Another Foreign Shoplifter Banned From The Square Mile

A prolific shoplifter has been banned from entering the City of London after being handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

George Lupascu, 38, pleaded guilty to fourteen counts of theft and one count of criminal damage.

He was sentenced to twenty weeks behind bars and given a CBO, banning him from entering the Square Mile for five years.

Lupascu committed the offences between July 7 and September 8.

During one of his shoplifting sprees, Lupascu stole around £1,000 worth of healthcare and skincare products from a Boots store in the City on August 6. 

In front of staff and customers he did not even attempt to conceal that he was filling up a cloth bag with products, directly from the shelves.

Police Constable Skye Brincat, of the Neighbourhood Policing team at the City of London Police, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime; it can cause significant alarm and distress to retail staff, as well as members of the public.

“We want retailers to come forward and report any crime so we can start investigations. 

“Through the store’s CCTV, and our extensive camera network in the City, we will identify, find and bring criminals before the courts.

“The CBO will help us protect businesses and communities from various offences, including theft and anti-social behaviour, and act as a deterrent to others thinking of criminal activity.”

If Lupascu breaches his CBO, he could face further jail time.

Crazed Tram Knifeman Repeatedly Stabbed Passenger

A suburban tram passenger was stabbed and slashed by a knifeman, who blocked him boarding and vowed to kill him.

The victim suffered eight wounds to abdomen, face, arms and legs after boarding at Sandilands, Croydon on July 18, last year.

Andrew Paul Mullings, 41, of Dingwall Road, Croydon received an indefinite hospital order when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to wounding, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article – a kitchen knife and meat cleaver.

The court heard how as he tried to board the tram, the victim – a complete stranger – was blocked by Mullings, who said he would kill him.

Once on the tram Mullings produced a knife from his bag and stabbed the victim in the abdomen.

As the victim attempted to move down the carriage to get away from his assailant, Mullings pursued him, continuing to stab at him.

Panicked passengers attempted to flee while Mullings stabbed the victim in his face and legs.

Once the victim had managed to escape, Mullings took a seat and engaged in conversation with two passengers before fleeing the service when it came to an emergency stop in a tunnel between Sandilands and Lloyd Park.

Mullings was arrested by police shortly afterwards as he walked down the tramlines.

On arrest, Mullings was found with a kitchen knife and meat cleaver in his bag. 

On forensic testing, the knife bore the blood of the victim.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell said: “This was a terrifying incident for both the victim and other passengers who watched on in horror as Mullings carried out a sustained knife attack on an innocent stranger.

“Given his extensive injuries the victim was lucky to escape with his life.”

Booted Out! Square Mile And National Shop Ban For Thief

A prolific shoplifter, who stole around £4,000 worth of beauty products in the City of London, has been banned from every Boots store in England and Wales.

Michael Hayes, 35, pleaded guilty to ten counts of theft from Boots on Moorgate and received twenty-two weeks imprisonment.

He was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), banning him from entering the Square Mile for three years, plus the Boots store ban.

Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: “We never view shop theft as a low-level crime, we understand the significant negative impact it has on businesses, employees and customers.

“The Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team are committed to doing everything we can to catch criminals, ensuring people who live, work or visit the City are safe and feel safe, and offenders are brought before the courts.

“Haye’s CBO will prevent him from further criminality and help protect businesses and members of the public. 

“If he breaks the terms of the CBO, he could face further jail time.”

Hayes first struck Boots on May 7, stealing 15 tubes of joint and back relief gel, worth £173.

Hayes went back to the same store the next day on May 8, stealing around £792 worth of products, including razor blade cartridges and skincare products.

During his shoplifting spree between May 7 and June 25, Hayes stole beauty and skincare products worth a total of approximately £4,000.

Internet Wannabe HSTikkyTokky Sentenced For Wrecking McLaren Supercar

Notorious social influencer HSTikkyTokky received a suspended prison sentence today and a two-year road ban after crashing a £220,000 McLaren supercar and fleeing the country.

Real name Harrison Sullivan, the 24 year-old was on the run for almost a year, living it up in Qatar, Thailand and Spain until Surrey Police returned him to the UK on a private plane.

Appearing in a prison-issue light grey sweat shirt and sweat bottoms at Staines Magistrates Court he was sentenced for driving the 4.0 litre purple McLaren 720S dangerously while uninsured.

