Boozy Airplane Passenger Bites Fellow Traveller At 30,000 Feet

Bite: Joshua McArthy 

A drunken plane passenger, who clamped his jaws around a fellow-traveller's arm during a brawl on a BA flight from Dubai, received a suspended prison sentence today.

Self-employed electrician Joshua McArthy, 21, left fashion industry worker Christopher McMerlin with a deep bite mark that became infected.

Earlier during the April 1 flight McArthy, of Acacia Way, Sidcup, who was travelling home with his parents after a holiday, spat into the hair of the passenger sitting in front of him, Steven Cheek.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Stratford-upon-Avon man Mr. McMerlin and Mr. Cheek, being drunk on an aircraft and using threatening behaviour on the seven-hour flight.

McArthy, who had downed five mini-bottles of wine on the plane, received nine months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

He must also complete 220 hours community service work, pay £400 compensation to Mr. McMerlin, £250 to Mr. Cheek, £300 costs and £100 victim surcharge.

A 30-second clip was posted on the internet and Mr. McMerlin, who works for 'trend forecasting' company WGSN was rewarded with a seat in the cockpit for the remainder of the flight.

Recorder Sandeep Kainth told the first-time offender: 'Your behaviour was absolutely disgraceful. You were intoxicated to such an extent a member of the public felt he had to intervene.

"There were families and young children present. The bite to Mr. McMerlin lasted two minutes, a quite substantial assault.

"The transfer of spittle to another, well that's absolutely disgusting. you've let yourself and your family down and turned what was a wonderful experience for those travelling home with a sour taste in their mouths."

The court heard the plane was full of families returning home from the Easter break and 90 minutes from arrival at Heathrow Airport McArthy began rowing with his mother.

Mr. Cheek, travelling with his fiancé and child, was sitting directly in front of the defendant and heard McArthy tell his mother: "I'm going to hurt you."

McMerlin: Flight Wound

McArthy then kneeled on his seat gesticulating wildly and knocked Mr. Cheek's pillow before twice making a snorting and spitting noise.

"I could feel a wet substance on the back of my head," Mr. Cheek told police. 'I was angry I'd been spat on and told him to sit down and shut up."

The cabin crew got involved as McArthy shouted: "I'm going to kill you," and flight attendant Hayley Morgan was called a: "Red-headed Nazi bitch."

As McArthy began climbing over seats to get at Mr. Cheek and Mr. McMerlin jumped in to help. 

"He is bitten by the defendant, a prolonged bite and it only ends when he is pulled by the ear by Miss Morgan," explained prosecutor Mr. Douglas Adams.

"He was very aggressive to anyone trying to stop him getting to the passenger in front."

McArthy was heard constantly shouting: "C***, bitch, f***" during the  disturbance and he was eventually handcuffed and secured to his seat.

At Heathrow police were waiting: "He was still clearly drunk and was arrested," said Mr. Adams. "He was remorseful, apologetic and said he could not remember what had happened."

Miss Morgan was left with bruising to both legs, her left arm and ached down her right side.

Mr. McMerlin was given a course of antibiotics and Miss Morgan says she had nightmares as a result of the incident.

Mr. McMerlin said: "I received an incredibly vicious bite Despite biting through a jumper blood was drawn and the pain of the bite was incredible, a pain I don't want to experience again."

His sex life was put on hold until given the all clear and he described waiting for blood tests results as "unbearably anxious."

"I am left with a complete jaw scar on my arm."

McArthy's lawyer Mr. Nicholas Robinson told the court: "This was extremely out of character, he feels utter shame and is deeply remorseful.

"He went from tipsy to very drunk in an instant." 

NOT GUILTY: Marina Boss Innocent Of Spurious Sex Allegations

100% Innocent: Djurberg

The wealthy owner of a landmark marina, falsely accused of abusing his "power and control" to grope young apprentices working at his boatyard, was cleared on Friday.

Myck Djurberg, 56, who lives in a listed authentic Swiss chalet, imported to the Thames riverside in 1882, is the boss of Hampton Riviera Marina & Boatyard.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard he routinely slapped the behinds of young men, who were reluctant to complain for fear of losing work.

However, Djurberg told the jury there was a sinister financial motivation behind the complaints, motivated by the fact he was suing the men's employers for shoddy work.

It took the jury approximately one hour to unanimously find him not guilty of four counts of sexually assaulting three young men on various dates between November 5, 2013 and July 1, last year.

