Rapist Preyed On Young Girl During Five Years Of Abuse

A sick rapist, who repeatedly attacked a young girl during five years of terror, has been caged.

The victim – who was only twelve years-old when the abuse began – was raped two to three times a week and had two abortions.

Adrian Donaldson, 37, of Tottenham, north London was sentenced to twenty years imprisonment.

He was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court after pleading guilty to seven counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Between January, 2015 and January, this year at an address in Tottenham, Donaldson repeatedly raped the under-age girl, who was known to him.

Donaldson would rape the victim after he had been drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

He would also call the victim and ask her to send nude photos and would ask her to visit him. 

He would then make her strip and then rape her.

The victim fell pregnant with his child twice during 2017 and 2018 and had an abortion both times. 

She told her mother that she fell pregnant by her boyfriend at school so not to elude that it was Donaldson’s.

Donaldson told the victim not to tell anyone about the rapes or he would accuse her of coming on to him. 

This led the victim to feel suicidal as she felt she could not report it.

On Saturday, January 25 police were called by the victim’s mother after she found out about the rapes and pregnancies. 

Officers attended Donaldson’s address and found him drunk and attempting to engage in sexual activity with the victim.

Police arrested Donaldson for sexual assault by touching a female under 18 years-old. 

In interview, Donaldson denied all allegations stating that it was fabricated.

Detective Sergeant Gill Cousins, of the North Area Basic Command Unit, said:“This is a horrific crime and the victim was subjected to a horrendous ordeal. 

“The effects of these crimes on the victim will undoubtedly remain with her forever.

“I commend the bravery the victim has shown to help us bring this man to justice.

“I urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault either recently or historically to come forward and speak with police."

Violent Sexual Predator Jailed For Bus Attack On Teen

A violent sexual predator, who molested a 15 year-old girl on a bus, continuing the assault when she got off, has been locked-up.

Adam Jeby, 24, received four years imprisonment for the increasingly violent attack, which left the girl with facial injuries.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, one count of common assault and a charge of criminal damage when he initially appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.

Due to the seriousness of the offence he was sent to Isleworth Crown Court, where he was jailed and ordered to remain on parole for an extra two years once released.

Police were called at 2.55pm on Sunday, September 29, last year to reports a teenager had been sexually assaulted by a man while on board the Route H91 bus in Hounslow.

When she got off the bus and while waiting at a stop on Windmill Road, she was physically and sexually assaulted by the same man, leaving her with facial injuries. 

He then walked off towards York Road.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command began an investigation.

On October 23, an officer making enquiries in the Hatton Cross area boarded a route 490 bus and spotted a male matching the description of the suspect. 

He followed him to Heathrow Airport, where he stopped and questioned him.

He was arrested and later charged with the above offences.

Detective Constable Tony Barun, who led the investigation, said: “Jeby’s behaviour that afternoon was completely unacceptable and following a thorough investigation he was quickly tracked down by police.

“He not only sexually assaulted a fifteen year-old girl on public transport but went on to physically attack her, leaving her feeling scared and vulnerable. 

“We hope this sentence allows her to move on and shows our commitment to removing dangerous offenders from our streets.”

Murderer Published Pic Of Dead Girlfriend's Body Online

A murderer posted a picture of his dead girlfriend on social media after stabbing her to death – prompting her horrified sister in China to raise the alarm.

Heavy-drinking Yi Xing Song, 54, of Magnolia Close, Leyton has persuaded 35-year-old Li-Qing Wang to stay with him despite his jealousy and controlling behaviour.

However, during another row he inflicted twenty-one knife wounds on the mother-of-two in their bedroom and covered her with a duvet.

He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 19 years.

On February 25 Song posted an image of Li-Qing’s body on a family social media chat group, which was seen by her sister in China.

She immediately contacted friends in the UK, asking them to check on her sister’s welfare.

Two male family friends attended the address at Magnolia Close and Song directed them to the bedroom where Li-Qing lay motionless on the floor covered by a duvet. 

She had been stabbed multiple times and a bloodied knife lay at her feet.

The men left the address and called police.

When officers arrived, 12 minutes later, Song was lying on the floor next to Li-Qing’s body refusing to move, pretending to be unconscious.

Officers conducted CPR, but despite their efforts, Li-Qing was pronounced dead by medics at the scene.

