Thursday 31 August 2017

U.S. Blogger Who "Petrified" Parent And Travelled To Her Daughter's School Is Jailed

An American blogger, who harassed the Hampstead parents of children involved in discredited satanic paedophile ring allegations, has been jailed for nine months.

Rupert Wilson Quaintance, 38, a self-styled political activist and investigative journalist, took a selfie outside their children’s primary school and suggested he was armed with a knife.

He also posted a youtube clip in which he warned he would: “Kick down doors to take blood.”

Supporters financed the trip after also hearing him on the web’s ‘American Freedom Radio’ announcing: “I don’t want to kill them, just beat them up pretty good.”

He pleaded not guilty to putting four mothers and a father of pupils of Christ Church Primary School in fear of violence between February 1 and September 30, last year.

The Southwark Crown Court jury convicted him of harassing the father and one of the mothers and acquitted him of harassing the other three mums. 

He will now also be subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order, aimed at ending his anti-social online abuse.

Quoting Quaintance’s compatriot, former US President Harry S Truman, Judge Martin Griffith told him: “If you can’t stand the heat stay out of the kitchen.”

The judge was referring to the defendant’s own complaint he was the victim of internet trolling and had suffered online harassment.

Organisational Management graduate Quaintance, travelled from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia and was staying at an address in Mill Road, Erith, where he was arrested on September 13, last year.

The one mum he was convicted of harassing told the court: “Things were put next to my daughter’s name that were horrifying, her photo was all over the internet.

“I was petrified. This man’s coming across quite violently, everything that comes out of his mouth is a violent attack.

“I have CCTV outside my house because my daughter has been identified. What do I do if I am seen outside with her? How do I keep her safe if he approaches me or comes to my house?

“My name was on the internet on a list of twenty parents and our addresses and he was coming to kick out doors down.”

The school pic was posted by Quaintance on his facebook page on the first day of term. “I was putting everything in place to protect my child and he was just feet from the entrance to the school and said he had a knife on him.”

Prosecutor Mr. Martyn Bowyer told the jury the father targeted by Quaintance was the parent of a girl, aged nine, and a boy, aged eight, known as ‘P’ and ‘Q’ who were at the centre of the allegations.

“The allegation was they were part of a large group of children in Hampstead, who had been sexually abused as part of a satanic cult in which there were human sacrifices and paedophile behaviour.”

“At the centre of the allegation was Christ Church and the father of P and Q was said to be the head of this satanic cult.”

The children were taken into temporary care, but all the allegations were dismissed by a High Court judge in March, 2015, who heard evidence from police, doctors and social workers.

Quaintance has blogged and broadcasted extensively on the case and under his Christ Church selfie pic, posted: “This is what my defiant face looks like.”

Mr. Bowyer added: “He gave the distinct impression he had in his possession a knife outside that school, but says it has all been a dreadful misunderstanding.

“He says it was an ‘in joke’ with a facebook friend in the U.S. and blamed differences in the cultures between the UK and USA.”

Police found Quaintance’s Excel spreadsheet titled: ‘Cult Details’ which had mostly blank columns headed with names, addresses, emails and phone numbers of parents, teachers and children.

Wednesday 30 August 2017

Worshipper Cleared Of Assaults Outside Purley Mosque

A worshipper, accused of two seperate assaults on the same man outside Purley mosque, has been cleared of the charges.

Yesterday at Croydon Magistrates Court the Crown Prosecution Service finally ended their case against 55 year-old Adboul Afghan.

He has always protested his innocence and revealed in court he has spent £3,500 in legal costs to clear his name.

Afghan, of The Coppice, The South Border Purley had been charged with assaulting Moktar Tabti outside the Whytecliffe Road mosque on June 11 and July 1, last year.

There have been multiple court listings in the long-running case, which was listed for trial yesterday, but has now been concluded with not guilty verdicts entered on the two charges.

Tuesday 29 August 2017

NOT GUILTY: Actor Cleared Of Gay Sauna Spit Charges

Free Man: Hogas
A Romanian actor, accused of spitting in the faces of a customer and security guard at a gay sauna during a row over legal sex drug 'poppers', has been acquitted after they failed to turn up for the trial.

