Thursday 18 August 2016

Tennis Racquet Spy-Hole Perv Sentenced For Filming Up Teens Skirts

A pervert, who taped mobile phones to the strings of two tennis racquets to film up young students skirts outside a busy tube station, has been placed on probation for a year.

Filming via a small hole he cut in one of the racquet's cover's 27 year-old Jake Hemming targeted women entering and leaving Tooting Broadway Underground Station.

The first-time offender, of Queenswood Gardens, Wanstead, east London ironically appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, a short distance from Tennis’ All England Club.

He pleaded guilty to one count of outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner, namely filming up women's skirts with a mobile phone concealed in a tennis racquet in Tooting Broadway, Tooting on November 23, last year.

As part of his twelve-month community order Hemming will have to complete twenty days of rehabilitation and must also pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

The court was shown a photograph of the racquet, which had a mobile phone taped to the strings and then disguised when the cover was placed over the top.

The court heard he had compiled approximately twenty more hours of similar footage in the Tooting area, which was discovered during a police search of his home.

The court heard it was 4.15pm when Hemming was seen loitering near a group of around twenty students, aged 16-18 years-old.

The girls were unaware he positioned the racquet at an angle that allowed him to record images up their skirts.

A witness followed him and flagged over passing police.

District Judge Barbara Barnes announced: "The allegation is that in some way the defendant had rigged a camera up on a tennis racquet and was taking photographs of individuals, using the tennis racquet at an angle up individuals skirts at the tube station.

"When his home address was searched another racquet was found similarly set-up to take photos." 

Prosecutor Mr. Claudius Taylor-Sonko told the court previously: "After being seen at the station he was seen filming another girl."

Hemming's lawyer Mr. Niall Hearty said: "In short, he's found this a difficult period and cannot come up with a proper explanation as to why he committed the offence."

The defendant reported his perversion to his GP, who referred him to a counsellor and Hemming has completed 12 one-hour sessions and booked six more.

"The counselling is in regard to this behaviour in this instance," added Mr. Hearty.

"It does seem unusual at this age he's come to the attention of the criminal justice system for this offence," said DJ Barnes. "He's admitted the offence and now has a conviction."

Wednesday 17 August 2016

Housemate Denies Spycam Voyeurism Charge

A man accused of installing a secret spy camera in his female housemate's bedroom for sexual kicks, denied the charge when he appeared in court.

Dean Horn, 37, of Cherry Way, Hatfield concedes he fitted the device, which was pointed towards the woman's bed, but insists there was no sexual motive.


He pleaded not guilty to one count of voyeurism between May 14 and 16 at 66 Elderfield Place, Tooting in that he installed equipment, with the intention of obtaining sexual gratification by observing another person doing a private act, knowing they did not consent.


Prosecutor Miss Jackie Hughes told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “On May the fourteenth, the victim, a tenant at the same place at 2pm found a black recording device in the corner of her room, pointed at her bed.


“She took it away to be analysed and one of the videos was of her sleeping in bed.”


Horn was bailed until his trial at the same court on November 1 on condition he does not contact the complainant or visit the address.


His lawyer Mr. Christopher Pulman said: “The recording device was there to record a conversation rather than images.


“Rather odd decision-making took place to install this device. He has had counselling since and he admits he was behaving rather strangely.



“He felt unable to talk to his room mate about her leaving so sought to record her conversation.

“The defendant gave a full account in interview.”

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Travelex Consultant Defrauded Foreign Exchange Employer's

Heathrow Airport
A foreign exchange sales consultant, who worked at Heathrow Airport, has received a suspended sentence for defrauding his employer's.

Ali Hussain Chaudhary, 24, of Durdans Road, Southall worked for Travelex in the airport's Terminal Two.

At Isleworth Crown Court he was sentenced to ten months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, and was ordered to complete 200 hours community service work.

