Sweet Smell Of Prison For Brazen Perfume Shoplifter

A brazen shoplifter, who repeatedly targeted the same Square Mile beauty store for bottles of expensive perfume, has finally been locked up.

Phillip Themistockli, 43, nicked thousands of pounds worth of fragrances in front of the store's female employees in the heart of the City of London.

He continued stealing despite being subject to a fifteen months suspended prison sentence, which has now been enforced, plus another thirty-five weeks on top for his latest crime spree.

Themistockli, of Helston Street, Camden stole approximately £7,000 worth of perfume from the Cheapside retailer between May and December, last year.

He pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft and was also made subject to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning him from entering the Square Mile.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bentley, of the Suspect and Offender Management Team at the City of London Police, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; it can cause significant alarm and distress to retail staff, as well as members of the public.

“We want retailers to come forward and report any crime so we can start investigations. 

“Through the store’s CCTV, and our extensive camera network in the City, we will bring criminals to justice.

“CBOs are designed to tackle the most serious and persistent anti-social individuals and if Phillip Themistockli breaches his CBO conditions, we can arrest him and put him back before the courts.”

Themistockli was convicted of the following:

• 
  On Friday 24 May 2024, Themistockli placed bottles of perfume into a basket and walked out without paying. The products were worth stealing £1,750 in total.

• On Wednesday 29 May 2024, he took bottles of perfume to the total value of around £953.

• On Thursday 6 June 2024, he stole £1,033 worth of fragrances.

• On Friday 7 June 2024, he also stole from the shop with a value of £1,300.

• On Thursday 20 June 2024 he walked out the store with around £945 worth of perfume.

• On Tuesday 22 October 2024, Themistockli stole around £590 worth of fragrances.

• And on Thursday 12 December 2024, he took bottles of perfume with a total value of £450.

Escalator Rage: Underground Passenger Attacked Near Bank Of England

A London Underground passenger was punched in the face and thrown down an escalator after another passenger cut in front of him.

The victim was also repeatedly kicked by the unknown suspect, who is now being hunted by police.

The victim was exiting Bank Underground Station in the heart of the Square Mile at approximately 12.20pm on Saturday, January 18.

As he stepped into the escalator leading towards the Cannon Street exit a mystery male cut him up, resulting in a verbal confrontation between the pair.

The unknown man then punched the victim in the face, threw him down the escalator and kicked him several times.

British Transport Police have released this image of their suspect.

The suspect is a distinctive bearded individual, wearing all black, including a black leather waistcoat.

Investigating officers are appealing to the public to assist them in identifying him.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 278 of 18 January.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Square Mile Mobile Phone Snatcher Jailed

Custody Mug: Brady

A mobile phone snatcher – who even targeted a partially-sighted woman who crashed to the ground during his Square Mile spree - has been locked-up.

Riding around on an illegal electrical bike Oliver Brady, 27, got his hands on nine phones in the City of London.

He is now starting a prison sentence of two years and three months after pleading guilty to stealing two phones and handling seven more stolen phones.

His capture was assisted by a ceremonial Beadle outside Haberdashers' Hall, who grabbed a dropped phone as Brady was detained by private security officers.

Brady, of Grange Road, Edmonton was also convicted of assaulting Assistant Beadle Alex South in West Smithfield on February 6.

He further admitted driving without a licence and insurance and breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order, imposed for previous crimes.

The Old Bailey heard Nicola Jones was checking her location on her phone when it was snatched by Brady.

Mr South, who fulfils a ceremonial role and is a Toastmaster blocked the thief, causing him to drop the stolen phone.

Afterwards Ms Jones said: “I picked up my phone and called 999. I’m so glad I was able to get back my phone back and I am also grateful for the police for coming so quickly and arresting him.

“I was quite shaken up and shocked when he took my phone, it happened so quickly. I was already really careful about having my phone out in public before this incident, but this experience has made me even more cautious.”

Earlier that morning, Neda Rana had her phone snatched by Brady on Fetter Street.

“I have a visual impairment, so I cannot see further than two metres,” Neda said.

“I felt my phone being removed from my hand. The force of this caused me to fall to the floor and I landed on my left side.”

Neda added: “I couldn’t even process what was happening. The shock, the pain, the aftermath and the disbelief. 

“The stress of then having to navigate myself and then still having to go to work. I was very distressed throughout the entire day.

Nicked: Brady

“It caused me a lot of stress as I didn't know where to go and I couldn't call someone and ask for help. This was an emotionally exhausting incident and feels surreal.”

