Guardian Nicked Orphan Teen's Trust Fund Cash

The trustee of a teenage orphan’s inheritance helped herself to up to £60,000 of the boy’s money to employ boyfriends and relatives to do up the youngster’s family home.

Mother-of-three Melaney Watford, 39, was a close friend of the parents of the teen, who turns 18 years-old later this year, and had financial control of his trust fund.

Watford, of Spencer Road, Mitcham pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by abuse of position between May 25, 2015 and January 19, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Michael Reilly told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday: “It has always been difficult to put a monetary value on this fraud.”

Investigators believe £30,000-£60,000 was stolen by Watford, who is also the boy’s legal guardian.

He was left a £125,000 lump sum, plus £200 per month following the death of his mother and father.

Watford’s lawyer June Warwick said: “The defendant took on a young boy who lost two parents in tragic circumstances and for the first six months there was no income.”

Watford says her own money was used up initially and she had “no financial or emotional support.”

The lawyer added: “She has limited education and no knowledge of trusts and she had no guidance or information.”

Watford his two teenage children of her own, plus a toddler. “She then treated the money in the same way she treated the children and put it all together and mismanaged it.

“There were no luxuries, no holidays. All she benefitted from was the odd takeaway and a trip to the dentist.”

Mr. Reilly said: “The lump sum is reduced on an almost daily basis, two hundred and fifty pounds is withdrawn in cash on an almost daily basis.

“A lot of it seems to have gone on renovations and she employed relatives or boyfriends for work.”

The boy will inherit the house when he turns 18 years-old, but a surveyor says the work carried-out by Watford’s cronies is sub-standard.

“The house was put on the market against his wishes and the Crown say the work on the house was not done and the house, as it stands, is a shell.

“A relative of the boy found out about the sale and it was stopped.

“The defendant treated the trust money as her own.”

Watford was bailed to be sentenced on March 1.

Front Door Row Ends In Knife Murder Of Housemate

A man who stabbed his female housemate to death during a row over an open front door is starting a life sentence.

Gary Davis, 51, of Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich repeatedly stabbed 56-year-old Gita Suri after picking up a kitchen knife in the property.

Both residents had been housed at the address due to their mental health issues, but argued over Gita's habit of leaving their front door open.

Davis must serve a minimum of 17 years after he was convicted at the Old Bailey of murder.

The court heard that police were called at around 11.32am on Saturday, June 23 after reports of a body in the house's garden.

Officers attended and found Gita's body partially hidden beneath a duvet in the back garden.

At the scene, Davis admitted that he frequently argued with Gita, but said he hadn't seen her for a couple of days.

He was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.

A post mortem was carried out the following day which revealed Gita had died as a result of multiple stab wounds to the upper body and back.

In his police interview, Davis admitted killing Gita on Thursday, June 21 in a "frenzied attack" because he was sick of her repeatedly leaving the front door of the property open.

He claimed that the pair were in the kitchen when he confronted her over the issue and she then started shouting back at him and screaming she was going to call the police.

After punching her twice until she fell to the floor, he picked up a kitchen knife from the table and stabbed her multiple times, not stopping until she fell silent.

He then tried to set light to her body before dragging her outside and covering her with a duvet in the garden, which he kept in place with logs.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, of the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Davis carried out a horrendous attack on Gita which led to her death and then callously attempted to cover up what he had done.

“Her family have to live with the consequences of one man’s actions for the rest of their lives and we hope this result gives them some measure of comfort.”

Gita’s daughter and son-in-law said: “Gita was a lovely, caring lady, who will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.

“We accept this verdict, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Metropolitan Police for all their hard work during the investigation and the continued support they have provided our family throughout this difficult time.

“While it is difficult for us to imagine life without Gita, we are thankful for the years we did have with her and are hopeful that lessons can be learnt from this incident so that no more families have to go through the loss we have.”

Early-Morning Sex Assault Of Female Commuter: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspect after a lone young woman was sexually assaulted while walking to work near the City early in the morning.

