasting about his riches.

Simon Rubel Lo Gatto, 44, the owner of a leading Italian luxury office furniture company based in St. James' had a dispute with the driver over the route he was taking.

Yesterday he was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes 80 hours community service work, after being convicted of assaulting Nakalingam Koneswaran. 

Lo Gatto must also pay the cabbie £100 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £620 costs.

He had just been collected from Heathrow Airport on November 30, last year and was on his way to his £1.15m apartment in Arthur Road, Wimbledon Village.

However, during the journey he changed his mind and demanded to be taken to Brinkley's Garden, a restaurant in Hollywood Road, Little Chelsea to meet his girlfriend.

"He was sitting behind me and slapped my left arm," Sri Lankan cabbie Mr. Koneswaran told Ealing Magistrates Court.

"He said: 'I'm a rich man, do you know my family? We're a valuable family.'

Black Eye: Nakalingham Koneswaran

"As I turned around he punched my face, the left eye and I told him to get out, but he said: 'If you stop I'll punch you again.'

"I was scared that he would punch me again and when I dropped him off I said: 'Thank-you' and he said: 'F*** off.'

"This was very painful for me and swollen the next day, a black eye. This incident traumatised me and I am scared if someone shouts at me from behind."

Lo Gatto is the European MD of Interoffice, a sponsor of his polo team, and the company counts Rolls Royce, Microsoft, The FA, Mishcon De Reya and L'Oreal amongst its clients.

He is a member of Ham polo club, a partner and international ambassador for Dubai Fashion TV and Dubai's five-star Royal Ghantoot Marina and Resort.

Prosecutor Mr. Bhavin Patel told the court Lo Gatto disappeared into an airport bar and started drinking while Mr. Koneswaran looked after his suitcase.

The defendant claimed he had two lager shandies to settle his nerves despite flying out from Heathrow at least twenty times a year.

Guilty: Simon Lo Gatto 

"There was a disagreement as they neared Chiswick, with the defendant shouting they were in the wrong lane for the A4.

"Mr. Koneswaran told the defendant he was in the correct lane and Mr. Lo Gatto replied: 'You f***ing talking to me?'

"He then punched him in the left eye and said: 'I'm a mafia man. I can do whatever I want'."

The mini-cab driver told the magistrates: "He was treating me like a servant. I've never had anyone treating me like that.

"He walked like a proud man and he was ignoring me and demanding me to do things."

Mr. Koneswaran took two photographs of his black eye, which were shown to the court, and Lo Gatto was arrested at home on December 4.

There was a stand-off between the defendant and the officers, who arrived at 11pm, but Lo Gatto eventually answered the front-door and spent the night in cells

Lo Gatto denied drinking on the flight or being drunk and told the court: "He starts being a little rude and we began to argue loudly.

"I knew he was in the wrong lane and the word 'f***' was used by both sides."

He denied punching the driver or having a dismissive attitude: "If I am confident in myself and someone sees that as arrogance that's their interpretation."

Probation Officer Laura Braithwaite told the court: "He says he does not consume alcohol regularly and has no issues with it."

Lo Gatto's lawyer Mr. Mark Haslam said: "There was a dispute about the lane the taxi should be in.

"The defendant said the taxi driver was in the wrong lane and there followed a teated argument, a blazing row on this minor point that escalated.

"He's a hard-working, self-employed man. He does not accept the findings of the court and has lodged a notice of appeal."