Bust Up At Bookies: Punter Slashed During Winning Ticket Row

Police are hunting this suspected knifeman, who lashed out at another punter in a betting shop after trying to grab a winning ticket.

Police were called at 3.15am on July 27, last year to the bookies in East Street, Barking.

When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a small laceration to the head.

The 22-year-old victim informed officers the suspect had attempted to take a winning ticket, leading to an argument.

The suspect grabbed a knife from a kitchen area before slashing the victim.

The suspect - who is believed to be known as 'Mo' - fled the scene with a second man.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man who was captured on CCTV.

Anyone with information is asked to call officers at the East Area Command Unit based at Ilford via 101 quoting reference 832/27Jul17

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Life For Sex Predator Who Struck After Prison Release

A serial sexual predator is back behind bars for attacking a young woman just three months after his release from a 31-year life sentence for rape.

Joseph Galloway, 68, pounced on the terrified woman, aged in her twenties, from behind after following her from a bus and pushed her to the ground as she screamed for help.

He pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning the woman and additionally falsely imprisoning her, with intent to commit a sexual offence, in Prince Georges Road, Colliers Wood on September 5, last year.

Galloway also pleaded guilty to robbing her of her purse and possessing a blade when he was arrested four days later.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court today heavily tattooed bearded Galloway was sentenced to life imprisonment with a five-year minimum.

On June 4, last year he was released from a life sentence imposed in 1987 for rape, inflicting grievous bodily harm and robbery.

In 1981 he received seven years imprisonment for inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent to rape.

Galloway was housed in a flat above a jewellery and gift store next-door to a hairdressers in affluent East Sheen, south-west London in Upper Richmond Road West, just 100m from a kids nursery.

He was loitering around Colliers Wood Underground Station at 9.20pm and followed the victim when she exited her train and boarded a bus on her way home.

She did not know Galloway was following her when she got off the bus and began walking along a road, which has industrial and factory units on either side.

He attacked her from behind and she screamed and fought off his sexual advances.

A female witness heard her screams and bravely followed Galloway back to the tube station, trailing him to Tooting Broadway and giving police a vital description, which helped quickly identify him.

He was identified using his Oyster travel card on CCTV, which revealed he traveled in the Mortlake area and officers from their Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command (CASO) arrested him.

Galloway was originally charged with attempted rape, which he denied, and this was dropped on the first day of his trial.

Detective Inspector Rory Wilkinson of CASO said: “I welcome the court’s decision to keep this dangerous man away from society.

“He has proved himself to be a serial offender with no remorse and a capability of committing heinous crimes of this nature again.

“The victim’s bravery throughout the whole identification and court process has been remarkable and reflects her actions of defence during the attack.

“Not only did she avoid serious injury, but also stopped Galloway committing a serious sexual offence against her.

“In fighting back she alerted a passer-by who subsequently called and assisted police. 

“I would lastly like to thank this witness, who not only called police, but followed the suspect, enabling us to identify him.

“With her assistance we were able to make a swift arrest and hold Galloway accountable for his actions.”

Vegetarian Couple Accused Of Stalking Neighbours Claim They Were Tormented With Cooking Smells

'Meat Smells': Christoph & Sylvia Hons

A vegetarian couple, accused of stalking their ex-neighbours, claim they endured intense “rotten meat” cooking smells from next-door, a court heard.

Senior restaurant sommelier Christoph Hons, 50, a wine and beverage expert at Mayfair’s Park Chinois told the jury his career makes him particularly sensitive to taste and smells.

“Your home is full of this bad smell, in the curtains, in your clothes, all over the place,” he told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

“It was very intense, foul meat, rotten meat. I am quite sensitive on taste and smell, it is a big part of my job.

“We called the police every time that happened. Every time it occurred.”

The couple traced the smells to a service pipe between the two homes and installed insulation in the area, which successfully combatted the odour. 

Neighbour: Jessica Parker

He and wife Sylvia Hons, 45, an architectural technician, both of Westmorland Close, St. Margarets, Twickenham deny stalking Scott Lawrence and his wife Jessica Parker between January 15 and April 29, last year.

They are accused of filming their former next-door neighbours on their mobile phones while observing from local cafes and as they ran past with the Bearcat Running Club.

Scott and Jessica moved half a mile away after repeated run-ins with the Hons', who also complained about late-night parties, loud banging, drilling and dog-walking to the side of their property.

Both couples ended up filming each other with their phones and Go-Pro’s and Christoph, whose home is equipped with multiple CCTV cameras, was issued with a police harassment warning along with his wife and Mr. Lawrence.