He was originally charged with seven counts of fraud by abuse of position between April 20 and June 12, last year in that while occupying the position of sales consultant he dishonestly abused that position to make a gain.

The sums involved were £49615.48p; £2697.90; £2405.35; £671.30; £2745.00; £2611.60 and £2076.90. 

Monday 15 August 2016

Retired Vicar Molested Parishioners' 14 Year-Old Daughter Four Decades Ago

A retired Church of England vicar took advantage of the hospitality of kind-hearted parishioners, who fed him while his wife was pregnant, by sexually abusing their 14 year-old daughter.

Grahame Leslie Humphries, 71, of Lees Heights, Charlbury, Chipping Norton finally admitted molesting the teen over four decades later and has received eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to one sample count of indecently assaulting the girl between September 21, 1971 and September 21, 1972.

Humphries was a married curate at the time and worked at St. Michael's Church, Earlsfield south-west London and went onto become vicar of Blockley and Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire until 2012.

Prosecutor Mr. Max Hardy told the court: “The victim, now fifty-eight years-old was fourteen at the time and she and her parents were parishioners in the parish where Mr. Humphries was the curate.

“At time came when his wife was away from home while she was pregnant and under the care of a midwife and the victim’s parents and others parishioners ensured he was taken care of, inviting him into their homes for meals.

‘While in their home and when her family were out of the room the defendant kissed the victim and put his hands in her great area above her clothing.

“This occurred more than once.”

Humphries would pick-up the teen in his car unannounced from the local train station and he also bought her vinyl records and took her to lunch.

He pounced in the car when when driving her back from a Surrey camp. “On the way back the defendant pulled over and an incident of kissing and touching took place for a number of minutes.

“The defendant turned up at the family house unexpected on a number of occasions, once in particular when the girl had glandular fever.

“She was alone and he asked to go to her room and in her room asked her to take her clothes off, insistent is one way of putting it.

“She has the strength of character to tell him to leave.

“She was distressed by what had occurred and when her mother returned she found her crying and her father spoke to the defendant.”

Humphries ignored the family’s request to confess to the parish priest and nothing more happened until - prompted by the Jimmy Savile scandal - the victim reported him.

“These incidents did have a serious effect on the victim,” added Mr. Hardy. “She wrote to him in 1993 and told him how his conduct had seriously effected her relationship with men.

“The victim has had many, many years counselling for what happened to her.”

The victim, who was in court with members of her family, was abused again in her youth by a second man, who was never prosecuted.

Judge Paul Dodgson told Humphries, who currently needs crutches for a debilitating foot condition: “You did something very wicked. You took advantage of your position of trust and took advantage of this girl of fourteen.

“By one way or another you ensured you were alone with her and kissed her and put your hands on her breasts over her clothing.

“On one occasion you isolated her in her bedroom and asked her to take her clothes off.

“She has lived wit these events for forty-five years and they have blighted her life. She had the misfortune to encounter two abusers in her young life.

“Your actions have caused her considerable damage.

“The other side of this case is since then you have led a blameless life and the references speak of your good works.

“There are no reported incidents or a history of suspicion. You have discharged your duties as a priest in an appropriate way.

“There is no suggestion you are a danger to the community, children or women and your conduct over the last forty-odd years is evidence of that.”

Humphries refused to accept being put on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which would restrict his access to children, including his grandkids.

Judge Dodgson agreed announcing: “There’s nothing in the pre-sentence report that makes me think there is a danger.” 

The judge remarked on the change of attitudes to sex offences since the early 1970’s. “If the victim’s father was confronted today with your behaviour I think he wouldn’t just tell you to go away and never come back.”

Humphries will have to sign the sex offenders register for five years, pay £500 costs and be under probation supervision for two years.

The judge refused an application for compensation from the victim. 

His lawyer Miss Charlene Sumnall said Humphries’ wife Mary was in court and his children knew about the case.

She said his career spanned parishes all over the country and he had positively effected the lives of “hundreds and hundreds” of people.

