Two More City Of London Bag Thieves Locked-Up

Two prolific bag thieves, who were caught on CCTV brazenly searching through bags and stealing the contents in a Square Mile pub, have been sent to prison.

On Thursday, August 14, last year Majazy Latif, 28, (pic. l.) and Youcef Aliouat, 32, (pic. r.) were captured on CCTV in a Cannon Street pub rifling through bags left on the bar.

They placed their own rucksack amongst the pile, pulled up a chair and began their search for items worth stealing.

After ordering drinks, the pair began going through the bags, taking out a laptop and putting it into another bag held up by Latif.

For nearly seven minutes the pair openly rummage through a few more bags. 

People standing near them and walking past were seemingly unaware of what was happening beside them, before the two thieves walk to another area of the venue.

Latif was jailed for twenty-three months, after pleading guilty to nine counts of theft between August 6 and September 25, last year, stealing around £14,250 worth of personal belongings, including laptops, in licensed premises across the City of London.

He was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning him from entering the City for five years.

Aliouat was sentenced to eighteen months in prison for stealing nine laptops between August 14 and October 6, last year in the City. 

He was also handed a CBO, banning him from entering the Square Mile for five years.

Police Constable Pradip Gurung, Volume Crime Unit at the City of London Police, said: “These are professional criminals, who took their time when preying on other people’s belongings and transferring valuables from their victims’ bags to their own. 

“The thieves operated with audacity, standing by the bar and committing their crimes while their victims were just nearby having a drink.

“People shouldn’t have to worry about getting their bags being stolen while they’re out, but professional criminals will take any chance to take your belongings. 

“Latif and Aliouat spotted an opportunity and calmly stole from others while blending in to look like other City drinkers.

“If you leave your belongings in a bag pile, please don’t stray too far away from it and keep a close eye on your belongings. 

“Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”

Well Spotted! City Of London Police Arrest Pimple-Faced Bag Thief

A sneaky bag-switcher, who targeted a customer at a Square Mile pub, was caught by police walking out with the victim's laptop.

Mohamed Hade, 32, of Ranelagh Road, Willesden was sentenced to three months imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of theft.

At approximately 8.30pm on Thursday, March 19 Hade entered the public house in Farringdon Street and sat next to a group of drinkers.

He switched bags under the table and plain-clothed officers outside saw Hade leaving with a different bag to the one he entered with.

He headed towards New Bridge Street in the direction of another venue and officers jumped in and arrested him for theft.

CCTV footage captured the moment Hade switched bags while he was seated at the table next to the victim's group.

The stolen bag found on Hade contained a laptop with a value of £1,700.

The victim was about to report the theft to the police when officers turned up with his belongings at the pub and they were returned to him.

Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: “Opportunistic crimes such as bag and phone thefts can severely impact victims.

“The Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team’s expertise in spotting criminals preying on people out in the City have resulted in a number of arrests and prosecutions.

“We will continue to disrupt and target these criminals with our plain-clothed operations, intelligence work and the use of our extensive CCTV network across the City, which also assists us in identifying offenders.”

Jailed: Bitter Pill For Audacious City Of London Pharmacy Thief

A prolific shoplifter, who stole £14,656 worth of products during a month’s stealing spree from the same Square Mile pharmacy, has been locked-up.

Michael Hollingsworth, 42, pleaded guilty to sixteen counts of theft, after targeting the store in Aldgate High Street between December 24, last year and January 26.

Hollingsworth was caught on CCTV grabbing multiple items from the shop shelves and putting them into a bag.

He was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: “We have seen successes in arresting and putting prolific shoplifters behind bars.

“The extensive CCTV network across the City, and inside stores, has helped us in identifying offenders and getting evidence of their criminality.

“Our warning to criminals; don’t come into the Square Mile to commit an offence. If you do, you risk being spotted by CCTV cameras and we will track you down, arrest you and bring you to justice.

“We will continue our work in targeting criminals, including having our plain-clothed officers looking out for offenders, intercepting them and making arrests.”

