Cocaine Cut: Prison Time Slashed For Drug Dealer

A cocaine dealer has had nearly three years of prison time wiped off his sentence for the time he spent tucked up in bed on home curfew, awaiting his trial.

Yahya Osman, 29, was arrested during a National Crime Agency swoop, which linked him via encrypted mobile phone messages with commercial drug dealing.

He was arrested near London’s Hatton Garden on March 19, 2021 and after three months in custody was granted bail on condition he obey a home curfew.

When that time was added up at Croydon Crown Court last week a total of 916 days will be automatically deducted from the seven years and seven months sentence he received.

Another three months and seven days will also have been deemed served.

Osman, of Bellhouse Lane, Southend-on-Sea fought the charges for years and eventually pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs on the eve of his third scheduled jury trial. 

The court heard no cocaine was seized when Osman was pulled over in his black Audi, but his mobile phone revealed evidence of the purchase of at least two kilos of cocaine, which was broken down and sold on.

The prosecution say he was directly involved with others and linked to the selling-on of a kilo of cocaine.

Officers also seized a Rolex watch, worth over £10,000 from the first-time offender and a £50,000 surety was offered to secure his bail.

For three of his years on bail Osman was not allowed to physically leave his local neighbourhood in Southend-on-Sea and had to obey an evening curfew to remain at home during the hours of darkness.

He was facing up to eleven years imprisonment on current sentencing guidelines, but after the discount will be eligible for parole in approximately two-and-a-half years.

Osman often claimed to be a lawyer, but never qualified and while on bail managed his Iranian father’s restaurant - calming the Rolex was a gift from his dad.

His lawyer Sebastian Gardiner even submitted Osman should receive no prison time whatsoever: “We are in the ballpark of time served for this defendant and ask if it is in the interests of justice to send this person to prison?

“It is more constructive to suspend any term of imprisonment so he does not have to go to prison. He has got a stable life a steady partner and the probation report says he is at low risk of re-offending.

“He has clearly served the equivalent of eight years and there are a whole range of community resolutions and my submission is for a sentence equivalent to time served.

“There was a huge backlog and this case could not be listed,” added Mr Gardiner. “There have been a number of delays and none of them are this defendant’s fault and that has been detrimental to him.”

Recorder Valeria Swift told Osman: “For reasons that were not your fault the first trial was not effective and at the second trial your guilty plea was not accepted by the prosecution and when the third trial was listed your plea was accepted.

“There has been a substantial delay and you have had to wait for over a year since you pleaded guilty to hear your sentence.

“You were at the top of a supply chain with others and you were responsible for directing those below you in the chain, drug dealers.

“You were involved in the supply of one kilo of cocaine and were directing others from your position at the top of the chain.

“You were a man of good character and that is to your credit and you have stayed out of trouble since these offences and I take that in your favour.

“There has been a very substantial period of delay which is significant in this case, back to 2021, a delay in proceedings that were not your fault.

“The delay is a substantial point of mitigation and you were subject to onerous bail conditions, which were a significant incursion on your liberty, when you had to be at home and were subject to a curfew for a substantial period of time.”

Stylist Denies Gucci Handbag Scam

Dressed For Court: Chellingsworth

An ‘internationally-renowned personal stylist’ yesterday pleaded not guilty to a £277,000 Gucci designer handbag fraud when she appeared at Croydon Crown Court today.

Milda Chellingsworth, 44, is accused of duping investors, who believed they would enjoy profitable returns from her expertise in trading in the luxury handbag market.

The Lithuanian-born businesswoman, who lives in a £940,000 home in Alexandra Crescent, Sundridge, Bromley was bailed to return for her trial on February 5, 2029.

Chellingsworth is charged with a £146,861.63 fraud between May 1 and August 31, 2023 by abusing her position as the retained agent of Mandy Gray.

She is accused of dishonestly making false representations when retaining money in two bank accounts of Styling For You, spending that money for her personal use instead of benefiting her client’s business.

Chellingsworth is also charged with a similar £78,400 fraud between April 1 and May 31, 2021.

It is said she dishonestly made false representation to Patricia Navarro that she would invest her money into expensive Gucci handbags and return thousands of pounds in profits.

She is also charged with a third fraud, totalling £52,000, between June 17, 2019 and May 31, 2021.

Chellingsworth is accused of dishonestly making false representations to Trevor Coop that she would invest his money into expensive Gucci handbags and return thousands of pounds in profits.