Paramedics confirmed that Song was in fact conscious. 

He continued to be uncooperative and when officers moved him to a chair, he refused to open his eyes, only opening them briefly during his steps from the address to the police vehicle. At the custody centre, he was asked by the custody sergeant how he was feeling and replied he was upset as he had killed his ‘wife’.

In interview, with eyes remaining mostly closed, he then said that he did not know if he had killed his ‘wife’ but had had an argument with her.

Subsequent police enquiries concerning Song uncovered a history of alcohol dependency. 

His relationship with Li-Qing had been a turbulent one, which took a turn in October, 2018, when she attempted to leave him.

Police were called after Song was found in the street holding a knife. 

Next to him was a half empty bottle of whisky and a piece of paper with a mobile telephone number and the name Li Wang written on it. 

He had superficial cuts to his left wrist. 

Following this incident Li-Qing had somehow relented and remained with him.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine, who led the investigation, said:“This incident has left a large number of victims in its wake, Li-Qing’s children have lost their mother, and her family in China are left with the most horrific final image of her due to the callous actions of Yi Xing Song in sending a picture of her body to her family chat group, which included her father.

“Song stabbed Li-Qing 21 times in a frenzied and overwhelming attack. 

“Such was his own disgust at what he had done he could not bring himself to open his eyes.

“This has been a long and traumatic investigation, with much evidence in Chinese Mandarin being provided by devastated family members through an interpreter.

“The sentence handed down clearly demonstrates that suffering from alcohol addiction is not a defence for causing harm to others, particularly, as in this case, the most grievous harm possible.

“My thoughts are with Li-Qing’s loved ones, her children and her extended family, and I thank them for their selfless efforts to assist the investigation despite the language barrier and their distance from the UK.

“I sincerely hope that they find some peace in knowing that the man who took her life will now pay for that callous act with his own freedom.”

Middle-Aged Woman Groped On Bus: CCTV Image Of Suspect Released

Police are hunting this suspected early morning bus pervert after a middle-aged woman was molested.

Detectives have released this CCTV image the man they wish to trace.

At around 7.15am on Saturday, June 27, a 53-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a Route 236 bus travelling towards Homerton, east London.

The incident occurred just before the bus reached the Hackney Town Hall bus stop.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who recognises the man to contact them. 

The incident has left the victim feeling unsafe.

If you have any information that could help this investigation please call 101 and quote reference Cad 2369/27Jun.

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Halloween Horror: Death Crash Driver Jailed For Killing Bus Driver

An unlicensed and uninsured death crash driver, who collided with a bus while speeding on the wrong side of the road, has been locked-up.

Dorjan Cera, 20, (pic.top) killed 60 year-old bus driver Kenneth Matcham (pic.bottom) and injured multiple passengers during the Halloween horror smash last year.

At the Old Bailey he was sentenced to seven years and eight months imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for eleven years and four months.

Cera pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving; causing death whilst unlicensed and causing death whilst uninsured.

He also admitted seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of a false ID document, with intent to deceive.

Acting Detective Inspector Richard Budd, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Cera’s driving that night was beyond reckless, it was clearly extremely dangerous and resulted in many people being injured, and sadly one man losing his life.

“Our investigation, supported by eye witness accounts, established that Cera had been driving at speed, entering a busy road on the wrong side of the road when he collided with the bus being driven by Mr. Matcham. 

“He had made no attempt to slow down or give-way.

“When Cera spoke with officers at the scene, he provided false details – perhaps to later avoid responsibility – but his true identity was quickly established. 

“He begins a prison sentence, having been left with no other option but to plead guilty.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone who has suffered as a result of his actions.”

Police were called to Sevenoaks Road in Orpington at 10.12pm on October 31, following a report of a multi-vehicle incident.

Officers, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service attended and found two buses and a Skoda Octavia in collision.

The driver of one of the buses, Mr. Matcham from Gravesend in Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics also treated 15 casualties at the scene. 

Three of the casualties were treated for serious injuries and the remaining suffered minor injuries.

Cera, who was driving the Skoda was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving. 

He was taken to a south London hospital as a precaution before being taken to a south London police station.

Wannabe Walthamstow Rapist: E-Fit Released

Police investigating an attempted early hours rape in east London have released this e-fit of their suspect.

The woman says she was attacked at approximately 2.44am on July 25 as she was walking home along Church Hill, Walthamstow.