The City of London Police have been working with retailers in the City in tackling shoplifting, with Neighbourhood Policing officers asking shops to report all thefts from their stores.

By working alongside retailers, the force has made significant progress in reducing the number of shoplifting offences; driven by more plain-clothed operations, evidence gathering, surveillance and the use of CCTV.

Lady Carina Frost Facing Speeding Ban

Sir David & Lady Frost

The widow of the late broadcaster Sir David Frost is facing a driving ban after being caught speeding in her black Mini Clubman on the A4.

Lady Carina Frost, 74, is accused of breaking the 40mph speed limit on the Great West Road, Chiswick on April 24, last year - just over four miles from her £10m Chelsea townhouse in exclusive St. Leonard’s Terrace.

Yesterday, she did not appear at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court, where she was represented by lawyer to the rich and famous Mark Haslam and the case was adjourned to July 28.

The court heard Lady Frost is facing a second pending speeding prosecution and is in jeopardy of losing her licence.

“There is a second outstanding matter of speeding and I am asking to join them all together so the cases can all be dealt with together,” said Mr Haslam.

When asked by the court why Lady Frost was not in attendance despite being summonsed the lawyer explained: “She is deemed present through me and there is no need for her to attend.

“There is no disrespect intended to the court. 

“There are anticipated guilty pleas in this case and potential disqualification under the totting points rules.”

Partners In Crime Banged Up

Thieves: Robles (l) & Roca (r)

A pair of thieves, who acted together to snatch a laptop bag from a Leadenhall Market pub in the heart of the Square Mile, have been locked-up.

John Luis Fajardo Robles, 55, (pic. l.) and Edwin Roca, 49, (pic. r.) struck in the City of London as plain-clothed police officers watched their suspicious movements.

At approximately 6.20pm on Thursday, February 19 Robles was observed entering the pub and emerging seconds later with the bag as Roca acted as look-out.

Robles is now starting a twelve-month prison sentence for theft after also admitting further offences within the Square Mile.

He also pleaded guilty to theft of a bag at a pub in Fish Hill Street on January 12 and to theft of a bag at another pub in Leadenhall Market on January 21.

Roca received sixteen weeks imprisonment.

The two thieves were seen meeting back up when police stopped and arrested them.

Officers located the owner of the bag inside the pub, who didn’t realise it had gone missing, and his belongings, with a value of around £1,335, including a laptop, were returned to him.

Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: “Opportunistic crimes, such as bag and phone thefts, will have a significant impact on the people who have their possessions stolen.

“We will continue our work in targeting criminals, including having our plain-clothed officers blending in with revellers out in the nighttime economy, looking out for offenders, intercepting them and making arrests.

“The extensive CCTV network across the City and inside pubs and bars, also helps us in identifying offenders and getting evidence of their criminality.

“People shouldn’t have to worry about getting their bags stolen while on a night out, but professional criminals will take any opportunity to take your belongings, if your back is turned for even a second. 

“We would ask members of the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.” 

Square Mile Parasites Locked-Up

A pair of prolific bag thieves, who targeted people in the pubs, bars and restaurants of the City of London, have been sent to prison.

Khaled Behaz, 25, (pic. l.) of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to five counts of theft and two counts of fraud by false representation.

He was sentenced to two years and three months in prison and he was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning him from entering the Square Mile for five years.

Yacoub Leulmi, 26, (pic. r.) of no fixed abode, who stole a bag with Behaz from a pub on Ludgate Hill on Thursday, July 17, last year received twelve months imprisonment.

Behaz also pleaded guilty to a public order offence, after being verbally abusive to staff at a restaurant in St. Paul’s Churchyard on Wednesday, July 9, last year.

Also on July 9, CCTV footage showed Behaz going into a restaurant on Bread Street and taking a laptop at the reception area of the premises.

Police Constable Sachin Kumar, of the Volume Crime Unit of the City of London Police, said: “Opportunistic crimes, such as bag and phone thefts, will have a significant impact on the people who had their possessions stolen.

“We are determined to bring those committing crimes in the City to justice and we will use all our resources to help prevent and deter any further criminal activities.

