Heartless Charity Box Thief: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting a heartless thief, who nicked a pub's charity box, which was collecting funds to fight brain disease meningitis.

On July 14 at around 22.50pm the suspect was drinking in the Millers Arms public house in Bexley Village, in the company of a pregnant woman.

When the landlord momentarily left the serving area the suspect was seen to walk behind the bar and pick up the charity box.

He hid it under his clothing and left the pub.

The charity box was raising money for the charity 'Meningitis Now'.

Anyone with any information should contact Bexley CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dawn Sex Attack: CCTV Released

Police are hunting this man after a young woman was sexually assaulted after being pounced on from behind during an early-morning walk to her gym.

Detectives from Newham Borough are investigating the sex attack in Stratford, east London and have issued this CCTV image.

On Friday, February 26 police were called at around 7.45am to a report of sexual assault on Penny Brookes Street.

The assault was reported to have occurred at some point between 6.10am and 6.30am that morning.

As the 25-year-old woman walked to a nearby gym on Penny Brookes Street, a man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a man of medium build, wearing a dark jacket with a light fur trimmed hood.

He was wearing a rucksack and dark tracksuit bottoms with writing down the leg tops.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown on CCTV or who witnessed the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 020 8217 5414 or via 101 quoting reference number 210408, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Drunk Woman Hurled Race Insults And Stock When Refused Alcohol

A drunken woman abused shop staff with racist insults when they refused to serve her booze in east London.

Detectives in Tower Hamlets have released this image as they attempt to identify the woman.

On Sunday, June 26 police were called at around 12.15pm to a report of a racially aggravated assault outside Fresh Go, Roman Road, Bethnal Green.

CCTV footage outside the store caught the moment the suspect, a black woman in her mid-twenties, shouted racial abuse at Asian shop staff when they refused to sell her alcohol whilst she was obviously drunk.

After shouting and swearing racial abuse, the large woman blocked the door preventing customers entering and leaving the store and demanded to be served spirits.

When further refused, she continued to racially abuse the staff and threw stock at them as they were taking a delivery.

The suspect then left the store and walked off into Palmers Road.

The suspect is described as a large built black woman approximately 5ft 5ins tall wearing a grey t-shirt, black trousers, white trainers and a chequered shawl.

She had black shoulder length hair and wore black rimmed glasses.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or witness the woman shown on CCTV.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 218809 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sneak-Thief Caught On Shop CCTV

Police are hunting this cheeky sneak-thief, who calmly walked behind a shop counter and helped himself to a £180 laser hand tool.

On Friday, June 10 police were called at around 8.35pm to a report of a burglary at Screwfix, Tooting High Street, Tooting.

The burglary took place on the same day at some point between 7.35pm and 7.45pm.

CCTV from within the shop caught the moment the suspect walked into the shop and went behind the counter, where he grabbed the tool and then left the store.

The suspect is described as a white male, in his late forties of medium build, 5ft 10ins tall with receding short dark hair and a short dark goatee beard.

He was wearing black trainers, black trousers and a grey and white hooded Adidas top.

He was carrying a black bag over his right shoulder.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown on CCTV or may have witnessed the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or 0203 276 2605.

Alternatively to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus Stop Flasher Targeted 15 Year-Old Girl

Police hunting a bus stop flasher, who exposed himself to a 15 year-old schoolgirl, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Detectives from the Roads and Traffic Policing Command are investigating the disturbing incident, which occurred in Edgware, north London.

On Friday, May 20 police were called at around 4.46pm to a report of a sexual assault outside Izgara restaurant, Station Road.

The assault was reported to have occurred at some point between 4.05pm and 4.17pm.

Whilst waiting at the bus stop on High Street, Edgware outside Izgara restaurant, the suspect approached the girl, who was waiting for a bus and sat down next to her.

He then exposed himself.

The scared youngster quickly left the bus stop and was followed soon after by the suspect.

She walked into a nearby supermarket and called her father who alerted police.

CCTV caught the suspect outside the supermarket.

