Where They Belong: Burglars Behind Bars

Two burglars, arrested after they were spotted breaking into a North London basement flat, have been caged.

Two crowbars and a screwdriver, used for forcing entry into residential addresses, were seized by police and their nearby getaway car was full of stolen loot.

Jobless John Pitkin, 48, (pic.top) of Fairbourne Road, Tottenham received thirty months imprisonment and jobless Richard Campbell, 48, (pic.bottom) of Green Lanes, Hornsey received thirty-six months.

Pitkin pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to burgling and attempting to burgle two flats in Oakfield Road, Finsbury Park on August 16, last year and going equipped for burglary.

Campbell pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to burgling the same flat Pitkin admitted breaking into.

Police were called at 2.00pm by a member of the public reporting two men trying to break in through the window of a basement flat.

Officers from Haringey's Priority Crime Team arrived at the scene within minutes and searched the area for the suspects.

Nearby, in the driveway of an address in Albany Road, officers spotted two men, Pitkin and Campbell, matching the descriptions provided and stopped and searched them. 



Pitkin was found in possession of two crowbars, a screwdriver and a car key.

The car was found parked nearby and searched where police found property including electrical goods (mobile phone, photographic equipment, laptop), tobacco, clothing and toiletries.

This was identified as having been stolen in a burglary at a flat just moments before.



Campbell was found in possession of foreign currency and two mobile smart phones, also identified as having been stolen in the burglary at the flat.

Forensic officers found footwear marks at the scene of the burglary matching the trainers worn by both men.

Tool marks at the point of entry resembled that of a crowbar and a flat headed screwdriver, as found on Pitkin, and glove marks were found around the edge of the victim's television where somebody had attempted to move it.

Both suspects were in possession of woolly gloves at the time of arrest.



Detective Chief Superintendent Sandra Looby, Borough commander for Haringey, said: "Two burglars have been taken off our streets as the result of a 999 call from an alert member of the public and the subsequent police response. 



"Police officers responding to the call stopped the right men and obtained good early evidence.

“This, together with the findings of our forensic officers, and the work of our detectives to prepare a solid case against them, led both men to realise they had no option but to plead guilty. 



"Ultimately we are grateful to the member of the public who made that call to police and enabled us to provide a response that resulted in these convictions and contributed to making their neighbourhood safer."



Investigating officer, Detective Constable Warren Ingrey, said: "These convictions show the continued pressure police in Haringey are putting on those who commit burglary and should reassure residents of our total commitment to bringing offenders to justice."

Woman Caged For Mugging Pensioner

A heartless bag-snatcher, who dragged an 83 year-old pensioner to the ground in East London, has been jailed for four years.

Samantha Murray, 34, (pictured) of Genas Close, Ilford attacked the victim from behind, leaving her sprawled on the ground with back and hand injuries.

She was convicted of robbing the woman in Longwood Gardens, Barkingside on June 8, last year.

The victim vainly tried to hang onto her bag, but it was violently wrenched away by Murray.

A passer-by found her on the ground and flagged down a passing police car.

Officers drove the victim around the local area and she identified Murray at a bus stop in Cranbrook Road – still in possession of the woman's property.

Sergeant Matt Taylor from Redbridge Borough, said: “This was a violent robbery on an elderly lady going about her business.

“She has found the whole incident distressing and it has had a profound effect on her and the way she lives. It has saddened all involved in this case.

“Whilst I do not want this type of crime to happen, I want the public to know we will robustly investigate any robbery and see that those responsible are bought to justice.”

Pharmacist Found Not Guilty

A pharmacist was cleared today of deliberately duping a sick, vulnerable pensioner into believing the government had dramatically increased the price of her medicines.

After a three-day trial Jaspal Singh Cheema, 45, was found not guilty of defrauding the local woman out of £5,000 over a four-and-half year period.

Cheema was accused of cashing a total of sixty-seven cheques for extra migraine and irritable bowel syndrome medication and then trying to talk the victim out of pursuing the prosecution against him.

Cheema, of Cheyham Way, Sutton, boss of Imperial Pharmacy in nearby Epsom Road supplied the 65 year-old pensioner with extra doses of medicine when her prescription supply ran out.

He was cleared of defrauding Florence Harrison between January 15, 2007 and July 11, 2011 by dishonestly making false representations.

Fourteen Year-Old Fractured Wrist When Headbutted

A New Addington teenager headbutted a local rival four years his junior outside his family home – resulting in the youngster fracturing his wrist as he tried to break his fall.

Clude Gomes, 18, of Underwood (pictured) stormed out of his home after learning the 14 year-old was talking about a dispute involving their respective families.

The first-time offender pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on the boy on September 14, last year and received a nine-month community order, which includes 36 hours at an attendance centre and a three month night time curfew.

Prosecutor Miss Shahnaz Ahmed told Croydon Crown Court the victim was chatting in the street with another 14 year-old about the dispute, but was overheard by the defendant's seven year-old sister who went inside and repeated what she had heard.

