Electoral Roll Officer Forged Returns

A frustrated electoral roll official with Lambeth Council, who was fed-up with unsuccessfully knocking on local residents’ doors, forged the returns himself, a court heard yesterday.

Emmanuel Ofori Atta, 51, returned 60 fraudulent forms after failing to get door-to-door responses in the south London borough.

The dad-of-three, of Violet Lane, Waddon, Croydon pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office between October 14 and November 11, 2017.

Inner London Crown Court heard Atta, a Day Centre assistant project manager with the council, also worked in the evening to complete the electoral roll.

“Your roll was door-to-door canvassing to complete the electoral roll,” Recorder David Holland QC told the first-time offender.

“Your role was to ensure a public document was accurately maintained so those with the right to vote can and those who do not have the right to vote are removed.

“You were paid £2.50 for each signed form and a number of these forms were fraudulent. The gain you were seeking to make was in the hundreds of pounds.

“Those that would have lost their vote means there would have been a high impact.”

Atta was sentenced to an 18 month community order, which includes 80 hours community service work.

He was also ordered to pay £2,070 compensation to Lambeth Council, plus £100 costs.

Prosecutor Mr Neil Mercer told the court names on the returns were misspelled and did not properly match, with obvious handwriting errors.

“The integrity of the register is really  important so people do not lose their right to vote at elections and it is also used by other agencies like credit reference companies so residents could have lost their credit rating.

When questioned Atta claimed he was “depressed” at “knocking on doors all night” and felt “under pressure” because he could not get enough confirmed signatures.

He also knew he would not receive a payment if he returned empty-handed, but claimed his motivation was “frustration, not greed.”

Machete Robber Locked-Up

A machete robber, who snatched a gold chain from a householder's neck during a violent break-in, has been caged.

Zeke Allen, 20, of Caroline Court, Reading and an unknown accomplice smashed their way into the property in north-west London.

The victim, a man in his forties, was stabbed in the head and shoulder and also lost cash to the duo.

Allen was convicted of aggravated burglary at the address in Broadfields Way, Neasden and inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on June 15, last year.

At Reading Crown Court he received nine years custody.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's North West Basic Command Unit begun an investigation after the occupier was attacked at around 5.55pm.

They arrived to find the man with stab injuries and he was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service, where his injuries were confirmed as not life-threatening.

He told officers two men had broken down the door to his property and demanded money. 

When he told them he didn't have any money, they attacked him several times with a machete.

They pulled a gold necklace belonging to the victim's grandfather from around his neck and stole an amount of money before leaving the property. 

The victim was then able to call for help.

Detectives began an investigation and forensic officers were deployed to recover evidence from the scene. 

This was examined and one of the fingerprints matched with records for Allen.

He was arrested on July 17 and taken into police custody. 

He refused to provide any comment during interview and was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Jenny Whelan, said: "This was a shocking attack on a defenceless man who was lucky not to have been seriously injured.”

Uniformed Sainsbury's Employee Sentencing For Filming Up Girl's Skirt

A Sainsbury’s employee in full uniform, who was caught by a customer and the store’s CCTV using his phone to film up a teenage schoolgirl’s mini-skirt, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Alex O’Halloran, 33, was arrested and an investigation revealed he had a huge collection of 388 ‘upskirt’ pictures he had taken of women, plus images from a secret camera he installed in the staff ladies’ toilet.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court he was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

O’Halloran must also comply with a two-year Community Order, which includes 35 days on the Probation Service’s Horizon programme for sex offenders.

He must complete 30 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid community service work.

O’Halloran, of Tankerton Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon pleaded guilty to outraging public decency at Sainsbury’s, The Green, Twickenham on July 18, 2018 by taking an ‘upskirt’ photo of the girl, wearing her school uniform.

At a previous hearing the court was played a short clip from the store’s CCTV, which plainly showed O’Halloran blatantly approaching the girl - wearing a plaid mini-skirt and white shirt - from behind.

As she was looking at items on the store’s shelves he leaned forward and, using his mobile phone, filmed up her skirt.