The stylist and personal shopper reportedly charges £150 per hour to consult holidaymakers on appropriate suitcase packing and £680 per day to be a personal gift shopper.

Despite the not guilty pleas Judge Elizabeth Lowe asked: “Where’s the money? Where did it go?”

Chellingsworth’s lawyer Brian Richardson replied: “She denies acting dishonestly. She entered into arrangements with these individuals. She is in the process of trying to resolve matters with Ms Gray.

“The monies were attempted to be invested, but there were a series of unfortunate events and in the process of preparing the defence case this will be dealt with.”

When Judge Lowe enquired: “What does she do for a living at the moment?” Chellingsworth informed the court: “I am a stylist and have a concierge company.”

Chellingsworth is the company director of SFY Styling Concierge Ltd and SFY Styling Ltd.

Wanted: Pervert Who Targeted Woman On Train

An early-morning female train passenger was followed by a mystery male, who exposed himself and then masturbated in front of her.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their suspect.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public to assist them identify the unknown male.

At around 6.30am on Friday, May 22, a man boarded the service at Clapham Junction and left at East Croydon station. 

During the southbound journey the male exposed himself to the woman, who moved away, but was approached again with the man masturbating in front of her.

Detectives would like to speak to the man in the images, as they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 167 of 22 May.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Prison For Thief Who Targeted Expensive Commuter Bikes

A serial bike thief who stole nine bikes from train stations in Surrey has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Reece Fujioka, 23, was sentenced at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to two years’ imprisonment, having pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft.

The court heard that between May and October 2025, Fujioka stole nine bikes from three stations in Surrey – Walton-on-Thames, Woking and Guildford – breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) each time, as well as trespassing on the railway on one occasion.

Fujioka would casually walk up and down the cycle racks at stations when the coast was clear before choosing his desired bike. 

He’d then use a handheld tool, such as a pair of pliers or bolt cutters, to break the lock and remove the bike.

The bikes he stole included a Cannondale Topstone worth around £2,500, and a Rockrider 6061 worth about £1,800.

Officers launched an investigation after linking a number offences together.

Fujioka was identified as a suspect in late May and officers began working to arrest him. 

He was arrested in January after handing himself in at a Metropolitan Police station in south London.

BTP Constable Lee McAdam said: “Fujioka answered no comment in interview, but we had pulled together a wealth of evidence, including valuable CCTV footage, that left him with no choice but to plead guilty in court.

“We know cycle theft has a real impact on passengers, and we’re committed to tackling this type of crime and putting thieves like Fujioka before the courts.”

Boozy Pervert Jailed For Bloody Wine Bottle Train Attack

A drunken sex offender, who bashed his young male victim over the head with a wine bottle as he tried to flee a train carriage, has been locked-up.

Zakaria Mohammed, 32, inflicted wounds to the back of the 21 year-old passenger's head after deliberately blocking him in on the early morning service.

British Transport Police (BTP) have described it as a “sickening” attack, which left the victim with bleeding wounds.

Mohammed, of The Coppice, West Drayton, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, sexual assault and false imprisonment.

He also admitted breaching the conditions of a previous Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which was made after previous offending.

Mohammed was jailed for one year and eight months at Reading Crown Court and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

He was also made the subject of a 10-year SHPO.

Shortly before 8.30am on Saturday, March 24, Mohammed sat directly opposite the victim at a table in an otherwise empty carriage.

The pair made small talk until Mohammed, who had clearly been drinking and was carrying a half empty bottle of wine, sexually assaulted the victim.

He moved to deliberately sit next to the victim, who attempted to leave his seat when the train reached Reading station.

When he asked Mohamed to move so he could leave the defendant refused, leaving the victim with no other option than to crawl under the table to escape.

However, as he was doing so, Mohammed repeatedly hit him over the head with his wine bottle.

On leaving the train the victim reported what had happened and realised he was bleeding heavily from cuts to his head.

Mohammed was arrested by BTP officers as he approached the barriers to leave the station and was found to be in breach of a previous SHPO forbidding him from travelling on public transport without paying for a ticket.

BTP Detective Constable Lauren Pace said: “This was a truly sickening assault on a young man who was understandably terrified.

“Mohammed is a dangerous individual who saw nothing wrong with forcing himself upon the victim.

“Quite rightly he has been jailed as a result of our investigation and issued with a SHPO which will hopefully prevent him from attacking anyone else.”