“The defendant left his house, came outside and head butted the victim once, connecting with the victim's nose and forehead and causing him to fall to the ground.

“He tried to break his fall with his right arm and injured his wrist, which became swollen and bent.”

The police and an ambulance was called and the victim was treated for a fracture.

“You ought to be thoroughly ashamed of headbutting that fourteen year-old,” Judge Peter Gow QC told Gomes.

“Matters could have been worse. People have killed other people by landing a single blow by either a punch or a head butt.”

Gomes was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Pharmacist Accused Of Scamming Sick Pensioner

A pharmacist deliberately duped a sick vulnerable pensioner into believing the government had dramatically increased the price of her medicines in a £5,500 four-and-a-half year scam, a court heard today.

Jaspal Singh Cheema, 45, (pictured) cashed a total of sixty-seven cheques for extra migraine and irritable bowel syndrome medication and then tried to talk the victim out of pursuing the prosecution against him, the Croydon Crown Court jury were told.

Cheema, of Cheyham Way, Sutton, boss of Imperial Pharmacy in nearby Epsom Road, cashed-in when the 65 year-old pensioner ordered extra doses of medicine when her prescription supply ran out.

"He has run the pharmacy with his parents for over twenty years and has known Florence Harrison since he took over and a relationship has grown. They get on very well," prosecutor Miss Shekinah Anson told the court.

"She had been buying this medication for many years, but in 2007 Mr. Cheema told her the prices had gone up and he has been overcharging her ever since. He told her the government had increased the prices and they were being passed on to her."

The inflated charges ranged from £16 to £350 for MigreLief  and Diocalm and were discovered by Mrs Harrison's unofficial carer.

"She noticed a number of large cheques had been paid out of the account and telephoned Mr. Cheema and accused him of stealing from a vulnerable woman and told him he would have to pay the money back."

Cheema initially protested that he had simply provided the medicine Mrs Harrison asked for, but on July 7, 2011 a £3,000 cheque was posted through her letterbox.

Despite this police were called, prompting action by the defendant. "He phoned Mrs Harrison and asked her to persuade her carer not to take the matter to court," added Miss Anson.

Cheema has pleaded not guilty to fraud in that between January 15, 2007 and July 11, 2011 he dishonestly made a false representation to Mrs Harrison with intent to make a £5,509 gain.

Trial continues……

Carer Illegally Pocketed £21K In Payments

A single mum-of-three illegally obtained £21,000 in carer's allowance payments by keeping her part-time job quiet.

School cleaner Gaynor Richardson, 46, (pictured) of Bracken Avenue, Croydon pocketed the extra payments for nearly seven years.

She pleaded guilty to failing to notify the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) of a change in her financial circumstances between June 2, 2003 and January 10, 2010, plus two charges of making a false statement to the (DWP) on or about May 2006 and April 2008.

The claim began in 2000 and Richardson started work three years later. The first-time offender may now face civil proceedings if the DWP pursue compensation.

“You made false statements or representations that your carer's allowance be continued over a long period,” Recorder Freya Newbery told Richardson at Croydon Crown Court.

“You have been overpaid by twenty-one thousand pounds. That is a substantial amount of money.

“You did not act out of dishonesty, but you casually failed to give the right information to the DWP in order to be paid the right amount of benefit.

“Your home circumstances are that you are a single mother with three children, two of them are under eighteen years-old and your eldest has returned to live with you, with your grandchild.”

Richardson was placed on a twelve month community order, which includes 40 hours community service work and was ordered to pay £150 costs.

No compensation order was made by Recorder Newbery who announced: “There is no reasonable prospect of you paying back to the DWP what you owe them in a reasonable time frame.” 

Footballer Punched Nightclub Girl After Double Grope Accusation

A footballer, who slapped an punched a young nightclub woman, who accused him of pulling down her bra and groping one of her breasts was fined £200 yesterday.

Ex-Crystal Palace FC pro Nathaniel Pinney, 22, of Leybourne Court, Manor Road, South Norwood was alleged to have pulled down the 23 year-old woman's top twice earlier in the evening at Sutton's Wonderland nightclub, Croydon Crown Court heard.

Pinney, a product of Palace's celebrated youth system, was released by the club last summer and now plays in Ryman's Premier Division for Carshalton Athletic.

He was cleared by the jury of sexually assaulting the woman and her friend, who he was accused of slapping on the bottom, but had already pleaded guilty to common assault after being caught on the club's CCTV on August 7, last year.

"You slapped her once and you punched her once and on the basis of the jury's verdict you had been accused of something you had not done," Judge Peter Gow QC told Pinney.

"There was an element of provocation in what you did and I take into account the remorse you showed during your evidence.

"You described it as a stupid over reaction. Mr. Pinney ensure that if you find yourself in a similar situation again you control yourself."

The woman, who says Pinney pulled her top down three times, told the jury the first incident occurred as she chatted with a friend in the club.

