The Lady Is Not For Waiting: Speeding Ban For Princess Diana's Former Flunkie

Court Out: Beckwith-Smith

The former Lady-in-Waiting to the late Princess Diana was banned from driving for six months yesterday after being caught speeding for the fourth time.

Anne Honor Mary Beckwith-Smith, 74, fought to keep her licence, insisting she needed it to drive from her £2.2m property in Onslow Square, South Kensington to visit her ailing brother in Wiltshire.

However, Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court found a disqualification would not cause her ‘exceptional hardship’ and also fined her £307, with £130 costs and ordered her to pay a £123 victim surcharge.

She pleaded guilty to driving her blue Audi Q2 in South Street, Wilton, Salisbury, Wiltshire at 36mph in a 30mph zone on August 7, last year.

Beckwith-Smith was Lady-in-Waiting to the late HRH Princess of Wales between 1981 and her tragic death in 1997.

She told the court her brother James Merton Beckwith-Smith, 77, resides in Milford House care home and a ban would impact her ability to regularly visit him.

However, she did not reveal in her evidence the existence of her second property, the Grade II-listed Bishopstone House, Salisbury, which has been in the family for many years.

It is only a fifteen minute taxi ride from the care home, which prosecutor Oliver Hall was quick to pick up on.

“Do you have an address in Salisbury?” asked prosecutor Mr Hall. “Why haven’t you mentioned that?

“You took an oath to tell the truth. Didn’t you think it was relevant to mention that?”

“Nobody asked me,” replied Beckwith-Smith, who stressed the loss of her licence would cause considerable hardship because she lives in London, eighty miles away from her brother.

“You could have a nice summer in the country, couldn’t you?” asked Mr Hall, mentioning the weather was particularly pleasant today.

“Well, what’s tomorrow going to be like?” asked Beckwith-Smith, stressing life away from London would be devastating for her socially.

Happier Times: Beckwith-Smith with Princess Diana

The court heard at the time of the offence Beckwith-Smith had nine penalty points on her driving licence for three speeding offences on October 11 and 18, 2022 and April 15, 2025.

“That’s why I’m here,” she replied when asked if she knew today’s three points would trigger an automatic six-month ban.

“The impact it would have, particularly on my severely disabled brother, who is seventy-seven. He lives in a care home just outside Salisbury, Wiltshire.

“Salisbury is eighty to ninety miles from London and I try and go two or three times a week.

“I am his only next-of-kin. I am unmarried, he is unmarried and I deal with all of his financial affairs, health affairs, his well-being generally.

“He is autistic basically and as age crept on he is more autistic and routine is vital in his life.

“He has been in the care home for three years and they have had three different managers and it is important they know his needs and I communicate with the care staff regularly.

“They are always changing. They have notes, but nobody reads them and now it is all on iPad and I don’t know how easy it is.

“I ensure his routine is kept to the basics,” added Beckwith-Smith, explaining her visits usually last two or three hours or can be simply “dropping in.”

“I like to do that because it keeps them on their toes.

“I do have family nearby, but they have their own care problems, an eighty-nine year-old mother with mobility problems  and slight dementia and two children.

“They will go in occasionally, but I have Power of Attorney.

“It would be a train from London to Salisbury and there are taxis from the station to the care home.

“He has a catheter and if there is a problem, if ever I have to get there it would be inconvenient.

“Public transport in Salisbury, Wiltshire is not as good as it is in London.

“It has happened in the last month. I was rung up to say there was a problem with his catheter.

“They feel they have to ring at any opportunity and I feel I have to get there to reassure him.

“We watch the horse racing on television and that reassures him and from my point of view that is important. He likes that routine.

“I could get a taxi from London I suppose, but I have not looked into that.

“The stress, I think, would be quite considerable. I have never been in this position before, getting to the age I am it would be quite catastrophic, but I know you don’t take that into consideration.

“We are incredibly well-provided with public transport in London. It is getting to friends and family in the country.”

She reminded the court that the two oldest speeding offences have dropped off her licence, adding: “I apologise for wasting all your time on this.

“I should stress it would be a hardship for my brother. I have mobility, I can walk, I can get on buses in London.”

The prosecutor also worked out a bus journey from her Salisbury home to her brother would take approximately forty-four minutes, but Beckwith-Smith insisted this would be unsuitable.

“There is a bus that goes from Milford House. It is a very narrow and dangerous short-cut that people use to avoid Salisbury,” she told the court.

“Then there is a three-hundred to four-hundred yard walk along an unpaved road. I personally would not want to walk along that road at any time of day or night.”

When asked about her financial position she replied: “I’m comfortable,” agreeing she can afford train and taxi fares.

Mr Hall suggested: “You could get a fifteen minute taxi to the care home in the event of an emergency couldn’t you?”

Beckwith-Smith replied that relocating full-time to Salisbury would not work for her. “It would not be terribly convenient. Social life would impact on me personally.”