Earlier Jessica told the jury: “They tried to attract our attention to film us. I’d see them out of the corner of my eye.

“I knew they didn’t want us to be in the garage area, but it was useful to us. We would throw a ball to the dogs and nobody else minded.

“Eventually the got a ’No Dog Walking’ sign put up there.

“We had been exercising our dogs and Mrs Hons went back home to get her moped and drove it at us for half an hour, while filming.

Court Date: Christoph & Sylvia

“My heart was pounding, but what is the best thing to do with a bully? We had been subjected to aggression, but when someone is bullying you, do you just scuttle off?”

Sylvia claims Jessica was enjoying the confrontation and “smiling” because one of her dogs was barking at her, but the complainant says her dog was agitated by the deliberate moped revving.

The defendant recorded the incident, which was played to the jury, who heard Mr. Lawrence shout: “You and your husband are freaks. We know you have eight or nine cameras.”

Mrs Hons claims Jessica told the dog: “Get her,” and the jury were shown a doorstep confrontation the defendants filmed, while pointing their phone at Mr. Lawrence.

He can be heard saying: “Call the police you voyeuristic p*****. You two have done nothing but harass me for the last six months while I’m walking my dogs.

“The pair of you are f***ing idiots.”

Mr. Hons told the jury loud weekend parties began taking place in late 2015. “We could hear the music through the walls up until two or three am.

“I complained, but I found them quite aggressive so reported the noise to their landlord. The parties stopped, but then they started throwing things at the walls and there was loud banging of doors up to midnight.

“There was also six weeks of continuous drilling. You could feel the vibration through the wall. It was getting very annoying.”

Mr. Hons told the jury he and his wife reported his neighbours to Richmond-upon-Thames’s Environmental Health department because of the constant noise.

He denied “laughing and abusing” his neighbours as they walked past, giving them ‘the finger’ and damaging one of their vehicles.

Mr. Hons insisted he would go out of his way to avoid confrontation in the street. “I would go behind a bush or a car to avoid contact with Mr. Lawrence.

“By that stage I was in a kind of fear and anxious about him. My cameras were to monitor and prevent an incident because I did not know how far it would go.

“He once said: ‘I’m going to get you, I’m going to slap you.’ He was very aggressive.

“I was shocked. We never gave him a reason to do that. I feared for the safety of myself, my wife, my house and my cat.

“It was frustrating that the police really didn’t do anything to resolve this situation.”

Trial continues………….

Rogue Trader Tricked 82 Year-Old Out Of £200

Police are hunting this suspected conman after an 82 year-old woman was tricked out of £200 at her Dagenham home.

The man knocked on the door of her home in Foxlands Road on either December 11 or 12, last year claiming she owed him money for decorating work.

No work had been carried out.

The man returned on a second occasion and was caught on a CCTV camera the woman's daughter had installed following the first offence.

Officers have released this image in the hope that someone will recognise the man and contact police.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have been approached by this man, or who was in the area and saw a man acting suspiciously.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Schlosz at the East Area Command Unit via 101.

Burglar Nicked Camera Equipment From Leading Art University

Central Saint Martins

A serial burglar raided a top art school of camera equipment to fund his gambling addiction, a court heard yesterday.

Robert Smith, 33, of West Lane, Bermondsey was given a prison warning after admitting his latest offence.

He pleaded guilty to burgling Central Saint Martins University of the Arts, located in Granary Square, Kings Cross on May 7, last year.

Blackfriars Crown Court was told he snatched cameras, lenses and cases during the burglary.

“Smith has a fairly extensive list of offending, including burglaries,” announced Judge Alexander Milne QC. “There is a real risk of a custodial sentence here.”

Smith's lawyer said his client has a “gambling habit” and was once banned from betting shops as a condition of a community sentence.

The court heard he has anxiety and depression and bailed him until March 8 for a pre-sentence report.

Son Locked-Up For Mum Money Fraud

A heartless fraudster, who cheated his mother out of her money, is starting a two-and-a-half year prison sentenced.

Glen Harryman, 45, fought the case, but was convicted by a Croydon Crown Court jury.

He was immediately sentenced.

Harryman, of Dale Street, Chatham, Kent originally appeared in court charged with taking £10,700 from Marianne Harryman between September 26, 2015 and October 5, 2016.

He systematically removed money from his mother's bank account. 

Peado Jailed For Raping 12 Year-Old Girl He Groomed Online

An ex-Police Community Support Officer and charity volunteer has been caged for raping a 12 year-old girl he groomed online.