Sunday 14 August 2016

Nigerian Illegal Immigrant Accused Of Baby Fraud To Stay In UK

Fausat Abolore
A mother facing deportation paid a acquaintance £1,000 to pose as the baby’s father so she and her newborn son could remain illegally in the UK, a jury has heard.

The British citizen’s name was falsely entered on the baby’s birth certificate as the father and a bogus passport application was also made.

Fausat Abolore, 29, of Colombus Square, Erith and Anthony Ezekpo, 44, of Litchfield Street, Winlaton, Gateshead have both pleaded not guilty to conspiring to breach immigration law.

A second man, nurse Samson Awoyinka, 29, of Havil Street, Southwark, who countersigned the passport application, denies one count of making a false statement.

Abolore gave birth at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich on August 6, 2014 and Home Office investigators found a picture on her phone of her partner, Peter Gentry, cradling the new born.

The Nigerian-born couple have no status in the UK and there are no records of them ever entering the country legally.

He is the true father, the Inner London Crown Court jury were told, but as he had no right to remain in the country a plan was hatched to find a stand-in citizen.

“It was necessary for Miss Abolore to find a British citizen  and that’s where Mr. Ezekpo come in,” explained prosecutor Mr. Adam Gardner.

“He was enlisted as part of a fraudulent scheme to get British citizenship for her to remain in the UK.”

However, online photographs of the baby’s naming ceremony on September 15, 2014 with Mr. Gentry in the role of doting father were found, exposing the fraud, the jury were told.
Anthony Ezekpo & Samson Awoyinka

“A man turned up with her at council offices in Greenwich to register the birth and get a birth certificate.

“The man putting himself forward as the father was not Mr. Gentry, but Mr. Ezekpo and they both said they lived together at 111 Chandlers Drive, Erith, a false address.

“Having obtained the birth certificate Miss Abolore makes an application for a passport and this is signed by Mr. Ezekpo and countersigned by Mr. Awoyinka.

“He said he knew Mr. Ezekpo for five years from his church congregation. This was not true, he barely knew the man.

“British-born Mr. Ezekpo has a separate life from Miss Abolore, he lives near Newcastle.

“When he was questioned he told a pack of lies and refused to give the PIN to unlock his phone,” added Mr. Gardner. “He said someone must have stolen his identity and he had never been to Greenwich.

“He was questioned a second time and changed his story. He said he had an affair with Miss Abolore and she became pregnant and told him the child was his.

“He then admitted he signed the passport application and went to Greenwich.”

Abolore was co-habiting with Mr. Gentry when she was arrested on September 17, last year. “On her phone was a picture of Mr, Gentry holding his newborn son as the hospital.”

The jury was told Abolore was under Home Office investigation and she had no legal basis to be in the UK.

“She said Mr. Gentry was not the father and that he (Ezekpo) was trying to save her face at the naming ceremony.”

Abolore refused consent to a DNA test.

“She had a great deal to hide. She knew if she gave consent to the DNA test it would reveal the truth that Mr. Ezekpo was not the father and her application for a passport and birth certificate were all lies.

Home Office investigators discovered a text jobless Ezekpo sent Abolore giving her his date of birth and bank details.

“He was going to get paid for lending his name to this commercial enterprise,” added Mr. Gardner.

The £1,000 payment was transferred to his account the same day he was entered on the baby’s birth certificate.

Both Abolore and Ezepko also deny one count of giving false information when registering a birth and Abolore alone denies seeking leave to remain in the UK by deception.

She has since had a second child with Gentry.

Trial continues…………. 

Saturday 13 August 2016

No Turkish Delight For UK Bride Throttled By New Hubby

Blackfriars Crown Court
A Turkish newlywed, who throttled his wife just two months after their spousal visa marriage collapsed, has been locked-up for eight months and is destined to return home.

