"Bloody Annoying" Drunken Medical Equipment Expert Pawed Elderly Passenger On Flight

A drunken international medical equipment salesman, who kept grabbing the 70 year-old female passenger sitting next to him on a flight home from South Africa, avoided prison with a suspended sentence yesterday.

Andrew Few, 39, who has achieved Gold air miles status with British Airways, drank one mini-bottle of wine after another during the 11-hour flight.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman, who was visiting her son in the UK, and being drunk onboard the BA A380 aircraft on August 19, last year.   

A charge of sexually assaulting the woman, who was due to give video link evidence from South Africa, was dropped on the day of trial along with another common assault count against another woman.

Few, of Marigold Place, Harlow, Essex received six months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must complete 120 hours community service work.

The divorced dad-of-one, a bio-medicine graduate was also fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £3,200 in court costs and £800 compensation to the victim.

He had already consumed a glass of wine before boarding the flight from Johannesburg, took a beer on board with him and was given a complementary glass of champagne as a frequent flyer. 

Prosecutor Mr. Mark Kimsey told Isleworth Crown Court: "

Few was seated in the plane’s upper deck and the victim was next to the window.

“It is accepted from the outset the defendant was quite charming and chatty, talking about his life and background, but was consuming alcohol and asked her if she wanted a drink.

“An hour later he was clearly drunk. He was getting small bottles of wine, different wines.

“He became persistent, saying she must have one and leaned across her and began putting his hands on her shoulder area.

“At one point he said he fancied her and she said: ‘Get back in your seat.’

“She had a blanket around herself and he put his hands on her shoulder area and hugged and touched her upper body.

“She felt his face or lips at the back of her neck.”

Other passengers were disturbed by Few’s behaviour. “They describe him as clearly under the influence of alcohol and say that his behaviour was: ‘Irritating and bloody annoying.’

“Another passenger says he was: ‘Overly friendly to the lady next to him’ and he was moved by staff to the lower deck after the complaints.”

However, Few then began targeting the staff. “He began being a little abusive to the cabin crew,” added Mr. Kimsey.

The woman later gave police a victim impact statement. “She describes the incident as horrible and was teary afterwards. She was revolted and was made to feel sick.

“There were no injuries, but she was clearly effected by what happened.”

Few’s lawyer Lauren Brigitte said: “He’s utterly mortified to find himself in the dock of this court.

“The fact he is in this court is of enormous concern to him.

“When he boarded that flight the thought that he might, by the time the flight landed, be arrested and be a criminal in a criminal case couldn’t be further from his comprehension.”

She said he only started drinking because his laptop battery was flat, forcing him to stop working.

Few had spent the previous week working in South Africa. “That employment requires him to travel around the world and he travels hundreds of thousands of miles a year.”

The court heard Few rarely drinks while flying. “He doesn’t ordinarily drink on board. To while away the time he did begin socialising and drinking,” said Miss Brigitte.

“The alcohol did bring him to the attention of others in an adverse way and his behaviour was annoying to other passengers.”

Few denies he was trying to encourage the lady to drink. “He was suggesting she drink water and was not pressing her to drink alcohol.

He was cleared of assaulting a second female passenger he accidentally spilled alcohol on and who told him: “You’re bloody annoying.”

Few says he was “eight out of ten” drunk and is now worried about how the convictions will effect his career and plans to live and work in Australia.

Recorder M Butt told Few, dressed in a grey suit with a white shirt and grey tie: “It seems quite clear you were trying to kiss her. She felt your actions were sexual.

“There’s no doubt. It is obvious you were very drunk. 

“This has nothing to do with cabin pressure, your laptop not working or a complementary glass of champagne on board. It’s your decision to drink to excess.

"You assaulted a seventy year-old lady entitled to travel in peace, without being bothered by your drunken bizarre behaviour.

"You have been very fortunate today that you have not been sent to prison immediately.”