His lawyer Miss Philippa McAtasney had told them during her closing speech: "Consider this, of all the hundreds of workers who must have worked on that site over the years it just so happens that Myck Djurberg has picked on the three who happen to have bosses who were expelled from the site and ended up in serious civil proceedings with him.

"Do you really think this is the sort of nonsense that should clog up our criminal courts? Should this really be occupying your time?

"A spat between grown men as a makeweight for other allegations?

Hampton Riviera Marina & Boatyard

"It's a slap on the arse, to use some of the terminology we have heard. These are all adult males who work on building sites, who said they were unable to speak out about this.

"That is rubbish."

At the start of the week-long trial prosecutor Miss Ruby Selva told the court: "This defendant has a sexual liking for the young apprentices he employs and took advantage of his power and control to sexually assault these young men."

Djurberg strongly denies the allegations, claiming the bosses of three companies he is suing for sub-standard work are behind the complaints.

He has designed 32 houseboats, which he hopes to sell for up to £850,000 and the apprentices were employed by companies building them.

The three men are an apprentice carpenter, who was 19 years-old; a 17 year-old dad-to-be, who worked for a roofing and window firm and his 21 year-old workmate.

The 19 year-old was offered a lifetime and work and like all the apprentices was offered a holiday at Djurberg's luxury hotel in the Caribbean, the court was told.

"As the apprentice puts it, the defendant was a 'creep' and made sexual comments and innuendo towards those working for him," added Miss Selva.

One day the teenager was in his work shorts when Djurberg said: "Look at that peachy arse," explained the prosecutor.

Djurberg was throwing a fireworks party at the marina on November 5, 2013 and was seen slapping the 19 year-old across the face, who responded: "What the f*** are you doing?"

"He slapped him again, harder and as the complainant turned away the defendant grabbed the cheek of his bottom, grabbing it hard.

"The complainant told him: 'I'm not f***ing gay.'

"Another witness says he saw the defendant slapping the bottoms of workers as they were bent over working," said Miss Selva.

The 17 year-old, who had a pregnant girlfriend, was also slapped on the bottom, the jury heard.

"It increased to a daily event and the complainant was too embarrassed to report it.

"The young man felt that because of his wealth he (Djurberg) could do what he liked."

The 21 year-old says Djurberg sent him unwanted texts that were sexually-suggestive.

"The defendant asked him to go to the gym with him, with the innuendo that he would give him a good work out."

The young man made up excuses when Djurberg asked him out on dates. "He also slapped him on the bottom, but the complainant did not want to cause trouble and put it down to him being weird."

Djurberg, who says he has been married three times, denied the touching when questioned by police on September 14, last year.

"He accused all three young men of being set-up by their bosses because he was suing them for shoddy work." said Miss Selva.

The first complainant told the jury Djurberg boasted of his wealth and promised them work on a new lakeside marina he was constructing in Shepperton. 

"We saw him funding luxury houseboats, he said he had all this money and a large hotel in the Dominican Republic.

"He told us he was a doctor, had houses here, houses there, but over time we realised none of it was true and he was a bit of a dreamer."

He recalled one outburst from Djurberg in front of a worker's 14 year-old son. "He said: 'You can't tidy up a mess like you can't hold a cock.

"I thought it was a very weird thing to say, but we did not pull him up on it."

At the party the witness was slapped by the defendant for complaining about the food. 

"I was angry and turned away and my bum was grabbed and squeezed quite firmly by Mr. Djurberg."

Internet Scammer Poppy Eastwood To Pay Less Compensation To Victims

The amount of compensation notorious internet fraudster Poppy Eastwood has to pay her victims was reduced yesterday.

The 24 year-old, of Pike Close, Bromley will only have to pay at the rate of £20 per week and some of her six victims will receive a reduced amount.

She conned online buyers into forking out for equestrian equipment she never supplied and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

She lied to customers that she was selling her horse riding tack because she was suffering multiple sclerosis.

Eastwood pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation and one count of acquiring criminal property.

Croydon Crown Court originally ordered her to repay her victims £2,403 compensation, according to the Metropolitan Police.

There was some confusion about that figure with the Crown Prosecution Service believing it was £8.00 less, but yesterday a new £2,000 compensation figure was agreed.

This was after defence team asked the court to reconsider compensation.

Prosecutor Mr. Hamish Reid told the court: “This was a carefully planned sophisticated fraud. She has a history and may consider herself fortunate not to have received immediate custody.

“The compensation is not a ridiculously high amount. She should have thought of that before committing these offences. Why should she profit from her crime?