Father-of-two Orhan Demir, 42, enjoyed a three-year relationship with Georgina Demir, but things quickly turned sour after the wedding and she told him to go.


He pleaded guilty to assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm, at the matrimonial home in Malden Road, Kentish Town on July 9.


Blackfriars Crown Court heard Orhan is keen to return to Turkey and Georgina plans to revoke his spousal visa after the knifepoint row.


Prosecutor Ms Usha Shergill told the court the couple had only been married a few months when Georgina told him it was over.


“They had been having arguments and Georgina told him she wanted him to leave.”


Orhan took the couple's dogs for a walk and Georgina went looking for him. “She saw him in a park and there was a verbal confrontation.


“She told him the marriage was over and Orhan made an unkind remark about her late son that upset her deeply.”


Orhan returned to the house shortly before 9pm. “Georgina tried to lock him out and Orhan banged on the door and she let him into the house.


“He accused her of stealing his passport, which she denied and Orhan picked-up a knife and held it against her chin and made threats.


“As she was walking into the lounge Orhan ran behind her and tried to choke her with his hands around her neck.”


Georgina told police: “I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was going to pass out.


“If I didn't do something I was going to die.


“He's a big man and powerfully built and I kneed him in the balls as hard as I could and broke free.”


She was taken to the Royal Free Hospital with a bruised,swollen and painful throat and she could not speak.


“She told the police she is petrified of Mr. Demir, is very fearful.”


When questioned the defendant claimed his wife attacked him and he retaliated in self-defence, denying the use of a knife or throttling her.

Friday 12 August 2016

NOT GUILTY: RADA Grad Cleared Of Gay Rape

100% Innocent: Sissons
A former BBC producer accused of raping a waiter he wooed on gay dating-app GRINDR was cleared yesterday.

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate Adam Sissons, 28, who is now the technical director of a top production agency, always insisted sex was consensual.

He has worked on events for clients including Jaguar, L’Oreal, Topshop and Marks & Spencer and helped make hit comedy Gavin & Stacey.

Sissons, of Gainsborough Studios, Poole Street, Hoxton graduated in 2009 with a qualification in Stage Management & Technical Theatre and went on to work for the Royal Albert Hall and National Theatre.

He was found not guilty by a Blackfriars Crown Court jury of one count of rape and one count of assault by penetration.

Prosecutor Miss Corinne Bramwell told the jury Sissons began communicating with the 19 year-old via GRINDR after being served by him in an Angel restaurant.

On October 9, 2014 they enjoyed their first date at the nearby Narrow Boat pub, where they kissed and the defendant groped the younger man between the legs.

They then walked back to Sissons’ flat. “They took part in some consensual sexual activity in the bedroom.”

The jury heard Sissons then used a sex aid on the teenager, who said: “It hurts. Please don’t do it, take it out.”

“He was not consenting to that act, but Mr. Sissons moved the complainant’s hands away and the complainant says he felt scared and powerless.”

The jury unanimously found Sissons not guilty on both counts.

Thursday 11 August 2016

Drunken Joyrider Nicked Prospective Father-In-Law's Car Keys

Inner London Crown Court
A boozy joyrider, who snatched his girlfriend’s father’s car keys when the family were visiting their ill son in hospital, has been jailed.

Unlicenced and uninsured Mohammed Awan, 42, of Denham Court, Baird Avenue, Southall jumped a red light and drove on the wrong side of the road when pursued by police.

He snatched the keys of the Audi TT at King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, where his girlfriend’s brother was being treated for liver failure.

Awan pleaded guilty to aggravated taking and driving away; drink-driving and driving without a licence and insurance on March 30.

Inner London Crown Court heard police started following Awan when they saw him driving at approximately 40mph near the hospital at 5am.

He refused to stop and led them on a pursuit, which put other road users in danger.

Awan received eight months imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for two years.

He will have to pass an extended driving test before even being granted a licence.

