Suspended Sentence For Street Thug Who Attacked Strangers

A engineer, who suddenly attacked two strangers in the street – racially abusing one of them – and battled with police until he was sprayed with CS gas received a suspended prison sentence today.

Neil Saunders, 33, of Richmond Road, Worthing had spent the evening with friends in south-west London and was apparently in good spirits when he left them, but soon afterwards was out of control, getting into one violent confrontation after another.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to the racially aggravated assault of Luis Ramirez in Putney High Street on September 27, last year.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting black bus driver Joseph Lewis and resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty and was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

Saunders was also ordered to perform 80 hours community service work and pay £200 compensation to Mr. Lewis; £50 to Mr. Ramirez and £85 costs.

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told the court Mr. Ramirez had just got off a bus with his son near Putney Bridge after 10pm on the Saturday evening when confronted by the defendant.

“Mr. Saunders swung his arm and hit Mr. Ramirez in the chest and was shouting and swearing. With his right hand he punched Mr. Ramirez in the face, then swung for a third time, connecting with the victim's face.

“He was heard shouting: 'What are you going to do? This is my country. Go back to your own f***ing country.'

“Bus driver Mr. Lewis was on a break and sitting on a bench outside TK Maxx when Mr. Saunders came to his attention because he seemed to be arguing with people in the road.

“The defendant sat next to Mr. Lewis, who was on his mobile phone, and he punched Mr. Lewis in the face, on the nose and the victim thought it may have been broken.

“Police were called and by now Mr. Saunders was standing in the middle of the road waving his arms around and when approached he resisted arrest and struggled violently with the officers.

“He had to be CS sprayed because he was so volatile, pushing and kicking out.”

When questioned by police Saunders claimed to have no memory of the incident.

His lawyer Miss Sophie Smith told the court there is the possibility a drink he was having with pals may have been spiked. “He left them in a happy mood and cannot remember what happened.”

Saunders claims he suffered a “blackout” - perhaps as a result of his Temazepam prescription for insomnia, which he received during a difficult period when his baby daughter was only twelve-months old and his wife was suffering post-natal stress.

The police officer who questioned him said Saunders was “very remorseful” and “crying and sobbing” throughout the interview.

HIV Pub Landlord Sexually Abused Drunken Male Customer

A HIV positive pub landlord, who sexually preyed on a drunken male customer half his age - repeatedly abusing the victim over a two-and-a-half hour period - was caged for nine years yesterday.

John Michael Coyne, 56, boss of the Prince of Wales pub, Harrow Road, Maida Vale bought the 25 year-old stranger a drink, who was so drunk he passed out in the bar and was helpless to defend himself from the repeated attacks.

Ironically, it was the pub's own CCTV that helped convict Coyne at Blackfriars Crown Court, where the jury viewed images of the early hours abuse.

He was unanimously found guilty of oral rape and engaging in sexual activity without consent at the pub on October 13, last year and will automatically be added to the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

The heterosexual victim had been enjoying a night out with friends, which he decided to end with a few drinks at the Prince of Wales pub.

Recorder Dafydd Enoch QC told Coyne, who fought the case: "You told us you prided yourself on your responsibility to take care of your clientele, but not so this young man, who had already drunk too much when he came into your pub.

"You spotted him and you had a sexual intention on him from very early on and the CCTV demonstrated this interest. You took complete advantage of him and the situation.

"The evidence was overwhelming, you targeted him and you groomed him and you lured him into a false sense of security.

"You allowed him to get drunk and used alcohol to facilitate your offending.

"You lit his cigarette for him and you encouraged him to lie down and go to sleep and treated him like an object.

"While he was sleeping you abused him, you took advantage of a sleeping individual and you raped him, knowing you were HIV positive.

"You took an interest in his groin area and anus and you gave him oral sex on several occasions.

"This was a gross breach of trust."

The victim was tested afterwards and is fortunately not HIV-positive, but said in a victim impact statement he had been deeply effected by the abuse.

"He was extremely angry with you and you tried to turn the tables that he was consenting and interested in having sex with you.

"You showed no remorse and fought this case to the bitter end," added Recorder Enoch.

"There was a prolonged and sustained nature to the sexual offending, over two-and-a-half hours, a very long drawn out affair and anyone watching the CCTV would feel it went on forever."