Brady continued onto Cock Lane where he attempted to steal a mobile phone from another member of the public. 

The phone was dropped and recovered by the victim six of the phones found on Brady have been returned to the victims.

Detective Sergeant Amy Westall said: “The successful capture and prosecution of a prolific phone snatcher shows City of London Police’s focus on detecting and bringing to justice those who steal from people on our streets.

“Thanks to members of the public who intervened before officers arrived shortly afterwards, we were able to return some of the mobile phones and bring Brady to justice.

“Phone snatching has a significant impact on victims and our key priority has been to reduce the number of phones stolen and relentlessly target those criminals responsible.

“It is important for us to get any recovered phones back to their owners.”

The other six phones were snatched from victims outside of the City of London, in the Metropolitan Police area.

One of those was Tim Collier on Malet Street, Bloomsbury. He was on a video call to his father when Brady took his phone.

Further phones were snatched from outside the Virginia Woolf Building at King’s College London and Oakley Square, near Camden Town.

The three victims have had their phone returned them after turning up to collect them at Bishopsgate Police station.

Kingston University Student Caught With Fake Disabled Blue Badge

Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court

A brazen Kingston University student was caught using a forged disabled blue badge to enjoy free parking for her studies.

Maryah Kamran, 21, was exposed during a local authority operation targeting abusers of the scheme.

She appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court, where she pleaded guilty to using a parking device, with intent to deceive on April 30, last year.

In a statement to investigators Kamran, of Mercian Way, Slough said: “I accept my actions were wrong. I am sorry, I should never have taken possession of the badge or displayed it.”

She was conditionally discharged for twelve months and ordered to pay £1,033 costs, plus a £26 victim surcharge.

The court heard council investigators observed Kamran park outside Kingston University and display a blue disable badge, purportedly issued to a 64 year-old woman in the London Borough of Islington.

Ninety minutes later she returned to her vehicle and was approached by the investigators, who inspected the blue badge and noticed it was obviously “lighter and thinner” than a genuine one.

Kamran claimed to have been given the blue badge by a friend who she refused to identify.

She confirmed she was not disabled and had been using the blue badge to utilise convenient parking for her studies.

When asked about paying the costs Kamran told the court: “I’m about to finish university so hope to have a job soon.”

JAILED: Vile Fare Dodger Who Assaulted And Abused Rail Staff

A serial fare dodger has been jailed for physically attacking and verbally abusing train staff when asked to show a ticket.

John Gilbert, 40, was even armed with a knife on one occasion.

He travelled between London and Surrey and subjected staff to racist and homophobic abuse when challenged to prove he had properly paid his fare.

Gilbert received sixteen months imprisonment when he was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court for assault; racially and homophobically-aggravated harassment and possession of a knife.

He walked through the ticket barriers at Woking railway station on August 1, last year and instantly became aggressive when a female member of staff requested he scan a ticket.

Gilbert shouted abuse at the woman’s colleague, before racially and homophobically abusing both members of staff when he was asked to leave the station.

At one point, Gilbert claimed he “wasn’t breaking the law” as he continued his barrage of racial slurs and homophobic abuse.

Gilbert continued to act aggressively as he left the station and shouted a final piece of racist abuse as he exited.

Later in the year, on Monday, November 11, Gilbert was on a train from London Waterloo to West Byfleet and was asked by a train guard if he had a ticket.

Gilbert responded with aggression, verbally abusing the train guard before being escorted off the service. 

Gilbert then hit the train guard in the face with a bottle full of liquid while verbally abusing him.

British Transport Police were called to the station and Gilbert was arrested on suspicion of assault, and after being searched was further arrested for possession of a bladed article after a knife housed in a makeshift sheath was found on his person.

Investigating officer PC Andrew Westbrook said: “We will not tolerate violent or abusive behaviour of any kind on the railway network, whether it be towards passengers, rail staff, or police officers. 

“Gilbert is clearly a violent and dangerous person, so I am very happy with a result that takes him off of the railway network.

“The victims in this case were simply trying to do their job. 

“Subjecting them to this kind of awful verbal and physical abuse is completely abhorrent and totally unacceptable. 

“No one should expect to come to work to be subject to vile racial or homophobic slurs, or should have to face violence as they attempt to carry out their work.”

GUILTY: One-Punch Tube Station Killer

Punch: Rakeem Miles

A vicious thug killed a fellow tube train passenger for simply brushing past him on the escalator.

Rakeem Miles, 23, pursued 28 year-old charity volunteer Samuel Winter at Southwark Underground Station following the slight contact.