Cristinel Hogas, 38, best-known for US-funded multi-million dollar horror-thriller 'Slaughter' and drama 'Verity's Summer' was due to stand trial at Camberwell Magistrates Court today, where not guilty verdicts were entered.

Unsurprisingly he played his fictitious fellow-countryman Count Dracula in a Romanian Cultural Centre's production of the story at north London's Lion and Unicorn Theatre.

National University of Theatre and Film-graduate Hogas, of Dennington Park Road, West Hampstead was a customer at the landmark Chariots Spa, Vauxhall where he was accused of the offences.

He always denied the charges and was cleared of assaulting Hardeep Singh and security guard Patrick Tracey at the sauna on June 11.

Prosecutor Miss Binita Roscoe told the court: “He approached Mr. Singh and there was a conversation regarding poppers, with Mr. Hogas asking: “Can you get me some poppers?'

“Mr. Singh replied: 'No' and the defendant spat in his face twice.

Vauxhall's Chariots Sauna
“Mr. Tracey got involved because he is the security officer at the sauna and he asked the defendant to leave the premises.

“He refused and spat in Mr. Tracey's face.”


Hogas's lawyer told the court the actor was taking prescription medication for depression and anxiety and has mental health issues. 

Monday 28 August 2017

Taxi 'Good Samaritan' Jailed For Sex Attack On Young Woman

A sexual predator, who pursued a woman half his age and insisted he had the right to molest her because he paid for their taxi, has been jailed.
Jeetender Singh, 41, offered to look after the 22 year-old woman as she tried to catch a taxi home from Piccadilly Circus in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 2015.
She had fallen ill during a night out with friends and Singh offered to help her as she waited for a taxi and also jumped in when it arrived.
During the journey she threw up and the driver demanded extra money.
Singh, of West Hill, Putney instructed their taxi driver to stop at a cashpoint en route so he could withdraw the additional money and paid the fare.
When they arrived at her North Kensington address Singh – who she knew only as 'Hazim' – followed her to the front door, insisting he would look after her.
The victim said she was fine and just wanted to go to bed.
As she went through the door and attempted to close it, Singh pushed past her into the flat.
The victim kept asking him to leave but he refused.
Blackfriars Crown Court heard the young woman collapsed into her bed and woke up to find Singh sexually assaulting her.
She told him to get off her to which he replied: "It's the least you can do for me, I paid for the taxi."
The victim then pushed Singh off her and he left her flat.
When she contacted police, the victim gave a detailed description of the man who had attacked her to police.
Officers spoke with the taxi driver, who identified the ATM they stopped at for the cash withdrawal.
The suspect was later identified as Singh through CCTV and the bank details obtained from the ATM.
He was arrested on July 6, last year at Heathrow Airport after returning to the UK.
He was interviewed and denied the offence, but was charged on 10 October 2016.
After a five-day trial Singh was convicted of assault by penetration and sentenced to five years imprisonment and made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Sergeant Paula Hill, from the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "This was a serious sexual offence committed with some element of planning by the defendant.
Singh completely took advantage of a vulnerable female after a night out in central London.
Once inside her home address on the context of helping her he refused to leave.
"The victim was left distraught by this attack, but has showed extreme bravery in attending court to give evidence.
“She is very pleased with the verdict and feels that she may have prevented Singh committing similar crimes on other women."

Sunday 27 August 2017

Scumbag Targeted 91 Year-Old Pensioner's Life-Savings

A greedy heartless fraudster, who stole £90,000 from an OAP with help from an elderly stand-in, has been jailed.
Justin Sewell, 43, of Beulah Road, Thornton Heath transferred the majority of the victim's life savings to himself after convincing bank staff to add him to her account.
He was assisted at the NatWest branch by a woman posing as the victim and she continues to be hunted by police.
Sewell pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to two counts of fraud and received 33 months imprisonment.
The court heard that on Wednesday, March 1, Sewell - who was not known to the victim - managed to have his name added to the 91-year-old pensioner's savings account.
On that day he attended the bank with an unknown woman who pretended to be the victim and they fraudulently completed the relevant paperwork to have Sewell's name added to the account.
On March 9, Sewell transferred £50,000 from the victim's account to his own and the following day, March 10 transferred a further £40,000.
On March 15, he was in a NatWest bank in Croydon when staff alerted police to his request to make a further withdrawal.
He was arrested by officers from Croydon that day and during this arrest he was found to be in possession of cannabis.
Detective Constable Sam Bennett from Croydon CID, said: "This was a deceitful crime in which Sewell stole a significant sum of money from an elderly lady's bank account.
"A swift police investigation established that Sewell had withdrawn two large sums and was seeking a third withdrawal when he was caught.
"Anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040."