Blurry Image Released Of Five-Foot Tall Sex Predator

Police hunting a diminutive sexual predator, who has molested several women in Ladywell, Lewisham, have released this blurred image of their suspect.

The first reported incident was on Thursday, December 7, last year, with the most recent being the Sunday, April 29.

The suspect is described as a light skinned black male, aged between 18 and 30 years-old, he is of slim build and around five feet tall.

He has an afro hair style that is around three to four inches deep.

On a number of attacks he has worn a dark jacket with a hood which is worn up, dark trousers or jeans and trainers.

He has also sometimes worn gloves.

Detective Constable Tristan Hunter said: "These incidents were very traumatic for the victims and we are appealing to the public to help us identify who this man so that he can be apprehended as soon as possible.

"There is a possibility that these incidents are part of a linked series of attacks, as a number of victims have provided very similar descriptions of the attacker.

"While efforts to trace the person or people behind these attacks progresses, police patrols in the area have been increased and officers are working with the community to offer reassurance and to help identify the offender."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or 0739300695.

Notorious Croatian Jewellery Thief Wanted For £2m Diamond Rings Theft

A suspected Croatian jewellery thief, wanted for heists all over Europe, is wanted after three diamond rings – worth over £2m – were snatched from a high-end Chelsea art fair.

Masterpiece London, held at Royal Hospital Chelsea, last summer was the scene of the audacious theft of the valuable rings from a cabinet.

The suspect, (pictured) has been identified as Vinko Osmakcic, and is wanted by Kensington and Chelsea CID for the theft, which occurred at around 5.30pm on July 4, 2017.

Detective Sergeant Chris Taylor, leading the investigation, said: “This was a well-planned and audacious theft committed in the middle of a busy art fair.

“We are re-releasing the image of Mr. Osmakcic in an attempt to trace him.

“It is highly likely that Mr. Osmakcic may be out of the UK, possibly in Europe.

“He may also be known by the following name Vinko Tomic or Juro Markelic.

“I am asking anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact police or Crimestoppers so we can bring him to justice.”

Anyone who can assist police is asked to call Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0122 quoting Operation Hestia or report information via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. 

The three stolen rings are: A cushion-shaped diamond ring.

A vivid yellow cushion-shaped diamond ring encased in smaller oval and round-shaped diamonds.

An emerald-cut diamond ring with purple and pink stones, and four pear-shaped diamonds.

All three rings have diamond-encrusted bands.

Beckenham Bus Sex Pest: CCTV Released

Police hunting a bus sex pest, who grabbed a woman's breast, have released this CCTV image of their suspect today.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 12, last year at approximately 7.15am, on a Route 54 bus in Beckenham, heading towards Lewisham.

The victim, a 25-year-old woman, sat on the upper deck of the virtually empty bus.

A stop later, the suspect boarded and sat directly next to her.

He began to engage her in unwanted conversation.

The suspect then put his arms around her and grabbed her breast.

The victim pushed the suspect away, ran down the stairs and off the bus.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 20 to 25-years-old of slim build.

He was wearing a blue baseball cap, dark jacket and scarf around his mouth.

Detectives from the Met's Roads and Transport Command (RTPC) are investigating.

Police Constable Jay Thorn, who is investigating the assault, said: "This has left the victim feeling violated and now anxious to use public transport.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the man wanted for questioning to contact us as soon as possible."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0207 327 4444 and quote CAD 1391/12Dec.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://www.crimstoppers-uk.org you can tweet @MetCC with any information.

There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue.

Model Accused Of GBH After Rollerblade Collision With Pedestrian

An international model has appeared in court accused of seriously injuring a female pedestrian while rollerblading in the West End.

French-born Patrick Nodanche, 27, of Ashville Road, Leytonstone is alleged to have crashed into the woman while she was crossing the road outside Planet Hollywood.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the woman received a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain as well as cuts and bruises, particularly to her forehead and scalp.

She has still not returned to work six months later and suffers a form of tinnitus and has difficulty concentrating.