Tower Hamlets police have released this CCTV image in an attempt to identify him.

At around 6.40am on Saturday, September 8, last year the victim - a 23-year-old woman - was walking alone in Royal Mint Street, Wapping when she was grabbed from behind by a man.

He then forced her to the ground, but fled the scene when he noticed a white van travelling along the road.

The victim spoke to the driver of the van, who confirmed he had witnessed the attack.

It is believed the driver chased after the suspect.

The victim continued to her place of work where she reported the attack.

Police are keen to speak with the driver of the van and anyone else who has any information that may assist the investigation.

The suspect is described as an Asian man, aged between 20 and 25 years-old, about 5ft 8ins tall and of stocky build.

He had black wavy hair with a curtain fringe haircut.

At the time of the offence he was wearing a black Puffa-style jacket and black jogging bottoms.

Detective Constable Safdar Mahmood, from the Central East Command Unit, said: “This is a horrific attack on a lone female.

“Thankfully the timely appearance of the white van prevented further harm to the victim.”

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Safdar Mahmood via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also Tweet information to police @MetCC.

Three Time BRIT Award-Nominated Musician Jailed For Knife

A BRIT-nominated rapper, caught with a knife while sitting in a parked car, has been jailed for eight months.

Momodou Jallow, 23, of Manor Road, Stratford, known as 'J Hus', was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to carrying a knife.

Detective Constable Faye Robins, from Newham’s Gangs and Firearms Unit, said: “Jallow is a young rapper that many young teenagers look up to, and he clearly had no common sense when he decided to carry a knife with him.

“Sadly, London has seen too many young males being stabbed to death or being sent to jail for plotting the death of others, and Jallow could have used his platform to turn lives away from crime; instead he has advocated it.

“The Gangs and Firearms Unit in Newham are pleased that he has finally pleaded guilty to this offence and hope that this result will deter other young men from carrying knives.”

Shortly after midday on Thursday, June 21, last year a marked police car was carrying out a routine patrol around Westfield, Stratford.

The unit had been informed that there was a male wanted in connection with an unrelated matter, sitting in a Black Audi on International Way.

The officers approached the vehicle and the occupants of the car were searched at the scene.

When officers searched Jallow – a three-time Brit Award nominee - a lock-knife with a 10cm blade was found in his front left trouser pocket.

He was arrested for being in possession of an offensive weapon at 1.05pm and taken to an east London police station.

Late-Night Bus Attack: Two Young Women Wanted

Police are hunting these two young troublemakers after a woman was hit with a pole and spat at on a late-night bus.

The two females were part of a group of four onboard a 344 bus at 2.30am as it travelled along Battersea Park Road, south-west London on August 3, last year.

As they got off near Latchmere Road the 29 year-old female passenger was attacked by the group.

One of the suspects hit the woman around the face with a small metal pole and two of the suspects also spat at her.

Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating.

They would like to hear from anyone who recognises either of the suspects from the CCTV stills or who was on the bus and is yet to come forward and speak with officers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting reference 773/3Aug. 

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Two girls - aged in their mid-teens - were interviewed in October in connection with the assault. 

They have since been released under investigation.

Police Officer's Nose Busted By Prisoner's Flying Elbow

A violent prisoner, who elbowed a police officer in the face – breaking his nose – while standing at the station's custody counter has been jailed for twenty months.

Mubarik Cadani, 31, of Sparrow Farm Drive, Hounslow, pleaded guilty to inflicting actual bodily harm when he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

The court heard how on Tuesday, August 21, last year Cadani was arrested for assault and taken to Hounslow Police Station.

While in custody, Cadani hit PC James McGahan’s face with his elbow, causing a broken nose.

PC McGahan subsequently missed two weeks of work due to the injury.