“She denied the offences in her police interview and indicated a not guilty plea at the magistrates court.

“The pre-sentence report casts doubt on her version of events, being pressured by a partner. You may find it difficult to believe anything she says.”

Recorder DCH Cartwright announced: “She has a significant record of burglary, theft, false representation. These offences were carefully planned and of a particularly mean nature.

“Preying on others in the equine world she was fortunate not to receive an immediate custodial sentence.

“Whatever we believe about the crimes it is someone involved in criminal activity over a period of time.

“She's an intelligent woman and there is no reason she should not achieve remunerative employment.”

In 2014 Eastwood was convicted of selling iPads that never arrived to facebook customers and the website has a group with 4,000 followers called: 'Scammed by Poppy Eastwood.'

During the course of the police investigation, officers from Operation Falcon, the Met’s Cyber Crime unit, found 46 victims who had attempted to purchase horse related items from Eastwood at a number of online market places between 20 January 2014 and 13 November 2014.

Eastwood would discuss possible transactions with potential customers prior to a deal being struck.

During a number of these conversations she falsely claimed to be selling the riding equipment because she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Typically, the victim would transfer the funds to purchase the item and await receipt of the goods.

However, they never received the goods leaving them out of pocket.

Eastwood would initially make excuses for non-receipt of the goods but would eventually cease all contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Stephen Westlake of Operation Falcon said: “'Eastwood has defrauded a large number of online buyers who believed that they were dealing with a genuine seller.

“She has also pretended to suffer from a life changing illness to gain the trust of her victims.

“The effects of becoming a victim of crime run far deeper than the loss of cash. I hope that Eastwood’s victims gain a measure of closure following today’s sentence."

Solicitor Wins Appeal Against Road Rage School Run Assault

Not Guilty: John McLarney

A solicitor convicted of a road-rage assault on a school run mum won his appeal and the return of his good character today.

John McLarney, 64 - a partner with 100 year-old Dodd Lewis Solicitors - had been accused of dragging the complainant alongside his car during a screaming row.

He had been ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag to enforce a three-month night-time curfew after his conviction. 

The three children in the back seat, aged eleven, eight and six years-old, screamed in terror during the heated confrontation.

McLarney, of The Landway, Kemsing, Sevenoaks denied, but was convicted of assaulting Lyndsey Gunning near St. Olave's Preparatory School in Southwood Road, Eltham on March 13, last year.

Jane Green & Lyndsey Gunning

He was also convicted of driving his blue Vauxhall Astra without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident.

At Woolwich Crown Court today the Crown Prosecution Service announced they were no longer in a position to continue.

As a result McLarney's appeal was allowed and he was cleared of the three offences.

McLarney denied speeding as he approached the women's car and speeding away with his wheels screeching.

His lawyer Mr. Edward Henry told the court during the sentencing hearing: "He is self-effacing and mild-mannered. This is a bewildering episode in a blameless life.

"He's been in practice thirty-eight years without even a warning and has now lost his good character, his reputation and maybe his job."

The conviction will be reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

"He has been disbelieved on oath and that goes to integrity, it undermines his career. He is the compliance officer at his firm.

"The loss of reputation is a significant punishment itself.

"He is looking towards his legacy and what he stands for and this has been a severe dent in how people see him.

"He has brought all this on his head and since he was notified of prosecution in August last year there has not been a day he has not been traumatised by the prospect of it.

"The SRA will take its own course and that stigma and humiliation will be great."

Sentencing McLarney, District Judge Louise Balmaine told him: "I regard this as a particularly serious incident and it is only sheer luck this lady, who was dragged alongside a moving vehicle, did not suffer severe injuries.

"I take into account this was a moment of madness on your part and even though I excluded custody previously in the cold light of day I regretted that."

McLarney, who repeatedly shook his head on hearing the sentence, was told to obey the curfew between 9pm and 6am, pay a £500 fine, with £620 costs, £200 compensation to Mrs Gunning and a £60 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months.

As a result of his successful appeal McLarney will no longer be subject to this sentence.

McLarney, who works in Blackheath, was forced to stop during his 8.40am journey when a vehicle, driven by Mrs Gunning's sister Jane Green, blocked the road.

Black cab driver Mrs Gunning was a front seat passenger and told the court: "This car came from nowhere, racing up the road. 

"It was so quick we could not get out of the way. I thought it was going to hit us.

"It came to a stop within a feet of our vehicle. Everyone was gasping, we all thought: 'This is going to be a crash.'

"Everything got a bit heated. My sister was motioning to him and he was quite aggressive.