Six foot two inch-tall Nodanche is charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Jean Hu on October 27, last year in Haymarket, near Piccadilly Circus.

He was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on June 6.

Nodanche, whose interests include extreme sports and martial arts is represented by modelling agencies in London, New York, Milan and other major cities around the world.

He has modelled for Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue, Canali, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

Defence Consultant Denies Slapping Woman's Bottom At Admiralty House Fundraiser

A military consultant appeared in court for the first time today, accused of groping a woman at a Royal Navy charity event held in Admiralty House’s museum.

Mark Forsyth, 57, of Millennium Close, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Bristol denies the allegation.

The boss of MRDFORSYTH Consulting Limited is charged with sexually assaulting the woman on February 15 at the landmark Grade 1 listed building, near Whitehall.

On his professional profile he describes himself as an experienced Defence and Business consultant seeking new challenges.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the complainant was assisting a fundraising charity event.

“At the end of the evening, after several drinks, Mr. Forsyth approached as she was packing up and made some jokes and slapped her on the buttocks,” said the prosecutor Jennifer Gatland.

“He also tried to give her a hug, to which she pushed him away.

‘In interview he said he couldn’t remember the incident.

‘It was touching over clothing. It was a short incident.”

Forsyth was bailed unconditionally to appear at Southwark Crown Court on June 6.

He has worked on projects here in the UK, plus Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Singapore.

Forsyth previously worked as a specialist for the Australian Defence Forces and the New Zealand Defence Force in their delivery of heavy recovery military vehicles.

He is a former parish councillor for Frampton Cotterell Parish Council and an ex-town councillor at Bradley Stoke.

Forsyth is a graduate of Worcester University, Farnborough College of Technology and the School of Electronic Engineering.

He currently resides in a four-bedroom £550,000 detached home.

Admiralty House is used for government functions and houses ministerial apartments.

It backs onto Horse Guards Parade and was once home to Winston Churchill while serving as First Lord of the Admiralty

John Prescott had a grace-and-favour flat in the building when he was Deputy PM and it has been home to several Prime Ministers during 10 Downing Street renovations.

Airport Cleaner Nicked £2,643 Worth Of WH Smiths Lottery Scratchcards

A late-night cleaner at Heathrow Airport secretly swiped £2,643 worth of Camelot scratch cards while sweeping WH Smiths - cashing them in for £675.

Single mum Tracey Flitton, 39, of Birchdene Drive, Thamesmead was caught on CCTV clumsily trying to hide her face with a blue scarf, which quickly slipped off on camera.

She pleaded guilty today to stealing the lottery scratch cards in Terminal 4 between January 12 and February 4 and acquiring criminal property, namely the winnings.

Prosecutor Miss Fiona Willis told Uxbridge Magistrates Court: “This matter regards theft by an employee. She was a cleaner sub-contracted via a company called Turquoise.

“She took scratch cards from the display unit of the landside store on five occasions.”

WH Smiths realised scratch cards were missing on February 8 and began an internal investigation.

“The CCTV showed a cleaner removing large quantities of scratch cards from the display in the early hours of the morning and the company she worked for identified her.”

Jamaican-born Flitton, who claims she is stressed by her wayward 15 year-old daughter, snubbed a meeting on February 9 and never returned to the airport again.

“On the first CCTV clip she is seen sweeping the floor at 2.37am and going behind the counter while still holding her broom and taking scratch cards from the display and putting them into a small bag.”

Another clip showed Flitton in the deserted store at 2.16am removing cards and not paying for them.

“In the third CCTV clip she is seen wearing a blue scarf and after taking more scratch cards at 1.52am she removes the scarf, revealing her face,” explained Miss Willis.

The next day she repeated the theft. “She pulls a wad of scratch cards from the display.”

On April 6 Flitton agreed to be interviewed by Heathrow police. “She made full admissions and said she made about six hundred pounds by cashing in the winning tickets.

“They were cashed-out at retailers in rapid succession.

