Suspended Sentence For Colour-Coded Cocaine-Dealing Teen

Inner London Crown Court

A teenage first-time offender caught drug-dealing has avoided being locked-up after receiving a suspended sentence.

Harry Edward Collett, 19, of William Foster Lane, Welling, south-east London had colour-coded wraps of the drug to indicate quantity and price.

His first court appearance was an emotionally-charged ordeal for the teen and his family, with relatives in tears as the gravity of the offence hit home.

Collett initially appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to possessing a quantity of cocaine, with intent to supply, on January 6.

The court decided its maximum sentencing powers – six months custody – were insufficient and he was committed to Inner London Crown Court.

There, Collett received two years custody, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 180 hours community service and 36 hours with the probation service and pay a £100 victim surcharge.

The court heard police on patrol in Bexley stopped a vehicle Collett was travelling in.

He appeared nervous to the officers when questioned and was searched.

Police found a bag stuffed down his trousers, which contained fifty to seventy wraps of the class A drug.

The paper wraps were in two different colours, white indicated £20 and pink £40.

Everton FC Flare Fan Banned For Three Years

An Everton FC fan has been banned from football for three years after his illegal flare singed a ten year-old girl's hair and burned through two layers of clothing during the club's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium.

Thomas McGill, 26, lit the flare moments after an own goal by Manchester United's Chris Smalling brought Everton level at 1-1 just fifteen minutes before full-time.

They eventually lost the match 2-1.

McGill, of Mallory Road, Whitby, Ellesmere pleaded guilty at Hendon Magistrates Court to assaulting the young fan on April 23.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing the flare at a designated sporting event and possessing a small amount of cocaine.

After he was bailed for a pre-sentence report McGill returned and was ordered to complete 150 hours community service work and fined £470.

The court also imposed a three-year football banning order, which prohibits him attending organised football matches for the next three season.

Prosecutor Miss Indira Gohlar told the court: "The victim was with her sister and father and when Everton scored the defendant lit a flare and started waving it.

"Sparks from the flare singed the ten year-old's hair and clothing, two layers of clothing were burnt through, and luckily there was no contact with the skin."

The girl's father complained to McGill, who said he was unaware of what had happened.

"On seeing security guards coming towards him he tried to discard the flare and was ejected and arrested," explained Miss Gohlar.

"When McGill was searched class A drugs were found in a tissue, which were tested and confirmed as cocaine.

"He admitted to the police he had lit the flare, saying he had got it from someone inside the stadium who had offered it to him.

"He also said he got the cocaine from someone inside the stadium, but did not pay for it, agreeing he would give them forty or fifty pounds on the next occasion.

"He said he did two lines of cocaine and throughout the day had consumed seven to eight pints of lager.

"He said he was not paralytic, but was a little bit drunk and said he lit the flare when he got carried away by Everton scoring.

"He admitted it was a stupid thing to do and he was sorry about the assault and said he only realised what had happened when the child's father told him.

"He said he was sorry and did not intend to hurt anybody.

"The incident could have escalated, but for the actions of the girl's father and the stewards," added Miss Gohlar, who also applied for a football banning order."

McGill confirmed to the court he was a long-term Everton FC fan and a banning order would punish him.

He also told police his actions were "idiotic".

Muslim Motorist Denies 'Women Stoning' Comment During Road Rage Row

A muslim motorist, accused of shouting: “Women in my country would be stoned for this,” during a road-rage incident has appeared in court.

Javed Ahmad, 45, of Calder Road, Morden is also said to have called the female driver “white trash” and spitting at her.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court yesterday, where he pleaded not guilty and was bailed to return for a trial on September 6.

Ahmad is charged with the racially-aggravated assault of Harley Armiger in Bristol Road, Morden on May 17.

He also faces an alternative lesser charge of simply assaulting the woman and obstructing two police officers.

Prosecutor Miss Kerry Lingard told the court the complainant was driving her car with her children inside when Ahmad pulled alongside and claimed they were throwing stones at her vehicle.

He allegedly was heard getting on his mobile phone and saying to the person at the other end: “Us muslims need to stick together.”

“He drove after her and pushed his car into hers although there was no damage. He spat at her and she has no idea why he was so aggressive.”

Ahmad denies using the racist words, spitting at the complainant and says the police officers were “heavy handed” during their arrest of him.