When asked further about the impact of a disqualification Beckwith-Smith said: “I believe it would be quite considerable.”

Bench Chairwoman Isobel Vass announced: “We are not going to find ‘exceptional hardship’. We do not underestimate the medical and care needs of your brother in the care home.

“We note your dedication and commitment to visit him regularly, but we find you will bet able to live in the area several days a week to meet your obligations.

“I must warn you not to use any motorised vehicles during this period. There is a risk you could be brought back to court and punished.

“The points will come off due to the disqualification. You will be absolutely free.”

In 1990 she was appointed Lieutenant Royal Victorian Order (L.V.O.) and was Princess Diana’s longest-serving Lady-in-Waiting and by 1986 also adopted the role of Assistant Private Secretary.

She went onto work for the Tate Modern.

Sleepover Guest Denies Raping Kingston University Student

A Kingston University student today told a jury she was molested and raped twice in her halls of residence room by a sleepover guest, who told her: “Sorry, I can’t help it. I’m too horny.”

The young woman allowed Callum Bromley, 25, to share her bed after they enjoyed a few drinks at a student party, but says he groped her between her legs before raping her.

They continued socialising the following day and went to a nightclub in the evening with Bromley again sharing her bed, but nothing happened during the second sleepover.

Six months later, she reported him to the police, but Bromley, of Church Road, Hailstone, Nuneaton insisted all the activity was consensual.

He has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to one count of sexual assault, by penetration and two counts of rape in the early hours of October 9, 2021.

The young woman told the jury via a police video-recorded interview: “We had a couple of drinks, but were not drunk. Originally he was going to sleep on the floor and brought his own blanket.”

Prosecutor Simon Ward told the court it was approximately 1.30am and the complainant agreed Bromley could share her bed because the floor was hard, as long as he slept under his own blanket.

“He sort of put his arm around me and we were chatting and I did not think anything of it,” continued the woman.

“His hand went under my pyjama shorts and underwear and then he got up and pulled my clothes off and his own clothing.

“He put my legs over his shoulders. I was on my back and couldn’t move and while he was having sex with me he was grabbing my neck, pulling my hair hard and smacking my bum really hard.

“I said: ‘I’m not doing this,’ and he stopped, but then started again for a second time and said: ‘Sorry, I can’t help it. I’m too horny.’

“I pushed him away again and said ‘no’ and pulled the duvet over me and went to sleep.”

The following evening they went to Pryzm nightclub in Kingston town centre with some other students, where again Bromley’s behaviour was inappropriate, the jury were told.

“He kept wandering off with someone and I was frustrated and angry with him because of what had happened,” the woman told the trial.

“He kept coming up to me and putting his hand on my bum and I kept pushing him away and he was being really hands-on with everyone, considering he had just met them.”

They returned to the halls of residence at approximately 3.30am and again shared the young woman’s bed.

“He put his arm around me again, but I just went to sleep.

“The next morning I told three of my friends and they were all really angry and they kept me away from him and they confronted him.

“They said: ‘Get your stuff and leave,’ and he was in complete denial that anything had happened.”

She said Bromley did contact her after leaving. “I got a text saying ‘sorry’ for what had happened.”

On March 8, 2022 the woman reported Bromley to Loughborough police in Leicestershire and on July 28 he was questioned.

“He said it was with her consent,” explained Mr Ward.

Trial continues…………

Crawley Train Station Victim Burned By Corrosive Substance: Two Suspects Wanted

A man suffered chemical burns when a corrosive substance was thrown over him by three males at Crawley Railway Station.

The victim, aged in his thirties, was hospitalised with potentially life-changing burns and was also kicked when he fell to the ground during the chase.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these CCTV images of two of the suspects.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public to assist them in identifying the duo.

A third individual has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police were called to the railway station in West Sussex just after 11.20pm on Saturday, March 7.

It was reported that the victim had been approached and attacked by three men, who then fled the scene.

The substance thrown at him was tested and found to be corrosive.

BTP Detective Constable Billy Burstow said: "I firstly want to acknowledge the level of concern this shocking incident has caused in the local community. 

“We have been conducting extensive enquiries – including speaking to witnesses, specialist forensic work and CCTV examination – and have been working closely with our colleagues at Sussex Police to identify those responsible.

"I want to reassure residents that we don't believe there to be any wider risk to the community, and that this is being treated as an isolated incident, involving two parties who were not previously known to each other.

"One man has been arrested in connection to the incident, and we are now releasing images of two men who may be able to assist our enquiries. 

“We ask anyone who recognises them to text us on 61016 immediately, using the reference 851 of 7 March. 

“You can also call us on 0800 40 50 40.

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

If The Cap Fits: Police Hunt Mystery Male

A male passenger was molested by a mystery man onboard a New Year's Eve train as he walked down the aisle.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and have treated the incident as a sexual assault.

Investigating officers have released this image of their suspect.

They are requesting the assistance of the public to help identify the unknown individual.

