Ex Southern Water Boss In Court Accused Of Plot To Avoid Fines

Matthew Wright leaving court

The former Chief Executive of Southern Water appeared in court yesterday charged with conspiracy to defraud the Environment Agency and The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) regarding effluent testing.

Matthew Reginald Wright, 61, of Doyle House, Derby Road, Haslemere, Surrey appeared in the dock at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

He and three other employees of the company are charged with a conspiracy to deliberately implement artificial no-flow events at waste water treatment works operated by the company to make testing impossible under the industry’s Operating Self-Monitoring (OSM) scheme.

The company potentially avoided industry fines totalling up to £45m.

They are: Philip Barker, 58, of Firtops, Grove Lane, West Chiltington, West Sussex.

Mark Gregory, 64, of Newton Road, Southampton.

Clive Bernard  Massey, 66, of Sunnybank, Brandhill, Craven Arms, Shropshire.

The Environment Agency are bringing the prosecution and were represented by Andrew Marshall during the short hearing in the packed courtroom.

The alleged conspiracy was between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017.

Three other Southern Water employees also face separate charges, regarding failure to comply with or contravening environmental permit conditions.

They are: Mark Butler, 47, of London road, Sayers C
ommon, Hassocks, West Sussex, who faces eight charges relating to six wastewater treatment works in Kent and East Sussex on various dates between March 15, 2015 and November 27, 2024.

David James, 60, of Chippers Road, Worthing, West Sussex, who faces one count, relating to Beaulieu Village Wastewater Treatment Works, Hampshire or about November 23, 2016.

Terry Stephens, 68, of Fontwell Mews, Cowplain, Waterlooville, who faces one count relating to Horsham Wastewater Treatment Works on or about June 9, 2015.

Southern Water itself is charged with 100 offences of failing to comply with or contravene environmental permit conditions at various sites between 2013 and 2017 in relation to the OSM scheme.

The company also face three similar charges, separately listed.

The company faces a further five charges of discharging untreated water, namely sewage into Faversham Creek Faversham; diesel fuel and sewage at Swalecliffe Wastewater Treatment Works; sewage at Diamond Road Combined Sewer Overflow, Whitstable and sewage at Brook Road Wastewater Pumping Station.

Only three of the defendants, Wright, Gregory and Butler appeared in person, with the remainder remotely linked in.

All seven defendants were bailed to appear at Maidstone Crown Court, along with Southern Water on October 9.

"Devious" North African Thief Used Old Distraction Trick To Nick £175K Suitcase

A professional Algerian thief, who targeted a female Eurostar passenger and took her suitcase containing £175,000 worth of valuables, has been jailed.

Bilal Arbaoui, 32, employed a well-used distraction method of an accomplice approaching the victim with a tissue, claiming her trousers were soiled.

As the woman wiped herself down he took her gold coloured hard-shelled suitcase, which contained designer bags, watches and jewellery.

At Inner London Crown Court Arbaoui, of Neasden Lane, Neasden received twenty-two months imprisonment after pleading guilty to theft.

On Saturday April 11, the victim arrived at St Pancras station on the Eurostar from Paris and had made her way to meet her pre ordered taxi. 

As she was looking for the cab she was approached by someone with a tissue who claimed her trousers were dirty.

As she wiped at the mark on her clothing, Arbaoui made off with her suitcase.

When she turned around the case was missing and she caught sight of Arbaoui running away with it. 

She flagged down an officer at the station and reported what had happened.

He was subsequently arrested by British Transport Police (BTP) officers and initially denied in was him in CCTV images of the theft shown to him in the police interview.

BTP Sergeant James Kingsberry said: “This was a devious and pre-planned distraction theft which caused the victim great distress.

“We work tirelessly to prevent theft on the rail network and are lucky to work in an environment with exceptional CCTV coverage which helped us apprehend Arbaoui and put him before the courts.

“Now behind bars, I hope Arbaoui realises that we have eyes everywhere and we’ll stop at nothing to bring thieves like him to justice.”

Wok & Roll: Boiling Oil Thrown By Korean Cook

Yoo admits throwing boiling oil

A Korean restaurant cook threw a wok full of boiling oil over the head chef during a petty kitchen row, inflicting serious burns, a jury heard today.