“We hope that this CBO and sentence will give reassurance to businesses and to people who work, live and visit the City.”

Behaz also pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• Theft of a bag on May 298, last year at a pub on Watling Street.

• Theft of a bag on June 12, last year at a pub on West Smithfield.

• Theft of a bag on July 10, last year at a pub on Moorgate.

• Two counts of fraud by false representation after attempting to use a stolen bank card on May 28 and using a different stolen bank card on June 12, last year. 

Three Sheets To The Wind: Revenge Attack By Square Mile Employee Sacked For Drinking

A disgruntled former employee, who disguised himself in a white bedsheet before fracturing an ex-work colleague's skull outside a landmark City of London hotel, has been imprisoned.

In the early hours of December 1, 2024 Javier De Brito Jardim, 36, donned the bizarre concealment and armed himself with an iron bar before walking across the Square Mile to The Ned, where his victim still worked.

At Inner London Crown Court Jardim, of Bolney Street, Vauxhall received four-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

CCTV captured him wrapping himself in the sheet in Cannon Street and walking to Poultry, near the Bank of England, where he attacked the former colleague at approximately 5.00am, blaming the victim for the termination of his employment.

He had laid in wait for the male victim before launching the “frenzied attack” with the bar as well as punching and kicking the man.

His victim managed to get away and alerted police. 

He was taken to hospital where it was discovered he had sustained a fractured skull and a small bleed on the brain, which required surgery.

Following the attack, Jardim is seen on CCTV carrying the white sheet and making his way back to his bus stop on London Bridge.

In his statement, the victim told police he had suspicions that it was Jardim who carried out the attack because of a work dispute.

It’s alleged that Jardim had been drinking at work and was given a warning in mid-November and the defendant believed it was the victim who had told his supervisors.

From then, the victim said Jardim did not speak to him apart from one occasion.

After the victim asked Jardim if anything was wrong, the defendant replied: “You will see, you will see.” 

Jardim was sacked from his job a week after making this comment and the victim believes this was the reason for the attack.

Jardim attempted to make a getaway the next day, but City of London Police officers stopped him from boarding a China flight at Heathrow Airport, where he was arrested.

Detective Constable Rowan Smith, at the City of London Police, said: “Javier De Brito Jardim thought he could come into the City without being noticed. 

“The extensive CCTV network across the Square Mile tracked his every movement, as soon as he got off the bus to make his way to attack his victim.

“Security footage picked up everything he did, there was no getting away from the cameras which spotted him covering himself with a bedsheet, carrying out the assault, leaving his victim seriously injured, and then leaving the City.

“I want to thank the victim for supporting our investigation. 

“An identification from him had enabled us to find Jardim and stop him from fleeing on a flight to Beijing and along with CCTV evidence, led us to secure this conviction.”

Square Mile Hotel Sexual Assault Charge

A sexual predator is starting a three-and-a-half year sentence after targeting a female in a City of London hotel in the early hours of the morning.

James Thomas, 28, of Valeside, Hertford fought the charge, but was convicted of sexual assault by penetration by an Inner London Crown Court jury.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The victim left the hotel, located in Harrow Place, near Aldgate on April 29, 2023 and immediately contacted Rape Crisis.

On May 1 she contacted the police and Thomas was arrested the same day.

City of London Police officers contacted the hotel and staff assisted in providing CCTV footage to help secure a prosecution.

Detective Constable Dan Lambert, at the City of London Police, said: “I want to commend the victim for the extraordinary courage she has shown in coming forward and seeing this case through to the end. 

“I hope she feels some sense of closure and justice as a result of this conviction.

“We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and we take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and encourage victims to report their experience to police, no matter the length of time that has passed.

“We will believe you, listen and support you throughout every step of the investigation and do everything we can to bring the offender to justice.”

HMP Belmarsh Officer Charged With 'Inappropriate Relationship' With Inmate

A female prison officer, accused of an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a male inmate at top-security HMP Belmarsh appeared in court for the first time today.