Simon Owoade, 50, of St Anselms Road, Hayes, received nine years and 10 months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to rape of a child; assault of a child by penetration; sexual assault of a child, plus three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

Owoade has also been placed on the sexual offenders register for life.

Between June 1 and late July 2017, Owoade made contact with the victim through a social media messaging site.

Following numerous messages, Owoade managed to persuade the victim to meet him in London and Potters Bar on a number of occasions.

He would take her to various places including car parks and hotels where he would sexually assault her.

Owoade shared pornographic material with the victim and the girl was encouraged to share naked photos of herself.

In July 2017, the victim stopped communicating with Owoade, but in April 2018 he texted her asking to meet up because he missed her.

They met up numerous times until May 18, when he was reported to police by the victim's parents.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: “Owoade used his social media profile to gain the victim's trust, share intimate photos, and then use those images to coerce her into sexual activity.

“This was predatory offending, committed against a young, vulnerable victim.

“I would like to praise the victim for her courage in speaking to officers and providing vital evidence to prosecute Owoade.

"We are aware that Owoade had links with some charities who he involved himself with as a volunteer.

“This of course may have put him in direct contact with vulnerable people.

“It is very possible he has committed offences against others and I would appeal to anyone with information or concerns to contact police.

“Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence and we have specialist officers to support victims through the process."

“Between 2006 and 2008, Owoade was employed as a PCSO with the Metropolitan Police, working within the Osterley and Spring Grove Safer Neighbourhoods teams.

“We have received no reports of any offences being committed in his capacity as a PCSO and Owoade left the organisation of his own volition in 2008.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command on 020 7161 9798 or alternatively if you wish to remain anonymous you can speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Film Director Denies 'Casting Couch' Sex Assault On Actress

An aspiring actress claimed she was: “Harvey Weinsteined” by BAFTA-nominated film director Stephen Fingleton, who forced himself on her during a work-related lunch at her flat, a court heard yesterday.

The Londonderry-born 35 year-old filmmaker, who also writes and produces, pushed the Norwegian woman’s head toward his crotch, saying: “You need to go down there,” the jury were told.

Fingleton, of Temple Road, Drumclay, Enniskillen has pleaded not guilty at west London’s Isleworth Crown Court to sexually assaulting the actress, 27, at the Tourney Road flat in Fulham on October 27, 2017.

The pair had met at the opening gala night of the British Film Institute’s film festival when Fingleton approached her at the after-party, complimenting her on her dress, the actress later told police.

Fingleton told her he wanted to cast a Norwegian actress in his next project and she was alone in her shared three-bed flat when he arrived at 1.30pm to discuss this.

“Out of the blue the defendant introduced topics of a sexual nature,” said prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward. “He asked if she had done nudity in films and mentioned a play involving masturbation on stage."

Giving evidence from behind a curtain the actress chocked back tears as she told the jury: "He asked me if I had done any nudity before and I said: 'No.' He said I looked like I'd been with a girl before and when I asked why he said: 'Girls like to explore.'

"I thought it might be a natural thing to ask if his film required it, but also thought it was a bit odd.

"When he went to get his notebook he leaned on my shoulder. I thought it was a little bit odd that he touched me, but did not put much thought into it."

Ms Ledward continued: “Quite unexpectantly and surprisingly the defendant touched her shoulder as he passed to get something from his bag.

“The defendant cornered her, placing his hands either side of her on the kitchen counter.”

She brushed past, the court was told, and wanted to play Fingleton a clip of her work on the television, but he wanted to go to a darker room.

“He wanted to use some sort of projector he had, but she told him her room was quite bright.

“He put his arm around her, stoking her shoulder and asked her to put her hair down. He grabbed her head and smelled her hair.”

The actress, who had appeared in small roles in HBO productions, started unloading her washing machine to change the subject, added Ms Ledward.

“He remarked that she left her underwear in the machine,” said the prosecutor, adding Fingleton moved closer as the woman bent over her washing basket.

“The defendant grabbed the top of her head and pushed her towards his crotch, saying: ‘You need to get down there, down there.’

“She told him she was a sex addict as well as an alcoholic,” said Ms, adding this was an appeal to Fingleton’s morals by the woman to leave her alone.

“He pulled her by the arms across the room and pulled her body towards him and tried to kiss her lips. She declined to kiss him.”

By know she was crying, the jury were told. “He hugged her using his body weight and stroking her hair.