Jinhee Yoo, 37, doused Lim Gye at the Jin Go Gae restaurant in Burlington Road, New Malden - inflicting burns that required skin grafts.

She is claiming self-defence, insisting she feared being stabbed by Ms Gye, who was chopping onions at the time, Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard.

Yoo, of The Avenue, Worcester Park, Leeds has pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, at the restaurant on May 23, 2022.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rosen told the trial both women had previously worked together at the restaurant in 2017, with Yoo in the senior role.

When she returned she was now under head chef Ms Gye, who criticised her on the day of the attack for leaving the spice pots untidy.

There was a confrontation between the pair, with Yoo grabbing the head chef’s hair and them both rolling around on the kitchen floor.

Ms Gye bit Yoo’s finger in self-defence and they were pulled apart by other staff.

However, not long after they were again in the kitchen together following the lunchtime rush.

 

“She was boiling four to five litres of oil in the wok on the stove and Ms Gye was chopping onions,” explained Mr Rosen.

“They were back-to-back in the galley-style kitchen and Ms Gye thought it was odd she was boiling oil as there were no customers in the restaurant.”

Suddenly, Yoo shouted in Korean: “I can’t take it any longer,” turned and threw the wok full of boiling oil over the victim, burning her back, shoulder, chest, neck and arm.

Ms Gye recalled see Yoo standing there with the empty wok, challenging her to another fight and blocking her escape from the kitchen.

Ms Gye took a cold shower before being taken to hospital by the restaurant boss’s daughter, where she was treated for burns and blisters.

There were blisters to 70% of her back and 12% of her body was treated for burns, with a skin graft taken from her thigh during a second operation.

Yoo claimed a large chunk was bitten out of her finger by Ms Gye and she simply grabbed the closest thing to defend herself from a potential knife attack.

“This was a purposeful and deliberate action,” said Mr Rosen. “She had been boiling the oil for five minutes and there was no threat from a knife.”

The trial, which is expected to last approximately one week, continues….

Dirty Dozen: Delivery Driver Stays On Road Despite 12 Penalty Points

A delivery driver facing a six-month disqualification kept his licence after telling magistrates this week:“Financially it would be  catastrophic,” if he was off the road.

Richard Simpson, 70, already had two speeding offences on his licence, which carry a total of six penalty points when he was prosecuted again.

The former Croydon resident claimed he did not receive notice of jumping a red light after failing to update his logbook when moving to the south coast in June, 2024.

Simpson, of Albany Villas, Hove pleaded guilty to failing to give the identity of the driver when his black Audi failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing red light in Brighton Road, Croydon.

Croydon Magistrates' Court heard pedestrians were still on the crossing when the vehicle failed to stop for the red light and the incident was reported by a member of the public.

A letter asking for the identification of the driver was posed to Simpson's old address and when he did not respond he was prosecuted for that offence and the original red light charge was dropped.

The offence carries six penalty points, making Simpson subject to a six-month disqualification with a total of twelve penalty points on his licence, but he successfully argued he would suffer 'exceptional hardship' if banned.

Simpson told the court he was eventually informed of the prosecution by the new occupants of his former Croydon home, conceding he failed to update his details.

He described himself as a man of good character, who has driver for over forty-eight years.

Simpson told the magistrates he has a full-time job delivering specialist auto parts “up an down” the A23 and in London, driving approximately 120 miles per day.

“I wouldn't have a job,” he told the court, if he was subject to a disqualification. “I would be terminated.”

He said he is committed to £13,000 worth of work on his house, including heating and windows and needs his licence to drive the one hour to regular hospital appointments.

Bench Chairman Richard Hay announced: “It is exceptional hardship,” saving Simpson from immediate disqualification.

He was given six penalty points and was fined £872, with £349 costs.

'A Drive & Nicking': Simple Minds Drummer Admits Speeding

Up On The Perpwalk: Gaynor arriving at court

Simple Minds drummer Mel Gaynor is facing another speeding ban after being caught breaking the limit yet again, a court heard yesterday.