“This is an abuse of trust. She had access to the shop in the middle of the night when no one else was around.”

The first-time offender was bailed to Isleworth Crown Court for sentencing on June 5 after the magistrates ruled they had insufficient sentencing powers.

Internet Blind Date Sex Assault: Suspect Hunted

Police hunting an internet blind date, who sexually assaulted a teenager on a park bench, have released this picture of their suspect.

The victim, a 19-year-old female, had agreed to meet the suspect, who she had met online, on Sunday, November 12, last year at 8.30pm at Walthamstow Bus Station.

Both the victim and suspect brought friends with them when they met.

Both friends left separately soon after meeting.

When the friends had left, the suspect grabbed the victim by the arm and walked her into a nearby park where they stopped at a bench by the play area.

The suspect forced the victim to sit on the bench before sexually assaulting her.

The victim told the suspect to stop and left in the direction of the bus station.

The suspect followed the victim briefly, but eventually walked back into the park.

The victim did not see the suspect again but she received messages from him saying that he was sending his friend back to ‘get her.’

Detective Constable Matthew Cron, said: "We continue to actively search for this suspect and hope that someone may recognise him.

“If you know who this male is, please contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone who recognises this male should contact police on 101 and quote CAD 7666/12NOV17. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Violent Ex Caged For Terrifying Home Invasion Attack On Former Girlfriend

A violent ex who broke into his former girlfriend's home, armed himself with a kitchen knife and viciously beat her when she jumped from an upstairs window, has been jailed.

Racine Ndiaye, 43, of Cresswell Road, Croydon received 13 years imprisonment for the attack, which resulted in the woman suffering a broken ankle from the drop.

He was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of wounding, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and common assault.

At around 8.00am on November 21, last year Ndiaye attempted to break into the woman's Croydon home and shouted through the front door, threatening to kill her.

In fear for her life she called the police and Ndiaye fled the scene prior to their arrival.

Hours later, at approximately 11.00am, Ndiaye returned to the house and broke in through a window.

Ndiaye took a knife from the kitchen. and the victim locked herself into an upstairs bedroom.

When she began climbing out of the window in an attempt to escape, Ndiaye kicked down the door and grabbed her as she dangled from the window ledge.

She fell to the ground, suffering a broken ankle.

Ndiaye then ran outside and began repeatedly punching and kicking her, despite the intervention of members of the public.

Police were called by a member of the public.

Ndiaye fled the scene prior to police arrival.

The victim was taken to a south London hospital with significant facial injuries, as well as the fracture.

Ndiaye was arrested later that evening at 9.35am and was charged on November 22 and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Milo Horvath, of Croydon CID, said: “This lengthy sentence reflects how seriously police and the courts take vicious attacks such as this.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure violent individuals such as Ndiaye are placed before the courts.”

Online Sex Predator Who Targeted Underage Girls Is Caged

An online sexual predator, who targeted three girls – aged 14-15 years-old – with promises of booze and drugs has been sentenced to eight years.

Mohamed Mohamoud, 31, of Uxbridge was found guilty of two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of attempting to incite a child to commit sexual activity.

Mohamoud identified young females through Facebook, and then contacted the victims seeking to obtain their phone numbers.

He subsequently made attempts to meet the girls for sexual activity, offering drugs and alcohol and the promise of taking them shopping.

Police were first alerted to Mohamoud by a teacher at a secondary school in Hayes who had been told by a 14-year-old girl about messages that she'd exchanged online.

Officers investigated this information and two further female victims of around the same age were identified who had also been contacted by Mohamoud.

Thankfully, none of the three girls met with Mohamoud.

Mohamoud was arrested on July 26, 2016.

During the police investigation and the trial, Mohamoud showed no remorse and attempted to blame others for his actions.

Detective Constable Mike Evans, of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "Mohamoud's sentence demonstrates how serious these offences are, and the Met's commitment to the investigation of online abuse towards young people.