As she reached the zebra crossing near Folkestone Road she became aware of a man who followed her towards a small park in East Avenue.

A struggle ensued and the woman managed to fight off the attacker, who is reported to have touched her inappropriately. 

The man then ran away and the woman called police.

Officers from the North East Safeguarding Unit are investigating.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1336/25July. 

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Speeding Uninsured Death Crash Driver Locked-Up

An uninsured speeding driver, who killed another motorist when crashing into him on the hard shoulder, has been locked-up.

Mohammed Ali, 21, of Barnet Grove, Bethnal Green was estimated as overtaking other cars at 100mph on the A-road shortly before colliding with 54 year-old Kenneth Barry.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving a vehicle whilst uninsured.

At the same court he was sentenced to five years, seven months custody and disqualified from driving for fifty-seven and a half months.

At 9.50am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Woolwich resident Mr. Barry stopped on the A13 eastbound between Ferry Lane and New Roundabout, Rainham, east London.

He pulled his Vauxhall Astra onto the hard shoulder to clear debris from his vehicle.

At the same time Ali was driving a blue BMW 335D along the same road.

Several drivers described seeing the car overtake them, travelling at speeds estimated to be over 100mph.

As the car attempted to overtake one car it was blocked and attempted to undertake.

The BMW moved at speed from lane three, to lane one and then back into lane three.

At this point Ali lost control of the car, which collided with Mr. Berry’s stationary Astra.

Mr. Berry was just getting out of his vehicle when Ali’s car struck him and he was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Inspector Jose-Paulo Qureshi, said: “Firstly I would like to thank the many witnesses who have assisted in this enquiry. 

“It was as a result of their information that we were able to build up a picture of Ali’s dangerous driving.

“Ali’s speed and dangerous manoeuvring that morning led directly to Mr. Berry’s death. 

“This is a busy road and all the people using it that day were put at risk.

“Mr. Berry has paid for Ali’s stupidity with his life, I am glad Ali will now face the consequences.”

'Cuckooing' Drug Dealer Took Control Of Vulnerable Victim's Home

A drug dealer, who intimidated a vulnerable resident and took over their home to sell heroin and cocaine during an 'cuckooing' enterprise, has been caged.

Akram Ali, 20, of Mill Lane, West Hampstead, threatened the victim with violence and assaulted him as he took to complete control of the address.

At Wood Green Crown Court he received three years custody for assault and possession of the drugs, with intent to supply.

The court heard how in January, the victim reported to police that his address had been taken over.

It was being exploited for drugs supply and trafficking - also known as ‘cuckooing’. 

The victim had been threatened and assaulted before he eventually managed to escape and report his ordeal police.

Officers from the Central North Gangs Unit launched an immediate investigation, and executed an arrest warrant at the address.

They discovered Ali as well as a quantity of Class A drugs – namely 217 wraps of crack cocaine and 110 wraps of heroin.

PC Josh Pryce, of the Central North Gangs Unit, said: “Ali specifically targeted the victim and preyed on his vulnerabilities and used his home as a base to commit crime.

“Drug dealing causes violence and misery across our communities and vulnerable people can often be exploited and intimidated.

“I hope Ali’s conviction brings some feeling of justice to the victim who can now start to rebuild his life. 

“If anyone believes they themselves are a victim of cuckooing, or suspects that someone they know may be a victim, please contact police so we can take action and support you.”

Rolex Robbery: Trio Of Muggers Hunted

Police are hunting these suspected Rolex robbers, who snatched a £6,000 watch from their 60 year-old victim during a brazen mugging.

On Friday, July 3, the victim was walking from Chancery Lane tube station, turning into Brownlow Street and then onto Bedford Row.

He was approached by two men, who stopped him and asked him where Tottenham Court Road was. 

The victim gave them directions and carried on towards Theobalds Road.

Moments later, the victim was grabbed from behind around his neck by one of the men as the other snatched his phone from his hand. 

The victim grabbed the phone back and threw it down the street to prevent the suspects from taking it, shouting for help as he did so.

One of the suspects then pulled the victim’s Rolex watch, model 116710BLNR, worth approximately £6,000 from his wrist, shouting” “I’ve got it,” as they fled.

A passing member of the public came to the man’s aid before police conducted an area search, but the suspects could not be traced.