CCTV footage of the attack shows how Cadani launched the attack, completely unprovoked, as he stood at the custody counter.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable David Payne from the Metropolitan Police West Area Safeguarding team said: “This is a sickening, vicious assault on a police officer who was simply doing his job, working to protect vulnerable people.

“We have released footage of the assault to show the levels of violence police officers are faced with on a daily basis.

“We are happy with the sentence given by the judge today which reflect that assaults against any public service workers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Cocaine Dealer Had £800K Worth Of Drug In Car Boot

A drug-dealer, caught with £800,000 worth of cocaine in the boot of his car when stopped by the Metropolitan Police's Violent Crime Taskforce, has been jailed.

William Dunford ,24, of York Way, Islington, received 12 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce in two unmarked police vehicles, were carrying out a routine stop and search patrol in east London, when they stopped a car being driven by Dunford.

On searching the vehicle, officers discovered 26kg of cocaine hidden in the boot.

Inspector Peter Moxham said: “This sentencing is the result of a routine stop and search carried out by officers on patrol.

“These take place every day, across London.

“A result like this demonstrates how effective the tactic can be when preventing criminals involved in drug dealing and other criminality, including carrying offensive weapons.

“A twelve-year sentence has now been handed out to an individual who clearly thought he would not be caught by police.

“I would like this case to act as a warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with drug dealing.”

Knightsbridge Restaurant Fire: Two Suspects Identified

Detectives investigating a suspected arson at a restaurant in Knightsbridge have released images of two men they would like to identify.

Officers were called to the restaurant, in Brompton Road, shortly after 3.00am on Thursday, December 6, last year to reports of a fire.

Analysis of CCTV shows two men who were near to the restaurant at the time the fire started.

The first man is described as wearing a black/navy blue parker jacket with lighter coloured ‘fur like' lining around the hood, dark jogging bottoms with lighter coloured horizontal lines on the rear, a round neck dark coloured sweatshirt and black trainers.

The second man was wearing a light coloured brown jacket, dark coloured trousers and black shoes.

The fire caused extensive damage to the front of the restaurant.

There were no reported injuries.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the identities of the two men are asked to contact detectives by calling 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Brothers Grim: Thirteen Years Each For Battering Drinking Buddy

"No Mercy": James & Wesley Henry

Two brothers have been jailed for battering a drinking-partner with bottles, leaving the man for dead with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.

The 40 year-old victim, a construction worker at Tottenham Hotspur FC's new stadium, drank in a pub local with the pair, even buying them drinks, before he was savagely set-upon.

James Henry, 26, and Wesley Henry, 24, both of Castleford Close, Tottenham were each sentenced to thirteen years imprisonment after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

CCTV footage captured the moment the brothers, plus two unknown accomplices, turned on the victim shortly after 4.35am on Wednesday, September 16.

The victim was surrounded, with the brothers brandishing glass bottles.

As the victim tried to step away he was punched to the ground by Wesley before being glassed over the head by James.

Wesley then returned to the victim and kicked him repeatedly in the head whilst he was lying unconscious.

The men then steal his gold chain and rifle through his pockets before making off.

A passing member of the public contacted police and the London Ambulance Service after they spotted the lifeless victim, assuming he had been hit by a car due to the severity of his injuries.

The victim suffered life changing injuries including a fractured skull, a bleed to the brain, and facial injuries.

Investigating officers pieced together the attack with CCTV footage and both suspects were identified with the assistance of forensic evidence.

Wesley claimed in interview that his heavy use of cannabis played a role in his actions.

The victim suffered permanent facial disfigurement and requires ongoing treatment for anxiety, dizziness and blurred vision as a result of the savage attack.

Two additional men, seen taking part in the assault, are being sought by police.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Pembe Rayif from North Area CID said: "This was a savage attack which appeared to be completely unprovoked.

“The victim is clearly trying to get away from all the males but was set upon by them all prior to receiving the first strike from Wesley.

“Once unconscious and helpless on the ground, the group target his head showing no mercy and even returning to steal his chain and search his pockets for valuables.