"There were some choice words and some finger gestures as well.

"I remember the gentleman putting one finger up and I think it was a response to my sister putting two fingers up.

"My children were going crazy in the back, they thought the car was going to hit us. They were screaming.

"I got out of the car and did swear: 'What the f*** do you think you're doing?'

"There is a school within fifty yards and a lollipop lady.

"He was very angry, very angry towards me.

"He got hold of my fleece and his wheels started screeching, it was so loud and he was staring at me.

"I was thinking: 'What's going to happen?' and he just put his foot down.

"I said to him: 'What are you doing?' and tried to run to keep up with the car.

"He let go of me and sped off up the road. I was in a lot of shock.

"I went to the doctor and had a mild whiplash injury. I was aching because of the position my body was put into.

"The back of my neck and top of my shoulders were aching."

She admitted starting the row by saying: "I'm not having this," but added: "I'm a five-foot nothing woman and my seven year-old still asks me about it."

Her sister Jane, who was driving her eight year-old son along with Lyndsey's kids, told the court: "He had his window wound down and said I was a 'f***ing idiot.'

"He used the word: 'c***' to me and stuck his middle-finger up."

Jane admitted swearing at McLarney and watched as her sister approached his open window.

"I thought he was going to hit her. He sort of lunged forward and I realised he grabbed her coat up high.

"I just heard the screech of the wheels and she was dragged along and was running alongside the car.

"There was a noise and it just sped. She was trying to keep up with the vehicle so she didn't fall over."

She estimated her sister was dragged two car lengths.

Vicar Molester 14 Year-old Schoolgirl In Lay-By Over Four Decades Ago

A retired Church of England vicar will be sentenced next month for kissing and groping a 14 year-old girl over four decades ago.

Grahame Leslie Humphries, 71, of Lees Heights, Charlbury, Chipping Norton appeared at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday.

He had already pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting the girl between September 21, 1971 and September 21, 1972.

The court heard the victim wrote Humphries a letter of forgiveness in 1993 and he maintains he did nothing more than kiss her on the lips.

She was due to give evidence today for the court to determine the extent of the sexual abuse, but the prosecution and defence reached an agreement instead.

Judge Michael Hopmeier said: "This was a gross breach of trust, historic, the victim was fourteen years-old at the time.

"He took her into a lay-by in a car, touched her over her clothes and kissed her."

Humphries was a married curate at the time and worked at St. Michael's Church, Earlsfield south-west London.

He stepped down as vicar of Blockley and Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire in 2012.

Humphries was quizzed by police at his home address because his poor mobility made visiting the police station difficult.

The victim maintains the abuse was more serious than Humphries claims. "She says he went further than the basis of plea," said the judge.

"That does not mean it did not go further than he's prepared to accept. It's a very serious offence."

He bailed Humphries to return on August 10 for a pre-sentence report.

"The fact that bail continues is no indication of the likely sentence," the judge told him. "It crosses the custody threshold."

Police Complaints Manager Admits £20K Expenses Fiddle

A casual comment about travel expenses by a senior manager at the Independent Police Complaints Commission prompted an investigation into his £20,000 fraud. 

Ian Every, 50, of High Trees, New town, Uckfield, East Sussex was employed as the Procurement Manager at the IPCC's HQ at 90 High Holborn, central London.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position, between March 1, 2009 and January 1, this year when he made dishonest claims for travel and hotel expenses.

Prosecutor Mr. Arizuna Asante told Blackfriars Crown Court Every's loose tongue at an audit meeting on November 12, last year led to his downfall.

"During a meeting with the internal auditor he made the throwaway line: 'I encourage people to claim for train tickets whenever they can.'

"This led to a personal investigation into Mr. Every's claims and it was revealed he had made false travel refunds and false hotel booking refunds.

"He had claimed for tickets for his own personal travel without authorisation."

The prosecution have calculated the loss at £20,357 and are pursuing compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Every has previously explained he had significant outstanding debts to individuals, depression and a gambling addiction.

"The custody threshold has been passed," added Mr. Asante. The guidelines indicate a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment.

Every's lawyer Miss Josie Sonnossa told the court: "The defendant is well aware of the likely sentence. He is a man of previous good character."

Regarding compensation she added: "there is some form of pension. If that can be offset he will do so.

"He is currently in receipt of state benefits and is living with his parents."

Judge Peter Clarke QC bailed Every to return for sentencing on August 16, telling him: "The court will have to consider a custodial sentence of some length.