The victim sustained minor injuries following the incident, but was otherwise physically unharmed.

Detective Constable Alejandra Gomez, from the Central North Command Unit, is investigating. 

She said: “It appears that two of the suspects approached the victim while the third acted as a lookout. 

“All three are then believed to have fled – possibly via Holborn tube station.

“We have released CCTV images and footage of three men we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and urge anyone who recognises them to contact us immediately.

"Any jewellers who have been approached with the offer of a Rolex watch model 116710BLNR, and are unable to account for how they came to obtain it, are also urged to contact police.”

Those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 4538/03JUL20, or emailp243390@met.police.uk.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Big-Headed Entrepreneur Guilty Of Boozy Christmas Party Kiss Attempt

A drunken Canary Wharf entrepreneur cornered a terrified woman in a lift after a Royal Festival Hall corporate Christmas party before grabbing and trying to kiss her, a court heard yesterday.

Company Director Pavel Grushin, 26, who attended a £26,500-a year private Mayfair college boasted about his looks to police and urged officers to admire his Instagram account.

This “feeling of self-importance” was criticised by a district judge, who convicted Grushin, a University of Cambridge graduate in Entrepreneurial Studies of common assault and attempted sexual assault.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard Grushin, of Mersey Court, Samuel Gray Gardens, Kingston-upon-Thames was a guest at the private event on December 12, last year.

He was spotted by the victim, a married 33 year-old project management university graduate, loitering on an upper landing at 11pm.

“He was leaning over the staircase bannister for balance, he looked to be very drunk and unsteady and I could hear him mumbling,” she told the court.

The woman entered a lift with Grushin and his two male companions. “He very quickly walked towards me and tried to corner me, with his arms raised and using his body so I couldn’t get around him.

“His eyes were very glazed over and he seemed to be enjoying himself and I was immediately very frightened by his demeanour and expression.

“His motive seemed sexual. I was afraid for my safety.

“He followed me out of the lift and grabbed my right wrist very, very tightly and pulled me in his direction, back towards the lift.

“He said: ‘Come on,’ a few times and I just kept saying: ’No,’ loudly, firmly and very clearly.

“To escape, I kept walking backwards and his mouth was puckered as if leaning in for a kiss and I placed my hand on his chest to push him away as he leaned in three times to kiss me.

“I firmly pushed with all my body strength and he stumbled back and stopped.

“Afterwards I burst into tears and there was a big red mark on my wrist, like a Chinese burn.”

Venture capitalist Grushin had begun his night out at a Pall Mall club and ended it at members-only Tramp, near Piccadilly, insisting he limited himself to two glasses of champagne and two glasses of wine.

After being arrested at home over a month later, wearing just his boxer shorts, he told police he had “social status” and had met “many” women.

When officers asked if he thought the victim was attracted to him he replied: “She could have been. Look at me.”

Describing himself as “very successful” Grushin urged the officers to check his Instagram account, where he could be seen “hanging out with cool people.”

He told the trial: “I absolutely, categorically did not touch her,” but contradicted himself immediately by saying: “It is possible I friendly patted her, but I don’t remember.”

Grushin denied cornering the victim in the lift, claiming he was reaching for the buttons.

District Judge Nigel McLean bailed Grushin for sentencing, telling him: “Alcohol had been consumed and you accept it did effect your behaviour.

“I entirely accept the complainant’s reaction was to freeze through fear.

“I did not find you a credible witness and reject your account.

“The alcohol diminished your inhibitions and you had an inflated feeling of self-importance in your appearance and everything else.

“You did attempt to kiss her and that behaviour was sexual in nature.”

Local Nightmare Locked-Up

A vicious doorstep robber, who sank her teeth into a pensioner's hand and snatched her wedding ring, has been locked-up.

Monique Roach, 24, initially asked the 75 year-old victim for £10 when she turned up crying at her front door in east London.

She blocked the pensioner's attempt to close the door to the address in Dalston Lane, Hackney during the March 28 robbery and took the ring after biting the victim.

At Wood Green Crown Court Roach was sentenced to a total of seven years imprisonment.

She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of robbery and a separate blackmail when she obtained £105 from a man in his fifties by threatening to make a false assault claim. 

Roach rang the woman's doorbell at 11.30am and after failing to pull at her heartstrings with fake tears, launched the violent attack.

Roach left a palm print on the victim’s door, which was recovered by forensic officers. 