A male customer, who entered the store at 3.15pm, also witnessed O’Halloran with his phone in his hand taking a picture up the schoolgirl’s skirt.

The customer complained and the police were informed, revealing further similar crimes O’Halloran committed.

Further clips were found on his phone and computer

O’Halloran also pleaded guilty that on or before July 18, 2018 he outraged public decency by behaving in an indecent manner, namely taking 388 upskirt photos of women.

He also pleaded guilty to voyeurism on or before July 18, 2018 at Sainsbury’s Local, Friars Stile Road, Richmond in that he recorded three people doing a private act, for the purpose of sexual gratification.

He also admitted taking indecent photos of a children on or before July 18, 2018, namely 16 Category C moving images of a child.

Three clips, totalling approximately thirty minutes, show the female staff toilets at Sainsbury’s, with the victims entering and removing their trousers and underwear and sitting down on the toilet.

First-time offender O’Halloran must also obey a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

He was also placed on an official barring list, which limits his employment and activities with potentially vulnerable groups, including children.

"Anti Social" School Run Solicitor Accused Of Driving At Local Parking Activist

Boris Bronfentrinker

A partner in a top London law firm, who was parked on the kerb over double yellow lines during the school run, deliberately drove at a local campaigner, who complained about his persistent “anti-social” behaviour, a court heard today.

Solicitor Boris Bronfentrinker, 43, has pleaded not guilty to driving his Mercedes C350E dangerously outside the Montessori Nursery, Marylebone Lane on January 18, 2019.

Local activist Peter Bullen, 70, who is ex-Chairman of the Mayfair & St. James Residents Society told Southwark Crown Court: “It was on the footpath, outside the school on double yellow lines. I passed this car on a number of occasions and noted it for dangerous parking.”

He told the court father-of-two Bronfentrinker was dismissive of his complaints and shook his hand at him. ‘It was a negative hand gesture that can be interpreted in a couple of ways, a slightly rude gesture.

“He was sitting there in the car on his mobile phone, looking down on his phone. I took my phone out and stood in front of the car on the footpath and lined up my camera to take a picture.

“As I took the photograph I realised the car was accelerating towards me without making a sound and there was no horn,” said the Mayfair retired entrepreneur.

“I was rather taken aback and realised it wasn’t going to turn away so I jumped to one side to avoid it hitting me.

“I was more concerned about getting out of the way than judging speed. I am lucky am a sportsman, an ex-sportsman so my reactions are pretty good.

Peter Bullen

“I could feel the wind of it as it passed rustling my tracksuit bottoms.

“My hand was shaking, I was glad not to have been hit.

“It could have been a lot worse for me than just walking away. I believe I would have been hit.”

He told the solicitor, who lives in a £1.6m Highgate house in Milton Park, that he was going to report his parking to Westminster Council.

“I was returning from my early-morning walk,” he told the jury, adding Bronfentrinker’s blue Mercedes was a common sight parked there.

“The road was narrow and everyone parks on the pavement. I am an active member of the local community and we have had problems with anti-social behaviour of drivers’ parking on the footpath.”

Mr Bullen sits on local committees and has led problem-parking campaigns locally and admonished parents outside the school for poor parking.

“Wheelchair users and people with pushchairs have to go out into the road”, he complained. 

“For someone who was a long jumper and a high jumper I know how to move out of the way.”

He denied a suggestions from defence QC Patrick Gibbs that he deliberately exaggerated his movements to make a bigger issue of the incident.

“For me to move I had to jump out of the way to avoid getting struck.

“I was disappointed the police did not pursue a charge of attempted grievous bodily harm, which is what he was originally charged with.

“I am just delighted that I am still in one piece.”

Denying another defence suggestion he was a “scary” individual, who regularly raised his voice at local drivers he said: “I wear a long black coat sometimes and sunglasses and I’ve got long hair and sometimes wear a tracksuit, maybe that is scary, but that is what I wear.”