Wednesday 10 August 2016

Pensioner Tricked Out Of £650,000 Home

Rosemary Straker: "I was astonished"
A bogus financial advisor swindled a pensioner out of her £650,000 Hampstead home, grabbing the property for himself when she approached him for help, a court heard.

Instead of being left with half a million pounds from the sale of the flat after her mortgage was paid off all retired Rosemary Straker, 75, had to show for it was £15,000.

Tony Trivett, 48, of Milton Road, Brentwood, Essex is charged with two counts of fraud and one of acquiring criminal property on or before January 24, 2014.

Prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Loades told the Blackfriars Crown Court jury: “These documents show the title of the property had passed to him for a fraction of what the property was worth.

“She was done out of her property, he obtained it for less than half the market value. He acted fraudulently and had not carried out her wishes.”

Rosemary, who receives a £140 a week state pension, shared Basement Flat, Elmwood, North End Way, with her son and a £500 per month lodger.

She believed her £145,000 mortgage would be wiped out by Trivett and she would have £30,000 cash for improvements while retaining ownership.

His reward would be a 5% charge on the property, which he would receive whenever it was sold.

“I wanted to hang onto the flat, I did not want to sell it,” she told the court. 

However, a £290,000 sale went through and as the new owner Trivett immediately borrowed £425,000 against the flat and £114,500 was paid into his bank account, which had a balance of 32p.

“He’s got the property and now he’s going to charge it up to the tune of four hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds,” added Mr. Loades.

“That’s greatly to his benefit isn’t it? Mrs Straker had a valuable property and now it is in the hands of someone else.

“It’s been sold for a fraction of its worth, remortgaged and that happens as a consequence of fraud on Mr. Trivett’s part.

“Mrs Straker cannot tell precisely how it was done. The secret of a good conman, fraudster is leaving the victim not knowing how they’ve been fleeced.

There is only one beneficiary, and a considerable one at that, Mr. Trivett.”

The sale was completed on December 20, 2013 and Trivett was arrested on March 20, 2014.

“He says there was no fraud or dishonesty and he was acting honestly and legally to carry out the wishes of Mrs Straker.

“The evidence points clearly that this man was dishonest and fraudulent in relation to these charges.”

The jury were told the defendant even held back half of the £30,000 Rosemary expected for improvements, claiming it was too much money to handle.

She suddenly received a letter telling her the flat had been sold for £290,000. “I was astonished. I had not agreed to sell him anything.

“It was totally opposed to what I wanted to do.”

Before this Trivett organised a valuation, which came back as £450,000 even though Loxton’s stated the flat had a market value of £650,000.

Rosemary continues to reside in the property.


Trial continues………..

Tuesday 9 August 2016

NOT GUILTY: Guest Cleared Of Sexually Assaulting Host

100% Innocent: Singh
An overnight guest, who was accused of tricking his way into his female host's bedroom and grabbing her breasts and forcing his hand inside her pyjama bottoms, has been cleared by a jury.

Gyan Singh, 54, of Brock Road, Priesthill, Glasgow had travelled down to the woman's flat in south-west London, where they had a takeaway and he drank vodka.

The woman told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Singh suggested meeting to discuss a property venture.

"My presumption was that he would have a place to stay and we would meet in a coffee shop or something, but he said he was unable to get a hotel room.

"I did not think it would be difficult for him to get a hotel room, but he had come all the way from Scotland so I decided to make up a bed for him on the sofa."

Prosecutor Miss Margia Mostafa said the complainant retired to the bedroom of her third-floor flat at Cromwell House, Aubyn Square, Roehampton at 2.00am on January 11, locking the door behind her. 

"At 4.30am she heard banging on her bedroom door and asked through the door what was wrong and the defendant said he had a headache and was sick and dizzy.

"She heard the desperation in his voice and as she unlocked the door it was opened forcefully and the defendant pushed her back into the room.

"He grabbed her shoulders, neck and chest, grabbing her right breast area, digging his fingers in.