The woman who accompanied Sewell on his first visit to the bank has not been traced and anyone with information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Saturday 26 August 2017

Online Live.Me Child Sex Pervert Jailed

An online sexual predator, who incited a nine year-old girl to expose herself on popular youth site Live.Me, has been locked-up for four years.
Almost 300 users of the live streaming app witnessed the victim revealing intimate parts of her body while encouraged by 28 year-old Glen Friend.
He pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The east Londoner was also handed a two-year extended supervision order, which he will be subject to on his release from custody.
The case is believed to be one of the Metropolitan Police's first successful convictions relating to misuse of the highly successful 'Live.Me' app to gain access to young children in a bid to groom them.
The app is one of the fastest growing of its type worldwide and users have limited control over who views their posts/videos.
Friend was arrested as he left prison having served time for breaching sex offender notification requirements.
He was caught after an intelligence-led operation directed officers to the fact that he was engaging with a young female user on the Live.Me service.
The Sexual Harm Prevention Order that Friend was subject to expressly forbade him to communicate with any individual under 18 years of age via social media/the internet.
During May Friend was heavily involved, along with a number of other users, in encouraging the girl into the sexual actions.
Detective Sergeant Fenton Davis, from the Waltham Forest Jigsaw Unit, said: "This application is extremely well used by children.
Those who register seek to gain 'likes' and 'electronic gifts' from other users.
The more they receive, the higher their status within that online community.
"Glen Friend is a predatory sexual offender, who targeted a vulnerable victim via this app.
“Offenders who seek to hide behind an online username in an attempt to hide their identity will be relentlessly pursued by investigators.
"We would like to thank South Yorkshire Police for their assistance with our investigation in helping to identify the child concerned.
"The amount of damage this type of encounter causes to these very young victims can be extensive.
“It became apparent from our talks with the girl in this case that she is easily upset and very sensitive after what she has gone through.
"Parents should be ever vigilant of their child's activity on social media sites, particularly in regard to video streaming apps.
"This conviction clearly demonstrates that people who use these streaming sites for criminal means, in particular to commit sexual offences, will be tracked down and prosecuted for their actions.”
Live.Me removed the footage at the request of the police, who are continuing to identify the other users.

Friday 25 August 2017

Nightclub Teen Bitten In Face: White Blonde-Haired Male Hunted

A young woman was left with this horrific facial wound after a mystery man bit her as she left a nightclub.
The 18 year-old victim had just left Pryzm in Eden Street, Kingston-upon-Thames at 3.30am on June 25.
She was approached by an unknown blonde-haired white male, who put her in a headlock and bit her cheek.
Detective are appealing for witnesses and information.
The teenager required immediate medical treatment and the injuries have resulted in permanent scaring.
There have been no arrests and the assault is being treated as grievous bodily harm.
Detective Constable Robert Wise, of Kingston CID, said: "This was a savage attack that has left a young girl with a permanent scar; we urgently want to find the person responsible.
There would have been many people who witnessed this horrible assault and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact police."
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call Kingston CID on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Thursday 24 August 2017