At Inner London Crown Court Miles, of East Street, Walworth was convicted of manslaughter for the single fatal punch.

British Transport Police have not commented on whether there was a racial motive.

He will be sentenced on May 8.

The court heard how, on Thursday, August 22, last year at approximately 9.30pm, physiotherapist Samuel arrived at the station, having travelled on the eastbound Jubilee Line. 

Miles had also been travelling on the same service, however he and Samuel were in different carriages and had not interacted.

As Samuel exited the station he walked up the escalator, brushing past Miles, who immediately reached out to grab him.

Samuel passed through the ticket barrier and headed for the exit stairs, with Miles following a few seconds later, shouting after him. 

Miles then reached out to Samuel, grabbing him from behind so aggressively he ripped his top in two.

He pulled Samuel to face him and punched him once in the head before leaving him collapsed on the stairs.

Paramedics attended and Samuel received CPR before he was taken to hospital with a critical brain injury. 

Meanwhile, BTP had been made aware and an investigation was launched. 

Innocent Victim: Samuel

Following overnight enquiries, it was discovered that Miles had topped up his Oyster card at a shop near the station the day before.

Officers attended the shop on the morning of August 23 and a member of staff informed them Miles had just left the shop. 

He was found outside and arrested on suspicion of Grievous Bodily Harm.

Sadly, on the evening of Saturday, August 24, Samuel died at hospital with his family by his side.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “This was a truly tragic incident where one person’s actions and one punch has changed the lives of Samuel’s family forever. 

“Samuel’s family described him as gentle and kind, and he will be sorely missed by all those who love him. 

“I hope this outcome helps to bring them some peace and we reiterate our requests to give the family privacy at such a difficult time.

“It only took one punch from Miles to end Samuel’s life and forever change the lives of those around him. He showed no remorse for his action, leaving Samuel at the station and continuing on with his evening. 

“The quick-time and thorough investigation by the teams involved meant Miles was identified and apprehended quickly. 

“There is zero tolerance for violence on the railway and I’m glad to see this conviction.”

More Points On Driving Licence For Speeding Lord

A Tory peer has received three penalty points on his licence for speeding, just two months after getting it back after a six-month driving ban.

Benjamin Lloyd Stormont Mancroft, 67, the 3rd Baron Mancroft was caught on camera speeding in a 20mph zone in west London.

He did not appear for his trial at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court this week, where his written application to adjourn the case was refused.

The Eton-educated businessman, whose London address is a £1.25m two-bedroom flat in Harrington Gardens, South Kensington complained he would not be in the capital for the trial.

Lord Mancroft was convicted of driving his silver two-litre diesel Mercedes-Benz on the A4 Cromwell Road, Earl’s Court in excess of 20mph on July 30, last year.

The court heard a summons was posted to the South Kensington address on January 22, informing the peer of the trial date and the fact it would go ahead in his absence.

In an email to the court earlier this month Lord Mancroft wrote: “I don’t live in London,” applying for the trial to be heard within one of three date windows he provided.

However, he gave no reason for why he was unable to attend and the magistrates pressed ahead with the trial, noting all defendants should be treated equally, regardless of title.

Prosecutor Philip Simpson told the court Lord Mancroft was recorded speeding at 26.8mph at 1.47pm and his driving record was so serious he was ineligible for a driving awareness course or a fixed penalty fine.

“He has a whole lot of points on his licence. He has at least twelve points on his driving licence.”

The court heard Lord Mancroft was disqualified from driving for six months on August 14, last year after accumulating at least twelve penalty points.

“He did not have a licence to send in for a fixed penalty,” explained Mr Simpson.

In his financial means form Lord Mancroft did not provide details of his income and regarding the nature of his employment simply answered: ‘Don’t know.’

Lord Mancroft, who only got his driving licence back on February 14, this year received a £220 fine, plus £200 costs and was ordered to pay an £88 victim surcharge.

The married father-of-three also received three penalty points.

The peer inherited his title from his father Stormont Mancroft, the 2nd Baron Mancroft in 1987.

Jamie Redknapp Hit With Twelve-Month Speeding Ban

Former footballer and current SKY soccer pundit Jamie Redknapp has been banned from driving for twelve months for clocking-up multiple speeding offences.

It was the 51 year-old ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC star’s second driving ban for speeding, meaning he was disqualified for twice the usual length of time. 

The former England international, who lives in a six-bedroom £10.5m house in Bedford Gardens, Kensington did not appear at Bexley Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty in advance of the hearing and declared his income to the court as £9,230 per week.