Bronfentrinker, who is an expert in complex commercial litigation with Holborn law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan was later questioned by police.

Prosecutor Mr Nick Wells told the jury: “He said the road was narrow and everyone parked on the pavement. He said the local parking officers were okay with him parking there.

“He said Mr Bullen was annoyed that he ignored him that day. He said he had driven normally from the pavement to the road and the way Mr Bullen stepped away was an exaggeration to make something of the incident.”

Bronfentrinker is the co-head of the firm’s Competition Litigation Practice and has represented clients at the High Court and Competition Appeal Tribunal. 

Industry publication ‘Who’s Who Legal’ named Bronfentrinker, a law graduate from King’s College London, a Global Elite and Thought Leader.

Trial continues………..

Car Boot Money Launderer Caught

The Metropolitan Police seized £450,380 cash in the car boot of a money launderer, who is now starting a prison sentence.

Their Proactive Money Laundering Team swooped on Bedford man Shane Cameron, 24, who received sixteen months imprisonment.

Cameron, of Ashburnham Road was arrested on December 8, last year when officers searched his vehicle in Gardenia Avenue, Luton.

At Luton Crown Court he pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property.

During the search officers found a large plastic laundry bag and several other plastic shopping bags, each containing large quantities of cash.

Detective Sergeant Steve Lambeth, of the Proactive Money Laundering Team, said: “I would like to assure the public that we take a zero tolerance approach to this sort of criminality within our community, and we are committed to bringing those involved to justice.

“The recovery of such a substantial amount of money was a great example of how officers are tirelessly working to disrupt organised crime. 

“This money was not only being used to finance serious organised crime across the UK, but also represents the proceeds of previous crimes undertaken to acquire such vast sums of cash. 

“This seizure has had a significant impact on those activities.”

Armed Drug Dealer Locked-Up

A knife-carrying drug dealer – finally caught during a police raid – has been jailed.

Tereece Ellis, 23, was eventually hunted down by the Metropolitan Police's Violent Crime Taskforce.

At Harrow Crown Court he received twenty months imprisonment.Ellis pleaded guilty to possession, with intent to supply, cannabis; possession of a knife and possession of criminal property, namely £3,100 cash.

He also admitted previously jumping bail when he failed to appear at court.

The court ordered the forfeiture of the cash, which represented the profits of Ellis' criminal activity.

Ellis had been wanted by police in relation to a drugs possession offence from November, 2020.

He was also wanted for a separate knife offence when his DNA was linked to a discarded knife from a stop and search encounter in September, 2020.

In response to this, officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce launched an investigation, named Operation Revati, to track Ellis down.

On Thursday, December 3, last year officers carried out a drugs warrant at an address in Willesden, where a quantity of cannabis, drug paraphernalia, cash and two large combat knives were seized.

Police Sergeant Purvak Vora said: “This operation highlights our dedication to relentlessly pursue high harm offenders and bring them to justice.

“It also demonstrates that violence and drugs go hand in hand, which is why investigations into those intent on supplying drugs are so important in our continued efforts to drive down violent crime.”

Crooked Siblings' "Uber Knowledge" Scam

Cindy Ughanze

Failed mini-cab drivers were sold secret test answers by a Transport for London employee and her brother to pass the ‘Uber Knowledge’ a court heard today.

University graduate Cindy Ughanze, 28, was employed by the Topographical Assessment Department and sold the information to struggling applicants seeking a private hire vehicle licence (PHVL).

She plotted with her engineering graduate brother Jordan Ughanze, 25, who approached the drivers, charging them £300 to £500 to cheat the test.

The Ughanze’s, both of Goldcrest Way, New Addington, Croydon pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud TfL between February 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018 and will be sentenced on April 29.

One cheat, who paid the Ughanze’s for the answers, passed their re-test with an 88% grade after flunking their first attempt with a miserable 43%.

Croydon Crown Court Judge Deborah Charles said: “This is not an equivalent of The Knowledge, but is the Uber-equivalent of The Knowledge.

“Both defendants should bring overnight bags when they return to be sentenced, they must be prepared. All options remain open.”