He told the court: “This group of people are out to get me.”  

Death Crash: Alleged Car Racers In Court

Hina Shamim & Crash Scene

Two drivers accused of racing each other at over twice the speed limit and causing the death of a 21 year-old student, who was struck by a car near her campus, have appeared in court.

Farid Reza, 36, of Surbiton Road, Kingston-upon-Thames and William Spicer, 28, of Somervell Road, Harrow had been on bail for over a year while specialist police accident investigators collected evidence.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard it was Reza's powerful BMW M3, which inflicted fatal injuries to Hina Shamim in Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames.

He attempted to have his address kept a secret, even citing European Human Rights legislation, but after objections from Square Mile News the application was dismissed.

L to R: Reza & Spicer

The court heard Miss Shamim had just left her flat and was walking to the library when struck by Reza's BMW, which the prosecution say was travelling at 67mph while racing Spicer from traffic lights.

Both men are charged with causing the death of Miss Shamim, by dangerous driving, on March 31, last year.

Reza is additionally charged with causing serious injury to Fawad Reza by dangerous driving.

The magistrates declined jurisdiction and no pleas were indicated by the defendants.

They were both bailed to appear at the Old Bailey on July 11.

Death Crash: Alleged Car Racers In Court

Hina Shamim & Crash Scene

Two drivers accused of racing each other at over twice the speed limit and causing the death of a 21 year-old student, who was struck by a car near her campus, have appeared in court.

Farid Reza, 36, of Surbiton Road, Kingston-upon-Thames and William Spicer, 28, of Somervell Road, Harrow had been on bail for over a year while specialist police accident investigators collected evidence.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard it was Reza's powerful BMW M3, which inflicted fatal injuries to Hina Shamim in Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames.

He attempted to have his address kept a secret, even citing European Human Rights legislation, but after objections from Square Mile News the application was dismissed.

L to R: Reza & Spicer

The court heard Miss Shamim had just left her flat and was walking to the library when struck by Reza's BMW, which the prosecution say was travelling at 67mph while racing Spicer from traffic lights.

Both men are charged with causing the death of Miss Shamim, by dangerous driving, on March 31, last year.

Reza is additionally charged with causing serious injury to Fawad Reza by dangerous driving.

The magistrates declined jurisdiction and no pleas were indicated by the defendants.

They were both bailed to appear at the Old Bailey on July 11.

German Woman Mugged Near Railway Station: E-Fit Released

Detectives have released an e-fit image of a man who violently robbed a German woman near Greenwich Railway Station.

At around 10.40pm on Tuesday, February 2 the man approached a 35-year-old woman from behind in Tarves Way.

The woman was pushed to the floor, where she was kicked a number of times before her bag was stolen.

The bag was a black shoulder bag which contained an iPhone, a Blackberry phone, German ID cards and a quantity of cash in both pounds and Euros.

Thankfully the victim was not seriously hurt.

The victim has helped produce an e-fit of the man who attacked and robbed her.

He is described as aged between 20 and 25 years, black - with a light skin tone - and approximately 5ft 6ins tall.

He also had a moustache and beard that was short and well kept.

He wore a black scarf on his face and had a hood covering his head.

Anyone who may be able to identify the suspect or has information that may assist the investigation is asked to call Detective Constable Andrew Payne, from the Serious and Acquisitive Crime Unit on 020 8284 9449.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knifeman Hunted For Chemist Shop Robbery

Detectives investigating a knife-point robbery in Wimbledon have released CCTV footage to help identify a man who snatched cash from a chemist's.


On Tuesday, October 13, last year at about 3.15pm the suspect walked into the store in Durnsford Road and pulled out a large kitchen knife before demanding money.



The suspect forced the shop assistant to open the till and a petty cash box and stole a quantity of cash before making off towards Haydens Road. 



The suspect is described as a black man aged in his late twenties to early thirties.

He wore a blue hooded tracksuit, white trainers and was carrying a black holdall.



Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise this man.



Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 203621.

Duo Hunted After Fast-Food Attack

Police are appealing for information following an assault at a takeaway restaurant in Islington.



Officers were called to the venue in Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, at approximately 3.30am on January 23, after a 48-year-old man was attacked by two men.



The man was set upon after what is believed to have been a verbal exchange within the restaurant.



London Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious eye injury.

He has been discharged but is still receiving treatment.



Officers have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.



They are described as one white male and one black male, both aged between 18 and 20 years.



Anyone with information is asked to call Islington CID on either 020 7421 0195 or 101 - alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Post Office Robbery: Suspect On CCTV

Police are hunting this robbery suspect, who attacked a security guard delivering cash to a Post Office.

On Tuesday, February 16 at 1.30pm the security guard, a 50-year-old man, was delivering cash in Hampstead High Street, Hampstead.



The suspect attacked the guard from behind, pushing him and punching him in the face.

Detectives do not believe that the suspect was armed.



The victim suffered head and shoulder injuries and was taken by London Ambulance Service to a north London hospital.

He was released later that day. 



The suspect is described as a tall, white man, wearing a black padded, hooded coat. 



Anyone with any information should contact the Flying Squad on 020 8785 8655 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Manager Accused Of Swindling £26K From IPCC

A senior manager at the Independent Police Complaints Commission has appeared in court charged with swindling £26,000 from the body to fund his gambling addiction. 

Ian Every, 50, of High Trees, New town, Uckfield, East Susex did not indicate a plea at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.

He faces one count of fraud by abuse of position, namely while Procurement Manager for the IPCC dishonestly abused that position between March 1, 2009 and January 12, this year to make a gain, namely in excess of £26,000.

Every was employed at the organisation's HQ at 90 High Holborn, Central London.

Prosecutor Mr. Zahid Hussein said: "The Crown invites the court to decline jurisdiction. There was a breach of trust here when he was employed by the IPCC as their Procurement Manager.

"He's defrauded a public body out of a sum of twenty-six thousand pounds over a period of time.

"He gave an explanation that he had outstanding debts, significant amounts he owed others, depression and a gambling addiction."

The magistrates declined jurisdiction and Every was bailed to appear at Blackfriars Crown Court on July 12 for a preliminary hearing.

Bench Chairman Mr. Melvin Marks announced: "It wad not the most sophisticated, but there was an element of planning.

"Bearing in mind the sophistication, the amount of money and length of time we decline jurisdiction."

Brighton Students' Ecstasy Supply Ends With McDonald's Car Park Arrest

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

A young student, who buys party-drug 'ecstasy' in bulk for friends, was caught weighing out a consignment in a Mcdonald's car park.

Oscar Wendt, 20, an undergraduate media studies student at the University of Brighton was seen weighing the drugs and reported to the police.

Wendt, of Upper Lewes Road, Brighton pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing 13.924 grammes of the Class A drug, with intent to supply, in McDonald's, Twickenham Road, Twickenham on January 9.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard the alarm was raised when a member of the public spotted him behaving suspiciously with weighing scales and a white substance.

Police arrived and arrested Wendt, who had evidence of 'ecstasy' supply in his mobile phone communications.

When quizzed by officers he said: “I'm taking MDMA myself. I bought them for my own use.”

The court heard Wendt and his fellow-students pool their money to buy in bulk, with the defendant making the trip to south-west London.

It was described as “social supply” and not a commercial enterprise.

The magistrates decided their sentencing powers – a maximum of six months imprisonment – were insufficient and committed Wendt to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

"Despicable" Duo Robbed Blind 80 Year-old Woman

Police hunting two "despicable" robbers, who targeted a blind 80 year-old woman paying her council tax, have released this CCTV images of their suspects.

They followed the pensioner from her bank, where she had just withdrawn £250, to local council offices and pounced when they isolated her in a lift.

The offence took place on Tuesday, December 1, last year at 12.00pm at the council office in Wellington Street, Woolwich.



The two suspects followed her and the man physically prevented the victim from exiting the lift.


The woman then stole the woman's purse from her handbag.

The victim was left highly distressed by the incident.



Detective Constable Danny Banks of Greenwich CID, said: "This was a despicable crime carried out against an extremely vulnerable elderly woman.

“As the victim is blind the description given was limited but through CCTV enquiries we have identified these two suspects and we require the public's help to find them as quickly as possible.

“Anyone with information should not hesitate in contacting us."



Anyone with any information should contact Greenwich CID on 07789 574 885 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


Baby Buried In Garden: Woman In Court

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

A woman charged in relation to the mysterious death of an unidentified baby over a decade ago appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today.

