Fare Dodger Caught With Rambo Knife

A teenage fare-dodger has been locked-up for six months for carrying a fearsome foot-long combat knife.

Rackeem Thomas, 18, tried to flee police and was tackled to the floor of Dartford railway station while trying to pull the Rambo-style blade from his waistband.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a pointed or bladed article at the commuter station on December 18, last year and received the period of youth custody the following day when he appeared at Medway Magistrates Court.

He was also ordered to pay £85 for a forfeiture and destruction order, as well as a £154 victim surcharge.

The court heard Thomas was travelling through Dartford railway station when he was stopped for a ticket check by a revenue inspector. 

Thomas failed to provide a ticket, and British Transport Police officers’ suspicions were raised by his nervous behaviour. 

He was caught out trying to provide a fake name to officers.

Thomas was detained, but as officers prepared to search him, he attempted to flee and was stopped and taken to the floor with the help of rail staff. 

Whilst on the floor, Thomas attempted to withdraw the knife from his waistband.

Investigating Officer PC Alex Morgan said: "Thomas is clearly a dangerous individual, and I am extremely pleased to see him sentenced to six months imprisonment less than twenty-four hours after officers found him committing the offence.

"It is incredibly rewarding to get a violent individual and horrendous knife off the rail network and I hope this sends a clear signal to offenders that anyone caught in possession of these dangerous weapons in public will be brought to justice."

Fare Dodger Jailed For Devastating Knockout Punch

A fare-dodger, who hospitalised a 61 year-old tube station worker with a single punch that caused a fractured skull, multiple facial fractures and bleeding on the brain, has been locked-up for three-and-a-half years.

Viorel Schiopu, 23, returned to launch the “appalling and unprovoked attack” after pushing through the ticket barriers at Harrow-on-the-Hill Underground Station just after midnight on May 21, last year.

He had initially spoken to the victim and thrown the contents of a packet he was eating from at the Transport for London employee before CCTV showed him returning to continue the conversation and then suddenly land the blow.

Schiopu, of Lansdowne Road, Luton pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm; actual bodily harm and affray and is subject to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting contact with the victim and entering certain stations.

The blow knocked the worker backwards and he fell to the ground unconscious – causing a loud bang heard by a colleague.

The victim was rushed to a Major Trauma hospital, where he was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain, a fractured skull and multiple facial fractures.

Later that day British Transport Police (BTP) released CCTV images of Schiopu, which were shared widely on social media, leading to him handing himself into police the next day.

The victim remained in hospital for twelve days and is still slowly recovering from the injuries.

In his victim impact statement, he said: “To say the effects of the assault have been profound would be an understatement. 

“It has changed everything, and my life is very different to what it used to be before….it feels like my freedom has been robbed from me.”

Detective Constable Tony Gittins said: “This was a truly appalling and unprovoked attack on a member of staff simply trying to do their job, and they are very sadly continuing to suffer the severe physical and mental effects of what happened to this day.

TikTok Doc's NHS Swindle

An NHS surgeon - motivated by “greed and avarice” - has received a suspended prison sentence for a £51,982 inflated hours swindle.

Kingston Hospital Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist Kifayat Ullah, 40, says he wanted to keep his daughters, aged six and seven years-old in their private school and fund additional family bills.

He also has a TikTok channel - The Ear Doctor - and he posts about his private work, where he charges up to £170 for emergency call outs.

He forged the signatures of three different managers when falsifying a total of 29 timesheets - claiming wages for a full 45 hour week when in reality he was working a reduced 22.5 hours at his own request.

Dr. Ullah pleaded guilty to one count of making a false instrument, with intent it be accepted as genuine, between December 4, 2020 and June 30, 2021, namely timesheets.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court he received twenty-four months imprisonment, suspended for two years and was ordered to pay £51,982 compensation to Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

In addition he must also complete 250 hours community service work, up to twenty-five days of a recommended activity requirement and pay £5,000 costs.

Dr. Ullah now face professional ruin as he will appear before the General Medical Council’s conduct committee, who have the power to strike him off.

Judge Marcus Tregilgas-Davey told him: “You initially claimed it was a mistake and not dishonest. That was untrue.

“You are of good character and I have read all the character references and comments of patients that testify to you being a good and caring doctor.

“However, your actions did not stem from anxiety or stress as you said, but greed and avarice.

“You wanted to retain your income and you have brought disgrace on yourself and your profession.