Prosecutor Shannon Revel said: “Applicants must show they have a working knowledge of the geography of London and the sealed test results are taken to TfL.

“Cindy gave the details of the failed applicants to Jordan, who offered them a way to pass the test for a fee and he filled-in the fresh examination papers and they would be swapped by his sister.”

The prosecution is limited to the twenty-two failed applicants, whose details were found in a sports holdall along with blank and completed test papers when police raided the Ughanze’s family home.

Those drivers have been permanently banned by TfL from applying for a PHVL, but not prosecuted, despite participating in a fraud on TfL.

Jordan Ughanze

“The investigation was to target those at the top of the conspiracy,” added Ms Revel, revealing one failed applicant anonymously tipped-off the police when approached by the Ughanze’s.

It is unknown if there are currently more PHVL-holders driving customers around London, who cheated the test. “There was not a queue of applicants outside the police station door because they have also committed fraud.”

Each sibling claims to be the instigator of the conspiracy and mum-of-one Cindy, who has a fraud conviction for trying to avoid parking tickets, say they received £8,000 for their services. 

She was employed by TfL on a £32,000 salary, having abandoned her Masters degree course and is currently in receipt of Universal Credit.

She would log-in to her work computer for up to two hours out-of-hours and was arrested at her desk on May 31, 2018 and taken to Charing Cross Police Station.

Dad-of-one Jordan, an assistant project manger for Network Rail, has convictions for robbery, battery and fraud and is currently having the family council house transferred to his name.

“They have both participated in a thoroughly dishonest enterprise, having been given a chance by the courts after previous offences,” announced Judge Charles.

Referring to Cindy, the judge added: “Having been caught twice in her life for being dishonest, surely now is the time to show some honesty.”

Santander Manager Admits Nicking £180k

A Santander manager, who targeted the bank accounts of “mostly elderly and vulnerable customers” received a prison warning today when admitting her £179,900 fraud.

Customer account manager Charlotte Mills, 33, of
Titchener Close, Bicester, Oxfordshire was responsible for a four-and-a-half year swindle at the high street bank.

She pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of fraud by abuse of position between June 30, 2015 and December 1, 2019, namely dishonestly making dishonest withdrawals from customers’ accounts.

Prosecutor Mr Peter Lancaster told the court: “The loss to Santander was one hundred and seventy nine thousand nine hundred pounds, that’s the loss.

“The fraudulent activity involved more by swapping and changing around customers’ accounts, but the Crown are not going to go behind that figure.”

Judge Benedict Kelleher told Mills, who was on video link at her solicitors’ office: “I’m sure you will have been advised this is a serious matter and you are at risk of a custodial sentence.”

Mills was bailed to attend court on May 21 on condition she continues residing at her Bicester address.

The sentencing range for the offence is three to six years imprisonment and Mr Lancaster added: “This is high culpability, bearing in mind the activity of the defendant and her position in the bank.”

Her lawyer, Mr Nadesh Karu, who successfully applied for a probation pre-sentence report said: “Ms Mills is of previous good character.”

Spending Spree With MP Nadine Dorries' Credit Card

Quick Getaway: Cory Chin

Government minister Nadine Dorries’s credit card was cloned and used to try and buy an expensive jacket in a West End store as well as other goods, a court heard today.

The 63 year-old Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire is the Minister of State for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Patient Safety.

At Westminster Magistrates Court trainee engineer Cory Dominic Chin, 24, of Palmerston Road, Walthamstow pleaded guilty to using her Lloyds credit card to try and buy a £958 jacket on October 16, 2019.

Korri George McLean, 30, of Rayfield, Epping pleaded guilty to using the minister’s Lloyds credit card to buy £1,080 worth of items the following day on October 17, 2019.

It was not said if if that transaction was successful and McLean was bailed to appear for sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court, where he is in breach of a twelve-month suspended prison sentence.