"By speaking to the police and providing their evidence, the three female victims have helped to ensure this man, who is a danger to youngsters, cannot harm anyone else while he remains behind bars.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that further information on how their children can stay safe online is available on the following websites; The Met, Childline, NHS Choices, CEOP"

'Survival Of The Fittest' Star Facing Five Years For Stun Gun Arrest

A finalist of ITV2’s ’Survival Of The Fittest’ is facing five years imprisonment after being caught with an electric stun gun.

Fitness trainer and model David Lundy, 26, appeared for the first time at Wimbledon Magistrates Court yesterday.

He made the final of the show - dubbed Love Island’s winter alternative - which was shot in South Africa featuring teams of Boys v Girls.

Lundy, of Aragon Road, Morden is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon at his address on December 21, last year.

It is described as a hand-held electric shock device stun gun.

He is also charged with possession of a small quantity of cocaine on the same occasion.

Declining jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the offence and his limited powers District Judge James Henderson announced: “It is a minimum mandatory sentence of five years.”

Lundy was bailed to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on May 30.

Failed LibDem Politician Nearly 3 Times Drink-Drive Limit When He Crashed Into Parked Cars

A failed Liberal Democrat politician crashed into four parked cars at midnight while driving three times the drinks limit.

Maths teacher Reetendra Nath Banerji, 44, of Fern Hill Road, Oxford, the former assistant head at Westminster Academy, admits consuming six drinks during a lunchtime business meeting.

He stood as the LibDems official candidate in 2014’s Tower Hamlets mayoral election and as their parliamentary candidate for Salisbury and South Basildon & East Thurrock in the General Elections of 2015 and 2017.

He finished sixth, fourth and fourth respectively.

Yesterday Banerji pleaded guilty to driving his blue two-litre Alfa Romeo with excess alcohol in his breath in Grena Road, North Sheen on April 16.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard he had 104 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

He was driving back to a family address he also resides at in Woking Close, Putney.

Prosecutor Caroline Mungal told the court it was 12.20am when a resident of the quiet side road alerted her paramedic boyfriend to the crash.

“She was woken by a loud bang and a scraping noise outside her house and heard someone trying to start a car.

“He attended the location and saw the defendant sitting in the driver’s seat of a car in the middle of the road, which had substantial damage to one of the front wheels.

“There were four vehicles on the road that had been damaged, consistent with the defendant’s vehicle hitting them in succession.

“The witness smelled alcohol on the defendant and said his speech was slurred and his pupils were dilated.”

Probation Officer Tony Healy told the court: “He is very apologetic and remorseful. He had been out drinking in the afternoon and thinks he had about six drinks during a business discussion.

“He does not believe he has alcohol issues, but has seen his GP with depression and anxiety and got quite emotional about some recently deceased family members.”

Banerji’s lawyer Mr. James Hare said: “He was at a business meeting and did not intend to drink to excess, but got carried away and took the risk because it was such a short journey.

“His memory is of his tyre exploding having caught something and he went into the other cars. He stayed at the scene and called the AA.

“There was not any attempt to leave the scene.

“He’s currently not earning much money. Ten years ago he gave up a lucrative career in IT to take up a career in teaching.”

Banerji was sentenced to 80 hours community service, disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

District Judge Barbara Barnes said: “It’s aggravated in terms of the accident caused and the extensive damage to other peoples parked vehicles.

“The alcohol in your body was well over the legal limit,” she told Banerji. “You are a danger on the roads and to other people when you are in that condition as shown by the accident you caused.”

Secret eBay Dealer Took Extra £30K From Taxpayers

A benefit cheat was secretly making extra cash by flogging items on eBay during a three-year £30,000 swindle.

Mother-of-two Cilen Gurzap, 41, will repay by having her current benefits deducted by £42 per fortnight - meaning it will take nearly twenty-eight years to compensate taxpayers.