“He said the play he was talking about was about him and he had sexual problems and could not ejaculate unless having oral sex.

“He put his hand under her t-shirt and said she seemed submissive and she felt his erection against her thigh.

“When he pulled away she noticed his shirt was unbuttoned and belt undone.

“She called a friend and said she had been: ‘Harvey Weinsteined’,”

When questioned about the incident Fingleton claimed the actress was “tactile” and pushed herself physically against him as they watched the film at her flat.

She also mentioned a website she used and could sell her underwear on and from which men would pay to come and clean her house.

“He said he hugged her out of concern for her welfare,” added Ms Ledward. 

When asked about pushing her head into his groin Fingleton said: “I would never do anything like that.”

Fingleton’s BAFTA nomination was in the category of Outstanding Debut for his movie ‘The Survivalist’, which he wrote, produced and directed.

Trial continues………….

Pharmacy Expert Uploaded His DIY 'Upskirt' Clips To Adult Website

Unsuspecting female commuters appeared on an adult website after a perverted pharmaceutical expert secretly recorded ‘upskirt’ clips on his phone.

Father-of-two Sanjayan Nadarajah, 43, followed young women wearing short skirts on the London Underground with his phone secreted in his laptop bag.

He also recorded women half-naked trying on clothes in shop changing rooms and took further opportunities to film in airports and shopping centres.

The pharmaceutical quality consultant, who has a chemistry degree and lives in a £775,000 home in Shelvers Way, Tadworth, Surrey was hunted down by British Transport Police (BTP).

Officers discovered the online clips and traced Nadarajah - known as ‘MonkeyMan9’ - when the adult site shared his email address.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates Court yesterday he pleaded guilty to five counts of outraging public decency between May 17 and July 19, last year.

Nadarajah also pleaded guilty to two counts of voyeurism between January 1 and May 12 and was sent on bail to be sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

Prosecutor Mr. Nikhil Khosla told the court: “The BTP learned videos were appearing on a pornography site of covert ‘upskirt’ recordings on the London Underground in which the females involved were unaware.

“The person responsible seemed to be using a camera in a bag and on occasion filmed himself.”

There were 57 clips uploaded by Nadarajah under his ‘MonkeyMan9’ username and all but nine, marked as only available to ‘Friends of User’, were viewable.

“Some of the clips were recorded in supermarkets and airports and under changing room curtains of females wearing only their underwear,” added Mr. Khosla.

During the investigation eleven more clips were uploaded after Nadarajah filmed up women’s skirts on an escalator at Lakeside Shopping Centre, plus more on the Underground.

He was arrested on October 9 and police seized a Samsung phone, plus two SD cards containing more ‘upskirt’ recordings.

“These were filmed at close range and Nadarajah could be seen adjusting the camera.

“Examples include a young woman on the Underground wearing a short black and white skirt, who was filmed from behind on an escalator.

“Another was a female sitting opposite the defendant on a tube train, who was wearing a short skirt, who the defendant followed off the train and up stairs filming her buttocks and underwear.

“At a clothing shop in Wimbledon he twice filmed women in changing rooms, with one in full view in just her bra and knickers.”

Nadarajah claimed it was a relief to be caught. “He admitted secretly filming in public places on his phone and that he was ‘MonkeyMan9’ and had also filmed in the Sutton area,” added Mr. Khosla.

“He said it was a fascination for him to film females, knowing they would be in a state of undress and that if they knew they were being recorded they would have felt victimised.

“He said he got sexual gratification from ‘upskirting’ and chose to upload them to the site so he had somewhere to store them.”

The prosecution claim the offences fall into Category One for sentencing purposes with a starting point of six months imprisonment and will also apply for a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Magistrate Liz Blake announced: “These matters are very serious. They do cross the custody threshold. The powers of this court are not sufficient.”

Boozy Spurs Fan Nicked After Chelsea Clash

A drunken Tottenham Hotspur fan who moved aggressively towards Chelsea supporters and abused police when stopped has apologised for his behaviour.

Alvin Shaw, 34, of Dacre Avenue, Aveley, South Ockendon was arrested at Wembley Underground Station after his team's 1-0 League Cup semi-final victory.

Today he pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court to using threatening behaviour on January 8 and was conditionally discharged for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Mr. Nikhil Khosla told the court it was 10.23pm and fans were making their way home when the atmosphere suddenly became more aggressive with the arrival of Chelsea fans making offensive chants at the station.

“The police officers on duty saw this defendant aggressively step towards the Chelsea fans with his arm out.