Pinney told the court he was the victim of mistaken identity and did not sexually assault either woman, but admitted lying to police about slapping and punching the first complainant.

He told the jury he downed seven glasses of wine during the evening, explaining: "I was tipsy. I was not drunk off my face.

"I was chilling with my friends and this girl came over accusing me and calling me every name under the sun, saying I've done this and that.

"She accused me of taking out her breast and palming it with my hand. I told her: 'Listen, you've got the wrong person. I haven't touched you.'

"I was upset and angry at someone coming out of the blue and accusing me of things," Pinney told the court. "I wanted to have a good night, but it was ruined 'cos of these allegations.

"That's when I lost my head and took it a bit too far and slapped her face.

"She hit me on the chest and I reacted stupidly and hit her again, once."

When quizzed by police Pinney told them: "I don't record hitting no girl 'cos I'm not like that."

He eventually admitted the crime after viewing the damning CCTV evidence.

Country Lane Cocaine Dealers' Convoy

Three big-spending cocaine dealers were caught after a dramatic police swoop in Romford, which netted £178,000 worth of the drug, a jury have been told.

The gang, whose members enjoyed cash and luxuries beyond their legitimate means, had been under surveillance for much of the day, Croydon Crown Court heard.

Mark Boorman, 24, of Laurel Crescent, Romford and Toby Kallar, 26, of Airthrie Road, Ilford have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine on or before July 19, last year.

Daniel Skurr, 24, of Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch has pleaded guilty to the charge and driving a VW van dangerously and while disqualified in Rush Green Road, Romford.

He will be sentenced at the conclusion of the trial.

Prosecutor Miss Susana Stevens said police observations began in Little Gerpins Lane, Upminster, (pictured) where Kallar was sitting in his parked Vauxhall Astra.

"It is a remote location. There is nothing there other than some bins, it is a quiet country lane."

The vehicle was followed to Suttons Avenue, Hornchurch, where Skurr got out and chatted to another man.

All three defendants returned to the Little Gerpins Lane location, Skurr now driving a van and Boorman his Mercedes.

They set off "in convoy" and were stopped by police several miles away.

"Skurr accelerated hard and mounted the pavement and there is a police chase," explained Miss Stevens. "Skurr abandoned the van and was stopped and arrested on foot."

In the van police found one kilo of cocaine of 89% purity.

"The police officers drew their batons and approached Kallar as if they were going to smash his windscreen and ordered him to get out of his car.

"Boorman also mounted the pavement and tried to follow Skurr, but the police were too quick.

"They hammered on the front passenger-side window and he stopped the car and was arrested," added Miss Stevens.

Officers then searched the defendants homes and recovered "cash and luxuries."

"The investigation reveals a lifestyle that will help you determine whether they were truly innocent."

Trial continues………….

Pensioner Dodges Jail For Sick Porn Stash

A pensioner, caught by police with a collection of child porn, plus images of people having sex with animals, dodged jail with a suspended yesterday.

Derek Eastoe, 66, of Hurlstone Road, Selhurst had collected over 700 sick images, some depicting children as young as six being sexually abused.

He was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) to eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £428 costs.

The court heard Eastoe was not part of any active paedophile ring and did not distribute the material he found on the internet.

Eastoe pleaded guilty to multiple counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing an indecent image of a child on or before July 11, last year.

He also admitted possessing images of extreme pornography, namely people engaged in sexual activity with animals. 

Pervert Hairdresser's Shampoo & Sex

The middle-aged boss of a popular Northwood Hills beauty salon is facing prison after he was convicted yesterday of groping a "shocked" 17 year-old trainee's breasts while conditioning her hair.

Hairdresser Shimon Alcobi, 44, the owner of SHD Beauty, The Broadway, Joel Street began massaging the girl's head before running his hands down under her top and bra.

He denied, but was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court (pictured) jury of sexually assaulting the victim on a day between May 30 and June 30, 2011 and will be sentenced on February 25.

Alcobi, of Holders Hill Avenue, Hendon later sacked the teenager after falsely accusing her of forming a relationship with a male member of staff and she reported him to the police.

Prosecutor Miss Pamela Reiss told the jury: "He offered to do her hair and conditioned it while giving her a head massage.

"Then he started rubbing the top of her neck and the front of her chest and put both his hands under her top and under her bra and touched her breasts.

"She was shocked, but continued to work there until August when she was fired for purportedly being in a relationship with another member of staff.

"This was not true, but they ended up forming a relationship later."

When police investigated the complaint two other young girls, an 19 year-old former member of staff and her friend, also gave statements against Alcobi alleging sexual assault.

He was also charged in relation to them, but was acquitted by the jury.

The former employee said Alcobi quizzed her about her sex life while shampooing and conditioning her hair and touched her chest, just above her breasts.

The defendant was conditioning her friend's hair on another occasion when the young woman insists he touched her chest and encouraged the girls to kiss each other.