The victim eventually awoke at around 3am to find Coyne abusing him and the defendant ran away, but was arrested and charged by police the next day.

Detective Constable Neil Hume said: "Coyne abused his position as a landlord of a pub to take advantage of an unconscious customer and showed no remorse. I would applaud the victim's bravery attending court and hope that the sentence sends out a clear message."

Detective Inspector Neil Smithson said: "Coyne preyed on an unconscious customer whilst in his own pub and I would encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim at the hands of Coyne to come forward."

Architect Denies Raping Blind Date He Told: "Girls Say No, But They Don't Mean It"

Leheup Arriving At Court Today

An architect who romantically arranged to meet his blind date under Waterloo Station's famous clock raped her hours later, telling the young woman: "Girls say no, but they don't mean it," a court heard today.

University of Greenwich graduate Adam Leheup, 34, a technical co-ordinator on the £500m Nine Elms Point Development insisted on having sex with the 25 year-old despite her shouting: "No, no," the Blackfriars Crown Court jury were told.

Leheup, of In View Court, Mayfield Road, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey has pleaded not guilty to raping the woman and sexually assaulting her at her flat in Delancey Street, Camden in the early hours of July 10, 2013.

He says they enjoyed an night-long date, which included wine and cocktails, with the young woman responding to his physical advances and allowing him to remove her bra in her bedroom so he could massage her back with oil.

"I told him nothing was going to happen, but he started to kiss me and I could tell he was naked," the complainant told police. "He took my clothes off and was on top of me and penetrated me and I was shouting: 'No' a lot, but he was not listening.

"I was saying: 'No', but he thought it was a joke or something. Then maybe he realised I was serious and he calmed down.

"He said: 'Girl's say: 'No', but they don't mean it.' I just wanted him out. My flatmate said she was going to call the police, but he laughed at her and said it would just be a domestic."

Prosecutor Mr. Ish Sheikh told the court the couple met on dating app 'Let's Date' - which connects users who mutually find each other attractive - and had two bottles of wine at Gordons Wine Bar, Embankment after meeting and walking across Waterloo Bridge.

It was so late Leheup had missed his last train and his date agreed to put him up for the night. "She made it clear nothing would happen and they went to a second bar, 'Joe's', in Camden where they had mojito's.

"He started kissing my neck and it made me a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn't vicious or nasty and later I did kiss him back. We were getting on well," the woman told police in a video interview. 

"The kissing had got a bit more aggressive, stuff I did not like, his hand on my throat, which makes me vulnerable.

"I said: 'Nothing is going to happen.' I'm not that kind of girl."

Mr. Sheikh added: "The defendant was also a bit funny towards her when she was talking to other men at the bar."

They returned to the complainant's flat in the early hours. "She shares it with two others and when they got into the bedroom she changed into jogging bottoms and a top and got into bed, where the defendant joined her without any clothes on at all.

"He started kissing her and got on top of her and she was shouting: 'No, no,' and to stop, but he did not take any heed of these cries and touched her with his fingers."

Partial intercourse occurred for a very short time and the young woman managed to get away and told Leheup: "Why did you do that when I said no?"

Mr. Sheikh explained: "One of the flatmates was woken because of the shouting and told Mr. Leheup to leave, but he wouldn't because he said he had work the next day and wanted to wait until the trains started running

The flatmate threatened to call the police and Leheup clambered down scaffolding outside the balcony door, but was arrested on the way to the underground station.

When questioned by police the defendant said his date did not object to being touched intimately by him. "He said he was fondling her breasts and there was no talk of sex one way or the other.

"When they arrived at the bedroom he said she said words to the effect of: 'Welcome to my crack den.'

"He said he took her bra off because she wanted a back massage with some oil and they began kissing.

"He said he got on top of her her and she then freaked out and as soon as she did he got off her," explained Mr. Sheikh. "He said he climbed down the scaffolding to avoid a confrontation.

"When she was shouting: 'No' he should have known she was not consenting. He was not going to take no for an answer that night."

The young woman admits she was under the influence of alcohol. " I was probably more drunk than I should have been. I was feeling a bit giddy, a bit tipsy, but I was not falling over."