Officers and security staff grabbed Shaw, who replied: “Get off me. F***ing get off. You're f***ing hard aren't you?”

Shaw told the court: “It is embarrassing really. I apologised to the officer at the station.

“When I find myself in these situations alcohol is involved and I have not drunk a drop since.

“I can only apologise for my actions. It would not impress my daughter, behaviour like that.”  

Koran-Studies Imam Locked-Up For Molesting Two Sisters A Decade Ago

A paedo Imam, who sexually abused two young sisters during Quran lessons a decade ago, has been locked-up.

Hafiz Azizur Rehman Pirzada, 76, of Laughton Road, Northolt was convicted of ten counts relating to the girls when they were aged between nine and eleven years-old.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard the abuse occurred in east London between 2007 and 2009.

He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

Pirzada must also sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and made subject to a Sexual Harm Protection Order.

The court heard the victims came forward to speak to police in July 2015.

Between 2007 and 2009 the girls were taught the Quran by Pirzada at an address in Newham when he was an Imam appointed by the family. 

On July 28, 2016, Pirzada was arrested at his home address and bailed pending further enquiries. 

He was later charged with all ten counts on March 16, last year made up of eight counts of sexual assault with a female under 13, and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Detective Sergeant Tony Killeen from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Team said: "This is a case stemming back ten years, but despite the length of time since the incidents Pirzada has been convicted of his crimes.

"The victims have shown a great degree of courage, persistence and determination in securing the conviction, having persevered with the allegation and supporting the police investigation.

"The victims have had to live with this trauma and the absolutely horrendous abuse they endured for the years they were under the control of Pirzada and will have to live with these memories for the rest of their lives.

"Pirzada used his level of trust as a religious leader to assault the girls. I would urge anyone who has been a victim of Pirzada to contact police - specially trained officers are there to support you."

Bogus 'Business Protection' Knifeman Robbed Waitrose Of £18,000

An audacious robber, who posed as a business protection representative, made off with £18,000 from a supermarket safe after tricking his way in.

Armed with a knife the suspect threatened a member of staff at the closed Waitrose, Notting Hill Gate early in the morning.

Officers were called on Sunday, October 28, last year to the store.

The robber, believed to be between 25 and 35 years-old, knocked on the front door of the store before it was open and asked to be let in.

He claimed he was from business protection and showed his ID.

He was escorted up the stairs to an office by a member of staff and produced a knife.

The suspect locked the door of the office and demanded the staff member open the safe.

He took out more than £18,000 in cash, which he put into his bag before leaving the premises.

Police have now released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

He was wearing dark clothing at the time of the robbery and carrying a rucksack.

Detective Constable Alison Kelly, part of the Central West Command Unit based at Westminster, said: "This was a terrifying incident for the victim and we are doing all we can to ensure no one else goes through the same ordeal.

"We are asking anyone who knows this man or who was in the area around the time of the robbery to come forward and help us with our investigation."

Anyone with information should call 101 with CAD reference 2195/28OCT18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also tweet information to @MetCC.

'Football Lads' Demo: Pair Wanted For Attacking Cop

L to R: Suspect 1 & 2

Two 'Democratic Football Lads Alliance' protestors are wanted for punching and kicking a police officer at a Central London demo.

The male officer was on duty at a cordon across Pall Mall at the junction with Waterloo Place on October 13, last year.

At around 2.40pm the officer was punched from behind by Suspect 1.

About a minute later, a second man, Suspect 2, kicked the officer from behind.

Both men ran off into the crowd after separately striking the officer.

The officer did not suffer any injuries.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged between 40 and 50 years-old, around 5ft 10ins tall and of medium build.

He had a shaven head and at the time of the offence he was wearing a dark blue T-shirt with dark-coloured jeans and sunglasses.

The second suspect is described as a white man, also aged between 40 and 50 years-old, around 5ft 7ins tall and of a stocky build.

He was wearing a dark blue polo shirt with dark-coloured jeans and a dark-coloured baseball cap.

Detective Sergeant Matt Simpson, of the Met’s Public Order Investigations Team, said: “It is despicable that some people think it is acceptable to assault and cause harm to officers whilst they are helping to keep Londoners safe.

“If you can identify these men or offer any information to assist the investigation, please get in touch.”

If you have any information, please contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Two Eastern European Suspects Wanted For Molesting Man In Street

Police are hunting these two Eastern European suspects after a man was sexually assaulted in the street during the early hours.

The incident happened at around 2.45am on Wednesday, October 24, last year in Flitcroft Street, Camden.