"He turned her around and blocked her from leaving the room and was grabbing both of her breasts and tried to put his hand down her pyjama bottoms.

"He tried to pull her towards the bed and she screamed out and he released his grip.

"She got out onto the balcony and she remembers Mr. Singh standing there with a smirk on his face."

The woman called 999 and police arrived at 5.30am and arrested the defendant. A photo of reddening around her breast was taken at the station.

Singh claims he fell asleep on the sofa and the next thing he remembers is the police arriving. "He said it was a misunderstanding and they were both drunk."

The woman told the jury: "I thought he was grabbing me for support, but when he went for my chest and neck I felt like it was something else, it felt sexual.

"He was grabbing parts of me he didn't need to and his hand was around my neck.

"He pulled my pyjamas down and there was some grabbing around my lower parts.

"At that time I started screaming really, really loudly and this went on for ten minutes.

"He then pushed me towards the bed and then the screaming got louder and by the time he let me go I was on the bed."

Shopkeeper Singh was found not guilty to one count of sexual assault.

Monday 8 August 2016

Ex-Beeb Producer Denies Raping GRINDR Teen After First Date

Not Guilty Plea: Sissons
A RADA graduate and ex-BBC employee, who is now the technical director of a top production agency, raped a teenage waiter he wooed on gay dating-app GRINDR after their first date, a court heard today.

Adam Sissons, 28, was a production assistant on the third series of hit show Gavin and Stacey and now works for INCA Productions on events for clients including Jaguar, L’Oreal, Topshop and Marks & Spencer.

He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2009 with a qualification in Stage Management & Technical Theatre and went on to work for the Royal Albert Hall, National Theatre and the BBC.

Prosecutor Miss Corinne Bramwell told the Blackfriars Crown Court jury Sissons began communicating with the 19 year-old via GRINDR after being served by him in an Angel restaurant.

On October 9, 2014 they enjoyed their first date at the nearby Narrow Boat pub, where they kissed and the defendant groped the younger man between the legs.

They walked back to Sissons’ flat in Gainsborough Studios, Poole Street, Hoxton. “They took part in some consensual sexual activity in the bedroom,” explained Miss Bramwell.

The jury heard Sissons then used a sex aid - a butt plug -
on the teenager, who said: “It hurts. Please don’t do it, take it out.”

“He was not consenting to that act, but Mr. Sissons moved the complainant’s hands away and the complainant says he felt scared and powerless.”

The court heard Sissons then “straddled” his date and raped him. “The complainant tried to prevent penetration, but his hands were pushed away.

“He said: ’Stop. I don’t want to’ and afterwards Mr. Sissons asked him: ‘Is everything okay?’”

On October 19 the defendant was arrested and admitted there was sexual activity, but insisted it was with consent.

Sissons has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of assault penetration.

Trial continues………….. 

Sunday 7 August 2016

Eight Months For Death Crash Driver Who Killed Mum On Crossing

Flora Kharwa
A young van driver, who mowed down and killed a mother using a pedestrian crossing with her seven year-old daughter, has been locked-up for eight months.

Patrick Sheridan, 20, of Water Lane, Smithy Fen, Cottenham, Cambridge ran over 40 year-old Flora Kharwa in west London.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years when sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court.

Philippines-born Flora was fatally injured by the silver Nissan van Sheridan was driving in Hampton road West, Hanworth on October 3, 2014.

Her daughter was also treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Flora was employed as a nanny and after the tragedy her husband Jitu left a photograph of her at the scene and her daughter drew a colourful poster with the words: “We love mum!” and decorated it with a flower sticker.

Saturday 6 August 2016

Four Years For Phone Snatcher

Isleworth Crown Court
A Leeds man, accused of robbing his victim of two mobile phones, has been locked-up for four years.

Jawaid Malik, 48, of Wolseley Road, Burley was sentenced at west London's Isleworth Crown Court.