“Everybody who reads the news knows that the one organisation that cannot afford to lose large sums of money is the NHS, it deprives money going toward the care of the people of this country.”

Prosecutor Matthew Ralston said Dr. Ullah, who shares a £1.5m two-bedroom Hampstead flat in Primrose Hill Road with his wife and daughters was paid £69.00 per hour via MedicsPro Recruitment Agency, who billed the NHS an additional £10.00 per hour.

“In the following year a support manager requested copies of the timesheets from the doctor and on inspection it was revealed the number of working hours had been inflated

“Dr. Ullah had requested a reduction from five to two-and-a-half days per week for ‘personal reasons’ but 658 hours that he claimed to have worked did not feature on the Trust’s system.”

He was questioned by the hospital in November, 2021. “Dr Ullah said there was an understanding he would still receive pay for forty-five hours because he worked in the evening and saw extra patients.

“He said that any mistakes were not deliberate and the hospital’s system did not reflect the hours he worked.”

Dr. Ullah’s lawyer Quentin Hunt said: “He apologises to the court, the public and the NHS. Consider the tributes from those who know Dr. Ullah well, they find it hard to believe he committed the offence.”

However, Judge Tregilgas-Davey concluded the doctor lied to his professional colleagues and told them he was wrongly accused.

“Much of the character witnesses are of the premise that he is innocent, which he must have told them, which is rather telling, isn’t it?” asked the judge.

“They are phrased in such a way that they have been given incorrect and false information by him. It is remarkable that so many of the letters are written in such a similar way.”

Mr Hunt continued: “He is well known and well thought of by those with who he works professionally.”

Dr. Ullah says his ‘personal reasons’ for reducing his working hours were to care for his ill father, aged in his eighties and support his mother, aged in her seventies.

“He tells me he was under extreme stress as the breadwinner for his family and as a result made the timesheets as they are. He pays all the family expenses and the school fees for his children.

“Dr. Ullah suffers from anxiety and depression and takes daily anti-depressant medication, suffered a heart attack in 2021 and needs a hearing aid for one of his ears.”

Asking for the inevitable person sentence to be suspended the lawyer added: “His professional reputation is in tatters and he will probably be struck off by the GMC.

“There were no nice holidays, fancy cars or clothes and he has learned his lesson.

“This was an unforgivable lapse from a man who otherwise enjoyed a sparkling career in the medical profession and he is asking for a chance.”

Agreeing to suspend the sentence Judge Tregilgas-Davey announced: “I have an eye to the fact you have two young daughters and they will be adversely effected by any time you are in prison.

“This is your first offence and it seems the disgrace you have brought upon yourself is a significant punishment.”

The Trust spent an additional £34,956 in professional investigative fees with accountants KPMG and asked Dr. Ullah to pay, but this was refused by the judge, who said: “I am not going to order the astronomical sum requested.”

Jail For Train Rapist Who Targeted 14 Year-old Boy

A “dangerous predator,” who targeted and raped a 14 year-old boy on a train, has been caged for sixteen years.

Christopher Key, 39, of Westbourne Gardens, Folkestone deliberately sat opposite the teenager when they both boarded the service in Margate, Kent on March 27, last year.

Key proceeded to question the youngster, asking him inappropriate questions, and staring at him, making him uncomfortable. 

Bravely, the victim was able to capture a short video of Key’s face before he proceeded to threaten and then rape him.

The victim was then able to get away and get the attention of a couple on the train, who intervened and confronted Key, allowing the victim to get off the train safely. 

He ran home and alerted his mother to the incident, who called 999. 

Meanwhile, the couple who intervened remained on the train with Key and alerted a train guard.

The image of Key taken by the victim was sent to officers, who met the train and arrested Key.

At Canterbury Crown Court he pleaded guilty to one count of rape and will remain on parole for an additional eight years once released

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Sergent Mike Blakeburn said: “This man is a dangerous predator who targeted a lone teenage boy. 

“I am pleased that our investigation has resulted in him receiving a significant custodial sentence.

"I would like to thank the victim and his family for the support they have shown throughout this investigation. 

“It has been an incredibly difficult and upsetting experience for them and I hope this outcome brings them some closure.

“The victim’s bravery in reporting this at his soonest opportunity, along with the video of Key, meant off
icers could quickly respond and apprehend Key. 

“I commend his quick thinking in such a traumatic circumstance. Additionally, I’d like to thank the bystanders for bravely stepping in and allowing the victim to escape.