Knifeman Slashed Grenfell Tower Schoolboy Before Tragic Fire

A knifeman, whose “horrific” attack on a 14 year-old schoolboy resident of Grenfell Tower resulted in the family being rehoused before the tragic fire, has been caged today.
The family lived on the first-floor of the North Kensington tower block and the teen needed 30 stitches to his face after being slashed outside his front door.
Lyndon Lewis, 29, of Wordsworth Street, Liverpool has never explained why he was in the capital or why he attacked the boy at 7.45am on September 23, last year.
The boy's father tried to save him and received a stab wound to the arm, but his intervention resulted in crucial DNA evidence that identified Lewis.
He was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court of wounding the boy, with intent, and received 13 years imprisonment.
Lewis was cleared of causing actual bodily harm to the father.
During the four-day trial the court heard the boy was approached by Lewis as he left the flat and was subject to the unprovoked attack.
He was slashed across the face and also suffered wounds to his hands as he desperately tried to defend himself.
The teenage is now permanently scarred as a result of the slashing.
His father rushed outside when he heard his son's shouts and chased Lewis along Grenfell's mezzanine level in a bid to catch him.
He says Lewis stabbed him in the arm and escaped, but the jury cleared the defendant of this charge.
Fortunately police obtained blood samples from the lanyard top the father was wearing and from the wall, which matched Lewis's DNA.
He was arrested in Liverpool on November 2 by detectives from Kensington and Chelsea, but refused to answer questions.
During his trial Lewis denied involvement, refusing to say why he was at Grenfell Tower at the time.
The trial judge described the attack as “horrific”, adding it has had a terrible effect on the victim and his family.
Detective Constable Flynn from Kensington and Chelsea CID said: "Lewis has caused his victims great distress and the sentence of thirteen years reflects the seriousness of the unprovoked attack on a fourteen year-old schoolboy.
“He is a danger to the public and showed no remorse for his crime, denying his involvement to the very end.”
In conjunction with the police and due to this incident, the family were rehoused and were not at Grenfell Tower at the time of the fire on June 14, this year.

Wednesday 23 August 2017

Dragon's Den Fraudster Gets Suspended Sentence On His Red Letter Day

Den of Dishonesty: Selvathiravam
An accountant for Dragon’s Den stars Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis has received a suspended prison sentence for a £33,000 forged cheques fraud on their company.

The pair run Red Letter Days - a company specialising in experience days vouchers as gifts and corporate rewards - where employee Akilan Selvathiravam, 34, worked as their finance officer.

The married dad-of-one, of Church Drive, Kingsbury pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between January 1, 2016 and February 20, this year.

The Den duo bought the company out of administration after it had been founded by former-Dragon Rachel Elnaugh and ran into financial difficulties.

Qualified chartered accountant Selvathiravam was employed at the company’s head office at 100 High Street, Southgate, north London.

He was sentenced to twenty months imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to perform 200 hours community service work and repay the entire sum.

Prosecutor Miss Linda Shamel told Wood Green Crown Court: “He was entrusted with the safekeeping of cheques and money in the safe.

“He falsified the cheques and forged the signatures, claiming they were corporate refunds and then cashing them individually at the bank.”

Selvathiravam was exposed by a company internal audit in February. “There were a large number of cheques falsified and put through the system,” added the prosecutor.

“CCTV evidence shows the defendant cashing cheques in branches of Barclays Bank.”

He defrauded a total of £32,955.99 and relatives have rallied around to repay the sum.

Selvathiravam was reported to the police by the company and arrested and quizzed. “He admitted he falsified the cheques  because he had a gambling addiction.”

The court heard Red Letters Days have not reported him to The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAS) and he attended a job interview with a bank shortly before the court hearing.

“His former employers support his continued employment in the financial sector and a glowing reference has been provided,” said Mr. Brad Lawlor, defending.

“Family members have grouped together to pay the full amount. He was desperate, he’s been struggling with a gambling addiction and been to rehab.”

Judge Joanna Greenberg QC announced: “This was a breach of trust over a considerable period of time.”

Red Letter Days have been fully compensated by Barclays.

Tuesday 22 August 2017

American Accused Of Trolling Parents Falsely Accused Of Satanic Cult

An American blogger harassed the Hampstead parents of children involved in discredited satanic paedophile ring allegations - posing outside their primary school while saying he was armed with a knife - a jury heard today.

Rupert Wilson Quaintance, 38, a self-styled political activist and investigative journalist also posted a youtube clip in which he warned he would: “Kick down doors to take blood.”