The court heard Harrison, of Parkstone Avenue, Hornchurch, was still travelling at 71mph after braking when he collided with a black Audi on the A30 London Road, Virginia Water, Surrey on March 24, last year.

One witness estimated his speed was “100mph or more” in the 40mph zone, but this cannot be proved.

The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds.

Sullivan was extradited from Malaga and has been locked up since October 11, with Surrey Police now demanding £18,000 from Harrison, saying he threatened to “kick off” if placed on a normal commercial flight. 

District Judge Julie Cooper told him at the end of the fifty minute hearing: “Some might think this level of driving with your notoriety, which I understand earns you a fortune, should attract a sentence that sends a message to others, but I will treat you as anyone else appears in this court.”

She sentenced Harrison two twelve months imprisonment, suspended for twenty-four months and ordered him to complete 300 hours community service.

He must also wear an electronic ankle tag for three months while obeying a 9pm-6am nighttime curfew and complete 30 days of a recommended activity requirement.

“This was a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road and there was a persistent disregard for warnings,” the judge told Harrison. “It is quite a dangerous road if you are speeding.

“I accept you were not racing, but were acting in your social media role and going at a ridiculous speed so as so add to your notoriety, which compounds this.

“You have high levels of confidence and low maturity and that combination is quite troubling.”

Earlier, prosecutor Kane Alexander told the packed courtroom, which included Harrison’s mother Elaine Sullivan that Spanish authorities in Madrid had to okay the extradition warrant.

He refuted Sullivan’s claim to the Probation Service that he agreed to return to the UK voluntarily when prompted by the National Crime Agency.

Regarding the offence he added: “The speed was unreasonable for the road and the conditions. He was driving extremely fast in a supercar.

He said a passenger friend of Sullivan’s George Elliot begged the defendant to slow down.

“He kept telling him: ‘You can’t drive like this. You need to slow down,” because the acceleration of this car is ferocious.

“The McLaren was going at a high speed before the collision in a single carriageway in broad daylight with other road users present.

“He knowingly drove with no insurance and not only did the defendant fail to stop he left no details, fled the scene and the jurisdiction for nearly a year.”

The Crown Prosecution Service are also demanding £10,300 costs from Sullivan and there will be a hearing in January to decide how much Harrison has to pay both them and Surrey Police.

His lawyer Shalin Sood told the court: “He is not brought to you as a social media influencer, but a young man whose every mistake has been amplified.

“He is not here with excuses, but here to face the consequences.

“He allowed fear to direct his actions and accept that was not acceptable and he is remorseful for what he has done.

“He has no previous convictions, but accepts he avoided the authorities for a long period of time and has been remanded on prison since October 11.

“He has spent those days reflecting on his actions and his foolish decisions.”

Harrison wrote a letter to Judge Cooper, explaining: “I have had a lot of time to reflect. I am ashamed, but fortunate my actions did not seriously injure other people.

“I have made amends with my friend George and we are now on good terms.

“I have a large social media presence and know if people acted in the same way I did there is a possibility people could be injured.

“I aim to help the homeless on my release. Helping others makes me the happiest.”

Ms Sood added: “The harsh reality of prison has been a wake up call for Mr Sullivan. For a short moment the road seemed clear and he decided to accelerate.

“He knew it was wrong, but because it was for a short period of time thought it would be okay.”

She pointed to the pre-sentence report which said: “Any time in a custodial setting would bring Mr Sullivan into contact with more sophisticated criminals.”

“There is clearly a persona he portrays on social media and he now wants to give back. That’s where his passion is and he will do whatever it takes to rehabilitate himself.

“He is well aware that he could have killed someone and has genuine remorse for what he did that day.”

Sullivan quit university to pursue online fitness.

“He had a desire to attract followers and attracted hundreds of thousands of them and was very successful, showing he has a strong entrepreneurial streak in him.

“He wants to change and grow up and give back and asks the court to give him the opportunity to start to build that back today.”

Elaine even wrote to the judge, saying: “His rise to prominence and the pressure to remain relevant and entertaining was immense. His public image can be easily misunderstood by those that have not met him personally.”

Sullivan also pleaded guilty to one count of driving without insurance.

Victoria Station Phone Thief Caught By BTP

A phone thief has been locked-up for nicking a phone from a food vendor at busy Victoria station as suspicious plain-clothed police watched.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers watched Hamza Esguioui, 28, loiter near the food outlet's counter and swooped after witnessing the theft.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court he pleaded guilty to one count of theft and received two months imprisonment.