She was also captured on CCTV in the vicinity.

She was arrested on April 17 at an address in Rendlesham Road, Clapton.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown the pensioner could not attend a live identity parade so an officer wearing full protective clothing visited the victim's home with a photo line-up.

He explained the process to the victim through a front window of the address and via this process, the victim successfully identified Roach.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jack Downey, of the Central East Basic Command Unit, said: “This was a callous and heartless robbery, whereby Roach targeted a vulnerable lady in her own home. 

“The violence she used left the victim terrified and fearing for her safety, at a time of significant uncertainty as we all navigated our way through Coronavirus restrictions and risks.

“I am pleased that Roach has been brought to justice for this brazen crime.”

The blackmail offence, which occurred on Monday, April 13 at an address in Spenser Grove, Hackney targeted a vulnerable victim. 

A few days earlier she had manipulated the man into giving her money after approaching him at his address and claiming she needed cash for her children.

She returned to his address and told the victim to give her a further £20 or she would call the police, saying that he had hit her. 

She left with the cash and the victim reported the incident to police.

She tricked him into giving her a total of £105 in cash.

Midnight Underground Station Fight: Tube Worker Injured

British Transport Police are hunting a midnight thug after a tube station worker potentially suffered nerve damage trying to break-up a fight.

This CCTV image of their suspect has been released as officers continue trying to identify the man.

Just after midnight at July 11 the worker was on duty at Mornington Crescent Underground Station when two members of the public began fighting.

The victim tried to separate the pair, but was pushed to the floor and had to attend hospital.

He is believed to have sustained possible nerve damage.

Officers believe the man in this CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 13 of 11/07/20.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CPS Bungle Allows Notorious Hit-And-Run Driver To Dodge New Charge

A notorious hit-and-run driver, who crippled a young mum, has escaped justice on a charge of flouting his disqualification after a Crown Prosecution Service foul up.

Pascoe Petgrave, 24, walked free from court because no prosecution witnesses turned up for his trial and important evidence had not been served on him.

Petgrave, of Sutherland House, Gilbert Close, Woolwich had been charged with driving a Seat Ibiza, while disqualified, on Battersea Bridge Road on August 25, last year.

He was also charged with driving without insurance, but always insisted it was a case of mistaken identity and he was not behind the wheel.

Petgrave left Chanelle Higgins, 33, paralysed from the chest down and needing a wheelchair for the rest of her life when mounting the pavement in his grey BMW and mowing her down.

He was described as “callous” when sentenced in 2017 to two-and-a-half years imprisonment and was made subject to a two-year driving ban from the day of his release.

Ms Higgins needs round-the-clock care after being injured along with friend Nikisha Cox, 32, at 4.30am on May 29, 2016.

Petgrave fled the scene and was convicted after an Inner London Crown Court trial of of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where prosecutor Meena Fakhri unsuccessfully applied for the trial to be adjourned so her witnesses could give evidence against Petgrave.

The CPS had anticipated Petgrave not appearing and were going to rely on statements being read to the court to convict, but they had never been served on him, making this impossible.

Magistrate Rene DaSilva announced: “We are not prepared to grant the prosecution’s application to adjourn the trial.

“We have considered the old age of this offence, it is summary only and we look to speedy justice.”

There had been four previous listings of the case.

“The prosecution are not even in a position to proceed with the case today. In the interests of justice we refuse to adjourn,” added the magistrate.”

Ms Fakhri then announced: “The Crown have no option, but to offer no evidence in this case.”

The magistrates were never told the facts of the previous case against Petgrave and the circumstances of his disqualification.

Mr. DaSilva told Petgrave before he left the dock smiling: “The prosecution is offering no evidence in the case. This matter is withdrawn, dismissed and you are free to go.”

Police Find Cannabis Farm In Camden Spare Room

A middle-aged Camden man, who turned his spare room into a cannabis farm, while also peddling heroin and crack cocaine, has been jailed.

Michael Ryan, 59, of Cranleigh Street, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

At Wood Green Crown Court he pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis, plus possession, with intent to supply, heroin and crack cocaine.

The court heard that on Friday, March 27, officers from the Central North Gangs unit executed an intelligence-led search warrant at Ryan’s address following information from the public.

At the address they discovered 193 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine with a value of around £2,000, as well as a cannabis farm containing sixty mature cannabis plants.