The suspect is described as a slim white man in his mid-twenties with a light coloured ginger beard wearing blue denim shorts, a red jacket and a burgundy coloured bag over his shoulder.

He was wearing dark socks and blue trainers with white soles.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or witness the man shown on CCTV.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Midnight Waterloo Bridge Attempted Rape: CCTV Released

Police hunting a violent wannabe rapist, who attacked a 32 year-old tourist on Waterloo Bridge, have released this CCTV image of the suspect.

The woman was repeatedly punched to the face and body, suffering extensive bruising as she fought the assailant off.

She was attacked as she walked up the stairs at Waterloo Bridge on the north embankment next to Somerset House just before midnight on Friday, June 3.

The suspect attacked her from behind and attempted to rape her.

When she fought back, the suspect eventually fled towards Hungerford Bridge.

Detective Inspector Neil Rawlinson, of the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “I urge the public to study the CCTV image carefully and call police immediately with any information that could assist in tracing this man.

“During this violent and determined attack the terrified victim suffered severe bruising to her face and body.

“It is vital that we identify this man without delay.”

The suspect is described as an olive skinned man, around 6ft tall and of slim build.

He had slight facial hair and was wearing a hooded top with white lining and light coloured jeans.

Anyone who can assist in identifying this man should call detectives at the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 020 8733 5999 or via 101.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Happy Christmas From Square Mile News.

To all our readers, regular and new, we would like to wish you a very happy Christmas.

We hope the New Year brings you health, happiness and good fortune.

We have enjoyed bringing you stories over the last twelve months, but today is a day for enjoying time with loved ones and respecting the traditions of this time of year.

Therefore, we feel this Christmas message is far more appropriate than the usual stories you find on here. 

Attempted Rape Of 13 Year-Old Girl: CCTV Released

Detectives investigating the attempted rape of a 13-year old schoolgirl have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

The image is captured at Drayton Park Railway Station in Drayton Park, north London before the young victim was attacked.

An E-fit of the suspect has previously been released, in the hope that someone will recognise the suspect and put his name forward to police.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command launched an investigation on Wednesday, June 8 after a man approached the girl at about 8.20am and placed his hand over her mouth.

The suspect forced her into Coach House Lane, Highbury, where he assaulted her before a member of the public interrupted and confronted him, causing him to leave the scene.

The suspect then approached a teenage boy, who was riding a bike and took the cycle from him.

He rode it a short distance along Highbury Hill before abandoning the bike and making off on foot.

Police attended the scene and conducted a search, however neither the suspect nor the teenage boy witness could be found.

Despite numerous enquires neither the suspect nor the teenager have been identified.

Detective Constable Ben Lucas, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "I would again like to thank all the witnesses who have come forward so far and helped progress the investigation.

"We remain dedicated to identifying and arresting the suspect in the crime that has left a 13-year old girl and her family traumatised.

"I am very keen to identify the man in the CCTV still and urge the public to look carefully at the image and the previously released E-fit, and call the police as soon as possible if they recognise him."

The suspect is described as a white man, about 6ft tall and of muscular build. He had black and grey hair.

Police are asking anyone with information about either the suspect or the teenager on the bike to call 101 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cyclist's Drugs Arrest After Red Light Jump

A young cyclist, who was pulled over by police for jumping a red light and had cannabis and ecstasy found on him, is due to stand trial today.

Lukas Audickas, 22, of Dixon Court, Canonbury Road, Islington was stopped on his bike in nearby Islington Green.

He is appearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, where he will contest knowingly having the ecstasy.

Audickas has already pleaded guilty to possessing a small quantity of cannabis on October 5, but continues to deny one charge of possessing MDMA – better known as 'e'.

He claims he does not know how the ecstasy ended up in his pocket.

After the trial he will be sentenced on the cannabis charge. 

Dating-Site Conwoman Sentenced For £56K Charity Scam

The notorious conwoman, who cheated three men she wooed via an online dating site out of over £56,000, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Neelam Desai, 36, of Beulah Grove, Croydon used a false photo and identity to pose as a charity fundraiser for homeless children during the sixteen-month scam.