The offence triggered a suspended sentence for fraud Esguioui had previously been convicted of and he received four months imprisonment for the breach.

The court heard how on Wednesday, September 24 plain clothed BTP officers on patrol at London Victoria station noticed Esguioui paying close attention to other commuters and their bags.

Officers began to observe Esguioui due to his behaviour, and watched as he sat near to the counter of a food outlet.

He then swiped a member of staff's phone worth £800 from the counter and rose to leave, unaware that he was being watched by police and that his actions were in full view of the station CCTV cameras.

Plain clothes officers immediately intervened, stopping and arresting Esguioui as the member of staff came over to report that their phone had been stolen.

When interviewed later in the day, Esguioui offered no explanation nor showed any remorse for his actions.

Esguioui was on bail for a theft at Paddington railway station that he had committed only five days before on Friday, September 19.

Investigating officer PC Robert Whitehead said: "I'm very pleased with the result in this case. 

“Esguioui acted with a remarkable degree of impudence in attempting to swipe a phone in full view of our officers.

"I hope that this result encourages Esguioui to change his ways, and that it sends a message to would-be criminals that we do not tolerate theft or robbery on the railway network and will continue to prosecute those that would target others for their own gain."

Booze Cruise: No Prison Time For Square Mile Burglar

Caught Red-Handed: Kubola

A tuk-tuk pedicab driver broke into the same City of London restaurant three times in six weeks – stealing £24,000 worth of wine – has been sentenced.

Iuliu Kubola, 61, used his job as a cover to pedal around the Square Mile, targeting the restaurant, located near the Bank of England.

CCTV images captured him taking seventy-three bottles of wine on the first occasion; three the second time, before leaving empty-handed after the third raid.

Kubola, of Richie Street, Islington pleaded guilty to three counts of burgling the Threadneedle Street business.

He received twenty months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He initially burgled the business on Friday, May 6, loading the bottles into his pedicab and cycling away.

He returned on June 15 and 19.

He was arrested on June 22 at around 12:30am, when an officer recognised Kubola as a person of interest following a police briefing.

Police constable Jordan Felstead approached Kubola, who had stopped outside a bar on Cornhill.

After making further enquiries with the Criminal Investigation Department, it was discovered that Kubola was a suspect connected to a spate of burglaries.

City of London Police boast that they are one of the few forces where scenes of crimes officers go to every incident where forensics can be recovered and do not screen out ‘low level’ crime.

Detective Constable Marcus Fairclough, of the Criminal Investigation Department said: “Thanks to the good work by our officers, who spotted him and quickly made enquiries and the arrest, Iuliu Kubola will face the consequences of his criminality.

“Burglary has a significant impact on businesses and residential communities.

“We will attend all reports of break-ins in the City; giving us the best chance of making an arrest and collecting evidence from a scene.

“We will always take this type of criminality seriously and thoroughly investigate all evidential leads, including forensics, to bring those perpetrators to justice.”

Kubola also caused damage to the external door and locks, costing £1,000 to change locks and £425 to repair the damage.

Physical Forensics Manager Andrew Walker, of the City of London Police, said: “Our fast response is vital to maximise forensic opportunities and lessen the impact on the victims.

“Being burgled is horrendous; not being able to tidy up or open your business and resume trading exacerbates this massively.

“The victim is at the heart of everything we do. Delivering them justice, whilst minimising the impact that crime has on them, is the bedrock on which City of London Police Forensic Services operates.”

Cocaine Dealer Caught In Square Mile

A cocaine dealer, caught selling in the heart of the Square Mile, is starting a twenty-month prison sentence.

Plain-clothed City of London Police officers watched as 22 year-old Adi Skura made an exchange with another male in Garlick Hill on the evening of September 18 and stopped him.

He was searched in nearby Cannon Street, where officers found twenty small snap bag of cocaine, plus £270 cash.

Skura pleaded guilty to possession of Class A drugs, with intent to supply.

He was arrested by officers from the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team.

Skura was also caught on camera making the exchange with the pedestrian in the busy area.

Detective Constable James Crellin, Criminal Investigations Department at the City of London Police, said: “We are proactively identifying and apprehending offenders and we will continue to take action to disrupt and pursue those involved in the supply of Class A drugs on the streets of London.