Notorious Night Tube "Predator" Sentenced For More Offences

A night tube predator, who targeted multiple sleeping women in the early hours, has received four-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Salman Yousaf, 46, pleaded guilty to nine charges in total – eight counts of sexual assault and one of outraging public decency.

Inner London Crown Court also ordered an extended licence period on release of a further four years.

Yousaf was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He is already serving a seven-and-a-half year sentence for a sex attack on a lone female he targeted as she slept on a late-night tube train in April, 2023.

While living in Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, east London he was convicted on that occasion of sexual assault and assault by penetration.

The Metropolitan Police (MPS), working with the British Transport Police (BTP) linked him to a series of similar offences involving lone females travelling late at night on the London Underground network.

Extensive enquiries resulted in Yousaf being linked to a total of nine offences committed between 2017 and 2021 all on board tube trains at night.

The first took place at around 5.00am on March 11, 2017 when he masturbated in front a woman on a Central Line service near Stratford.

Then on eight separate occasions, all on Central Line and Jubilee Line services, Yousaf singled out women and sexually assaulted them.

He made a conscious effort to target women who had fallen asleep on night tubes. 

Detectives arrested Yousaf in prison and he offered no comment to all questions put to him.

BTP Detective Constable Iryna Cuthbert said: “Salman Yousaf is a calculated predator who deliberately exploited the night-time rail network to target lone women, using their isolation to commit a series of premeditated crimes.

“Even when confronted, he showed a complete lack of remorse – the same absence of remorse he demonstrated at his sentencing.

“Thanks to the information provided by our colleagues at the MPS, we were able to link him to a catalogue of vile sexual offending and ultimately extend his stay behind bars beyond 2030.

“Yousaf’s crimes will have a lasting impact on the women he targeted. 

“I want to acknowledge their bravery in coming forward and reporting what happened, and I hope his sentence brings them some measure of justice.”

Seven Sisters 'Upskirter' Suspect Hunted

A female London Underground passenger was the victim of 'upskirting' as she stood on an escalator.

An unknown male targeted the woman at Seven Sisters Underground station at approximately 10.45pm on Friday, March 27.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and have released this image of their suspect.

Investigating officers are appealing to the public to assist them identify him.

It is suspected a male standing behind the victim used his mobile phone to record images underneath her clothing.

Anyone who recognises the suspect is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 885 of 27 March.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Disabled Train Passenger Assaulted And Robbed Of Mobile Phone

A disabled train passenger was left “shaken and extremely distressed” when attacked for his mobile phone.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and have released this image of their suspect.

Officers are appealing to members of the public to assist them identify the mystery male.

The victim was onboard a train service approaching Bromley South railway station at approximately 11.30am on Wednesday, May 6.

BTP officers are treating the incident as assault and robbery and have stated the disabled victim was left “shaken and extremely distressed.”

The victim was approached my an unknown male, assaulted and had his mobile phone taken.

Detectives would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he may have information which could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 245 of 6 May.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Forensic Psychologist Guilty Of Seventeen Years-Old Grudge

A forensic psychologist has been convicted of sending a foul-mouthed abusive text to a supervisor she last worked under seventeen years ago.

Bibi Cotman, 55, had not been in contact with the female victim for that same period of time until suddenly sending the evening text, which was full of historic work grievances and wishing a painful death on the victim.

“It was a nasty message, received out of the blue from an unknown number and was quite threatening,” announced District Judge Rebecca Saillet last week.

Mother-of-one Cotman, of Houblon Road, Richmond-upon-Thames fought the case, but was convicted of sending an offensive communication to Wimbledon resident Maureen Duffy on October 23, last year.

“Ms Cotman did not give any evidence today so I have no explanation as to what may have been going on with her that day,” added the judge.

The Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court trial heard the retired victim received the text from Cotman at 9.45pm, which read: “You, my dear are one of the nastiest, self-centred, most narcissistic, self-serving c**** I’ve met.

“I’ve never forgotten the trauma you caused me, thinking you could control people with your ridiculous work ethic to be like the Devil Wears Prada when in reality you were a spinster taking your anger out on others.

“I hope you die a slow cancerous death you c***. Cheers.”

Cotman claims she has no memory of the text and tried to beat the charge by insisting she had her own mental health challenges at the time.

However, Judge Saillet ruled: “Many that come before these courts suffer mental health difficulties, but that in itself is not a defence or having no memory of sending the message.

“There is no evidence she was going through a crisis and it was sent to an ex-employer with work grudges.