She posed as a hospital pharmacist on the Asian dating site and never met the men, who thought the money was a charitable contribution for luxury foreign trips and bargain computers and phones.

At Croydon Crown Court Desai was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years.

She must also complete 120 hours community service work.

The first victim says he was left feeling “suicidal” and “depressed” after losing approximately £36,000 and was forced out of business as his finances dipped.

The second man lost approximately £3,400 at the same time his mother was dying from cancer and asked in his victim impact statement: “Are these the actions of a decent human being?”

The third victim lost around £17,000 and complained of his “emotional and financial loss.”

Desai pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation between December, 2012 and April 16, 2014.

Prosecutor Mr. Martin Goudie told the court that Desai posed as a pharmacist working at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital on dating site shade.com

She convinced the victims they could buy cut-price luxury electronic goods such as iPhones and iPads, which had been donated to her charity.

The men also financed discounted non-existent holidays to New York, Monte Carlo and Barbados.

The court agreed Desai has no assets after squandering all the money and a nominal £1.00 compensation order will be made on sentencing.

She never met any of the men face to face or properly identified herself. “The picture she provided on the internet was not a picture of her.” 

Desai received 30 months imprisonment for a £230,000 travel agency fraud in May, 2014 and was released on home curfew in April, 2015.

In February, 2010 received nine month suspended sentence for securing loans on her mother’s home behind her back.

Desai says she got involved with a man and together they lived a criminal lifestyle until her imprisonment.

She insists she has not offended since her release.

Imposter Jailed For Trying To Sell Local Eccentric's £1.7m Home

Target: £1.7m Islington House

An imposter who posed as a homeowner to sell the vulnerable pensioner’s £1.7m Islington house behind his back is starting a twenty-one month prison sentence.

Ian Anderson, 57, impersonated 65 year-old local eccentric Charles Norrie, to fool solicitors, surveyors and prospective buyers of the desirable townhouse in the Canonbury Conservation Area.

Retired computer programmer Mr. Norrie is believed to be in care and Northern Irishman Anderson, of Gateshead Road, Borehamwood was arrested while showcasing the vacant property.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation, namely impersonating the homeowner, between November 18 and December 22, last year and on February 17, this year.

He also admitted possessing an identity document, with intent, namely a counterfeit passport in the name of Mr. Norrie on February 17, the day of his arrest.

“It takes a lot of nerve,” announced Judge Peter Clarke QC.

A concerned neighbour tipped-off Mr. Norrie’s ex-wife about groups of people visiting the house and a silent alarm was fitted, leading police to Anderson when he was there hosting prospective buyers.

Victim: Charles Norrie

Anderson claims he was merely the frontman and was only going to receive a few hundred pounds after answering an online Craigslist ad offering “no questions asked” work to a suitable white, middle-aged gent.

He spun a tale to buyers of wanting a quick sale of between £1.0-£1.2m because he and his wife were divorcing.

If a sale was completed the funds would have gone to the fraudsters.

“This defendant impersonated Mr. Norrie to sell that property,” prosecutor Mr. Mark Fenton Kimsey told Blackfriars Crown Court.

“Mr. Norrie somehow lost his keys and his identity was obtained for the defendant to meet solicitors, surveyors and to sell the property.

“Mr. Anderson’s was a significant, but not a leading role. He was the frontman who impersonated the victim.”

Mr. Stephen Walters, defending, said: “He was short of money at the time and was given the passport and sent to solicitors and surveyors.

“He was given a phone and met a young black male outside tube stations and a second sharply dressed black male and was paid a few hundred pounds for each of his actions.

“He was told the occupant was dead and the money from the house would go to the state.

“He’s very frightened indeed of receiving a prison sentence for the first time at his age and had a blackout the last time he was at court.” 

Last week a neighbour described Mr. Norrie as “eccentric”, suggesting he was not able to take care of himself any longer.

On hearing a fraudster had been jailed for trying to sell the pensioner’s house they replied: “Good.”

