Justice Catches Up With Child Molester Four Decades On

A paedophile, who preyed on a five year-old boy in the 1970's, has been brought to justice and locked up for three-and-half years.

David Mark James, 66, of Pond Row, Abercanaid, Glamorgan sexually abused the youngster in Brent, north-west London four decades ago.

The investigation began in May 2013 when the victim reported the assault to police.

James denied the allegations during a trial at Harrow Crown Court, but was found guilty of one count of indecent assault.


He was acquitted of two further offences relating to the same victim.



Detective Constable Luke Williams of the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation & Child Abuse Command said: "James sexually abused the victim and betrayed the trust placed in him by so many.

“I commend the bravery of the victim for showing great courage in coming forward and giving evidence. 



"I believe James may have abused other children and appeal to those people to come forward.

“The Metropolitan Police Service will do everything within our power to keep the children of London safe from those intent on doing harm. 



"James will remain subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for life to protect children upon his release." 



Please contact your local police service on 101 to report abuse or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lager-Drinking Leeds United Fan Denies Abusing Stewards And Police

A Leeds United FC fan, caught trying to sneak a can of lager into an away match, has denied calling the steward who caught him a “c***” and telling the arresting police officer to “f*** off.”

Michael Hutchinson, 27, of Thornton Street, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, Bradford was arrested at Craven Cottage stadium before his team's 3-0 midweek away win at Fulham FC.

He pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to using threatening behaviour at the ground on March 18 and was bailed to appear for trial at City of London Magistrates Court on July 27.

However, Hutchinson did plead guilty to possessing alcohol when entering a sporting event, namely the Fulham FC v Leeds United match, and will be sentenced for the offence at the conclusion of his trial.

The court heard Hutchinson travelled down by train for the match and was stopped at the turnstile with a can of lager in his back pocket.

He was described as “staggering” and clearly drunk when stopped and searched by the stewards.

Bolton Wanderers Star Denies Mercedes Speed Camera Offence

Bolton Wanderers FC star Dean Moxey denies he was speeding in a Mercedes caught on camera – claiming he had already returned the leased super-saloon and somebody else must have been driving it.

The 29 year-old left-back, of Farington Lodge Gardens, Farington, Leyland is being prosecuted for failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of the Mercedes C63 snapped exceeding the limit in the London area on August 27, last year.

The Exeter-born star, who was signed on a free transfer from Premier League Crystal Palace at the start of the season, told Lavender Hill Magistrates Court in a letter he had already returned the vehicle around the time he moved from his former address in Caterham, Surrey.

He was still the registered keeper of the car when it was photographed over the limit, but failed to reply to two letters sent to his address.

However, Moxey says he leased the vehicle for twelve months from June 27, 2013 explaining: “I don't believe the car was anything to do with me at this time and Mercedes know I did not have anything to do with the car.”

The court ruled Moxey's letter raised a “number of issues” and the case was adjourned until April 22 to give the player the opportunity to produce evidence he had returned the vehicle to the lease company before the speeding offence.

Conservative Club Treasurer Jailed For Nicking Over £50K

The treasurer for Sidcup and District Conservative and Social Club is starting an eighteen-month prison sentence for stealing over £50,000 by transferring the organisation's money directly into his bank account.

Mark Edmonds, 53, of Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent plunged the club a quarter of a million pounds into debt and they were hit with a late tax bill of £20,000.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of stealing £57,284.30p from the club over two-and-a-half years between 2009 and 2012, plus a count of fraud by misrepresentation in relation to the same sum.

"It started with the defendant transferring money to his account to pay a nine thousand pound bill to the brewery and then taking more than he was entitled to," said Mr. Matthew Buckland, defending.

"He started with honest intentions, but succumbed to the temptation to take, in small increments, money he was not entitled to.

"He has been made bankrupt and this debt is part of his bankruptcy."

The prison sentence means the £2,293 per month Edmonds was paying his creditors until mid-2017 will come to and end.

Prosecutor Miss Brinder Soora told the court: "The defendant was employed as a treasurer to the community club that has pensioner members and organises events such as darts, snooker and football."

A chartered accountant reviewed the finances in May, 2012. "She found the club owed over two hundred and fifty pounds, which on the face of it appeared not to be accounted for.

"The defendant had been misappropriating money from the club in the form of transfers from the club's Lloyds Bank account to his own bank account.