Supporters financed the trip after also hearing him on the web’s ‘American Freedom Radio’ announcing: “I don’t want to kill them, just beat them up pretty good.”

He has pleaded not guilty to putting four mothers and a father of pupils of Christ Church Primary School in fear of violence between February 1 and September 30, last year.

Organisational Management graduate Quaintance, travelled from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia and was staying at an address in Mill Road, Erith, where he was arrested on September 13, last year.

One of the mum’s told Southwark Crown Court: “Things were put next to my daughter’s name that were horrifying, her photo was all over the internet.

“I was petrified. This man’s coming across quite violently, everything that comes out of his mouth is a violent attack.

“I have CCTV outside my house because my daughter has been identified. What do I do if I am seen outside with her? How do I keep her safe if he approaches me or comes to my house?

“My name was on the internet on a list of twenty parents and our addresses and he was coming to kick out doors down.”

The school pic was posted by Quaintance on his facebook page on the first day of term. “I was putting everything in place to protect my child and he was just feet from the entrance to the school and said he had a knife on him.”

Prosecutor Mr. Martyn Bowyer told the jury the father targeted by Quaintance was the parent of a girl, aged nine, and a boy, aged eight, known as ‘P’ and ‘Q’ who were at the centre of the allegations.

“The allegation was they were part of a large group of children in Hampstead, who had been sexually abused as part of a satanic cult in which there were human sacrifices and paedophile behaviour.”

“At the centre of the allegation was Christ Church and the father of P and Q was said to be the head of this satanic cult.”

The children were taken into temporary care, but all the allegations were dismissed by a High Court judge in March, 2015, who heard evidence from police, doctors and social workers.

Quaintance has blogged and broadcasted extensively on the case and under his Christ Church selfie pic, posted: “This is what my defiant face looks like.”

Mr. Bowyer added: “He gave the distinct impression he had in his possession a knife outside that school, but says it has all been a dreadful misunderstanding.

“He says it was an ‘in joke’ with a facebook friend in the U.S. and blamed differences in the cultures between the UK and USA.”

Police found Quaintance’s Excel spreadsheet titled: ‘Cult Details’ which had mostly blank columns headed with names, addresses, emails and phone numbers of parents, teachers and children.

Trial continues………….

Monday 21 August 2017

Rapist Caged After Victim Recorded His 'Confession'

"Free Pass": Roser
A rapist is starting a lengthy prison sentence after unwittingly ‘confessing’ to the sex attack as his victim recorded his incriminating words on her mobile phone.

Amateur boxer and rock climber Rhys Roser, 24, was sentenced to seven years and eight months imprisonment today for the early hours rape of the 19 year-old.

The apprentice tree surgeon denied everything when arrested, but later went on the run after hearing the damning recording and pleaded guilty when he turned up for his trial.

“He had not heard the recording until earlier this year and that must have come as a shock to him, the clear evidence of it,” his lawyer Miss Marie Spenwyn told Harrow Crown Court.  

“We now have a man hanging his head in shame over his behaviour.”

Roser, of Bravington Road, Maida Vale pleaded guilty to one count of rape; attempted rape; sexual assault and assault by penetration at a Kilburn address on September 14, 2015.

He raped the teen in the flat’s shower after the victim fled to the bathroom because she was suffering a panic attack brought on by Roser’s unwanted advances.

Future Not Bright: Roser
“He made it plain he wanted to have sex and she didn’t,” said prosecutor Mr. Peter Clement. “The defendant became more demanding and somewhat bullying of her.

“He grabbed her by the arm, torso and neck and the more aggressive he became the more aroused he got.”

They were still in the bedroom when she grabbed her phone and began the audio recording, which later proved she was pleading: “Leave me alone.”

“He said he had a ‘free pass’ to have sex with her and by this time she was in tears, asking him to shut up and leave her alone,” added Mr. Clement.

She locked herself in the bathroom, but Roser persuaded his way in. “He locked the bathroom door and pushed her into the shower.

“He pulled her head back and bent her left arm behind her back.” The teenager was then raped.

Prison Is Pants: Roser
They returned to the bedroom, where the phone recorded Roser saying: “I was wrong in every way. I shouldn’t have done that, I don’t know what came over me.