"Tackling sexual offences and violence is a priority for British Transport Police (BTP). We take all reports seriously and will do everything in our power to bring them to justice.

“If you are a victim of, or a witness to, a sexual offence on the railway - I urge you to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Piccadilly Line Predator: Rapist Caged For Nine Years

A sexual predator, who ended a night of depraved deviancy by raping a sleeping 20 year-old young woman on a Piccadilly Line tube train has been locked-up for nine years.

Ryan Johnston, 37, struck at approximately 7.45am after boarding the Underground train at Heathrow Airport, three hours after chasing and stalking two terrified women, who caught him masturbating while staring through the window of a house.

He was convicted by an Inner London Crown Court jury of one count of rape; one count of attempted rape; two counts of sexual assault and one count of outraging public decency.

Johnston was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Johnston boarded the tube train at Heathrow's Terminal Five on Sunday, February 23, 2020 and walked confidently through the carriage, approaching a young woman, who was asleep.

He sexually assaulted her and then raped her while she was unconscious.

The horrific attack was witnessed by a tourist and his young son, who reported what they had seen to police later that morning.

The incident was not captured on CCTV and despite extensive enquiries, officers were unable to identify the victim or any other report made to police.

Two years later, following a British Transport Police (BTP) review of historic rape cases, Johnston was identified, and arrested at HMP Brixton in December, 2022, where he was serving time for burglary.

Further enquiries led to detectives identifying the victim in the same month, who hadn’t realised the extent of what had happened to her.

Johnston was also linked to another disturbing incident in the early hours of that same day when two men exited Bounds Green Underground Station, also on the Piccadilly Line at 4.45am.

They noticed Johnston standing outside a house with his trousers round his ankles, looking through the window and masturbating.

Feeling scared, the women ran away, and Johnston then began shouting and chased them down the street to their home.

Thankfully, they managed to safely get inside and hide under a stairwell while Johnston banged on their door and put his hand through the letterbox before eventually leaving.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Kathrine Spencer said: "The offences committed by Ryan Johnston show him to be a dangerous individual, who viewed women with contempt.

“He was simply concerned with his own sexual gratification at any cost. 

“I hope this sends out a strong message to survivors of these offences that we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice to make society a safer place." 

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Paul Attwell of BTP’s Major, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Johnston’s brazen attack in front of witnesses highlights his lack of shame or remorse for his actions, something which continued throughout his trial. 

“I am thankful his violence and despicable actions have been recognised by the guilty verdicts and significant sentence.

“His depraved actions will have a life-long impact on the victim and those who witnessed this. I am thankful for their bravery throughout this investigation. I hope they can now find some comfort in the fact justice has been served.”

County Lines Cocaine Dealer Jailed

A drug dealer caught during a County Lines investigation carried out by transport cops is starting a six-year prison sentence.

Adedayo Fatuga, 32, of George Avenue, Milton Keynes had £70,000 worth of cocaine hidden in his bedroom along with bundles of cash.

At Aylesbury Crown Court he pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of cocaine, with intent to supply and money laundering.

In July, last year officers from British Transport Police, Thames Valley Police, and the Metropolitan Police executed a number of search warrants at addresses in the Reading area of Berkshire, Milton Keynes and Camberley.

Officers were investigating drug dealers, who use the railway network. 

Fatuga was subsequently arrested and over 700g of cocaine was seized at his home address.

Detective Inspector Matt Davies from the British Transport Police County Lines Task Force said: “We are pleased with the excellent results of this operation and it is a credit to our team, the convictions we have secured so far. 

“Working alongside our colleagues from other forces enhances our capabilities to catch those orchestrating these County Lines.

“The County Lines Task Force works hard to tackle drugs on the railway. 

“This sentence should display a very powerful message to those involved in this sort of activity – we will disrupt the distribution of drugs by County Lines dealers.”

Train Sex Pest: Do You Know This Man?

Wanted: In Plain White

Police are hunting a mystery sex pest, who pleasured himself onboard a commuter train.

The unknown male stared at another train passenger while performing the repulsive act.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their suspect.

They are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying him.

The man was travelling between London Bridge and Cambridge between 3.30pm and 4.00pm on Thursday, August 31.

He departed the train at Hitchin railway station.

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

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 204 of 31/08/2023.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Stabbing At Camden Town Underground Station

A police manhunt has been launched after a tube train passenger was stabbed while waiting on the platform.