Trial continues…………..

Bus Motorcyclist Tragedy: Witnesses Sought

Police are appealing for witnesses after this motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a bus in west London.

Darren Churchill, 21, of Ashford, Middlesex was pronounced dead at the scene on the A30 in Hounslow on February 27.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at around 9.20pm on Friday, February 27 to reports of a collision between a route 423 bus and a motorcyclist.

Officers and ambulances attended and the rider of the motorcycle, a 21-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.



A post-mortem examination was held on Tuesday, March 3, at Fulham Mortuary. 



Next of kin are aware. 



The bus stopped at the scene - the driver was not arrested.



Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of the incident.



Detective Constable Nicola Linton, who leads the investigation said: "There would have been many witnesses on the scene at the time of the collision as this was a very busy road.

“I would appeal for members of the public with any information to come forward as soon as possible."



Witnesses and anyone with information is asked to called the SCIU on 0208 543 5157 or the police non-emergency line on 101.

Estate Agent Boss Caught Behind Wheel Of Aston Martin Over Three Times Drink Limit

The Aston Martin-driving director of a top firm of London estate agents was caught over three times the drink-drive limit after a midnight prang.

Christopher Simon, 36, boss of the Notting Hill office of Faron Sutaria told police he had been drinking that afternoon and again in the evening when officers stopped to check the incident.

Simon, who lives in a £1.0m apartment in Kensington Gardens Square, Lancaster Gate pleaded guilty to driving his 4.3 litre V8 Vantage in Prince of Wales Drive, Battersea on March 14 with excess alcohol in his breath.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard yesterday he had 124 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told the court it was 12.10am when officers spotted the consequences of a slight coming together of two vehicles.

“Police on patrol saw a Mercedes taxi with its hazard lights on and the driver was talking to this defendant and suspected there may have been a collision, but there was no damage and nobody was injured.

“The vehicles were moved and when the defendant was asked for his driver's licence the officer noticed his eyes were glazed and he smelled of alcohol.

“He admitted he had a few beers that evening and some beers that lunchtime and failed he roadside breath-test.”

Simon's Lawyer Mr. Robin Falvey, a drink-drive expert, who has represented the rich and famous and won many notable cases told the court: “The first thing he said to me was: 'This is the most stupid thing I've ever done in my life.'

“He had some alcohol at lunchtime and again in the evening and had been out all night the night before and had not eaten since the day before because of pressure of business.

“He says he did not feel drunk and only moved the car because it was in a residents bay and he would have taken a taxi if he felt he was unable to drive.

“He has learned a powerful lesson and it may have consequences on his career.”

One of the requirements of Simon's contract is that he has a valid driver's licence.

“This could be seen as gross misconduct and he could lose his position as a director,” added Mr. Falvey.

“As for the incident the driver in front pulled up and there was a collision at 5mph.

“He is a person of good character and this is unlikely to ever happen again and he will accept a substantial disqualification for this.

“He is not someone effected by drink and is not a drinker in normal circumstances.

“He has cancelled all of his holidays in preparation that he may have to do community service.”

Simon was sentenced to 120 hours community service, with £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for thirty months. 

He was told by the magistrate: "This was a very high reading and there are circumstances where people driving with this quantity of alcohol in their system go to prison."

Carpet Cleaner Was Female Customer's Secret Phone Sex Pest

Phone Pest: Gary Young

A female stalking victim was left "distressed, upset and sick" after discovering her carpet cleaner was the mystery man behind a campaign of sexually-explicit phone calls.

Gary Victor Young, 38, of Larch Close, Hersden, Canterbury visited the woman's landmark building to give her a quote for the job while he was also plaguing her with the repeated calls from an unidentified number.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to communicating indecent and offensive messages between October 16 and November 9, last year to Veronica Rivera, who lives in the Piper Building, Peterborough Road, Fulham.

Prosecutor Mr. Ramesh Patel told the court today: "Mrs Rivera was contacted in October, last year by a man calling himself 'Gary' who was following-up on a carpet cleaning enquiry she had made two months earlier.

"Following this she began receiving a series of phone calls from an unknown number of a sexually-explicit nature."

The caller told her: "You're gorgeous," and: "I wanna f*** you."