Chin was placed on a 12-month Community Order, which includes 120 hours community service work and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

The court heard Chin was originally charged with further failed uses of the card, totalling over £3,000, but these were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Prosecutor Mr Jason Seetal told the court: “The complainant, Nadine Dorries is a senior member of parliament, representing the Conservative Party.

Cornered: Korri McLean

“The Lloyds credit card belonging to her was retained and a fraudulent copy made.

“This attempt was unsuccessful, but a phone number and email address was given and that is how the defendants were tracked down.”

Chin’s lawyer Daniel Jones said: “The acquisition of her details while the card was in her possession must have had some degree of sophistication.

“The details were not acquired by Mr Chin, but provided by his co-defendant Mr McLean to obtain a high-value jacket.

“He did not know who Nadine Dorries was and that she was a member of parliament and she was not specifically targeted.

“His involvement is limited to this single relatively high transaction. It was blocked and there was no financial loss.

“He has no convictions, warnings, arrests or reprimands against him and he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“Her gave little or no thought to the consequences of his actions. He recognises know the distress and inconvenience caused to her by these offences and the consequences to him is that he will now have a criminal record.

“His mother’s home was searched by police officers and that was distressing and embarrassing for him and has had a sobering impact.

“He takes full responsibility for his behaviour and has remorse.

“He is a well-educated and hard-working man, a trainee engineer with a large telecommunications firm and he does not meet the need for any probation intervention.”

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told Chin: “This was a deliberate attempt to use this lady’s bank card and you knew it belonged to someone else to obtain a luxury item for yourself.

“You are a man of good character with no convictions or cautions and you pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and you.”

Young Offenders Employee Accused Of Molesting Teen

Oak Hill

A woman pleaded guilty today to molesting a 15 year-old boy at a young offenders’ institute.

Ashley Wright, 26, of Blunts Lane, Wigston, Leicestershire admitted four charges relating to her behaviour at Oak Hill Secure Training Centre, Milton Keynes.

She appeared on bail at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court and was sent to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for trial after pleading not guilty to a fifth count.

The training centre, based in Chalgrove Field, Oakhill is operated by G4S Care and Justice Services.

It provides accommodation for up to eighty boys, aged twelve to seventeen years-old who are either serving custodial sentences or held on remand.

Education and healthcare are provided on site by G4S.

Wright, who wore a black polo neck to and black trousers spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth.

She pleaded guilty to abuse of position of trust at Oak Hill Secure Training Centre on May 13, 2019, namely caused or incited a 15 year-old boy to engage in sexual activity.

Wright also admitted engaging in sexual activity with the same 15 year-old boy, namely inciting him to touch her breasts on or before October 21, 2019.

She further admitted sexual activity with the boy by intentional touching on or before December 31, 2019, plus one count of engaging in sexual communication with the same boy for sexual gratification on October 13, 2019.

Wright pleaded not guilty to another count of engaging in sexual communication with the boy for sexual gratification between November 1, 2019 and January 31, last year, namely sexual comments in a hand-written letter. 

Prosecutor Mr Corran Helme told the court: “The charge is in the same factual matrix of the others. They are all linked.”

On this count she was bailed to appear at the crown court on April 20.

Magistrate Laura Boyle announced; “These five offences are very much interlinked and we have received a guilty plea on four offences and they need to be sent to the crown court for sentence.

“They need to be kept together so the one offence that is not a guilty plea should go to the crown court.”  

Wright was granted bail on condition she does not enter the boundary of the M25 motorway except for court hearings; be unsupervised with a child under the age of eighteen years-old and does not contact the boy complainant.

Victim Hit With Bike And Crate In Ilford

Police are hunting these two suspects after a shocking attack involving a storage crate and bike was caught on CCTV.

The 33 year-old victim was walking with a friend near Marks & Spencer, High Road, Ilford between 11.20pm and 11.50pm on November 5, last year.

They were approached by the two suspects, coming from the direction of Cranbrook Road.

The two men assaulted the victim by kicking and punching him and hitting him with a bicycle and a nearby storage crate.

The two men then left the scene towards Seven Kings.