The Turkish single-parent, of Batsford House, Durnsford Road, Wimbledon received a suspended prison sentence.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to Merton Council and the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) between December 16, 2013 and February 26, last year.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard Gurzap obtained £23,686 in Housing Benefit and £6,873 in Income Support while the undeclared money was going into her bank account.

Prosecutor Ms Caroline Mungal told the court Gurzap claimed to be the sole carer of her mother, leaving her unable to work, even though both her parents reside together.

“She failed to declare to the DWP that she was in receipt of self-employed income and she questioned initially denied the additional income.”

Her online business resulted in a second prosecution last year, with Gurzap being conditionally discharged for dishonestly handling a stolen jewellery box.

Gurzap denies she was “self-employed” but admits not declaring sums paid into her account by her father and eBay customers.

This was the same bank account into which her benefits were paid.

She was employed in the travel industry, but quit due to child care costs for her boys, now aged 12 and 14 years-old.

Magistrate Sarah Brown told Gurzap: “These two offences are very serious. It is a serious act of dishonesty that went on for a long period of time.”

Gurzap was sentenced to twenty-four weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and ordered to complete 150 hours community service.

“It was a deliberate act that took money from the public purse,” added the magistrate, also ordering her to pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Tube Train Passenger Banned From Morning Commute

Hare Leaving Westminster Magistrates Court

A tube train passenger has been banned from his rush hour commute for two years after he was caught filming female travellers' legs on his phone.

Harry Joseph Hare, 32, of Old Park View, Enfield was travelling on the busy Northern Line towards Moorgate Station.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to two counts of outraging public decency on November 3 and December 14, last year.

The court heard the first-time offender targeted a woman whose handbag was between her legs during the morning commute.

This resulted in her legs being slightly open and Hare pointed his phone towards them.

He was challenged and the one-minute clip was found on his mobile as well as a similar clip from the previous month.

Yesterday Hare was sentenced to a total of six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with the court ruling the custodial threshold had been passed due to “sexual intrusion” of the two women.

During two years supervision by the Probation Service he must also obey a Prohibited Activity Requirement, namely not travel on the London Underground between Finsbury Park and Moorgate between 8am and 9am until April 29, 2020.

He must also participate in the Horizon Sex Offender Group Programme for 100 days and any Probation Service-recommended Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for up to 60 days.

Hare must also pay the one known victim £400 compensation, a £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Teen Sexually Assaulted After Late-Night Pick-Up: CCTV Released

Police hunting a sexual predator, who picked-up a teenager and took her back to his flat have released this CCTV image.

The eighteen year-old young woman was outside her hostel in Willesden, north-west London on April 12 when she was approached by the suspect.

She agreed to join him at his flat and says she was seriously sexually assaulted at around midnight.

The teenager says she was able to escape and alert a friend, who called the police.

Anyone who recognises the male is asked to call police on 101, or contact Police Constable Nicola Devlin, of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, on 07769280577.

Knifeman's Fisherman's Excuse Fails To Get Him Off Hook

A knifeman's poor driving and lack of fishing equipment has seen him locked-up pending sentence for having the weapon and drugs in his car.

Daren Weekes, 33, of Upper Clapton Road, Clapton was stopped by undercover police patrolling his neighbourhood in unmarked cars.

He pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates Court to possessing an offensive weapon and cannabis and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court on May 11.

His excuse for having the knife for fishing fell apart when no rods, nets or equipment were found in his car.

On April 11 officers spotted Weekes' dark coloured Audi driving carelessly at 9.40pm at the junction of the A10 with Clapton Common.

Police followed the vehicle, which proceeded onto Geldeston Road and came to a halt.

The officers spoke with Weekes, who was driving the vehicle.

He admitted he had cannabis.

A search was conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act and he then admitted to being in possession of a knife.

During the search, the cannabis and lock knife were recovered from his trouser pocket.

Weekes also had a 'man bag' containing further cannabis.

When questioned about the weapon, Weekes claimed it was a fishing knife.

He was challenged about the whereabouts of his fishing equipment and claimed he didn't have it with him.

He was arrested and taken to an east London police station.