The victim was travelling on a London-bound Staines to Clapham Junction service at approximately 7.45pm on Wednesday, December 31, last year.

As he walked down the aisle of the carriage, he was sexually assaulted by a male passenger, who was sitting down.

Officers would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he 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 266 of 1 January.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Who's Hoodie?: Police Hunt Suspect After Tube Train Assault

A tube train passenger suffered cuts and bruises after a mystery hooded male sitting opposite, jumped up and repeatedly punched him to the head.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the assault.

They have released these images of their suspect and are requesting the assistance of the public to help identify him.

At approximately 9.55am on Wednesday, February 4 the victim was travelling on a Jubilee Line Underground train near Westminster station, when the unknown male began gesticulating toward him.

The victim asked what he was saying and the man then jumped to his feet and reigned blows down on the passenger.

Other passengers intervened to separate the two men, before he launched a second assault on the victim.

The victim attended hospital and received treatment for bruising and cuts to his face, head and shoulder.

Officers believe the man in the image may have information that can help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises the man or witnessed the incident is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 2600014624.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Flasher Jailed For "Disturbing" String Of Identical Offences

A Bakerloo Line pervert, who exposed himself to multiple lone female passengers during a sick four-month campaign, has been locked-up.

Matheus Prestes, 30, stared at his victims, while sometimes pleasuring himself during different journey through London, last year.

At Inner London Crown Court he pleaded guilty to eight counts of exposure and received eight months imprisonment.

His first reported incident occurred at around 7.00pm on Saturday, June 21, when he stepped off a Bakerloo line service at Baker Street Underground Station.

While standing on the platform he exposed himself while staring at a female passenger onboard the train.

Only days later, on Wednesday June 25, he again exposed himself and began masturbating in front of another woman on a southbound Bakerloo line service. 

When she told him she was reporting his actions to the police, he quickly got off the train at Edgware Road Underground Station.

On Sunday, July 6 at around 6.00pm, Prestes targeted another lone woman on a Bakerloo line service near Kenton Underground Station, north-west London. 

After exposing himself on board the train, he got off, stood on the platform, and stared at her while masturbating.

Then, on Tuesday, August 5, he walked along a tube carriage before he exposed himself to a woman near Lambeth North Underground Station. 

Later that month on Friday, August 22, another woman reported that Prestes had exposed himself to her between Oxford Circus and Waterloo stations before masturbating in her eyeline and leaving the train.

On Saturday, October 11 he targeted three women in a day, again on Bakerloo line trains. 

On each occasion he exposed himself to a lone woman and immediately got off the train.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers identified Prestes as the man responsible for the series of offences and he was arrested.

In police interview he admitted he offended because he “felt like doing it”, telling officers the adrenaline rush motivated his repeated behaviour.

BTP Sergeant James Ashby said: “Prestes repeatedly targeted women on the London Underground in deliberate and predatory acts. 

“His behaviour was disturbing, persistent, and entirely unacceptable. 

“It is down to these brave women reporting these incidents that we were able to piece together his spree of offending and put him behind bars.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions. 

“Passengers can be reassured that we will always take reports of sexual offences seriously, act quickly to identify offenders, and work tirelessly to bring them before the courts.

Woman Jailed For Midnight Tube Train Attack On Passenger

Gloria Makanjuola

A late-night tube train passenger was attacked by a violent woman, who rifled through his pockets for cash and his mobile phone during a midnight ordeal.

The male victim's fingers were bent back and he was tackled to the floor of the carriage as he tried to flee the attack onboards the Central Line train in east London.

Gloria Makanjuola, 35, of Cranbrook Road, Ilford, received nine months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault and attempted theft.

Woolwich Crown Court heard how on Friday March 3, 2023, just before midnight, the victim was travelling on an Eastbound train to Hainault, reading a newspaper.

Makanjuola sat down next to the victim and asked for money before she began to rummage through his coat pocket. 

She took his phone out of his pocket, saying she would give it back if he gave her some money.

The victim attempted to get his phone back, but Makanjuola was still rifling through his pocket and pulled out his wallet, taking £60 cash and dropping his phone.

The victim later reported that Makanjuola was hitting him across his body in order to get his wallet. 

Makanjuola chased him, tackling him to the ground near the doors as the train arrived into Hainault Underground station. 

She got off the victim, gathered her things, and left the station while members of the public and railway staff helped the victim up, who discovered his phone had been smashed and broken.

Officers nearby were informed of the incident, and at 1.00am an officer at a nearby petrol station saw a woman matching the description of Makanjuola.

The woman was quickly identified as Makanjuola and the officer arrested her.

British Transport Police Detective Sergeant Bronwyn Prew said: "This was a targeted attack on a member of the public minding his own business, so I'm very pleased to see Makanjuola jailed for her erratic and aggressive behaviour.

"There is absolutely no place for violence, robbery, or theft on the railway, and we will continue to prosecute those who seek to use the network for their own criminal gain.”