London Ambulance Service also attended and the victim was taken to an east London hospital. 

He sustained a significant head injury. 

However, his injuries are not life-threatening and he has since been released from hospital.

Detectives from East Area CID are investigating.

Detective Constable Danielle Adams, said: “This was a seemingly unprovoked attack, which left the victim needing hospital attention for a serious head injury, which could have been much worse. 

“Thankfully the victim has not been left with any long term medical issues as a result of this attack.

“I would ask everyone to have a good look at this footage, do you recognise either of these men? 

“If you do, or if you witnessed anything that night, please get in touch with police as soon as possible. 

“It is really important that we identify these two men as quickly as possible.”

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD9770/05NOV20. 

You can also provide information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Town Hall Petrol Protester Jailed

A local homeless man, who emptied a petrol can inside Kensington Town Hall while threatening to set himself and the building ablaze, has been caged.

Ako Ahmed, 45, who was in a housing dispute with the council, splashed petrol in the reception area and pulled out a lighter before police intervened.

At Isleworth Crown Court he received four years imprisonment for making threats to kill and threatening to damage property.

A jury acquitted Ahmed of attempting to commit arson, with intent to endanger life.

At around 11.30am on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 Ahmed attended Kensington Town Hall in Hornton Street and began shouting at staff.

He poured petrol on the floor of the reception area and all over himself.

Ahmed took out a lighter before threatening to kill a named employee as well as everyone in the building by burning it down.

Police were called and upon their arrival Ahmed was disarmed of his lighter by an officer. 

He was arrested on suspicion of arson and threats to kill and was later charged and remanded in custody.

During the trial, the court heard how Ahmed had been involved in a dispute with the council about his housing situation.

Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette of Belgravia CID, who led the investigation, said: “Ahmed had lost sight of the fact that he was attacking the very people who were trying to help him. 

“His actions could have resulted in serious injury to everyone present, including himself.

“I’m thankful this wasn’t the case and applaud the officer who bravely disarmed Ahmed of his lighter.

“Had it not been for the actions of responding officers who placed themselves in harm’s way, the outcome of this incident could have been far more sinister.”

Aggressive Drunk Ruins EastEnders Actress' Film Shoot

A drunken yob ruined ex-EastEnders actress-turned film maker Vanessa Bailey’s latest movie by spitting and smearing his blood on her and her team when he gate-crashed the set, a court heard.

The award-winning writer/director/producer, who also appeared in BBC’s ‘White Gold’ was shooting a short film on the subject of mental health and suicide by the Thames’ Teddington Footbridge.

Recovery truck driver Dean Lort, 38, suddenly found himself in the middle of the shoot as he walked along Teddington Lock and flew into a rage when challenged.

At Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court he pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Bailey; sound supervisor Simon Hornett and photographer and sound technician Felix Jeager on March 7, last year.

He also pleaded guilty to causing £2,800 worth of criminal damage to the shoot and to sound equipment and possessing a small amount of cannabis.

Afterwards Ms Bailey described herself as “traumatised and shocked” and needed to have a hospital tests after Lort, of
Randle Road, Richmond smeared blood in her face.

“I did not know how far he would go and it was not something one would expect in a quiet residential area,” she said.

Prosecutor Jade Sodipo told the court trouble started when Lort began goading the crew with one of his arms outstretched. 

“Ms Bailey says she was trying to calm him down and he called her a ‘slag’ and ‘c***’ and spat at her and wiped his blood on her face.

“He had earlier hit himself with a piece of equipment and Ms Bailey had to go to St. Thomas’s Hospital.”

Ms Bailey, who runs Nine Yard Films, said the entire £2,800 shoot was ruined and would now have to be re-shot at her own expense after crowdfunding had raised the initial budget.

Lort had barged into the film crew, asking: “Do you want a fight?” He got in the victims’ faces and was shouting aggressively at them, the court heard.

When Lort started grabbing the equipment and pushing over the gear he was put into a headlock by one of the crew and continued trying to spit at the victims.