Six days after 'Gary' first called about the carpet cleaning Young arrived at her home to inspect the job.

"After this she again received a series of unknown calls in the early hours," explained Mr. Patel. "The caller repeatedly said: 'I wanna f*** you.'"

She received approximately eight such calls between 7am and 8am, which then followed for two more weeks with the mystery man saying: "Your husband is a psycho. He's f***ing my mate's misses."

Banned: Piper Building

It was only when carpet-cleaner 'Gary' ended a phone call to her with the words: "Thank-you darling," Mrs Rivera realised he was her stalker.

"She felt distressed, upset and sick," added Mr. Patel. "She went into her toilet cubicle at work to cry."

Mrs Rivera contacted police, who persuaded her to make one more call to Young to help identify him as the mystery caller.

They also used RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) to identify Young.

When arrested he denied having anything to do with the calls.

"I'm totally embarrassed by the situation," Young told the court. "I have not done it before and I won't do it again."

Deputy District Judge Malcolm Dodds told him: "This was disgraceful behaviour, very upsetting, unprovoked and the last thing a woman needs is an offensive man making these phone calls.

"Woman, in fact everybody, needs protection from that."

The court heard Young is currently undergoing counselling for an alcohol problem and is his father's carer.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, placed on probation for eighteen months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mrs Rivera and £85 costs.

Young will also have to obey an eighteen  month exclusion requirement, prohibiting him contacting Mrs Rivera and visiting the Piper Building.

Engineer Claims "Blackout" Caused Violent Street Attacks

Guilty: Neil Saunders

A engineer, who suddenly attacked two strangers in the street – racially abusing one of them – battled with police and had to be sprayed with CS gas as they struggled to handcuff him.

Neil Saunders, 33, of Richmond Road, Worthing had spent the evening with friends in south-west London and was apparently in good spirits when he left them, but soon afterwards was out of control, getting into one violent confrontation after another.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today to the racially aggravated assault of Luis Ramirez in Putney High Street on September 27, last year.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting black bus driver Joseph Lewis and resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty and was bailed until April 15 for a probation report.

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told the court Mr. Ramirez had just got off a bus with his son near Putney Bridge after 10pm on the Saturday evening when confronted by the defendant.

“Mr. Saunders swung his arm and hit Mr. Ramirez in the chest and was shouting and swearing. With his right hand he punched Mr. Ramirez in the face, then swung for a third time, connecting with the victim's face.

“He was heard shouting: 'What are you going to do? This is my country. Go back to your own f***ing country.'

“Bus driver Mr. Lewis was on a break and sitting on a bench outside TK Maxx when Mr. Saunders came to his attention because he seemed to be arguing with people in the road.

“The defendant sat next to Mr. Lewis, who was on his mobile phone, and he punched Mr. Lewis in the face, on the nose and the victim thought it may have been broken.

“Police were called and by now Mr. Saunders was standing in the middle of the road waving his arms around and when approached he resisted arrest and struggled violently with the officers.

“He had to be CS sprayed because he was so volatile, pushing and kicking out.”

When questioned by police Saunders claimed to have no memory of the incident.

His lawyer Miss Sophie Smith told the court there is the possibility a drink he was having with pals may have been spiked. “He left them in a happy mood and cannot remember what happened.”

Saunders claims he suffered a “blackout” - perhaps as a result of his Temazepam prescription for insomnia, which he received during a difficult period when his baby daughter was only twelve-months old and his wife was suffering post-natal stress.

The police officer who questioned him said Saunders was “very remorseful” and “crying and sobbing” throughout the interview.

Doctor Who Ran Over Zebra Crossing Pedestrian Guilty Of Careless Driving

A doctor, who mowed down a veteran 80 year-old journalist – inflicting life-changing injuries - as she used a zebra crossing outside the hospital he was employed at, was convicted of careless driving yesterday.

Consultant obstetrician Dr. Andrew Breeze, 40, of Prince Henry's Court, Otley, West Yorkshire helps run the multiple pregnancy unit at Leeds General Infirmary and has a general antenatal clinic near his home at Wharfedale Hospital.

He formerly worked at Kingston Hospital, south-west London and had just driven his silver VW Passat out of the staff car park and turned onto Galsworthy Road when he ran over Surrey Comet features editor June Sampson on November 26, 2013.