“I am satisfied Ms Cotman sent the message with intent to cause stress and anxiety and find her guilty of the offence.”

Prosecutor Lucy Bleichroeder told the trial the victim reported the text to police, who quickly identified Cotman as the sender as they had a record of her phone number from four recent calls she made to emergency services.

In her statement the victim, who lives alone, said: “I worry constantly about being attacked due to this message.” 

Cotman was questioned at Kingston Police Station on December 9, but refused to answer questions and sat in silence.

She suffered a brain aneurysm in 2023 and called her own consultant forensic psychologist Chireal Shallow, who told the trial: “This is a very nuanced and complex situation.”

Cotman’s lawyer Pat Lloyd said: “She had nothing to do with this woman for seventeen years and never saw her or spoke to her.

“She is going to be evicted shortly from her home, which she shares with her sixteen year-old daughter, because she has not paid the rent.

“She does not know where she is going and is in receipt of £1900 per month Universal Credit.

“She says she did not mean it and it is unlike her and it was a one-off and she is at the end of her tether today and she would love to have the chance to apologise.”

From the back of the courtroom Cotman said: “It was a horrible message and it was a shock when it was read to me. It is not okay.”

She was ordered to pay £50 compensation to the victim, plus £100 court costs by Judge Judge Saillet, who told her: “I’ve heard what you said and appreciate that you appreciate it wasn’t a nice message to receive.

“I know you have difficulties in your life, but I did find you guilty of sending a very nasty message to poor Mrs Duffy and the compensation is for the fear and distress you caused her that night.”

Knife Horror During Imperial Wharf Rush Hour

Knife: Aidan Watts

A young knifeman, who repeatedly stabbed a rival with a huge machete-style red-bladed weapon at busy Imperial Wharf station in west London, has been locked-up.

Aidan Watts, 20, of Cremorne Estate, Chelsea received five years and one month custody after pleading at Inner London Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

His accomplices, who struck during the shocking rush hour attack, Jakada Joseph, 22, of Cambridge Gardens, Notting Hill and Stefan Kosavac-Godart, 19, were convicted of affray.

Kosavac-Godart was given a conditional discharge, following time served on remand and Joseph will be sentenced separately.

British Transport Police (BTP) were called to Imperial Wharf railway station in Chelsea, just after 5.20pm on June 18, last year to reports of a stabbing.

Officers raced to the scene with paramedics and found a 20-year-old man with multiple life-threatening stab injuries to his thigh, abdomen and buttocks.

He was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, where doctors and nurses worked to stabilise him.

BTP detectives had been alerted in the meantime and immediately launched an investigation to track down the offenders.

They spoke to several witnesses and established the victim was on the same train as the suspect group, but they had not seen each other because the carriage was so busy. 

He had departed the train and was making his way along the platform towards the exit when his attackers spotted him.

They ran to confront him and ambushed him, chasing him along the platform and tripping him over before Watts launched a frenzied knife attack in full view of onlookers.

After the attack the trio fled and witnesses described seeing Watts carrying a machete with a red 40cm blade as he ran away.

As part of their enquiries, detectives examined CCTV coverage that showed Watts discarding items of clothing in a nearby residential estate after the attack. 

His distinctive, red-bladed knife was found close by after he tried to hide it by a set of maintenance units that formed part of the estate.

BTP Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “What was a normal summer’s evening at a busy West London station very quickly escalated into serious violence.

“The two parties were on the same train, within feet of each other, and had the group not noticed the victim then the whole incident could have been avoided. 

“As it was, they spotted him and outnumbered him, before Watts launched a spontaneous, but targeted frenzied attack on the platform.

“Our detectives worked tirelessly to gather a wealth of witness statements, CCTV footage and forensic evidence. 

“I’d like to thank them and our colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Crown Prosecution Service for supporting our investigation.”

Tracksuited Suspected Pervert Wanted By Transport Police

A female train passenger, travelling on a service through West Sussex with her young daughter, reported a mystery male to police for indecently pleasuring himself in the carriage.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of the unknown man they would like to speak to.

They are requesting the assistance of the public to help identify him.

On the evening of Wednesday, April 1 the woman was on the train with her child, travelling between London Victoria and Horsham.

They went to use the toilet when the mother saw a man, who was seated and appeared to be asleep. 

He had his hand down his trousers and appeared to be masturbating.

Officers believe the man in the image could have information that may assist their enquiries.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 758 of 1 April.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.