Young Mum's £5K Blackmail Bid After Boozy One Night Stand

A young woman, who tried to blackmail a middle-aged one-night stand out of £5,000 by making a false rape claim to police, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Mum-of-two Rebecca Williams, 23, did get £200 cash out of the 57 year-old man that night and he was traced by police a month later at his £1.6m home.

Luckily he had made a recording on his mobile phone, which proved the complaint was false and the investigation ended, saving the man from potentially eight years in prison.

“This is horrifically serious, as wicked a thing as someone could do,” said Judge Daniel Worsley at Blackfriars Crown Court.

“Maybe other judge’s would harden their hearts and maybe I should, I don’t know, but for the sake of the children the balance tips towards you and the sentence can be suspended.”

First-time offender Williams, of Grange Street, Derby pleaded guilty to one count of blackmail on June 21, last year at the company director’s home in Aberdeen Park, Highbury, north London. 

“You demanded five thousand pounds from a stranger you had sexual intercourse with when you were in drink.

“Wickedly by threatening him that if he didn’t pay you, you’d go to the police and say you were sixteen years-old when you were picked-up in the street and taken to his home and raped.

“In fact you had met him earlier that night and gone by taxi to his home.

“You went so far as to make a 999 call to the police using a false name.

“You got two hundred pounds out of him that night while you were very drunk.

“The police took a month to trace the call and they went to arrest the victim.

“Thank goodness he had switched on his telephone during the course of this and showed the police and was immediately released.

“He says that he forgives you and you are very lucky in that respect.”

The judge estimated if the bogus complaint went to trial the man would receive eight years imprisonment on conviction.

“For such a wicked crime as this it would not be wrong to sentence you to four years in prison.

“You pleaded guilty at the last minute, days before the trial and I thought sending you to prison today was absolutely inevitable.

“You are genuinely ashamed and sorry and other things that tip the balance is the harm that it would cause your two children, to whom you are a very good mother.”

Williams has a six year-old daughter and three-month old son by two different partners, the most recent of which is starting a seven-year sentence for drug offences.

If jailed she would have lost her two-bed housing association flat and the children would be split-up and cared for by different relatives.

She received two years imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and must complete 100 hours community service.

The judge ordered her to pay £200 compensation to the victim.

“It’s a derisory sum in the circumstances, compared to the seriousness of the offence, but there’s no reason she shouldn’t pay back the money the man lost that night.

“I have to take into account the children,” he concluded. “I say no more than that.”

Notorious Conwoman's £56,000 Dating Site Charity Swindle

A notorious conwoman cheated three men she wooed via an online dating site out of over £56,000 they thought was a charitable contribution for luxury foreign trips and bargain computers and phones.

Neelam Desai, 36, of Beulah Grove, Croydon used a false identity to pose as a charity fundraiser for homeless children during the sixteen-month scam.

The first victim says was left feeling “suicidal” and “depressed” after losing approximately £36,000 and was forced out of business as his finances dipped.

The second man lost approximately £3,400 at the same time his mother was dying from cancer and asked in his victim impact statement: “Are these the actions of a decent human being?”

The third victim lost around £17,000 and complained of his “emotional and financial loss.”

She pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation between December, 2012 and April 16, 2014.

Prosecutor Mr. Martin Goudie told Croydon Crown Court last Friday that Desai posed as a pharmacist working at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital on Asian dating site shade.com

She convinced the victims they could buy cut-price luxury electronic goods such as iPhones and iPads, which had been donated to her charity.

The men also financed discounted non-existent holidays to New York, Monte Carlo and Barbados.

The court agreed Desai has no assets after squandering all the money and a nominal £1.00 compensation order will be made on sentencing.

She never met any of the men face to face or properly identified herself. “The picture she provided on the internet was not a picture of her.” 

Desai received 30 months imprisonment for a £230,000 travel agency fraud in May, 2014 and was released on home curfew in April, 2015.

In February, 2010 received nine month suspended sentence for securing loans on her mother’s home behind her back.

Desai says she got involved with a man and together they lived a criminal lifestyle until her imprisonment.