He fought the charge, but was convicted at Wimbledon Magistrates Court of driving without due care and attention and received a twelve-month conditional discharge, with £850 cost and a £15 victim surcharge.

His licence was also endorsed with three penalty points.

It was dark and approximately 7pm when June – whose married name is Mrs Tims – was struck at approximately 20mph, suffering pelvic injuries, broken bones in her legs and a severe head injury with bleeding on the brain.

She was placed in a medically-induced coma and is now dependant on her family to care for her.

Her injuries were initially life-threatening and she spent six months recovering in St. George's Hospital and suffers lasting effects, which prevent her working, writing, driving and cooking.

Prosecutor Mr. William Russell told the court: “Mrs Tims was crossing the zebra crossing when she was hit by the vehicle driven by the defendant.

“The defendant had come from Kingston Hospital, where he was working, and was driving along Galsworthy Road. The collision was on the front left side of the vehicle on the bonnet area.

“The defendant stopped after hearing what he described as a loud bang and saw the victim lying on the road and being a doctor he offered assistance and Mrs Tims was taken off to emergency.

“The prosecution case is that there was adequate lighting and he must have seen her and if he did not it therefore amounts to carelessness, misjudgment or error.

“When he spoke to the police Dr. Breeze said that he did not see Mrs Tims and just heard a bang. He said that he was not distracted by anything and the vehicle was not defective in any way.”

Breeze's defence team pointed out a second driver claimed the crossing was “very poorly lit” and he had not seen June either.

A local resident complained to the council that the crossing was poorly lit and the defence said there was evidence spotlights at the crossing had been removed shortly before the incident then re-installed afterwards.

'Trolley Rage' Marks And Spencer Xmas Shopper Killed After Aisle Clash

Melanie Buck

A 'trolley rage' killer rammed a frail Marks and Spencer shopper in a busy food aisle, which became "gridlocked" with Christmas customers, a court heard today.

Widower Michael Buckley, 60, suffered a broken wrist and thighbone when knocked to the floor of the store in The Glades shopping centre, Bromley, but never recovered and died three months later.

Melanie Serita Buck, 33, of Chelford Road, Bromley has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mr. Buckley, who was injured on December 22, 2012, plus an alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

She was with her mother at 1pm and pushing a trolley when she clashed with Mr. Buckley, who was carrying a basket.

"Mr. Buckley was browsing the food aisle when he came into contact with the defendant," prosecutor Mr. David Howker QC told Croydon Crown Court.

"There was something of a gridlock in the aisle and the defendant could not get past him. 

"There may have been a clash between his basket and her trolley and a few words exchanged and the upshot was Miss Buck deliberately rammed Mr. Buckley with her trolley and the result was to knock him to the floor."

Michael Buckley

The first words out of the injured man's mouth as Buck fled toward the exit were: "She rammed me."

Mr. Buckley was only eight stone and 5 foot five inches tall and described as "frail" by Mr. Howker, who added: "A fractured kneecap he had a few years earlier slowed him down.

"Miss Buck assaulted Mr. Buckley. causing him to fall to the floor and injure himself and cause the chain of events that led to his death. She is responsible for that death."

Buck was arrested on Boxing Day. "She said she was being bumped in the legs by Mr. Buckley's basket and was trying to get past him and hit him accidentally with her trolley."

Mr. Buckley, of Whatman Road, Forest Hill died on March 5, 2013 at Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, Kent after three months in intensive care following complications relating to his injuries.

Mr. Buckley, had lost his wife Irene two years before his death, also had severe hearing problems and had retired from an office job at Camberwell New Green Cemetery.

"He could have had a heart attack at any time and Miss Buck would not have known that when she rammed the trolley into him."

Justice Catches Up With Child Molester Four Decades On

A paedophile, who preyed on a five year-old boy in the 1970's, has been brought to justice and locked up for three-and-half years.

David Mark James, 66, of Pond Row, Abercanaid, Glamorgan sexually abused the youngster in Brent, north-west London four decades ago.

The investigation began in May 2013 when the victim reported the assault to police.

James denied the allegations during a trial at Harrow Crown Court, but was found guilty of one count of indecent assault.