“I hope this verdict goes some small way to helping the victim move on from such a harrowing attack."

Seven Years For Sex Predator Who Preyed On 13 Year-Old Girls

A sexual predator, who molested two 13 year-old girls twelve months apart, has been jailed for seven years.

Davis Kigozi, 26, pounced in the girls' homes, where he had been an invited guest at the time.

Harrow Crown Court also placed him on the Sexual Offenders Register and he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Kigozi was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child by penetration.

The court heard how Kigozi preyed on the two girls while he was in relationships with older women who were known to the girls.

On May 28, last year Kigozi returned to the victim's address in Charlton, south-east London and sexually assaulted her.

The girl - who was 13 at the time of the attack - managed to escape from Kigozi and locked herself in a separate room.

Kigozi threatened to kill himself if the girl told anyone what had happened.

Almost a year later on May 12 Kigozi - who was now in a different relationship - struck again.

Kigozi, who had been drinking at the address, made his way into the 13-year-old victim's bedroom in Colindale and sexually assaulted her.

During the attack, the girl's mother came into the bedroom and disturbed Kigozi.

He tried to blame the abuse on another family member, but police were called and Kigozi was arrested.

Detective Constable Jackie McKenzie-Bell of the North West Command Unit led the investigation and said: "Kigozi is a sexual predator who abused his position of trust to assault two vulnerable girls.

“I can only hope his conviction can give them some form of closure to their ordeal.

"Given the similarity of Kigozi's offences, it cannot be discounted that he has abused other children.

“I would appeal to anyone who has been a victim of Kigozi to come forward and speak to police.

“There are specially trained officers to support you and who will strive to obtain justice for you."

Barber's Yellow Line Road Rage

F4 Fade: Blackman's Barber Shop

A barber drove his car into a traffic warden who approached him while parked on a yellow line outside his shop.

Patrick Blackman, 36, works at F4 Fade in Dawes Road, Fulham, where he was arrested later that day.

The father-of-one, of Brabazon Road, Hounslow pleaded guilty on thursday to assaulting warden Kamor Balogun by driving his black Ford vehicle into his left knee on August 18.

Prosecutor Mr. Robert Simpson told Westminster Magistrates Court: “Blackman was in his car, which was parked on a yellow line and the traffic warden said he wanted to talk to him.

“He became abusive and said: 'I'm going to run you over.'

“The defendant then mounted the pavement and struck the left knee of the victim, causing a scratch.

“He then got out of the vehicle and was abusive again.”

Blackman denied threatening to run the traffic warden over and said: “I'm very embarrassed to be here.”

District Judge Nina Tempia told Blackman: “This was a very foolish escapade. You are lucky there was not a more serious injury.”

Blackman was fined £200, with £85 costs plus a £30 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £75 compensation to the traffic warden. 

'Have-A-Go-Heroes' Detain Violent Cashbox Robber

A violent robber, who snatched an armoured car's cash box and was chased and caught by 'have-a-go' passers-by, has been caged for eight years.

Michael Richards, 51, who hid his identity by wearing a crash helmet, bit two members of public, who joined the injured security guard in detaining him.

At the time he was on licence from prison, having been released from a life sentence for similar a similar offence in June, last year.

Richards pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to one count of robbery in Tottenham High Road, Tottenham, north London on September 27.

When eventually released the court ordered he remain on an extended licence for an additional three years.

Richards struck outside a shop at 11.30am when the custodian was making a delivery of cash to a store.

He was approached from behind by Richards who pushed him forcefully to the ground.

Richards, who was wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle crash helmet, picked up the cash box and fled.

The custodian, who suffered a range of injuries during the incident, ran after Richards, as well as three members of the public who witnessed the robbery.

Richards ran towards a black vehicle displaying false number plates, but as he did he was caught by the members of the public who attempted to remove him from the vehicle.

During the struggle Richards viciously bit two of the members of public.