She insists she has not offended since her release.

Judge Deborah Charles will sentence Desai on December 20.

City Insurance Broker's Drunken Uber Row

A drunken City insurance broker kicked an Uber driver’s door, causing £1200 worth of damage, during a £5 row over a booking mix-up.

Rupert Phoenix, 28, a broker at Hayward Aviation - Europe’s largest aircraft insurer - also ground his foot into the paintwork before making off.

Fortunately he was traced by police via his original online booking to his home in Adelaide Square, Bedford and invited to Wandsworth Police Station for questioning.

He pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a VW Passat, owned by Theo Nwachuku in Lower Richmond Road on September 17.

Prosecutor Miss Saliha Ayub told Wimbledon Magistrates Court it was 8.40pm when Phoenix, who had just drunk four pints, got in the cab.

“The driver said hello, but Mr. Phoenix did not reply and the driver noticed a smell of alcohol.”

The driver thought the booking was for Fulham, but Phoenix insisted he wanted to go to St. Pancras railway station.

“There was an argument in the cab and the driver said he would not continue and Mr. Phoenix got out.

“He slammed the door then kicked the door and rubbed his foot on it.

“Mr. Nwachuku got out to confront Mr. Phoenix, who was walking away from the scene, and he denied all knowledge of causing any damage.”

The first-time offender was questioned by police once traced. “He said there was an argument and the driver had been rude to him.

“He said he had four pints and was fairly drunk.”

Phoenix told the court: “I think part of the argument was that something had gone wrong with the system and he was charging me five pounds.

“My actions that night were reckless and idiotic.”

He was conditionally discharged for six months, ordered to pay £1200 compensation for the damage, plus £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

"I Hope That He Rots In Hell": Ex-Scout Master Gets 13 Years For Molesting Four Youngsters

Paedophile: Terry Figg

An ex-scout master, who molested four young boys during camping trips, swimming lessons and visits to his garden workshop four decades ago, has received thirteen years imprisonment.

Terry Figg, 67, of Cook Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire preyed on the boys, including two brothers, all aged between ten and fourteen years-old throughout the 1970’s, the court heard.

They were all members of Crofton Oak scout group, based in Orpington, south-east London and it was a BBC documentary concerning abuse within the youth organisation that prompted the complaints against Figg.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of eleven counts of indecent assault and must also sign the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

A victim impact statement from one of Figg’s victims was heard for the first time yesterday, in which he said: “I hope that he rots in hell.”

“The whole of my life has been effected. You should be able to trust these people and you realise you cannot trust anyone when something like this happens.”

As a 14 year-old the complainant tried to electrocute himself as a result of Figg’s abuse and he added: “I’ve had feelings in my life when I thought I’d be better off dead.

“I was unable to consummate my marriage on my wedding night because of feelings about being touched.”

Figg fought the allegations and forced the victims to give evidence against him during the two week trial. 

Now middle-aged men they recounted abuse at the hands of Figg between April 29, 1970 and December 2, 1980.

Locked-Up: Figg

Prosecutor Mr. William Eagleton said: “They all took place in either the workshop behind Mr. Figg’s house, where he’d rigged-up a bed and a television, or on camping trips or when swimming in Swanley.”

The first complainant enjoyed working on cars and motorbikes and says he was first groped between the legs in Figg’s workshop.

“Mr. Figg came up behind him and fondled him over his clothing and showed him pornographic pictures.”

The boy was similarly fondled between the legs on  camping trip. “He remembers Mr. Figg reaching down into his sleeping bag and feeling him.”

The jury were told the abuse escalated back at the workshop with Figg encouraging the boy to lie on top of him on the bed as he performed a sex act on the youngster.

“In the swimming pool he remembers Mr. Figg taking hold of him and fondling him over his swimming trunks.”

The complainant reported Figg to The Scout Association in 2009, but it was only after two others reported the defendant following the 2014 documentary that he was contacted by police.

The second complainant said Figg first molested him during swimming lessons and the defendant was convicted of cupping his genitals.