He was acquitted of two further offences relating to the same victim.



Detective Constable Luke Williams of the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation & Child Abuse Command said: "James sexually abused the victim and betrayed the trust placed in him by so many.

“I commend the bravery of the victim for showing great courage in coming forward and giving evidence. 



"I believe James may have abused other children and appeal to those people to come forward.

“The Metropolitan Police Service will do everything within our power to keep the children of London safe from those intent on doing harm. 



"James will remain subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for life to protect children upon his release." 



Please contact your local police service on 101 to report abuse or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lager-Drinking Leeds United Fan Denies Abusing Stewards And Police

A Leeds United FC fan, caught trying to sneak a can of lager into an away match, has denied calling the steward who caught him a “c***” and telling the arresting police officer to “f*** off.”

Michael Hutchinson, 27, of Thornton Street, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, Bradford was arrested at Craven Cottage stadium before his team's 3-0 midweek away win at Fulham FC.

He pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to using threatening behaviour at the ground on March 18 and was bailed to appear for trial at City of London Magistrates Court on July 27.

However, Hutchinson did plead guilty to possessing alcohol when entering a sporting event, namely the Fulham FC v Leeds United match, and will be sentenced for the offence at the conclusion of his trial.

The court heard Hutchinson travelled down by train for the match and was stopped at the turnstile with a can of lager in his back pocket.

He was described as “staggering” and clearly drunk when stopped and searched by the stewards.

Bolton Wanderers Star Denies Mercedes Speed Camera Offence

Bolton Wanderers FC star Dean Moxey denies he was speeding in a Mercedes caught on camera – claiming he had already returned the leased super-saloon and somebody else must have been driving it.

The 29 year-old left-back, of Farington Lodge Gardens, Farington, Leyland is being prosecuted for failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of the Mercedes C63 snapped exceeding the limit in the London area on August 27, last year.

The Exeter-born star, who was signed on a free transfer from Premier League Crystal Palace at the start of the season, told Lavender Hill Magistrates Court in a letter he had already returned the vehicle around the time he moved from his former address in Caterham, Surrey.

He was still the registered keeper of the car when it was photographed over the limit, but failed to reply to two letters sent to his address.

However, Moxey says he leased the vehicle for twelve months from June 27, 2013 explaining: “I don't believe the car was anything to do with me at this time and Mercedes know I did not have anything to do with the car.”

The court ruled Moxey's letter raised a “number of issues” and the case was adjourned until April 22 to give the player the opportunity to produce evidence he had returned the vehicle to the lease company before the speeding offence.

Conservative Club Treasurer Jailed For Nicking Over £50K

The treasurer for Sidcup and District Conservative and Social Club is starting an eighteen-month prison sentence for stealing over £50,000 by transferring the organisation's money directly into his bank account.

Mark Edmonds, 53, of Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent plunged the club a quarter of a million pounds into debt and they were hit with a late tax bill of £20,000.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of stealing £57,284.30p from the club over two-and-a-half years between 2009 and 2012, plus a count of fraud by misrepresentation in relation to the same sum.

"It started with the defendant transferring money to his account to pay a nine thousand pound bill to the brewery and then taking more than he was entitled to," said Mr. Matthew Buckland, defending.

"He started with honest intentions, but succumbed to the temptation to take, in small increments, money he was not entitled to.

"He has been made bankrupt and this debt is part of his bankruptcy."

The prison sentence means the £2,293 per month Edmonds was paying his creditors until mid-2017 will come to and end.

Prosecutor Miss Brinder Soora told the court: "The defendant was employed as a treasurer to the community club that has pensioner members and organises events such as darts, snooker and football."

A chartered accountant reviewed the finances in May, 2012. "She found the club owed over two hundred and fifty pounds, which on the face of it appeared not to be accounted for.

"The defendant had been misappropriating money from the club in the form of transfers from the club's Lloyds Bank account to his own bank account.

"He was given an opportunity by the club to explain, but was not forthcoming and the police were called. It was they're only option.

"The club were unable to meet it's tax liabilities and were fined."

When questioned by police Edmonds, who is not a qualified accountant, said he began borrowing small amounts to cover his own financial difficulties and would repay the money.