"I want to see if you can make some arrangement to pay back the money. In itself it will not keep you out of prison , but it is a factor."

Boss Of Landmark Thames Marina Denies Groping Bottoms Of Young Boatyard Workers

Marina Boss Myck Djurberg

The wealthy owner of a landmark marina abused his "power and control" to grope young apprentices working at his boatyard, a court heard yesterday.

Myck Djurberg, 56, who lives in a listed authentic Swiss chalet, imported to the Thames riverside in 1882, is the boss of Hampton Riviera Marina & Boatyard.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard he routinely slapped the behinds of young men, who were reluctant to complain for fear of losing work.

"This defendant has a sexual liking for the young apprentices he employs and took advantage of his power and control to sexually assault these young men," said prosecutor Miss Ruby Selva.

Djurberg strongly denies the allegations, claiming the bosses of three companies he is suing for sub-standard work are behind the complaints.

He has designed 32 houseboats, which he hopes to sell for up to £850,000 and the apprentices were employed by companies building them.

The three men are an apprentice carpenter, who was 19 years-old; a 17 year-old dad-to-be, who worked for a roofing and window firm and his 21 year-old workmate.

The 19 year-old was offered a lifetime and work and like all the apprentices was offered a holiday at Djurberg's luxury hotel in the Caribbean, the court was told.

"As the apprentice puts it, the defendant was a 'creep' and made sexual comments and innuendo towards those working for him," added Miss Selva.

One day the teenager was in his work shorts when Djurberg said: "Look at that peachy arse," explained the prosecutor.

Djurberg was throwing a fireworks party at the marina on November 5, 2013 and was seen slapping the 19 year-old across the face, who responded: "What the f*** are you doing?"

Landmark: Swiss Chalet

"He slapped him again, harder and as the complainant turned away the defendant grabbed the cheek of his bottom, grabbing it hard.

"The complainant told him: 'I'm not f***ing gay.'

"Another witness says he saw the defendant slapping the bottoms of workers as they were bent over working," said Miss Selva.

The 17 year-old, who had a pregnant girlfriend, was also slapped on the bottom, the jury heard.

"It increased to a daily event and the complainant was too embarrassed to report it.

"The young man felt that because of his wealth he (Djurberg) could do what he liked."

The 21 year-old says Djurberg sent him unwanted texts that were sexually-suggestive.

"The defendant asked him to go to the gym with him, with the innuendo that he would give him a good work out."

The young man made up excuses when Djurberg asked him out on dates. "He also slapped him on the bottom, but the complainant did not want to cause trouble and put it down to him being weird."

Djurberg denied the touching when questioned by police on September 14, last year.

"He accused all three young men of being set-up by their bosses because he was suing them for shoddy work." said Miss Selva.

The first complainant told the jury Djurberg boasted of his wealth and promised them work on a new lakeside marina he was constructing in Shepperton. 

"We saw him funding luxury houseboats, he said he had all this money and a large hotel in the Dominican Republic.

"He told us he was a doctor, had houses here, houses there, but over time we realised none of it was true and he was a bit of a dreamer."

He recalled one outburst from Djurberg in front of a worker's 14 year-old son. "He said: 'You can't tidy up a mess like you can't hold a cock.

"I thought it was a very weird thing to say, but we did not pull him up on it."

At the party the witness was slapped by the defendant for complaining about the food. 

"I was angry and turned away and my bum was grabbed and squeezed quite firmly by Mr. Djurberg."

Djurberg has pleaded not guilty to to four counts of sexual assault against three young men on various dates between November 5, 2013 and July 1, last year.

The trial is expected to last a week…………

NOT GUILTY: Ex-Footballer Andy Roberts Cleared Of Assaulting TV Wife

100% Innocent: Roberts

Footballers Wives star Lee-Anne Roberts called police to her £1.8m house, claiming her former soccer star ex Andy assaulted her three days after she failed to have him booted out of the marital home.

The couple literally aired their dirty laundry in public with the 42 year-old actress and television consultant claiming retired midfielder Andy Roberts knocked her to the floor with a linen basket.

She pressed charges against the 42 year-old ex-Millwall, Crystal Palace and Wimbledon player, but he was cleared last Friday by a court, which ruled her evidence was "inconsistent."

The pair finally split in January after seventeen years together and a Family Court judge ruled Andy could live at The Georgian House, St. Paul's Cray Road, Chislehurst three days a week and Lee-Anne the remainder.