Victoria Gayle, 31, of Fryent Crescent, West Hendon was transferred in custody to the court this morning.

She is charged with one count of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body between July 1, 2004 and June 1, this year.

She is also charged with commit and act, with intent to pervert the course of justice, namely between the same dates concealed the death of a child.

The investigation concerns a baby born in Barnet in 2004 and officers attended an address in West Hendon at 7am on May 30.

Human remains were discovered on May 31 and a post mortem examination took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital on june 2.

She was remanded in custody to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on July 8.

Hoverboard Knife Thugs Hunted

Police hunting two knife-wielding thugs, who stabbed a teenage 'hoverboard' rider in north London, have released these CCTV images.

The 19 year-old victim was in Rookwood Road, Stamford Hill at 3.45pm on December 5, last year when he was chased by two men.

They followed him down an alleyway close to the junction with Ravensdale Road, where he was stabbed in the face and neck.

He was taken to hospital where doctors stated that it can only have been good luck that prevented critical injury to the jugular vein.

He has since been discharged.

The two suspects are described as young men, aged in their teens or early twenties, and of broadly average height and build.

One of the two is believed to be black and the other Asian.

Detectives from Hackney CID are investigating, and they retain an open mind as to any motive. 

There has been no arrest at this stage.

Anyone who recognises the two men shown in the footage, or who witnessed the incident should call Hackney CID via 101.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pensioner, 79, Caught Having Sex In Public With Boyfriend

A 79 year-old grannie and her lover were arrested after shocked passers-by spotted the pair having sex in parkland next to a busy road.

Pensioner Alicia Brown will now be on the sex offenders register for thirty months after the amorous public display, which she blames on alcohol and receiving bad news.

Brown, of Gloucester Terrace, Paddington pleaded guilty to committing an act outraging public decency, namely engaging in sexual activity, while various members of the public observed.

Camberwell Green Magistrates Court heard police were called to Rush Common, Brixton Hill at 10.20 am on May 7.

"Brown and a male companion were seen having sex," prosecutor Mr. Johnson Shittu told the court.

Members of the public reported the male, aged in his fifties - who was not identified in court - as being naked below the waist and engaging in sexual intercourse with the defendant.

He was prosecuted separately for the same offence and other crimes and was jailed for two months.

The court heard Brown - who arrived at court with her daughter and granddaughter and wheeling a shopping trolley - was being visited by her boyfriend.

He travelled down from Manchester and Brown admits they drank too many cans of strong lager and she had just received bad news about a young family member.

She told the court: "I shouldn't have been there. I'm sorry."

Brown received a thirty-month conditional discharge, was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Graduate Crashes Car After Night Of Drink And Drugs

An aspiring chartered surveyor crashed his Mercedes while driving home after a night of booze, ecstacy and cocaine.

Evan Waters, 24, buried the car into trees while driving along the A3 with illegal levels of the two drugs still in his system.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to driving in Esher Common on March 27 with excess levels of ecstacy and cocaine in his blood.

There was also evidence of alcohol, but it was under the prescribed limit so he was not charged with drink-driving.

The court heard Waters, of Barn Green Close, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hampshire was driving a red Mercedes A180, which sufffered “considerable damage” when it left the road.

Police were called to the scene and Waters admitted he had been drinking the night before.

The court heard the first-time offender had been out with friends in London until 3am and slept in a hotel before driving home.

Waters claims fatigue caused him to fall asleep at the wheel and when the car's tyres touched the muddy verge the vehicle slipped off the road.

He says he does not recall taking any drugs the night before.

The graduate is currently employed as a quantity surveyor and is tested for alcohol and drugs at work, which is a two hour daily commute via car.

The magistrates told Waters, who has a first-class honours degree: “You left the road. A dangerous situation to be in.”

He was disqualified from driving for twelve months, fined £550, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge.

Obsessed Student Banned From London For Stalking Yoga Tutor

An engineering student's two-year obsession with a yoga teacher he stalked has resulted in a ban from entering London.

Birmingham University student Krystian Czekaj, 30, of Ashton Road, Rugely, Staffordshire "scared" the young woman when he suddenly appeared at her new workplace.

He pleaded guilty to stalking Emily Lacy between July 2014 and  May 17, which he knew amounted to harassing her.