"He was given an opportunity by the club to explain, but was not forthcoming and the police were called. It was they're only option.

"The club were unable to meet it's tax liabilities and were fined."

When questioned by police Edmonds, who is not a qualified accountant, said he began borrowing small amounts to cover his own financial difficulties and would repay the money.

He has pension pots of £75,000 and £40,000, which he can access at the age of fifty-five years-old, but there are no court orders forcing him to repay the club.

"Whatever the balance is to the club will be paid from those two pensions," added Mr. Buckland.

"He was unable to resist the temptation in front of him, but is able to pay the money given time and repair the damage that has been done." 

Edmonds says £150,000 of the initial £250,000 unaccounted for was paid out by him in legitimate bills on behalf of the club.

"You took advantage of the trust placed in you and took that money over a long period of time," Judge Joanna Greenberg QC told Edmonds.

Notorious Football Hooligan Wins Away Court Victory

Police 0 Aaron Cawley 1

A notorious Leeds United football hooligan from the West Country enjoyed a rare away court victory yesterday when a charge relating to his banning order was dropped.

Labourer Aaron Cawley, 24, of Blenheim Square, Cheltenham was arrested on the day of his team's visit to Fulham FC for being within five miles of a football stadium Leeds United were due to play at that day.

He appeared before Hammersmith Magistrates Court charged with breaching his football banning order by being present in New King's Road, Fulham on March 18, within five miles of Craven cottage, where Leeds United won their Championship fixture 3-0.

However, the court heard the five-mile rule – imposed at Sheffield Magistrates Court on November 21, 2012 – only applied to England international matches.

Cawley, who infamously punched Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during a Yorkshire derby against Leeds United on October 19, 2012, has a shorter, one mile, exclusion from club games.

After accepting he was just over one mile away from Craven Cottage prosecutor Mr. Martin Edwards announced: “It seems to have been charged on a false basis,” and withdrew the case.

The court heard Cawley, who has 'LUFC' tattooed on his neck, has “anxiety issues” and brought a doctor's letter with him.

He remains subject to controls enforced by the UK Football Policing Unit.

He received four months imprisonment for assaulting the ex-England goalkeeper and was banned from watching all Leeds United football matches for life.

Footage from Sky Sports captured him dealing Kirkland a two-handed blow to the face and then running back to the stands, grinning and laughing.

He said he was too drunk to remember his actions after an all-day drinking session, during which he downed ten pints of cider, strong lager and vodka.

Church Handbag Thief Hunted For Targeting 90 Year-Old

Police are hunting this heartless handbag thief, who snatched a pensioner's bag and emptied it of cash during an Ash Wednesday church service in west London.

The woman was attending St. Nicholas' Church, Church Street, Hounslow on the evening of February 18 and left her handbag unattended while she approached the alter.

When she returned to her seat she found her handbag had been stolen.



The victim and others from the church searched the local area and found the bag and the woman's personal belongings on the street.



All the money in her purse had been taken.



The suspect was caught on CCTV entering the church and sitting at the back, before taking the victim’s bag and leaving.



The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 30-years of age and 6ft tall. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and was carrying a bag.



Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police on 101, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Rare Special-Edition Mini Cooper Nicked

A cherished and rare special-edition classic Mini Cooper – one of only three hundred made – has been taken after being parked in a posh part of west London.

The owner of the John Cooper LE left the vehicle – manufactured in 2000 – in a parking bay in Royal Hospital Road, near the junction of Sloane Avenue, Chelsea on January 29.

When he returned two hours later the car, worth approximately £10,000 and sporting rare 'Brooklands Green' livery, was gone.

If you have any information contact Detective Sergeant Lindsey Vieira from Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0215.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fashion Designer To The Stars Drove After Cyclist And Deliberately Knocked Him Off Bike

A fashion designer to the stars pursued a cyclist in her Audi TT after a roundabout confrontation and deliberately knocked him off his bike because he kicked the side of her car.

Lamis Khamis, 42, whose designs have been worn by celebrities including model Cara Delevingne and musician Chris Brown launched her self-named brand in 2001 after graduating with a Fine Art & Sculpture Degree from the Camberwell College of Arts.

Khamis, of Iveagh Avenue, North Kensington, whose label rose from her popular stall on Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and a valid MOT on May 17, last year.

The prosecution dropped a more serious charge of dangerous driving against the designer, who describes her work as just as much art as fashion and is sold in leading boutiques all over the world.