He has pension pots of £75,000 and £40,000, which he can access at the age of fifty-five years-old, but there are no court orders forcing him to repay the club.

"Whatever the balance is to the club will be paid from those two pensions," added Mr. Buckland.

"He was unable to resist the temptation in front of him, but is able to pay the money given time and repair the damage that has been done." 

Edmonds says £150,000 of the initial £250,000 unaccounted for was paid out by him in legitimate bills on behalf of the club.

"You took advantage of the trust placed in you and took that money over a long period of time," Judge Joanna Greenberg QC told Edmonds.

Notorious Football Hooligan Wins Away Court Victory

Police 0 Aaron Cawley 1

A notorious Leeds United football hooligan from the West Country enjoyed a rare away court victory yesterday when a charge relating to his banning order was dropped.

Labourer Aaron Cawley, 24, of Blenheim Square, Cheltenham was arrested on the day of his team's visit to Fulham FC for being within five miles of a football stadium Leeds United were due to play at that day.

He appeared before Hammersmith Magistrates Court charged with breaching his football banning order by being present in New King's Road, Fulham on March 18, within five miles of Craven cottage, where Leeds United won their Championship fixture 3-0.

However, the court heard the five-mile rule – imposed at Sheffield Magistrates Court on November 21, 2012 – only applied to England international matches.

Cawley, who infamously punched Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during a Yorkshire derby against Leeds United on October 19, 2012, has a shorter, one mile, exclusion from club games.

After accepting he was just over one mile away from Craven Cottage prosecutor Mr. Martin Edwards announced: “It seems to have been charged on a false basis,” and withdrew the case.

The court heard Cawley, who has 'LUFC' tattooed on his neck, has “anxiety issues” and brought a doctor's letter with him.

He remains subject to controls enforced by the UK Football Policing Unit.

He received four months imprisonment for assaulting the ex-England goalkeeper and was banned from watching all Leeds United football matches for life.

Footage from Sky Sports captured him dealing Kirkland a two-handed blow to the face and then running back to the stands, grinning and laughing.

He said he was too drunk to remember his actions after an all-day drinking session, during which he downed ten pints of cider, strong lager and vodka.

Church Handbag Thief Hunted For Targeting 90 Year-Old

Police are hunting this heartless handbag thief, who snatched a pensioner's bag and emptied it of cash during an Ash Wednesday church service in west London.

The woman was attending St. Nicholas' Church, Church Street, Hounslow on the evening of February 18 and left her handbag unattended while she approached the alter.

When she returned to her seat she found her handbag had been stolen.



The victim and others from the church searched the local area and found the bag and the woman's personal belongings on the street.



All the money in her purse had been taken.



The suspect was caught on CCTV entering the church and sitting at the back, before taking the victim’s bag and leaving.



The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 30-years of age and 6ft tall. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and was carrying a bag.



Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police on 101, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Rare Special-Edition Mini Cooper Nicked

A cherished and rare special-edition classic Mini Cooper – one of only three hundred made – has been taken after being parked in a posh part of west London.

The owner of the John Cooper LE left the vehicle – manufactured in 2000 – in a parking bay in Royal Hospital Road, near the junction of Sloane Avenue, Chelsea on January 29.

When he returned two hours later the car, worth approximately £10,000 and sporting rare 'Brooklands Green' livery, was gone.

If you have any information contact Detective Sergeant Lindsey Vieira from Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0215.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fashion Designer To The Stars Drove After Cyclist And Deliberately Knocked Him Off Bike

A fashion designer to the stars pursued a cyclist in her Audi TT after a roundabout confrontation and deliberately knocked him off his bike because he kicked the side of her car.

Lamis Khamis, 42, whose designs have been worn by celebrities including model Cara Delevingne and musician Chris Brown launched her self-named brand in 2001 after graduating with a Fine Art & Sculpture Degree from the Camberwell College of Arts.

Khamis, of Iveagh Avenue, North Kensington, whose label rose from her popular stall on Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and a valid MOT on May 17, last year.

The prosecution dropped a more serious charge of dangerous driving against the designer, who describes her work as just as much art as fashion and is sold in leading boutiques all over the world.

Isleworth Crown Court heard she was behind the wheel of her black 2.0 litre Audi when she got into a row with a man riding an electric-powered bicycle at a roundabout near Shepherd's Bush Green.