He turned up outside Sangye Yoga, 300 Kensal Road, North Kensington on May 6, which was the final straw and Miss Lacy called the police.

Yesterday he was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years and must complete a probation-ordered twenty-five day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Prosecutor Mr. Kunal Dave told Hammersmith Magistrates Court  Czekaj began taking  yoga classes in Birmingham and asked Miss Lacy out for a cup of tea.

She rejected his requests and he subsequently followed her and a friend to a restaurant, where he stared at them through the windows.

"He sent her letters professing his love for her and would telephone her work looking for her and also sent flowers, card and a teddy bear."

She reported him to police while in Birmingham and the harassment stopped, but began again after her move to London. 

His lawyer Mr. Rodney Coleman told Hammersmith Magistrates Court: "There's a history here, first in Birmingham and then it gets more serious when he comes to London and pursues the same course.

"He's an intelligent person, but Miss Lacy did not want a relationship with him.

"He has now said: 'If I am released I won't contact her.'

"By pursuing his ardent behaviour he may have thought she would become interested in him."  

In her victim impact statement Ms Lacy said: "I feel scared that Krystian turned up at my workplace at Sangye Yoga.

"I want this to stop and feel vulnerable by his actions. I can't keep Krystian out of my thoughts, I'm worried by Krystian following me.

"This is not normal behaviour, it is weird. I wish he would never contact me or come near me again.

"I don't want to worry about this for the rest of my life." 

Magistrate Mr. Henry McGrill told Czekaj: "You pleaded guilty to stalking and in this case it is harassment for two years, concluding in a visit to Miss Lacy's place of work and you came down from Birmingham to do so.

"Mr. Coleman, on your behalf, suggests you do not fully understand what you have done and won't do it again.

"We're going to give you a chance to prove what you must and must not do."

A condition of the sentence was that Czekaj cannot cross the M25 for two years and he was made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with Miss Lacy or visiting her workplace.

"Any breach of any of these orders will result in prison for you and I understand you have spent some time there on remand and will not want to go back."

He will not have to pay compensation to the victim. "I'm sure Miss Lacy would rather be shot of the whole matter," added the magistrate.

An order to pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge was substituted of the time he has spent in custody.

Wealthy Polo-Playing Businessman Thumped Mini-Cab Driver During Route Dispute

Punch: Simon Lo Gatto

A wealthy polo-playing businessman returning home from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gave a mini-cab driver a black eye while boasting about his riches.

Simon Rubel Lo Gatto, 44, the owner of a leading Italian luxury office furniture company based in St. James' had a dispute with the driver over the route he was taking.

He had just been collected from Heathrow Airport on November 30, last year and was on his way to his £1.15m apartment in Arthur Road, Wimbledon Village.

However, during the journey he changed his mind and demanded to be taken to Brinkley's Garden, a restaurant in Hollywood Road, Little Chelsea to meet his girlfriend.

"He was sitting behind me and slapped my left arm," Sri Lankan cabbie Nakalingam Koneswaran told Ealing Magistrates Court yesterday.

"He said: 'I'm a rich man, do you know my family? We're a valuable family.'

"As I turned around he punched my face, the left eye and I told him to get out, but he said: 'If you stop I'll punch you again.'

"I was scared that he would punch me again and when I dropped him off I said: 'Thank-you' and he said: 'F*** off.'

"This was very painful for me and swollen the next day, a black eye. This incident traumatised me and I am scared if someone shouts at me from behind."

Lo Gatto is the European MD of Interoffice, a sponsor of his polo team, and the company counts Rolls Royce, Microsoft, The FA, Mishcon De Reya and L'Oreal amongst its clients.

He is a member of Ham polo club, a partner and international ambassador for Dubai Fashion TV and Dubai's five-star Royal Ghantoot Marina and Resort.

"Scared": Nakalingam Koneswaran

Prosecutor Mr. Bhavin Patel told the court Lo Gatto disappeared into an airport bar and started drinking while Mr. Koneswaran looked after his suitcase.

The defendant claimed he had two lager shandies to settle his nerves despite flying out from Heathrow at least twenty times a year.

"There was a disagreement as they neared Chiswick, with the defendant shouting they were in the wrong lane for the A4.

"Mr. Koneswaran told the defendant he was in the correct lane and Mr. Lo Gatto replied: 'You f***ing talking to me?'