Isleworth Crown Court heard she was behind the wheel of her black 2.0 litre Audi when she got into a row with a man riding an electric-powered bicycle at a roundabout near Shepherd's Bush Green.

The cyclist kicked the side of her car during the argument, causing a dent that needed a £300 repair, and Khamis pursued him, driving her car into the bike at low speed and knocking the rider to the ground.

"There was an incident between the pair of you at the roundabout and at some stage your vehicle was kicked and you followed him," Recorder John Gallagher told Khamis today.

"He rode off, but because his cycle had no registration plate you followed in an attempt to obtain details from him.

"You, in an attempt to stop him, drove into him and he fell off his cycle. Your actions were deliberate, but it was not a case of running a person down because you were only travelling at 10mph and he sustained no injuries.

"However, this was a deliberate act and he might well have been injured and you did not consider the risks and alternatives.

"You are a mature lady who has never been in trouble with the police in the past and you have a clean driving licence and in twenty years have had no disqualifications.

"It was a deliberate act that resulted in a cyclist being knocked off his bicycle and you failed to consider the alternatives.

"I accept on your part it should not be described as road rage."

Khamis, who also consults for leading fashion brands and has styled some of the biggest stars in the music and film industry, was fined a total of £600 and given six penalty points on her licence.

Trio Charged With Money-Laundering Plot

Charged: Jasmeet Bhatia

Two men, accused of a large-scale money-laundering fraud plot, have appeared for the first time at City of London Magistrates Court.

They are: Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, 30, of Lower Field Road, Reading and Fareed Mohammed, 33, of Huntly Road, Fairfield, Liverpool, who will both appear at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on April 13.

A third defendant, Sobhanadreshwar Uppalapati, 31, of Rosebery Avenue, Manor Park, east London, who is unwell in India had his bail extended to appear at the magistrates court on April 9.

All three are charged with conspiring to defraud between June 25 and December 28, 2012 by transferring money electronically between bank accounts, knowing or suspecting it represented the proceeds of criminal conduct.

They are also all charged with acquiring, using or possessing criminal property between the same dates, namely £186,058.

Bhatia alone is charged with conspiring to conceal criminal property between the same dates, namely £45,730 and both Mohammed and Uppalapati face the same charge in relation to £157,902.

Ex-Lord Mayor Of London Caught Drink-Driving Near Bank Of England

Sir Francis leaving court

Former Lord Mayor of London Sir Francis McWilliams was caught drink-driving when officers from the police force he was once boss of stopped his Jaguar in the early hours near the Bank of England.

Retired civil engineer Sir Francis, 89, claims he enjoyed some wine during a family dinner in the Square Mile and when officers stopped him at 2.30am his "eyes were glazed" and "his speech was slurred," City of London Magistrates Court heard.

Edinburgh-born Sir Francis, who lives in an exclusive apartment within 'A' listed Georgian mansion Whittingehame House, Stenton, East Lothian - where a flat once sold for £2.5m - pleaded guilty to driving his blue 2.7 litre Jaguar XF with excess alcohol in Threadneedle Street on March 15.

The court was told City of London police on patrol pulled him over and Sir Francis, who was appointed to the historic role in 1992, failed a roadside breath-test after alcohol was smelled on him and he was arrested.

He later gave a reading of 42 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

"Mr. McWilliams attended a family dinner and came down from Scotland," explained his lawyer. "He had some wine and did not feel impaired in the slightest.

"That was an unfortunate error of judgement and brings him to court today. Something he regrets."

Sir Francis, who is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and became involved in Square Mile politics via the Barbican's residents association, was fined £500, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and was disqualified for twelve months.

The court heard he has been driving since 1953 and has never received an endorsement on his licence and has no previous convictions.

The magistrates proceeded to sentencing after retiring while legal checks were made to confirm a driving disqualification made in an English court would also apply to Scotland.

No mention was made of his previous position of Lord Mayor during the hearing and he identified himself as "Mr. McWilliams."

The magistrates court is next-door to the Mansion House, where Sir Francis would have presided over many ceremonial functions during his term of office and is also on the route of the annual Lord Mayor's Show.

While Lord Mayor Sir Francis described his role as: "Ambassadorial in representing the financial City to the world outside."

Sir Francis ran his own consulting engineering practise for many years then became legally-qualified to rule on disputes within the industry and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.