Michelle Molver, 30, who is the south-east London jail’s dedicated Prison Employment Lead appeared on bail at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

Her role is to support prisoners into permanent employment on their release.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, black leggings and Dr Martens boots she only spoke to confirm her name, age and new address during the short hearing. 

Molver, of Arneways Avenue, Chadwell Heath is charged with misconduct in public office between August 1 and September 5, last year.

It is alleged she had an inappropriate relationship with Kemai Mathurine, a prison inmate.

The court did not hear any specific details off the alleged relationship

and Molver was bailed to appear at Woolwich Magistrates’ Court on June 8.

She also devotes her time to The Churchill Fellowship with a focus on the rehabilitation of prisoners.

Molver is the former company director of the now dissolved Road to Rehabilitation Ltd and a current director of Grass Root Homes Ltd.

GP Surgery Manager Jailed For Nicking Over £150K

An NHS manager, who received an MBE for services to the inner city practice, is starting a prison sentence of two years and four months for stealing over £150,000 from the surgery.

Christian Jennings, 63, diverted practice funds into his own bank account during a six-year span of offending and was only discovered when another manager was employed and checked the records.

Jennings, of The Paddock, Stock, Billericay pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between September 29, 2013 and June 13, 2019 while employed at The Practice, Camberwell Green.

He received the MBE in recognition for his work within the NHS and specifically for establishing a community Patient Participation Group.

While on bail for the fraud he also stalked a female Portsmouth accountant, sending her distressing anonymous letters in 2025 and also pleaded guilty to that offence.

At Woolwich Crown Court Judge Philip Shorrock sentenced Jennings to twenty months imprisonment for the fraud, plus eight months added on for the stalking offence.

Prosecutor Michaela Onuchukwu told the court Jennings, who has criminal convictions for a similar fraud in 2006 was employed at the practice in 2009.

A surgery source has revealed he was employed via an agency and they had no knowledge of his criminal history.

The court heard he transferred £151,841.71 into his CO-OP bank account by diverting outgoing third-party payments to suppliers, locums, solicitors and equipment suppliers.

He also similarly diverted incoming funds into his own bank account.

His fraud was exposed when a newly-employed female manager found a discrepancy in a £32,623.22p payment for locum maternity cover.

When questioned at Lewisham Police Station on April 20, 2023 Jennings replied ‘no comment’ but later gave a prepared statement, admitting the fraud and a second statement claiming he was the victim of a fraudster.

While on bail during that investigation he went the anonymous letters to the accountant he had initially contacted online via LinkedIn.

The first handwritten latter, which was sent to her office, described her and a “total tramp” with Jennings also mocking her business and lifestyle.

He sent further letters, describing the victim as a “Pompey bird,” also adding: “You are marked darling. Keep a lower profile.”

He included images of a dartboard and the woman’s new puppy, which she had shared on social media, in the letters.

Jennings sent six letters in all and one also read: “Please be extremely careful when you are out with your pup. Anything can happen.”

He had originally asked her for business help in 2020, but became jealous of her lifestyle, including trips to Dubai, which she chronicled online.

“Her story of success was about glory and glamour,” Jennings told police, who had forensically tracked him down, describing her many posts as “condescending.”

In her victim impact statement the accountant revealed she had spent over £20,000 in office relocation costs and lost business when she stopped using social media, due to Jennings.

“I felt fearful about what else he could do,” said the married mother, who completely altered her professional and family life due to the defendant.

“I am terrified, constantly anxious with racing thoughts and panic,” she said. “I am overwhelmed.”

Jennings’ lawyer Edward Fenner told the court: “His age and health conditions will make prison a harsher environment,” adding Jennings has already repaid £32,623.22p.

“He was paying a large amount of maintenance for two children and in his words ‘maxed out’ his credit card, was commuting a long distance and turned to fraud to accommodate that and it became easy to do so.”

The jobless former Royal Navy servicemen has agreed to take out equity in a property to repay the NHS practice.

“He has high cholesterol and high blood pressure and will find prison a very difficult environment,” aded the lawyer.