“Don’t tell anyone please. You don’t want to do the whole court thing. You’re not going to stand up in court and tell everyone you were raped, way too embarrassing.

“You were kinda sexy because you had wetness on your face. 

“That’s the one thing that’s going to ruin my life. Don’t f***ing tell anyone, it’s real simple.”

In an impact statement fifteen months after the attack the victim said: “It has had a staggering effect on me,” explaining she had suffered depression, anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks and night terror.

Recorder Matthew Lowe told Roser: “Your subsequent conversations were recorded on that telephone.

“You were heard saying you had gone mad and were wrong in every way and went onto plead with her not to report what happened and put pressure on her.

“She describes it as emotional blackmail. What you did to her that night has had significant psychological and emotional effects.”


Sunday 20 August 2017

Acid Attacker Left Lone Victim Scarred For Life: E-Fit Released

Police hunting a late-night acid attacker have released this e-fit of their suspect.
The 32 year-old male victim was walking along High Street, Stratford, east London at 11.30pm on May 22 when he was approached by two men.
One of the men asked if the man wanted to buy cannabis and demanded money.
The victim refused and the suspect then threw a corrosive liquid in his face.
He ran to the nearby bus station station, where he was assisted by station staff and an ambulance called.
He was taken to an east London hospital, and later transferred to another hospital outside of London for further treatment.
The victim suffered serious burn injuries, causing permanent scarring.
Despite carrying out CCTV enquiries, no arrests have been made and police from Newham borough are now releasing this e-fit of the suspect.
He is described as a man in his late twenties, of Mediterranean appearance, and of slim build.
He was clean shaven, spoke with a London accent and was wearing a bright red hooded-top, a dark-coloured baseball cap and dark trousers.
Detective Constable Suhal Miah of Forest Gate CID said: "This was a horrific attempted robbery where the suspect didn't hesitate to spray his victim with a corrosive substance, knowing full well that it would likely cause life-changing injuries to his victim.
"We need to identify the man responsible, and we would urge anyone who thinks the e-fit looks familiar or knows anything about the incident to come forward and talk to us."
Any witnesses or anyone with information about this robbery can call Forest Gate CID on 0208 217 5820, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

Saturday 19 August 2017

Rape Hunt After Nightclub Woman Approached In Park

Police are hunting this suspected rapist after a woman believes she was attacked in a park after leaving a nightclub alone.
The woman, aged in her thirties, has no recollection of being raped, but remembers the man approaching her and subsequent checks revealed sexual activity had occurred.
This CCTV still was taken at the club – Zumbale – in High Road, South Tottenham in the early hours of May 28.
The woman was enjoying a night out with work colleagues and says she spoke to the suspect during the evening.
She left at 4.40am and while walking home was approached by the same man in a local park.
The next thing she recalls is arriving home at 6.00am, feeling something had happened to her.
A medical examination revealed penetrative sex had occurred.
After speaking to the victim, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command were able to identify this suspect on CCTV from the club.
The suspect is described as a clean shaven thin man of Spanish or Portuguese origin, around 5ft 7inches tall.
He has black bushy hair, was wearing an orange t-shirt and carrying a bag. He was also wearing a star-shaped pendant.
Officers are appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and speak to police.
Any witnesses to the incident are also asked to contact officers on 101 or tweet at @MetCC.
To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Friday 18 August 2017

Young Pianist Incited Love-Struck 12 Year-Old Girl For Sex

Piano Man: Eglinton
A talented young pianist-to-the-stars, who has performed at the Savoy hotel and Wentworth Golf Club, has received a suspended sentence for inciting a 12 year-old girl to have sex with him.

Jazz and Blues musician Matthew Eglinton, 26, has played for the late Sir Bruce Forsyth and Des O’Connor and accompanied comic Bobby Davro’s stage show.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard the schoolgirl, who dreams of becoming an actress, would climb out of her bedroom window for secret late-night dates with the pianist.

He sent her explicit texts and facebook messages boasting of his size and sexual prowess, fantasising about what he would do to her and vice versa.

Eglinton, of Clover Rise, Plymouth, Devon pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity between July 1 and September 30, last year while he was living in Twickenham.