"He then punched him in the left eye and said: 'I'm a mafia man. I can do whatever I want'."

The mini-cab driver told the magistrates: "He was treating me like a servant. I've never had anyone treating me like that.

"He walked like a proud man and he was ignoring me and demanding me to do things."

Mr. Koneswaran took two photographs of his black eye, which were shown to the court, and Lo Gatto was arrested at home on December 4.

Fifteen hours later he was questioned and denied also kicking the driver's seat and saying: "You'd be my slave in Saudi Arabia."

Lo Gatto denied drinking on the flight or being drunk and told the court: "He starts being a little rude and we began to argue loudly.

"I knew he was in the wrong lane and the word 'f***' was used by both sides."

He denied punching the driver or having a dismissive attitude: "If I am confident in myself and someone sees that as arrogance that's their interpretation."

Lo Gatto, who was once cautioned for a domestic assault, was convicted of assaulting Mr. Koneswaran.

 He was bailed to return to court for sentencing on June 29.

Musician Fears USA Ban For Malicious Campaign Against Two Men

A musician fears he will not be able to tour the USA after being convicted of sending malicious messages to two men.

Alexander Keevill, 35, the creative driving force behind The Microdance, left one recipient living in fear and needing counselling to get over the communication.

The public relations copywriter, of Balls Pond Road, Hackney pleaded guilty to two counts of sending communication of a threatening nature between October 26 and 30, last year.

"His ability to travel to America where he has the greatest number of followers may be effected by the nature of these offences," his QC Patrick Gibbs said.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard Keevill has been diagnosed with Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

A pre-sentence report from the Probation Service concluded he was in "emotional turmoil" at the time of the offences.

One of the complainants, a physiotherapist, said in a victim impact statement: "I was in grave fear. It was callous and real.

"It has taken months to recover from the stress, has triggered depression and I have needed counselling.

"I went to the police because I couldn't sleep normally due to the remorseless and callous way this was conducted."

Judge Peter Lodder QC, the Recorder of Richmond-upon-Thames told the first-time offender: "You acted in a way calculated to maximise distress to your victims.

"You had not been taking your own medication...... you were rash and impulsive."

Keevill was sentenced to two months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, ordered to complete 150 hours community service work and pay £670 costs. 

Afterwards the musician said: "I am regretful of my actions and am fully understanding that I fell foul of the law through a stupid and rash response to discoveries I had made before committing the crime of malicious communications.

"This though was a response entirely determined by the emotions engendered by the nature of what constituted my provocation."

Convicted Romanian Robber's Double Sex Attacks Within Weeks Of UK Arrival

A “dangerous” Romanian criminal, who targeted two lone women in sexually-motivated attacks within weeks of arriving in the UK, has been locked-up for 16 years.

Heavily-tatooed Nicusor Ion, 41, of Islip Gardens, Northolt was armed with a knife on both occasions when he struck at the same underpass.

Fortunately Ion – who is a convicted robber in his homeland - was disturbed by passers-by, which cut short the attacks as he dragged each victim into bushes.

He was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of sexually assaulting a 28 year-old woman at 6.45pm on August 9, last year near the Target Roundabout, Northolt.

Ion was also found guilty of attempting to rob the woman and possessing an offensive weapon.

The victim was grabbed from behind by Ion and forced into bushes at knifepoint.

She was robbed and sexually assaulted by Ion, who fled when disturbed by a member of the public.

Three days later, at 9.30am on August 12, he attacked a 47 year-old woman in the same underpass.

Ion grabbed her and tried to drag her into bushes before pushing her to the floor.

He was again disturbed by a member of the public and ran off.

Ion was convicted of attempting to sexually assault the woman, robbing her and possessing a bladed article.

Police took her on a drive around of the local area and she pointed him out as he stood outside a betting-shop in nearby Mandeville Road.

The first victim also picked Ion out from an identity parade.

Detective Constable Ben Robinson from Ealing CID said: "These were violent and sustained attacks on two lone females in broad daylight which must have been terrifying for the victims.

“However, due to their courage officers were able to quickly identify Ion following the second offence and arrest him.

"Ion is a dangerous man who will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars.

“Such offences will not be tolerated and we will do everything within our power to ensure offenders are brought to justice."