The three bystanders managed to detain Richards on the floor, with the help of a fourth member of public, until police arrived.

The cashbox was recovered from the vehicle.

Detective Constable Kevin Parley from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad said: “I would firstly like to praise the courageous members of the public who intervened and detained Richards while he was attempting to escape.

“They prevented a dangerous criminal from fleeing, and enabled us to detain him in possession of items clearly associated with the robbery.

“This was pivotal in enabling us to bring this case before the courts so quickly and helped us achieve this sentence for Richards today.

“In the commission of this offence, Richards showed a complete disregard for the law and justice system having only recently been released from a custodial sentence for committing another cash in transit robbery.

“He is a dangerous individual who will now serve a lengthy prison sentence and will no longer be able to blight our communities with his offending.”

Tory Researcher Accused Of Parliament Sex Assault

A researcher for Tory Minister Chris Skidmore appeared in court today accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the Houses of Parliament.

Callum Warren, 26, of Lilliput Court, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, was bailed by Westminster Magistrates Court to appear at Southwark Crown Court on January 24.

The offence allegedly occurred last summer in the The Grade I listed Norman Shaw North building - the original New Scotland Yard - now part of the Parliamentary Estate.

Warren is charged that on July 12 he sexually assaulted a female in Room 220, of the Norman Shaw North building, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Street, with intent, by sexually penetrating her vagina with his fingers.

Shaven-headed and bearded Warren dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and blue patterned tie spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality during the short hearing.

He is employed by Conservative MP Mr. Skidmore, who represents the constituency of Kingswood, South Gloucestershire and was recently appointed Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation.

The charge is indictable-only and Warren was sent to the crown court on condition he does not contact the victim.

Warren was notified of today’s court date by postal requisition and his lawyer Tom Warden indicated the charge would be fought.

“There was no penetration and any sexual contact was consensual,” he told District Judge Nina Tempia.

The judge told Warren not to contact the complainant, whose name was written down on a piece of paper for her, directly or indirectly by phone, email or social media to prevent further offences or interference with the witness.

Veteran Armed Robber Back Behind Bars

A veteran armed robber, who tried to snatch a supermarket cash delivery by threatening the guard with a hammer, has been caged for five years.

Matthew Missenden, 56, of Hazel Grove, Sydenham had been released from a life sentence in 2016 for gun-enabled raids.

He fought the charge, but was convicted by a Woolwich Crown Court jury.

He was found guilty of attempting to rob the G4S guardian in Deptford High Street on May 14.

The custodian was delivering a cashbox when he was approached by Missenden, who was armed with a hammer.

Missenden gestured for the cashbox to be handed over, but when the custodian revealed the box was empty Missenden fled the scene.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad launched an investigation.

Extensive review of CCTV footage showed Missenden escaped in a green vehicle.

Officers traced the registration to Missenden’s home address, where he was arrested on June 20.

Missenden was on life licence at the time of this offence after being released from custody in 2016 having served a sentence for a series of gun-enabled robberies.

Detective Constable David Crewe of the Flying Squad said: “Missenden is a prolific offender who has no respect for the law or the criminal justice system.

“At the time of this offence he was on licence having been released from a custodial sentence he received for similar offences.

“Missenden showed no concern for the welfare of the custodian merely carrying out his day job, or other members of the public around him, when he attempted this robbery armed with a weapon. 

“This case should send a clear message to those considering carrying out these audacious crimes that we will track you down and bring you to justice.”

To Our Readers: Have A Very Happy Christmas

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Please accept our best wishes for this festive time of the year.

Christmas Day is a time for celebration and joy, plus appreciation of the loves ones we have around us.

It is also a time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy this day and hopefully another one in twelve months time.

East London Stabbing: Police Released CCTV Images

Detectives have issued CCTV images of two men they want to identify and trace in connection with a stabbing in east London.

Police were called at 3.00pm on Thursday, October 11, to a commercial premises in Globe Road, Bethnal Green where a man had been attacked.