She called police to the five-bedroom detached property at midnight on April 9, claiming Andy attacked her with the plastic basket after returning home from an alcohol fuelled all-day Millwall FC tribute.

Just three days earlier she had been denied an occupation order, which would have banned Andy from the house they share with their daughter 12, and son, aged 10.

"Inconsistent": Lee-Anne

Lee-Ann, who appeared in ten episodes of the ITV drama after initially being hired as a consultant, told Bromley Magistrates Court: "He put his face in my face, gritted his teeth, and said: 'Piss off.'

"There was a big plastic washing basket filled to the top at the bottom of the stairs and he's picked it up and slammed it into my chest as a sort of ram.

"I've fallen back onto the stairs and smashed my head on the wall and I screamed.

"I told him: 'You've just broken your non-molestation order' which was from a previous attack and he laughed in my face."

Lee-Anne, who continues to work full-time in the television industry, conceded the non-molestation order was not in place at the time, but made other complaints about their relationship.

"He had many affairs during our marriage. His career came to and end because of an affair with a team mate's wife.

"It's been an abusive relationship for many years."

She told the court her daughter was upset by a text Andy received from his new girlfriend, which referring to her, read: 'Beat the bastard.'

Luxury: The Georgian House

Andy had spent that Saturday with his children watching his old club Millwall's 3 - 1 victory over Shrewsbury Town. "He'd been drinking all day, that's what my children told me."

Lee-Ann admitted she was upset about Andy having a new girlfriend. "I was devastated after fifteen years of marriage that my husband moved on so quickly."

She suffered no visible injuries, but told the court: "I had a bump on the back of my head."

Andy said the couple agreed they could date other people last January, but he later discovered Lee-Anne was already having an affair.

He told the court his ex disapproved of his new girlfriend. "She was very upset and angry."

Staircase: Scene Of 'Assault' That Never Was

His football career was ended prematurely by a serious knee injury, not an affair, said Roberts, who now works for his family's travel agency business.

When he returned home that night his daughter turned on him. "She gets very angry because she has been told by her mother that I have split up the family.

"I wanted to get away from the confrontation. In her mind she's not the number one girl and is very angry.

"I was in the house three minutes, Lee-Anne said our daughter was angry about the text and then called the police.

"Three days earlier she had tried to boot me out of the house with the occupation order."

Shirty: Reminders Of Football Career

Officers arrived and arrested Andy, who told them: "I can't believe this. She just makes a phone call and this happens."

He was quizzed the next morning and said: "It's a waste of police time."

The Dartford-born former England Under-21 international, whose transfers total £4.25m was found not guilty of one count of assaulting Lee-Anne.

Magistrate Mr. Kevin McNicholson announced: "There is doubt," and said Lee-Anne's evidence had "inconsistencies."

Woman Robbed Of Her Crutch And Handbag In Early Hours

Police are hunting a cowardly late-night bag-snatcher, who targeted a woman walking with the aid of a crutch in east London.

Detectives from Tower Hamlets Borough have issued this CCTV image of a man they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.



On Sunday, January 24 police were called at around 3.30am to a report of a robbery on Old Montague Street, Whitechapel. 



A man approached a woman in her thirties walking along the location with a crutch and asked her for directions to an off licence.

The suspect walked with her and when they both turned down a nearby alleyway, he pushed her to the ground, stole her crutch and handbag and ran off towards Valence Road.



CCTV footage captured the suspect walking into a petrol station on Whitechapel Road prior to talking to the victim.



The suspect is described as an Asian man with short black hair of medium build, 30-40 years old wearing light coloured trousers and a dark jacket. He wore pointed shoes.



Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man or who witnessed the incident.



Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 204959 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 


Bus Thug Wanted For Racially-Abusing Driver

Police are hunting a pint-sized bus passenger, who hurled racist abuse and exposed himself to the driver during a service changeover.

Officers from the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released a CCTV still of a man they would like to speak to. 



On December 6, last year at 7.20pm a bus driver got onto a route 281 bus at a bus stop on South Road, Twickenham, south-west London.

The bus already contained a number of passengers, and as the driver got into the driver's cab he heard a whistle.



The driver turned around to check where the noise was coming from and as he did so a man on the bus hurled racist abuse at him. 





The man also banged on the door of the driver's cab, before exposing himself and subsequently made off in an unknown direction.



The suspect is described as a white man, thirty years-old, 5ft 4ins tall with short dark hair and was wearing a white Adidas jumper and blue jeans.



Anyone who may recognises the man is urged to call the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command on 07500 607 652 quoting crime reference 0712318/15 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.