“These efforts not only rid the streets of this most impactful and harmful illegal activity, but it sends a clear message to those behind drug-related crime, that you will be caught and put behind bars.”

“We also want to issue a warning to those who are purchasing drugs or considering it. Not only it is a criminal offence, but you are also bringing violent and dangerous criminals into the City.”

The Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team focuses on crimes such as theft of bags, phone snatches and shoplifting.

The dedicated team is successfully bringing criminals to justice and proactive arrests are disrupting those involved in serious organised crime.

City Of London Parasite Jailed For Square Mile Thefts

A bag thief, who preyed on after-hours City workers enjoying a drink in the heart of the Square Mile has been locked-up.

Aouidj Abderaouf, 29, was caught on CCTV grabbing a customers' rucksack at the busy The Walrus And The Carpenter pub, Monument.

He is starting a thirty-six week prison sentence after being convicted of the July 30 theft.

He was also convicted of stealing a bag at nearby El Vino The Olde Wine Shades, Martin Lane on the same day.

Wearing a baseball cap to hide his distinctive balding hairline Abderaouf entered The Walrus And The Carpenter and mingled amongst the customers.

A male patron had left his rucksack on a seat when he went to the bar and Abderaouf grabbed it on the way out.

Fortunately, plain-clothed City of London Police had been watching him and arrested Abderaouf as he stepped outside.

Police Constable Joshua Betts, of the Volume Crime Unit at the City of London Police, said: “We remain committed to tackling bag thefts and ensuring those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice. 

“We have already made significant arrests which have led to a number of successful prosecutions.

“Our dedicated officers are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals who target those who live, work and visit the Square Mile.

“Through increased patrols, targeted operations and using our extensive camera network in the City, we are enhancing our ability to deter criminal activities and respond swiftly when incidents occur.”

Vodka-Fueled Sex Assault On Sixteen Year-Old Girl

A host who poured his sixteen year-old house guest a large vodka before putting his hand inside her bra, has received a suspended prison sentence.

David Gould, 61, of Diamond Crescent, Swindon, Wiltshire had a loose connection with the girl and invited her over to his home, where he complimented her on her looks before molesting her.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court he pleaded guilty to one count of sexually assaulting the teenager at his then south-west London address in Spring, 2011.

The Recorder of Richmond-upon-Thames Judge Peter Lodder KC told Gould: “You took advantage by inviting her over, plying her with alcohol and sexually assaulting her.

“You were thirty-one years older than her and had separated from your wife and you told her she looked beautiful.

“You invited her to come around and visit you and asked her if she would like a drink and poured her a very large vodka, without much lemonade.

“She did not have much experience of drinking and you knew exactly what you were up to.

“You put your hand inside her top and bra. She was uncomfortable and told you so.”

Gould received eighteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must complete 280 hours community service.

He was ordered to also complete twenty-seven days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, sign the sex offenders register and obey a fifteen-year sexual harm prevention order.

“For many, many, many years she has had to deal with your denials and only recently has had the small consolation of your guilty plea.

“As she put it in her victim impact statement her childhood ended at the age of sixteen years-old. 

“That is what you have done to blight that young girl’s life to satisfy your own desires,” the judge told Gould. “I am very tempted to send you to prison and you can consider yourself very lucky.”

Gould was charged for this offence after an investigation into separate allegations of sexually abusing a nine year-old girl in 2018.

He was eventually cleared in relation to that victim, but the sixteen year-old complainant - now many years older - gave a video-recorded interview to police on March 30, 2023.

Earlier, prosecutor Ravi Dogra told the court that Gould gave the teen a large vodka after she told him the most she usually drank was a small lager shandy.

“He was saying things about her body, her breasts and how she looked. He put his hand inside her top and inside her bra.”

In her victim impact statement the complainant said: “This incident has affected my life and still ripples through everything I do today.

“His compliments about my body now disgust me. I was only a child.”

Addressing Gould directly she told him: “You took advantage and plied me with alcohol to take advantage of me.

“I trusted you and the things you did that day have had an everlasting effect on me.”

Gould’s lawyer Nargees Choudhury told the court the defendant’s wife had left him in 2008 - three years before the offence - taking their two children with her.

“He was depressed, suffered panic attacks, had to take time off work and his mental health was at an all-time low.

“He will never forgive himself for what he did. He is absolutely sickened by what he did.”