At the scene a 33-year-old man had suffered stab wounds to his back and his arm.

The injured male was taken to hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who can identify the two men pictured.

Detective Constable Ben Stone of Central East CID said: “This was a violent planned attack, and it was mere luck that the victim wasn’t more seriously, or even fatally, injured.

“I urge anyone who can name these men to contact police without delay."

Anyone with information should call Central East Command Unit by dialling 101 quoting CAD4615/11OCT, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Schoolteacher Jailed For Book Cupboard Grope

A schoolteacher who molested a 15 year-old girl pupil in a book cupboard has been jailed for nine months.

Andrew Charles Embling, 36, of Coxtie Green Road, Brentwood taught at a secondary school in Hornchurch, Havering, east London.

He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by touching on January 10, last year.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Embling asked the victim to collect some books for him from a cupboard.

She went to the cupboard to look for the books but could not find them.

He then went back to the cupboard with the victim to assist her.

Whilst in the cupboard he sexually assaulted her.

She immediately told a friend what had happened and then informed a teacher.

Embling was suspended with immediate effect and the police and local authority were informed.

Embling was arrested three days later on January 13 and charged over a year later on March 29.

As part of his sentence, he was issued with a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Investigating officer Police Constable Clare Henson, from the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: “Embling abused the trust this student put in him and saw his opportunity to use his position to betray the victim by sexually touching her.

“The young victim has shown great courage and maturity in coming forward and disclosing what happened, and giving evidence against Embling in court.

“I would also like to praise the school for their response to this incident, their assistance during the investigation and the ongoing support they have provided to the students at the school."

'Pay Or Stay': Precious Metals Fraudsters Ordered To Compensate Victims With Pennies On Pound

Fraudsters: Sabin & Ridpath

The jailed masterminds behind a £7.75m precious metals investment scam will serve more time behind bars if they don’t compensate their victims.

They were convicted at Blackfriars Crown Court of a plot to sell investors “worthless barrels of junk” and approximately £3.6m is owed to the 250-odd victims of the scheme.

Ringleaders Christopher Sabin, 45, of Eyot House, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks and Tobias Ridpath, 54, of Wellington Square, Hastings each received nine years.

On Thursday Sabin, whose criminal benefit was calculated as £6.57m, was ordered to pay £14,469 within three months or serve an additional eight months imprisonment.

Ridpath, whose benefit was also £6.57m, was ordered to pay £201,571 within three months or serve an additional two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Investigators found Sabin’s only real asset was a second-hand Range Rover because his family home is in his partner’s name, but Ridpath has a 40% stake in the property he owns with his wife.

Prolific salesman Nicholas Start, 37, of Spencer Close, Pamber Heath, Tadley, Hampshire, who pocketed at least £132,000 in commission over a few months received seven years imprisonment after the trial.

"Prolific": Start

His total benefit was calculated as £868,753 and he must pay £153,034 in compensation within three months or serve an additional eighteen months imprisonment. 

A fourth lower level participant in the scam, William Berkeley, 54, of Barrington Court, Chichester Terrace, Horsham, who received four years, made a nominal £1 compensation payment.

Using a misleading website and inaccurate glossy brochure they either cold-called customers with scripted patter or placed ads offering the opportunity to purchase supposedly lucrative metals vital to 80% of the world’s industry.

Prosecutor Mr. David Durose told jurors Denver Trading - started by Sabin and Ridpath - was run from a short-term £860 per month office in the City.

The court was told Start headed a “prolific” brokerage - London Commodity Markets - and Berkeley took over the Swiss branch of the business after the original director quit, claiming the business “stank horribly.”

One typical investor, Cecil McMurray, invested £243,000. “He lost a vast amount of money.”

One Quid: Berkeley

Another client bought 100 kilos of rare metals in September, 2012 for £39,000 and two-and-a-half years later that investment was worth £285.