“He can afford to pay it and I can see no reason why he shouldn’t,” announced Judge Shorrock, ordering Jennings to pay the remaining £119,221.49p within twelve months.

“You helped yourself to over £150,000 by raising false invoices or directing payments into your account,” the judge told him.

“While you were on bail for fraud the stalking offences were committed and that is a considerably aggravating feature and had a significant impact on the victim, both emotionally and financially.”

Jennings was also made subject to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting contact withy the victim.

Teammate Headbutted During Boozy Post-Match Rugby Drink-Up

Charged: Henry Peuble

UPDATE: THE JURY FOUND HENRY PEUBLE NOT GUILTY ON BOTH COUNTS

A fly-half with the England deaf rugby team headbutted a teammate during after-match drinks - fracturing his skull and causing brain damage - after the injured player said his “hearing was s***,” a court heard yesterday.

Henry Peuble, 30, was drinking with London Welsh RFC teammates when a row broke out with Imperial College PhD student Alexander Mitchener, 29.

He suffered a fracture to the base of his skull, plus bleeding and bruising to the brain outside The Northcote pub, Clapham Junction in the early hours of August 20, 2023.

Peuble, of Aylward Road, Wimbledon has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court - where he is following the trial with the assistance of a hearing loop - to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

Mr Mitchener, who denies making any offensive remark regarding Peuble’s hearing, told the jury: “My last memory is turning towards the defendant and saying: ‘What the f***? What’s the issue?’

“It then all goes black at that point apart from a snippet of being in the ambulance and covered in blood at the hospital getting staples put into my head.”

Now a Doctor of Philosophy, with a PhD in Aerosol Science and Respiratory Health Mr Mitchener told the jury he has not fully recovered from his injuries nearly three years later and has difficulties with short-term memory.

Both had travelled with London Welsh to Canterbury earlier in the day, with Mr Mitchener playing for the second team and Peuble the first team.

Peuble’s lawyer Michael Newport suggested to Mr Mitchener he made disparaging comments from the sideline, regarding the first teamer’s lack of hearing.

“You referred to his disability and inability to hear things. You said his hearing was s*** and was the reason for moves breaking down on the field was because he could not hear the calls.”

Hospital: Alexander Mitchener

Mr Mitchener denied making a such remarks, repeating he was “frustrated” during the evening drinks about the allegation.

“Nobody told me at the time when I asked them what I was supposed to have said.

“I have a lot of respect for Henry that he plays rugby at the level he does.”

The trial heard the team had a drink after the Canterbury match and more drinks when they returned to their club in Richmond, before setting off for further drinks at two locations.

Mr Mitchener said he had “three or four” beers before arriving at The Northcote.

“I recall being informed that something I was supposed to have said had been taken badly and that’s when things turned south.

“Henry was convinced I had said something offensive and I went over to him with a drink and said sorry.

“He was extremely angry and I asked for clarity, but never got it.

“I wouldn’t want to rub people up the wrong way and kept apologising even though I didn’t know what I was supposed rot have said.”

Mr Mitchener was outside waiting for an Uber when he got into a discussion with Peuble again, resulting in the headbutt.

“Rugby is a competitive environment and there is testy back and forth,” he conceded. “There is a bit of banter with rugby people, who test each other and everybody wants to be a tough guy.”

Mr Mitchener agreed he may have been drunk at the time of the 1.00am incident and also been angry with his teammates.

However, he insisted the defendant was worse. “He was incredibly threatening and aggressive.

“He was so angry with me that inside the pub he threatened to beat my head in.”

Earlier prosecutor Jonathan Gold told the jury: "There is no dispute he caused very serious harm. The issue is did he intend it?"

CCTV footage recorded outside the pub shows Mr Mitchener leaning in towards the defendant and the defence suggest security staff prevented his re-entry to the venue.

Other drinkers attempted to intervene and calm the situation by removing Mr Mitchener from the confrontation.

However, Mr Gold added: "There is not a need for the defendant to defend himself. It was a deliberate head butt to the face, a deliberate action that can lead to serious harm."  

Trial continues…………