He continually shouted abuse at them, his face now covered in blood, spitting at the same time.

The two male victims said they were also “traumatised” by the incident and had lost work as a result and had their equipment damaged.

Police were called and Lort was taken into custody, where the cannabis was found when he was searched.

“He said he was walking along and saw the crowd and heard someone say something to him and went to confront them,” explained Ms Sodipo.

“He said he was pushed and a scuffle began and thinks he was hit by someone and admitted he was drunk at the time.

“The defendant told officers he did not intend to hurt anyone, but was surrounded and feared for his safety.”

Lort told the court: “I was walking along the footpath near the river and there was a film crew spread across the path and as I walked over the bridge I was in the middle of a crowd.

“Someone came over and started pushing me along to get out of the way, but there was no other way to get through and that’s how it started.

“I did think someone called me a swear word and I did turn around and felt I had been attacked and they hit me with their equipment.

“I was in a rush to see my son. I had a few drinks earlier in the day, but I wouldn’t say I was intoxicated.”

Lort was placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes a thirty-day recommended activity requirement and a three-month home curfew between 7pm and 7am.

He must also pay £2,800 compensation to Ms Bailey; £100 compensation to each of the male victims; £220 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

“These offences were particularly unpleasant. The spitting and the blood, even without Covid, carry hepatitis and other diseases,” magistrate Diane Chitty told Lort.

“These people would have been frightened of infection. This is viewed very seriously and is unpleasant.”

Driver Banned For Tragic Lane Change

Thomas Ruffy

A budding primary school teacher has put her career dreams on hold for two years after her lane-change resulted in the tragic death of a dad-of-two motorcyclist.

Isabelle Jane Mullarkey, 23, did not see 29 year-old Thomas Ruffy overtaking a line of slow cars at up to 54 mph when she suddenly pulled out in front of him.

He was catapulted into a pedestrian traffic island, suffering catastrophic head injuries and died the next day with his family at his hospital bedside.

On Wednesday, Mullarkey, of Handen Road, Lee, south-east London was disqualified from driving for three years and ordered to complete 200 hours community service.

She pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on November 11, 2019 in Eltham Road, Blackheath.

Mr Ruffy was described as a “joker” and “cheeky chap” by his mother Esther Clark, 53, who attended the sentencing and heard Mullarkey was guilty of “momentary inattention”.

Prosecutor Mr Subhanur Chowdhury told the court Mullarkey and Mr Ruffy were travelling in the same direction at 11.27am when she pulled her white Skoda Fabia in front of him.

“He is separated from his motorcycle and strikes the pedestrian refuge and as a result receives fatal head injuries, brain stem and traumatic head injuries.”

Isabelle Mullarkey

In her victim impact statement Mrs Clark said: “My whole world changed in an instant. I knew my beautiful son would be either severely brain damaged or pass way.

“The most difficult thing I’ve ever done in my life was tell him: ‘Okay Tom. You can go now’.”

Mullarkey’s lawyer Sarah O’Kane told the court: “This is a very sad case for all concerned. Ms Mullarkey has asked me to extend her sympathy and remorse to the parents of Mr Ruffy and his wider family and friends.”

An expert estimated Mr Ruffy’s speed at 44mph-54mph, but concluded even if he was observing the 30mph speed limit a collision was inevitable and Mullarkey should have seen him in her wing mirror approaching from behind.

“The news he had died was difficult for her to deal with at her young age and it is something that will stay with her for the rest of her life,” added the lawyer.

“It had a devastating impact. She can’t see a future for herself and has extreme  remorse, guilt and sadness.

“The planned a career as a primary school teacher and had just started university before this incident, but has deferred for the last two years.”

Magistrate Heather East announced: “This is a very sad case. We have heard two young adults were travelling along the same road and collided.

“Perhaps if Mr Ruffy was travelling slower his injuries would not have been fatal. We will never know.

“Ms Mullarkey now has to carry that heavy burden that the actions of her driving took another life.”

Mullarkey must also attend twenty days of rehabilitation and pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.