An additional count of grooming the youngster for sex was dropped by the prosecution. The maximum sentence he faced was 14 years.

He moved to London to advance his career and has also played at the Oval Cricket Ground; the Four Seasons Hotel, Canary Wharf; Elstree Film studios and live venues including the Alleycat Club and Phoenix Artists Club.

Prosecutor Miss Fern Russell said the girl revealed everything to a school youth worker last September. “She told the worker she was dating a ‘Matthew’ and they loved each other.

“He treated her like a china doll and she felt loved and said she felt so strongly she would self-harm or commit suicide if there were any consequences, like prison, for him.”

The girl initially told Eglinton she was 16 years-old, but then said she was only 13 years-old and he told her he was twenty.

Court Date: Eglinton
“He took a naked upper torso photo of himself and told her he would like to engage in sexual activity with her.

“He said what he would like to do to her and what he would like her to do with him and it was graphic and forceful.

“He told her she was gorgeous and attractive and asked her to engage in sexual acts.”

The girl told police they kissed passionately, describing it as “snogging”, but Eglinton initially told police there was no physical contact.

As well as meeting in Eglinton’s back garden the pair met in local parks, exchanging kisses while sitting on a bench. 

The prosecution say the explicit messaging and meetings lasted between two and four weeks. 

Eglinton initially fought the case, forcing the girl to give evidence and accusing her of “making it up”, but changed his plea and also admitted the kissing.

His lawyer Miss Hannah Duncan told the court today: “He is a young twenty-six year-old in looks and behaviour and at that time was extremely naive.

“So many people speak of him so highly. He has genuine remorse and the ability to change.”

Eglinton’s parents, brother and 28 year-old girlfriend were in court supporting him, with his father addressing Judge Timothy Lamb QC, and asking for “leniency.”

The pianist, who has also performed in the south of France and Tokyo, is also one-half of jazz duo ‘Blue Croon’ and plays at weddings and parties.
Mugshot: Eglinton In Custody

He has also been the  musical director for shows as Guildford County Club, the Theatre Royal Winchester and Waterloo East Theatre, which included a production about the life of French singer Edith Piaf, called ‘Love Conquers All.’

“The most recent suicide attempt was no more than a month ago,” added Miss Duncan. “A custodial sentence would effect him perhaps more than some others, he’s not mentally strong, not equipped for custody.

“It’s been absolute hell this potential custodial sentence hanging over him.”

Judge Lamb sentenced Eglinton to two years imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered him to pay £1500 costs.

He must also attend thirty days rehab, plus up to 100 days of a sex offenders programme.

An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made and Eglinton must also sign the sex offenders register.

“It is not said that the complainant has suffered severe psychological harm from this relationship,” announced the judge.

“Indeed, she declines today to give a victim impact statement and I am told she is troubled by the prospect of the defendant losing his liberty.”

Thursday 17 August 2017

Acid Clampdown: Twelve Months For East Londoner

A young man caught with a bottle of bleach-type acid near the scene of a street mugging has been caged for a year.

Bradley Kerr, 21, was stopped by police in Eleanor Street, Bow, east London in the early hours of July 18 after a man reported he had been robbed by a group of males.

In his bag, officers discovered a soft drink bottle containing a fluid they suspected contained a noxious substance.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Kerr pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an offensive weapon.

Tests later revealed that the substance had a high ph level and it was confirmed as a bleach-type acid that would cause injury if thrown at somebody.

Detective Sergeant Mike Stubbins, of Tower Hamlets CID, said: "This is an excellent result and the sentence reflects how seriously the police and the courts view the possession of acid and noxious substances.

"There was no good reason for Kerr to be carrying this fluid around with him and this sends out a message that police will not hesitate to arrest anyone believed to be carrying these types of substances, and pursue prosecutions vigorously.

"These substances can be, and unfortunately are, used in the commission of crimes which have a huge impact on victims’ lives."

If you would like to report anyone you suspect of carrying a noxious substance, or if you are a victim or a witness to a crime involving a noxious substance, call police on 101.


Call 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, tweet Met Police via @MetCC.