The 66 year-old musician, who played on the Scottish band’s biggest hits, including Number One ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me) appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

He was determined to fight the charge and argue the speed camera was not properly calibrated, but gave up when the prosecution produced evidence it was.

Balham-born Gaynor, who lives in the over-55's community The Clock House, High Road, Byfleet pleaded guilty to driving his Alfa Romeo 159 at 41mph in a 30mph zone on August 3, last year in Green Wrythe Lane, Carshalton.

The court heard he was also banned for six months for speeding on the motorway on April 18, 2022; received six penalty points for motorway speeding on July 17, 2024 and another three points for speeding on August 27, last year.

Those nine points, plus the minimum Gaynor will receive for the latest offence make him subject to a six-month disqualification.

However, the veteran rocker will claim any disqualification will cost him ‘exceptional hardship’ and he will return to court to argue his case next year.

Gaynor drummed on hits including ‘Alive & Kicking’; ‘Glittering Prize’; ‘Waterfront’; ’Speed Your Love To Me’ and ‘Sanctify Yourself’.

“I’d like to say I’m not a dangerous driver, I am a safe driver,” Gaynor told the magistrates. “I have to take my grandson to medical appointments and school as well.”

Prosecutor Arama Thompson told the court it was 4.53pm when Gaynor was caught on the speed camera and he confirmed he was the driver when the notice of intended prosecution was sent to his address.

Don't You (Take A Picture Of Me): Gaynor outside court

“I also have the calibration certificate that has been sent through from July, 2025 to July, this year.

Gaynor had originally claimed the speed camera must have been inoperative because his own in car sensor did not alert him to exceeding the speed limit.

Chairman Richard Hay didn't promise Gaynor any miracles and told him: “It has to be ‘exceptional hardship’. When you get to twelve penalty points you are liable to be disqualified.

“To go beyond that we need to see evidence and we will adjourn the case for you to bring your evidence of what you are going to be relying on to avoid getting disqualified.

“If you have great exceptional hardship you will not be disqualified.”

Big Brother Star Sentenced For Pummelling Little Sister

Big Brother Is Watching You: Haji Outside Court

Big Brother star Hanah Haji has been sentenced for pummelling her little sister’s face with punches during a row over her bringing men to the family home.

The 26 year-old appeared in 2024’s Series 21 of the reality show, where she went on hunger strike in protest over the show’s food.

Ealing Magistrates’ Court saw an image of a cut above the left eye of her 19 year-old sister Mona Shiekh, along with bruising to her face.

Former HR consultant Haji, of Reade Court, Stanley Road, Acton was convicted of assaulting her sister at the address on July 16, last year.

Last week, she was sentenced to a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to a total of fifteen days and fined £100.

Haji was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to her sister and £250 costs.

She was also made subject to a two-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with Mona and visiting her address at Benjamin House, High Street, South Acton.

Mona told the trial from behind a screen it was 7.30pm and she was ill and in her bedroom when she refused Haji’s request to go to the shops for her.

“She muttered: ‘What the f***?’ and I could hear her say: ‘I hope you die from your condition,’ as she shouted in the hallway.

“She barged in, slamming the door against the wall. She pushed me onto the bed and I covered my face and she started banging on my face.

“She was punching. I could feel the fists and I was screaming.”

Mona audio-recorded the foul-mouthed row on her phone, which was played in court, revealing the shouting and swearing between the sisters.

“You’re a whore as well,” shouted Mona on the recording, telling the court: “She was bringing men around the house.

“If you’re going to have sexual intercourse in the morning multiple times with men while I’m in the house you need to have boundaries.”

In her statement the younger sister said: “I’m really scared of her and can’t go back to my home address safely.”

Haji claimed she only punched her sister in self-defence when she was scratched to the arms and kicked to the legs, but the victim denied this.

“In the past she has got physical with me, tapping me on the shoulder and spitting in my face,” said Mona. “It was not self-defence, it was unprovoked.”

Haji showed the court images of injuries she claimed were inflicted by Mona, adding: “We were in each other’s face. She scratched me and was kicking me.

“After a bit I punched her because she was kicking and scratching me and a year later I still have those bruises to my legs.

“I punched her and punched her again and she screamed and I backed off. I’m not trying to beat up my little sister and I am not a spitter, that’s disgusting.