“He remembers being shown pornographic pictures and remembers Mr. Figg exposing himself to him.”

The prosecutor said Figg also repeatedly performed a sex act on the boy in the workshop. “That went on for a year or more.”

The third complainant was an off-road vehicle enthusiast. “They would go to trialling events all over the country,” explained Mr. Eagleton.

“Once when camping he woke during the night and Mr. Figg had reached down his sleeping bag and was touching him.”

The jury were told the boy was similarly abused like the others in the workshop as was the fourth complainant.

Figg is also groped him between the legs during a swimming trip.

NHS Manager 'Dodgy Hodgey' And Cronies Jailed For Kidney Dialysis Scandal

Lisa Green & Alan Hodge

An NHS Trust manager responsible for kidney dialysis equipment at three hospital’s has been jailed for four years for awarding his cronies lucrative contracts during a £250,000 fraud.

Renal technologist Alan Hodge, 53, received “kick-backs” for paying his pals NHS money in return for either non-existent or exorbitant work.

Nicknamed 'Dodgy Hodgey' he was employed by Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs services from Epsom Hospital; St. Helier Hospital and Sutton Hospital.

Hodge, of Aulton Way, Sutton was convicted of one count of defrauding the Trust between November 1, 2007 and October 9, 2013.

Company director Pierre Allen, 55, of Canon Farm Cottages, Canons Lane, Burgh Heath, Tadworth - boss of Main Contractors - received three years.

Pierre Allen 

Plumber Stephen Thompson, 47, of Warnham Road, Furnace Green, Crawley received two years.

They were found guilty by a jury of the same count.

Hodge’s partner, Lisa Green, 49, laundered some of the money and was convicted of converting criminal property between January 1, 2011 and October 9, 2013.

She was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to perform 100 hours community service work.

Phillip Jones, 50, was the only defendant to plead guilty and received 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 250 hours community service for the fraud.

Prosecutor Mr. Stephen Hopper said Main Contractors was specifically set-up to receive money defrauded from the Trust and financed £15,000 worth of matchday trips to Stamford Bridge for Chelsea FC fans Hodge and Allen.

NHS money was also blown on a Butlins holiday, golf days and £1,200 worth of flights to Geneva for a Chelsea FC Champions League match.

“This case involves a fraud against the Trust,” he explained. “Hodge is the central figure, responsible for kidney dialysis equipment at three hospitals and patients’ homes.

“He engaged contractors to install and maintain equipment and was authorised by the NHS to make payments.”

The fraud was exposed when Hodge was suspended over an unrelated matter on October 8, 2013 and external payments immediately plunged by 50%, said Mr. Hopper.

“An investigation revealed a large number of invoices had been paid for work either not done at all or for prices that were excessive.

“Hodge was exploiting, abusing his position to employ friends of his who overcharged or had not done the work at all.

“Hodge profited from kick-backs from those contracts.”

Stephen Thompson

Mains Contractors received £400,00 and SJ Thompson Plumbing received £130,000, claimed the prosecution when opening the case to the jury.

A third company, TWS Southern, run Jones, of Bullbeggars Lane, Godstone received £43,000.

Following the trial, Judge Nicholas Ainley estimated the fraud to amount to approximately a quarter of a million pounds. 

“Green was laundering some of the money generated in the fraud,” explained Mr. Hopper.

“She took payments into her Lloyds account from Main Contractors, SJ Thompson Plumbing and TWS. Her account was a buffer account.”

Two months after opening a bank account in February, 2010 Main Contractors began receiving payments authorised by Hodge.

“This company was set up with the prime purpose of receiving money from the NHS Trust.

“Allen was a figurehead, a front and the pair previously had a dialysis business for visiting tourists and had a property company.

“Some of the NHS money was used to pay for property developments.

“They were two men cooking up a scam to divert money from the NHS.”

Judge Ainley said of Hodge today: “He was simply giving his friends these contracts so that the contracts could be dishonestly manipulated.

“It seems to me at the very heart of this fraud is Alan Hodge. It could not have occurred without him.”