Redknapp pleaded guilty to exceeding the 20mph limit on June 26, last year on the A219 Putney Hill, near the junction of Westleigh Avenue, Putney, where a camera snapped him doing 26mph.

He also admitted exceeding the 50mph limit on November 2, last year 

on the M4 near Burghfield, Reading, where he was snapped at 58mph.

On both occasions Redknapp was driving a brand new black electric Audi Q8.

The ten-minute hearing was told Redknapp currently has twelve penalty points on his licence and today’s penalty points were his second ‘totting’ offence.

He was informed he was liable to disqualification via post prior to the hearing.

Redknapp previously received six points for speeding on March 5, 2024; three points for speeding on May 2, 2023 and three more points for speeding on March 15, last year.

In 2021 he received a six-month driving ban for receiving twelve penalty points.

Today, he was fined total of £292; plus £200 costs and was ordered to pay a £116 victim surcharge.

Redknapp also received three penalty points on each of the two new speeding offences.

“As a totter for the second time the defendant is disqualified from driving for twelve months from now and the total fines and costs has to be paid within twenty-eight days and we make a collection order,” announced bench chairwoman Daniele Spens.

Louis Vuitton Bag Nicked On Train

An audacious thief persuaded the owner of a designer bag to place it on their train carriage's overhead rack before walking off with it at a later stop.

The male victim was carrying his Louis Vuitton Keepball bag and was onboard a service leaving London Euston at 5.53pm on Saturday, January 25.

Another passenger asked him to place the expensive bag on the overhead storage rack.

When the train pulled into Milton Keynes Central the mystery passenger departed the service, taking the bag with him.

Now British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public to assist identify him.

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

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2500009760.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hate Crime Investigation: Couple Racially Abused On Train

Transport cops are requesting help investigating a hate crime on the rail network.

A couple travelling between Nuneaton and Stanstead Airport at approximately 5.50pm on March 2 were subjected to racial abuse.

British Transport Police (BTP) are treating the incident as a racially-aggravated public order offence.

Investigating officers have released this image of their suspect.

They are appealing to members of the public to assist them identify the mystery male.

Anyone who recognises him, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 431 of 02/03/25.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Immigrant Family Vow To Fight Fake Afghan Charge

Gurbakhsh & Guljeet

An immigrant family, accused of masquerading as Afghan nationals to illegally claim asylum in the UK, were in court again today to confirm all four will fight the case.

The husband, wife, son and daughter-in-law are said to have made the claim when they arrived at Heathrow Airport in December, 2023, having already twice failed to obtain visas as declared Indian citizens.

They all appeared at Croydon Crown Court and two of them were assisted by a Punjabi interpreter.

They are: Gurbakhsh Singh, 72, wife Ardet Kaur, 68, son Guljeet Singh, 44, and his wife Kawaljeet Kaur, 37.

The seven-day trial has been scheduled for February 2, next year.

Today, three members of the family - all except Kawaljeet Kaur - denied the two charges against each of them.

They all pleaded not guilty to a charge of arriving in the UK without entry clearance on December 23, 2023.

They also all pleaded not guilty to a charge of entering the UK without a passport on the same date, failing at a leave to remain/asylum interview to be in possession of an immigration document to establish their identity, nationality and citizenship.

Kawaljeet Kaur had already denied these same charges at the previous hearing.

Kawaljeet & Ardet

The family were each further granted unconditional bail to return for the trial next year. 

It is alleged they had all previously declared themselves to be Indian nationals and provided documentary evidence in two failed visa applications three months earlier.

The entire family, plus two children who arrived with them, were initially housed at Wembley’s Holiday Inn, but now all reside together in Savoy Close, Hemel Hempstead.

They have complained that press reporting of the case has resulted in them being recognised and stopped in the street and led to a TikTok video.

Their lawyers also claim any jury could potentially be prejudiced due to the nature of the publicity, but today an application to prevent reporting of the case was dismissed by Judge Antony Dunne.

Tube Passengers Save Teen Girl From Creep

Tube train passengers saved a teenage girl from the unwanted attention of a mystery creep.

British Transport Police (BTP) are now hunting the unknown male and have released this CCTV image.

At approximately 11.15pm on Wednesday, February 19 the victim was travelling on a Northern Line London Underground train between Stockwell and South Wimbledon.

She was on the receiving end of unwanted sexual remarks from a male passenger who then deliberately sat next to her.

He sexually assaulted her, prompting other passengers to intervene and the man left the train at South Wimbledon.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV images may have information that could help their investigation.

BTP are requesting the assistance of the public to assist their identification of him.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 20 of 19 February.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.