The victim was injured in the early hours of Saturday, November 18 at Camden Town Underground Station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their suspect and have requested the assistance of the public to identify him.

The victim – a man in his thirties – was stabbed at approximately 5.30am and taken to a local hospital.

Fortunately, his injuries were not life-threatening or life-changing and he was released by the medical staff shortly after.

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

Anyone who recognises him, or has information relating to the incident, can contact BTP by texting 61016 of calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 110 of 18/11/2023.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sexual Assault At DLR Station

A police hunt has been launched after a sexual assault at a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station in east London.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their suspect and are appealing to members of the public to assist identifying him.

The victim, who BTP have failed to identify as either male or female, entered Stratford High Street station at approximately 9.00pm on Friday, September 29.

An unknown male approached the victim and attempted to start a conversation before repeatedly sexually assaulting them.

BTP officers would like to speak to the man in the image as they believe he may have information that could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 321 of 03/10/2023.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dogs Of War: Pooch Poo Stabbing

A passer-by was stabbed in the Square Mile after complaining to a dog-owner his pet had soiled the pavement.

Fortunately, the victim's injuries – inflicted during an early hours confrontation - are not life-threatening.

However, City of London Police are treating what they describe as a “knife attack” seriously and are hunting the perpetrator.

They have released this CCTV image and are requesting the public's assistance in identifying the suspect.

The victim challenged an unknown male on Saturday, December 16, near the junction of Ropemaker Street and Moorgate.

During the subsequent disagreement the victim was stabbed.

Detective Sergeant David Honan, of the City of London Police, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who recognises the man or has any additional information about the knife attack that took place in the City of London in the early hours of Saturday 16 December.

“If you see this man, please do not to approach him, instead contact the police on 020 7601 2222.

“We want to reassure City residents and those who come into the City to work and socialise, that a full and thorough investigation is underway.”

Alternatively, people can email cidmain@city-of-london.pnn.police.uk using the reference 770896 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Knifepoint Robbery Of Designer Jacket

A train passenger has been robbed at knifepoint of their designer jacket at Peckham Rye station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their suspect and have requested the assistance of the general public in identifying him.

The frightening incident happened on Platform 2 at around 3.20pm on Tuesday, November 14 at the south London railway station. 

An unknown male approached the victim, ordering them to hand over their expensive jacket and then threatened them with a knife.

The victim handed over their jacket and the man left the station towards Rye Lane.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the image who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 369 of 14/11/23.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Season's Greetings & High Court Update

Happy Christmas to all of our readers.

Best wishes for this holiday season and we hope you had a positive 2023 and will enjoy an even better 2024.

Some of you may know that a year ago a convicted fraudster, whose case was published on this site, pursued a totally unmerited High Court claim that was dismissed in its entirety after a one-day contested trial.

A year on that fraudster, who habitually and falsely complained that the editor of this site did not comply with High Court rulings, has continued to ignore one of the most important of all – the payment of costs.

Identified only as “Ms C” during the trial (what an appropriate title) the highly-respected Mr Justice Griffiths said of her: “Ms C now denies that she was dishonest or guilty. She is stating a false case....”

Since the ruling this editor's conduct has been quoted in legal texts and in advice to professional journalists as to how conduct oneself regarding accuracy; evidence gathering and retention of records.

A tremendous amount of time and work was committed to defending this false claim and thousands of pounds in costs are still owed by “Ms C” to the editor.

“Ms C” was fanatical about adhering to court orders during this case, but does not seem so keen on obeying this one.

Funny that, isn't it?

Best Wishes, Editor.

Bald Cheek: Are There More Victims Of This Train Sex Offender?

 A “predatory” train sex offender, who deliberately targeted lone female passengers – molesting them while pretending to be asleep – has been finally caged.

Adriano Repetti, 46, struck while travelling on trains between his Cambridge home and London's King's Cross.

He was eventually caught when his final victim texted British Transport Police (BTP) during the assault and officers were waiting at the journey's conclusion.

Another of Repetti's victim's witnessed the police arrest and told officers he had molested her during a previous train journey.

At Inner London Crown Court Repetti, of Manor Way, Fulbourn, was sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment.

He also received a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting him sitting near lone females on any form of public transport.

Four victims of Repetti were identified, but BTP believe there are more.

He pleaded guilty to offences of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.

In a clear pattern of deviant and predatory behaviour, he would choose a seat next to a lone woman, trapping them by the window. 

He would then pretend he was falling asleep and reach out and touch his victims.