The cyclist kicked the side of her car during the argument, causing a dent that needed a £300 repair, and Khamis pursued him, driving her car into the bike at low speed and knocking the rider to the ground.

"There was an incident between the pair of you at the roundabout and at some stage your vehicle was kicked and you followed him," Recorder John Gallagher told Khamis today.

"He rode off, but because his cycle had no registration plate you followed in an attempt to obtain details from him.

"You, in an attempt to stop him, drove into him and he fell off his cycle. Your actions were deliberate, but it was not a case of running a person down because you were only travelling at 10mph and he sustained no injuries.

"However, this was a deliberate act and he might well have been injured and you did not consider the risks and alternatives.

"You are a mature lady who has never been in trouble with the police in the past and you have a clean driving licence and in twenty years have had no disqualifications.

"It was a deliberate act that resulted in a cyclist being knocked off his bicycle and you failed to consider the alternatives.

"I accept on your part it should not be described as road rage."

Khamis, who also consults for leading fashion brands and has styled some of the biggest stars in the music and film industry, was fined a total of £600 and given six penalty points on her licence.

Trio Charged With Money-Laundering Plot

Charged: Jasmeet Bhatia

Two men, accused of a large-scale money-laundering fraud plot, have appeared for the first time at City of London Magistrates Court.

They are: Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, 30, of Lower Field Road, Reading and Fareed Mohammed, 33, of Huntly Road, Fairfield, Liverpool, who will both appear at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on April 13.

A third defendant, Sobhanadreshwar Uppalapati, 31, of Rosebery Avenue, Manor Park, east London, who is unwell in India had his bail extended to appear at the magistrates court on April 9.

All three are charged with conspiring to defraud between June 25 and December 28, 2012 by transferring money electronically between bank accounts, knowing or suspecting it represented the proceeds of criminal conduct.

They are also all charged with acquiring, using or possessing criminal property between the same dates, namely £186,058.

Bhatia alone is charged with conspiring to conceal criminal property between the same dates, namely £45,730 and both Mohammed and Uppalapati face the same charge in relation to £157,902.

Ex-Lord Mayor Of London Caught Drink-Driving Near Bank Of England

Sir Francis leaving court

Former Lord Mayor of London Sir Francis McWilliams was caught drink-driving when officers from the police force he was once boss of stopped his Jaguar in the early hours near the Bank of England.

Retired civil engineer Sir Francis, 89, claims he enjoyed some wine during a family dinner in the Square Mile and when officers stopped him at 2.30am his "eyes were glazed" and "his speech was slurred," City of London Magistrates Court heard.

Edinburgh-born Sir Francis, who lives in an exclusive apartment within 'A' listed Georgian mansion Whittingehame House, Stenton, East Lothian - where a flat once sold for £2.5m - pleaded guilty to driving his blue 2.7 litre Jaguar XF with excess alcohol in Threadneedle Street on March 15.

The court was told City of London police on patrol pulled him over and Sir Francis, who was appointed to the historic role in 1992, failed a roadside breath-test after alcohol was smelled on him and he was arrested.

He later gave a reading of 42 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

"Mr. McWilliams attended a family dinner and came down from Scotland," explained his lawyer. "He had some wine and did not feel impaired in the slightest.

"That was an unfortunate error of judgement and brings him to court today. Something he regrets."

Sir Francis, who is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and became involved in Square Mile politics via the Barbican's residents association, was fined £500, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and was disqualified for twelve months.

The court heard he has been driving since 1953 and has never received an endorsement on his licence and has no previous convictions.

The magistrates proceeded to sentencing after retiring while legal checks were made to confirm a driving disqualification made in an English court would also apply to Scotland.

No mention was made of his previous position of Lord Mayor during the hearing and he identified himself as "Mr. McWilliams."

The magistrates court is next-door to the Mansion House, where Sir Francis would have presided over many ceremonial functions during his term of office and is also on the route of the annual Lord Mayor's Show.

While Lord Mayor Sir Francis described his role as: "Ambassadorial in representing the financial City to the world outside."

Sir Francis ran his own consulting engineering practise for many years then became legally-qualified to rule on disputes within the industry and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.