The court heard that the defendant had a previous conviction for possession of an offensive weapon.

On July 24, 2016 he was found in possession of a machete.

He was sentenced to six months at Wood Green Crown Court on October 10, 2016.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, the borough knife crime lead from Hackney CID, said:"This case clearly demonstrates the importance of using a range of tactics to tackle knife crime.

“The covert officers decisively acted when they observed the vehicle which has led to another knife being taken off the streets.

"The excuse Weekes used for being in possession of the weapon was pure fiction.

“The magistrate has clearly recognised the seriousness of this offence and immediately directed the case to be heard at the Crown Court, refusing bail.

"Hackney officers and the Metropolitan as a whole will continue using these positive tactics whilst people believe they can blatantly carry knives without consequences.

“We have recently sadly witnessed the horrific effects of these weapons.

"If you are aware of any knife carriers then report to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers - you will almost certainly save a life."

Drug Dealer Caught By Gang Police

Gangbusting cops pounced on a drug dealer being driven around north-west London, who is now starting a three-year prison sentence.

Brent Gangs Unit pulled over a blue Audi containing Romarne Young, 24, of Stafford Road, West Kilburn on August 27, last year.

He was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court for offering to supply crack cocaine and heroin and possession of cocaine.

At approximately 7.40pm, officers patrolling Albert Road, Kilburn spotted the car acting suspiciously.

When officers stopped the vehicle, Young was found inside with two mobile phones in his hands.

The vehicle was searched and cocaine was found under the driver’s seat.

The 24-year-old driver of the vehicle attempted to flee the scene but was detained.

When the driver was searched he was found to have concealed cannabis in his mouth and mobile phone and was later jailed for eight weeks.

Text messages on the mobile phones of both men identified them as supplying drugs.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jo Trist from the Brent Gangs Unit said: “I am pleased with the sentence given.

“Young played a significant role in the supply of drugs across London.

“I hope the sentence handed down will give him adequate time to reflect on his criminal activity.”

Two Thugs Who Inflicted Devastating Skull Injury Jailed

Two thugs, who battered an acquaintance so severely part of his skull had to be removed to alleviate bleeding on the brain, have been locked-up.

Ahmed Amizane, 44, (pic. l.) and Stuart Battams, 46, (pic. r.) left their victim needing 37 staples to hold his skull together, pending further surgery.

They were both convicted at Blackfriars Crown Court of inflicting grievous bodily harm and Amizane received 33 months and Battams 31 months.

The court heard how on October 1, last year they were both with the victim, Dennis Clarke, near Camden High Street.

The three men walked to Carlow Street where Amizane and Battams subjected Mr. Clarke to an apparently unprovoked attack.

A member of the public came to Mr. Clarke’s assistance and stayed with him until officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) arrived.

The victim was taken to an east London hospital where he underwent major surgery to release the pressure from a bleed on the brain.

A large section of his skull was removed and he required 37 staples to his head.

He now wears a protective helmet pending further surgery later this year to replace the segment of skull.

Detectives identified Amizane from CCTV and arrested him on October 6.

Mr. Clarke Needs More Surgery  

He was found to be in possession of the victim’s mobile phone.

Battman’s was arrested on October 17.

Detective Constable Colin Anderson, from the Metropolitan Police's Central North Command, said: "Both Amizane and Battams gave no consideration to the severity of their actions and the ultimate consequences on both the quality of life for Mr. Clarke, and the impact on those who witnessed it.

"They did now show any remorse for their actions during the trial."

Detective Inspector Thomas Kearney, added: "I am proud of the work by the first responders and detectives from Central North.

“With the support and quick thinking of the public and officers first on scene, Mr. Clarke was able to receive the treatment he so desperately needed.

"There is no doubt that the consequences to Mr. Clarke would have been more severe without this intervention.

"In addition, two more violent people are currently off the streets. I hope this provides confidence to our community that we will pursue and bring offenders to justice for their actions.”