At around 7.30pm on the August Bank Holiday, Monday August 28, Repetti targeted a woman on a train from Cambridge to King's Cross station. 

He started to touch her and ignored her when she asked to leave her seat. 

Despite being very scared, the woman bravely texted BTP on 61016, while Repetti was sitting next to her. 

At 7.37pm, the victim texted 61016: “I have no idea where to report this to but some guy is touching me on the train.” 

At 8.05pm, BTP officers met the train at King's Cross station, where they arrested Repetti.

In a fortunate coincidence, another woman saw Repetti being arrested and came forward to tell officers he had also assaulted her on Saturday August 19. 

A BTP investigation revealed Repetti had targeted women throughout July and August.

He was identified as the offender in two further incidents:

• On 22^nd July 2023, Repetti targeted a 25-year-old woman. She took a photo of him as she left the train and later sent it to British Transport Police.
  

• On 23^rd August 2023, Repetti sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on a train to Kings Cross. Upon arriving at Kings Cross, the woman bravely came forward to officers at the station to report the assault.

Detectives believe that Repetti is likely to have committed other offences and urge other victims to come forward.

In his police interview, Repetti was unrepentant and, while he admitted his actions, said he did not think he was targeting women.

Detective Constable Mark Luker said: “Repetti’s predatory actions have traumatised his victims and they have all been deeply affected.

“Despite this, they were brave enough to come forward to police and, thanks to their testimony, a dangerous sex offender is now behind bars.

“Anyone using the rail network to offend in this way should know that British Transport Police have officers looking for you day and night. You will not get away with it.”

Seventeen Year-old Girls Attacked By Mystery Females

Do you recognise these two females?

Police are hunting these mystery suspects after two seventeen year-old girls were attacked from behind at Benfleet railway station, Essex.

The victims were shouted at as they passed a pair of young women, who then participated in a joint assault.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their unknown suspects and are appealing to the public for their assistance in identifying them.

At approximately 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 10 the two 17-year-old victims left their train service at the station. 

As they headed towards the stairs to exit the station, they walked passed two young women, who shouted several comments towards them.

At the bottom of the stairs, the first young women assaulted one of the victims from behind. 

When the second victim tried to remove her friend from the situation, the second young woman proceeded to assault her.

After a member of rail staff intervened the pair jumped over the station barrier and left the station.

Officers believe the two women in the images released may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 2300119859.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mercedes Driver In Court After Wandsworth Bridge Tragedy

Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida

A Mercedes driver appeared in court today charged in relation to the tragic death of an engaged psychology graduate, described as a “true princess,” who was fatally injured on Wandsworth Bridge.

Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida, 27, studied psychology at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland and graduated from King’s College London with a Master of Science in Psychology.

She was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck just to the south of the bridge while crossing Bridgend Road, Wandsworth at 10.00pm on March 16, last year.

Octavian Cadar, 38, of Exmoor House, Clydesdale Way, Belvedere, Bexley appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was bailed unconditionally to appear at the Old Bailey on January 16, next year.

Despite an Air Ambulance attending the scene, sadly nothing could be done to save Charlotte, who was employed by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as a research assistant within their Department of Psychology.

She is the daughter of Ecuadorian politician Carlos Sagnay de la Bastia - uncle of private art collector Harriet Clapham, the wife of Sotheby’s director Harry Primrose, Lord Dalmeny. 

Her fiancé Michael Williams was allowed into court to attend the conclusion of today’s hearing, as Cadar was bailed to appear at the Central Criminal Court.

Octavian Cadar

Following the tragedy Charlotte’s closest friend Kristina Smirnoffa wrote: “It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida at the young age of twenty-seven.

“Charlotte was everything, a loving fiancé to Michael, a caring friend, a kind daughter, a hard worker, a fantastic cheerleader.

“Charlotte was the main character in most of our lives. Charlotte lit up every room she walked into.

“She was a true princess and a fighter. She was beautiful inside and out…for the way she thought…for the way her eyes sparkled…for the way she lifted others up around her.

“She was taken from us so soon, so suddenly, without a goodbye. Charlotte will be missed dearly.”

At the time Detective Constable Jenny Burr, who led the initial investigation, said: “Wandsworth Bridge is a popular and busy route across the Thames and it is likely that people either witnessed the collision, or may have dash-cam footage that could assist our investigation.

“I am appealing to those people to get in touch. Our thoughts are with her family.”