He was charged with robbing Maneesh Sharma of an I phone 5S and Blackberry on May 27, 2014 and kidnapping the complainant.

The offence occurred in the borough of Hounslow.

Friday 5 August 2016

Facebook Warrior Tagged For Threats

Wimbledon Magistrates Court
A Manchester facebook warrior, who sent threatening messages on the social network, has been electronially tagged for three months.

Martin Paul, 25, of Burnage Lane, Burnage pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and received a three-month community order.

He admitted sending a letter, communication or article conveying an threatening electronic communication on November 18, last year, namely a series of messages, which conveyed threats for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety.

Paul will also have to obey a night time curfew between 8pm and 8am, pay £100 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Wednesday 3 August 2016

Criminal Defence Barrister Cleared Of Sexually Assaulting Drunken Law Grad In Legal Chambers

A barrister, who allowed a young woman he chatted up in a wine bar to don his wig and gown at his nearby chambers was cleared yesterday of sexually assaulting her.

Criminal defence lawyer Alex Di Francesco, 36, a member of 25 Bedford Row Chambers, Holborn allegedly asked the 24 year-old: "Aren't we going to have sex?"

The award-winning barrister, a graduate of Birmingham University and the London School of Economics was found not guilty of one count of sexual assault on January 30 and broke down in tears.

Highbury Corner Magistrates Court heard Di Francesco, of Twenty Acre Cottage, London Road, Flamstead, St. Albans met the petite brunette - also a law graduate - at Daly's wine bar opposite the High Court on The Strand. 

He told the court: "I wouldn't have gone over to speak to them unless I thought they were attractive. The conversation was flirty, friendly."

Former builder Di Francesco confirmed he looked at a bikini pic of the complainant. "I mentioned she had a nice bum, maybe that she looked too slim in the photo.

"She said: 'I wouldn't mind seeing your chambers.' It wasn't about a wig and gown and I told her I was going there anyway and told her she could have a look.

"I don't have a flash part of chambers, it's in a basement, a communal desk and she kept saying: 'You've done really well for yourself, you help people.'

"She stood up and we kissed. I initiated the kiss, it was not brief, but five to ten seconds.

"She did not pull away and I was holding her and she touched me and I touched her."

After trying on Di Francesco's wig and gown the young woman followed him up to a large conference room. "We kissed again in the far corner of the room.

"I got the distinct impression, rightly, that the situation was developing between us.

"She said: 'Lie with me and big spoon.' She lay on the floor and I lay behind her in the big spoon position with arms around her.

"There were points when she would turn and kiss me. It was a bit odd, but I thought things were going alright.

"I touched her leg and her bum. I put my hand down the back of her tights onto the skin of her bum at which point she said: 'Don't do that!'

"It took the steam out and I took my hand away. She kissed me a couple of more times.

"I started to think that I needed to get out of here," explained Di Francesco, adding he refused the woman's offer to return to her Earlsfield home. 

She replied: "You won't go home with me because I won't have sex with you," claimed the defendant.

"I said: 'What's the point of going back to Earlsfield if that's not what we are going to do.' Probably not the most sensitive thing to say."

Three days later the woman reported Di Francesco to the police and he discovered on May 18 he would be charged and has not worked since.

"Different stages of this have been some of the most difficult times of my life as an adult.

"I definitely did not pull down her tights to the middle of her thighs. I've no idea why she's come to court.

"I thought the next thing I'd hear about this was an apology, an apology for saying I would not go to Earlsfield unless it was for sex, an apology for being sick.

'I was not aware she had anxiety and depression and was on medication."

Deputy District Judge Me. Nicholas Wattan announced: "I'm concerned her recall of what happened is impaired by the amount of alcohol she had that evening.

"I can't be sure the events unfolded in the way she described," added the judge, remarking the woman said the conference room was "spinning."

Di Francesco left the court in tears after the judge added: "His account stood up well to cross examination. His account is credible."