The victim, a man in his twenties, was sexually assaulted by two men who then left the location on foot.

The victim’s friend, who did not witness the assault but who had been with him shortly before, came to his aid and police were called.

Detective Constable Robin East said: “This was a sexual assault on a man in a public street and we appeal for anyone who thinks they can help us with the investigation to come forward.

“Although this happened in the early hours, there would still have been a number of people around the area who may have seen the victim or suspects before or after the assault.

“We are interested in speaking to the two men in these images, so if you recognise them, please don’t delay in calling police.

“The victim in this case continues to receive support from specially trained officers.

“We have not had any further reports of similar assaults and this is being treated as an isolated incident.”

Both suspects were described by the victim as white, and of Eastern European origin.

One man was thought to be between 35 to 40 years-old, short (around 5ft 5ins tall) and of stocky build. He was wearing a dark puffer jacket and had big ears.

The other man was believed to be slightly younger, between 30 and 35 years of age, of skinny build, clean shaven and had light brown hair.

He was wearing a blue Superdry jacket and thought to be around 5ft 8ins tall.

Anyone with information about this assault or who recognises the men in the CCTV images is asked to contact CN Safeguarding on 101 quoting 2330062/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also tweet @MetCC.

XMAS Punch: Colleague Thumped After Boozy Partygoer's "Alright ISIS?" Greeting

Unsporting: Sam Tibbitts

A drunken sports sponsorship employee thumped his bearded half-Peruvian colleague after greeting him with: “Alright ISIS?” at their company’s Christmas party, a court heard yesterday.

Graduate Sam Tibbitts, 32, who had recently been recruited by industry giants Henley Media Group was convicted of assaulting sales director John Browne at Bankside restaurant Sama.

Camberwell Green Magistrates Court was told Tibbitts punched University of Nottingham graduate Mr. Browne to the left side of his face at the crowded party on December 15, 2017.

Mr. Browne was being introduced to Tibbitts for the first time and he told the trial. “I said: ’Nice to meet you,’ and went to shake his hand and he said: ‘Alright ISIS?’   

“I am half-Peruvian and have been subjected to racial abuse in the past.

“That ended in an apology from Sam and a shake of the hands and he said he was new, thought it was funny and was drunk.

“He purported to buy me a shot of tequila to apologise, but when I reached out to take it he drank the shot while maintaining eye contact. He drank both of them.

“I feigned to be amused by it, but it was a clear act of provocation and he leaned into me and said: ‘I don’t give a s***. I’m handing in my notice on Monday’.

“He felt he had nothing to lose and that there were no professional consequences.”

Tibbitts had three to four beers before the two shots and Mr. Browne a couple of pints, plus a wine and a Prosecco at the all-day event, across the Thames from the company’s City HQ.

“He leans in and says: ‘Let’s go outside.’ Everyone understands that is a threat of violence to go out and have a fight,” added Mr. Browne.

Punched: John Browne

“Because his face was so close to mine I said: ‘Your breath stinks,’ and that is when he lashed out a punch. I felt contact on my face and saw his clenched fist.

“I did not receive the full force of the punch because I had turned my head. If I suffered full force I could have received serious injuries, he’s quite a big guy.

“He gets restrained by lots of people and was shouting and screaming at me.”

The court heard Tibbitts was escorted from the venue. “He was outside, waiting for me with the clear intention to assault me again. I could see him there.

“Sam was dismissed, but it has been very detrimental for my career moving forward. People from his side of the company are noticeably hostile to me.”

Tibbitts denied making the ISIS remark, claiming Mr. Browne became annoyed when he called him: “Mr. Big Shot.”

He admitted downing both tequilas, but insisted this was in response to overhearing Mr. Browne tell colleagues: “That bitch has gone to get me a shot.”

Tibbitts says he was verbally abused by Mr. Browne, who called him a: “F***ing w*****; F*** d***head,” and referred to his Hawaiian top as a: “Faggot shirt.”

A colleague confirmed he saw Tibbitts’ arm thrust out, but the defendant said this was an attempt to reach out to Mr. Browne and not a punch.

“He was goading me with his friends,” said Tibbitts. “In an alpha male environment we were flexing our muscles a bit.”

Tibbitts, who says he is facing redundancy from his new £45,000 a year job, was originally charged with racially-aggravated assault, but this was dismissed at an earlier heating.

Tibbitts, of Mirabel Road, Fulham was fined £430, with £775 costs and was ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mr. Browne and a £43 victim surcharge.