The cannabis farm had been hidden in a spare room disguised as a built-in cupboard in an attempt to conceal it.

The electricity meter had been by-passed, which was a fire hazard and danger to neighbours.

Detective Sergeant Richard Greenwood, of the Central North Gangs unit, said: “Information from the public is crucial and in this case, led to drugs being taken off the street and a fire hazard being removed.

“This search warrant which subsequently led to Ryan’s arrest and conviction is just one example of the proactive policing work which is taking place across Camden and Islington.

“Drug supply is totally unacceptable and drives much of the violence we see across the boroughs, which is why it’s so important that Cannabis farms like this one are destroyed.

“We will continue to use all the different tactics available to us to reduce anti-social behaviour in Camden and Islington and bring those involved in criminality to justice.”

Fifteen Years For Acid Attacker

An acid attacker, who was part of a vicious gang that poured corrosive liquid over their victim – leaving him with devastating injuries – has been caged.

The victim has needed plastic surgery, including reconstructive work to an eyelid after the ambush in east London.

Sahme Mohammed, 28, of Park Avenue, East Ham has been locked-up for a minimum of 15 years, with an extended 5-year period on parole after his release.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he was convicted of throwing a noxious substance, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, with intent.

The court heard police were called at 4.00pm on February 12, 2018 to reports of a man having been attacked with a noxious substance in Burges Road, East Ham.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. 

On arrival, police found the victim suffering from burn injuries to his face, arms and torso.

Members of the public had run to help him and were dousing him with water.

Initial enquiries established that three males – including Sahme - had arrived in Burges Road in a silver coloured Lexus. 

The victim was hit with a brick before the corrosive liquid was brought out of the vehicle and poured onto his face, causing catastrophic injuries.

Medics treating the victim following the attack described his injuries as ‘a devastating chemical injury’ for which the resulting treatment was a variety of procedures including skin grafts and the reconstruction of his eyelid.

The men involved were identified from CCTV and forensic evidence.

Detective Constable Faye Cook said: “This was a horrific incident which left the victim with serious injuries. 

“This sentencing is the culmination of a lengthy process which has been very trying for him.”

Co-defendant Muhammed Al-Ali, 25, of Sisley Road, Barking was also sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, plus extended parole for the same offence.

A third accused, aged 27, was arrested and charged, but died before he could stand trial.

I Like To Ride My Bicycle: Huge Haul Of Suspected Stolen Cycles Found During Raid

Police investigating specialist bike thieves seized 118 suspected stolen cycles when they raided an address in Hackney.

Officers from the Central East BCU launched the probe after stolen bikes were advertised for sale online.

They executed a warrant at the property on the morning of Sunday, August 2 and found the huge haul, with an estimated value of more than £30,000.

Officers are working to establish how many of them are stolen, and hope to reunite as many of them as possible with their rightful owners.

Two men, aged 21 and 60 were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and possession of criminal property and bailed pending further enquiries.

An investigation was launched and the warrant arranged after eleven people reported finding bikes that had been stolen from them being advertised for sale on social media.

Sergeant Jo Stephens said: “This was a significant seizure of bicycles we strongly believe have been stolen – either in burglaries, robberies, or from the street - for the purpose of selling on for a profit to unsuspecting buyers.

“While the internet is a good place to easily advertise and sell property, the informal nature of the transaction means that people also use certain websites to sell stolen goods quickly and anonymously, with little trace."

Sergeant Stephens added: “We are making enquiries to try and find out who the bikes belong to so we can return them to their owners.

“We would urge anyone who has a bicycle to get it security-marked and registered at BikeRegister – this helps us return stolen property to its owner, and it also helps us bring prosecutions.”

Kidnap Investigation: Suspect Wanted

Police investigating an alleged kidnapping are hunting this suspect, who has links to the East End.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad are appealing for information to locate the man, who is wanted for questioning.

At approximately 5.00pm on Friday, February 28, police received information relating to a possible kidnap.

A fast-time operation was launched and the victim was recovered safe and well.

Extensive enquiries led to the identification of Abdur Rahat, 23, who is about 5ft 9ins tall and of very heavy build.

The investigating team wish to speak to anyone who has information about his current whereabouts.

Abdur Rahat has been known to reside in Bethnal Green and has links to people in that area.

Anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of Rahat is asked to contact police by emailing p205038@met.police.uk, phoning 101 or via Twitter @MetCC quoting 5750/28FEB.

Alternatively, they can visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Speeding Football Pundit Rio Ferdinand Loses Driving Licence

Court Out: Rio Leaving Crawley Magistrates'

Former footballer Rio Ferdinand was banned from driving for six months yesterday after being clocked at 85mph in his new Mercedes.

The 41 year-old former Manchester United, Leeds United, West Ham United and England star broke the 70mph speed limit on the A27 dual carriageway in Hove, East Sussex.

Ferdinand, of Knowl Wood Lane, Farnborough, Orpington, was convicted of speeding at the Hangleton interchange at 8.27pm on July 22, last year.

He was driving a brand-new grey two-litre diesel Mercedes and admitted the offence under the new secret Single Justice Procedure Act.

The latest offence, which carried three penalty points, was added to the nine he already has and triggered the automatic disqualification.

He argued at Crawley Magistrates Court a ban would amount to “exceptional hardship” because of needing to drive his three children to school, plus other activities.

The COVID pandemic meant a private driver or taxis were out of the question, claimed Ferdinand.

However, this was rejected by magistrate Mr. Geoffrey Allen, who told him: “Unfortunately COVID has effected everybody in the world the same way.”

Ferdinand was also fined £670, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £67 victim surcharge.

Ferdinand was banned in 2012 for six months for speeding three times on the same stretch of road in  five-week period.

He was also convicted of speeding in 2005, 2003 and 2002 and drink-driving in 1997.

Ferdinand’s last three speeding offences were on March 16, 2017; May 4, 2018 and April 15, last year.

He received three penalty points on his licence each time.

He told the court it was vital he be allowed to continue driving his three children two school and various events, claiming “exceptional hardship” if he was disqualified.

Ruling out his wife taking over driving duties Ferdinand said: “It’s very difficult with three children, with different activities and different times at school.

“One will be going back to school an hour before the other. Usually we would have a school bus, but that’s impossible with COVID.”

He also ruled out taxis and a private tested chauffeur. “I wouldn’t let my children get in a taxi. COVID is an issue.

“Because of my profile I wouldn’t put my kids in a taxi. I would not allow them to go with a driver.”

Conceding he could afford to hire a chauffeur, who would be COVID-tested, Ferdinand told the court: “That’s not concrete. These are unprecedented times, they don’t go into a car with a driver at all.”

Ferdinand agreed his last two speeding convictions followed a Speed Awareness Course for yet another similar offence. 

Ferdinand’s representative Mr. Udo Onwere asked the magistrates not to disqualify his client. “The last three to four years have been an extremely difficult period in Mr. Ferdinand’s life.

“Family bereavements have effectively made him a single parent, though he has a new relationship with his new wife who is pregnant.

“Rio lost his mother two years ago. She was the primary carer for the children as Rio previously lost his wife.”

Ferdinand’s children are Lorenz, 12, Tate, 10 and Tia, 8. Their mother, Rebecca, died in 2015.

“He has three children and he has to travel around to public events, to school. He is a public figure, which makes this difficult and there has been trauma in their lives.

“The children rely on Mr. Ferdinand to take them to their different events and this is exacerbated by COVID, which makes it difficult for Mr. Ferdinand to employ somebody outside or use public transport because they are too young to use it.

“He understands speeding is not something to be looked on proudly.

“He has battled on a daily basis to maintain the safety of his children and driving them on a daily basis is a huge part of that.”

Fake-COVID Thug Jailed After Police Stand-Off

A wanted driver, who waved a knife at police and threatened to spit on them – claiming he had COVID-19 – has been caged.

Jason Gritton, 45, of Central Hill, Upper Norwood brandished the blade when officers arrived at his home.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of affray and assaulting a police officer at the address on April 30.

Gritton was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

He was wanted for driving offences, but tried to hide from the officers when they turned up on his doorstep.

Gritton then began waving a large knife, while making threats to kill and began throwing objects, including a storage box.

Hethreatened to spit at them after claiming he had coronavirus and specialist negotiators were called to the scene.

Eventually Gritton was arrested and taken into custody.

Chief Inspector David Monk, from the Metropolitan Police's Road & Transport Policing Command,said:"This sentence shows that threats and assaults on emergency workers will not be tolerated and the maximum possible sentence will be sought through the court process."