“I did not want to hurt her physically. I don’t blame her, I blame the hostile environment we were in.”

Bench chairwoman Caroline Newell announced: “You admitted punching your sister twice in the face and we don’t believe you were required to use that level of force that resulted in the injuries sustained by your sister.”

The court also heard that as a juvenile in 2016, when she was 15 year-old Haji was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm and received a rehabilitation order, which included an electronically-tagged curfew.

BTP Hunt Mystery Man For Bond Street Station Sex Assault

A female tube train passenger was molested at busy Bond Street Underground station as she walked through the tunnel between the Elizabeth Line and Central Line.

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are now hunting a mystery male in connection with the incident, which they are treating as sexual assault.

BTP have released these three CCTV images of their suspect.

They are requesting the help and co-operation of the public to assist in their identification of the unknown man.

The victim was walking through the central London station at approximately 5.00pm on Monday, June 15.

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

Anyone who recognises him is asked to text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 484 of 15 June.

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

Robber Jailed For Snatching E-Bike & E-Scooter From Teen

A robber who took a teenager's e-bike and e-scooter is starting a prison sentence of three years and nine months.

Jay Archibald, 23, of Loampit Vale, Lewisham was hunted down after being identified on social media trying to cash-in on his crime.

Southwark Crown Court heard he approached the 17 year-old victim on the platform of busy Stratford station, east London on Friday, June 28, 2024 and threatened the youth.

The boy was in possession of an e-bike, worth £1500 and e-scooter, worth £700

Archibald approached and grabbed the bike’s handlebars, asking how many volts it had and where the victim was from.

He said the bike was his now and demanded the victim hand it over, threatening to hurt him if he failed to release bike or if he got him arrested.

The victim, feeling threatened, handed over the bike and Archibald took it along with the e-scooter before getting on a Jubilee Line train.

A few days later, on Tuesday July 2, a friend of the victim saw his bike posted on social media by an account selling it.

The victim recognised the bike as the one Archibald had taken and on other images on the same social media account the victim recognised Archibald.

After the incident was reported to British Transport Police, officers attempted to locate Archibald and carried out several arrest attempts at different addresses he was linked with.

He was eventually arrested on Friday November 29, 2024 and refused to answer any questions in police interview.

Archibald was charged and eventually pleaded guilty to robbery.

Detective Constable Olesia Berdova said: "I am very pleased with the outcome of this investigation. 

“Archibald preyed on a teenager travelling alone, believing he would be an easy target.

“The incident had a massive impact on the victim and his sense of safety and security when travelling on the railway network. 

“Thanks to his bravery and support, we have been able to bring Archibald to justice, and I hope that the lengthy prison sentence handed down provides some measure of peace and closure for the victim and his family.”

Two Years For Euston Station "Sexual Predator"

A sexual predator, who targeted a lone woman entering Euston station – molesting her twice – has been locked-up.

Obinwa Obichukwu, 45, of Armstrong Close, Hertfordshire, received two years' imprisonment after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault.

At Inner London Crown Court he also received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be on the sex offenders register for a decade.

Jurors heard that on the evening of August 20, 2023, Obichukwu approached the woman as she walked towards Euston station.

He first asked what music she was listening to before putting his arm around her shoulder and requesting she came back to his house.

She continued to walk down Euston Road and he grabbed hold of her hand and repeatedly said he loved her.

Then, as she arrived at the station entrance, Obichukwu prevented her from entering and sexually assaulted her.

The victim went down the escalator towards the tube lines, and he followed before again sexually assaulting her near the ticket barriers.

She pushed him off and managed to get away, leaving him at Euston station.

The victim reported what happened to her and British Transport Police (BTP) officers tracked Obichukwu to his home address where he was arrested.

BTP Detective Constable Daniel Burke said: “Obinwa Obichukwu is a sexual predator, who targeted a lone woman and attacked her at a busy London station.

“He claimed his assault was consensual and took his case to trial, but fortunately the jury saw straight through his lies and he’s now behind bars where he belongs.

“Tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls is a priority for us as a force and we’re tireless in our efforts to bring offenders like Obichukwu to justice.”