The investors did not know approximately 50% of the money they handed over immediately went to the company as a sales commission - halving the investment, the jury were told.

“Not one of them have made a penny and they have lost pension pots and life savings. The losses are in the millions and millions of pounds.

“They were duped into investing,” explained Mr. Durose, who said the fraud lasted approximately one year from Spring, 2012.

Judge Rajeev Shetty told the four scammers when jailing them: “All the buyers have ended up with worthless barrels of junk, either gathering dust or have long since been disposed of. The loss to them has been total, no one has made one pound back.

“The jury found this was all a scam, a ruthless vehicle designed to rip-off people of their savings and pension pots to make you all wealthy.

“Making as much money as possible was the name of the game and that game is now up.”

Accountant Stalked Business School Professor

Guilty: Li

A fiercely ambitious accountant stalked a respected London Business School professor - demanding he be her lover and mentor - after she witnessed him addressing a career event.

Zhaoyan Li, 40, suddenly popped up at his church, gatecrashed his gym class, booked a holiday to follow him to Lanzarote and bombarded him with texts, emails and calls.

Oxford-educated Alex Edmans, 38, who has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos and testified to Parliament was eventually too distressed to answer his office phone and quit regular activities. 

Li, of Rattan Apartments, Susannah Street, Canary Wharf was convicted of stalking Professor Edmans between February 1, 2017 and September 13, this year.

Li, who told City of London Magistrates Court she may kill herself if convicted, will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on a future date.

Professor Edmans told the court from behind a screen Li enjoyed taking photographs of him working out at a Hyde Park boot camp fitness club and groped his biceps after a class.

She began stalking him after he spoke at accountancy giants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) ‘Finding Purpose In Your Career’ seminar early last year.

Panic Alarm: Prof Edmans

“She said she wanted to become a partner at PwC, which was strange because she wasn’t even a trainee,” he explained. 

“She asked me if I was happy to have dinner with her because she had some questions about her career and I told her I had to go home.

“I went to Marks & Spencer’s and when I left she was waiting for me outside and followed me on the westbound tube even though she lived in the opposite direction and sat next to me.”

Li then joined a Surrey getaway hosted by Professor Edmans’ All Souls Church breakfast club. 

“Every mealtime she’d sit next to me and try to talk to me, even if I was talking to other people and this way annoying. She was trying to encroach on me and continually interrupting conversations I was having.”

The professor admits he eventually resorted to getting physical. “I squeezed the pressure points on her knee to cause a bit of pain.”

However, Li claims she took this under-the-table knee squeeze as a “come on” of a sexual nature.

Professor Edmans was bombarded with WhatsApp ad Facebook messages from Li, who suddenly appeared at his workout class when a picture needed to be taken.

“Out from the shadows Ms Li jumped up and said: ‘I’ll take the group photo.’ She must have been on the sidelines watching.

“She started touching my biceps, which was not solicited and then started coming to the boot camp, not to participate, but to take photos, presumably of me working out.

“I blocked her on facebook, but and then she contacted me through other means, I blocked her on WhatsApp and saved her as ‘Dirty Pervert.’

“She wanted to be in a relationship with me. It was as if she thought she had the right to have a relationship with me.”

In one message Li wrote: “I want a Mr. Right who loves me and cares about my feelings.”

Eventually All Souls Church banned her and Professor Edmans reported her to the police, who gave Li an official warning in January.

“She then started coming to the London Business School campus and using the internal phone and called me on February 14 to say: ‘Happy Valentines Day.’

“Normal things like checking emails filled me with horror and dread and each time I saw her number my heart sank because this ordeal was continuing.”

Eventually a panic alarm was fitted at the professor’s office and he quit the boot camp and church breakfast club after Li booked herself on their Canary Islands vacation.

“I thought: ‘There’s no getting away from her if she turns up in Lanzarote for the entire eight days.’”

Li constantly tried to delay and adjourn the trial and told the magistrates: “If I get a criminal record I may commit suicide.”