Thursday, 11 June 2015

Pensioners Scammed: Do You Know This Suspect

Police are hunting this suspected heartless conman after a couple in their 80's with dementia were targeted for their life savings.
On Friday April 24 at approximately 10:00am, the couple received a knock at their door in Ealing, west London from two men purporting to be from their bank.
The men walked into the house, stood in the hallway and told the victims that they needed their bank cards and PIN numbers.
The suspects became threatening and the victims complied, still thinking the men were from their bank.
A short time later the couple's lifesavings were withdrawn from Barclays Bank, Ealing Broadway.
The suspects then made off towards west Ealing in a grey new shape Audi.
Detective Constable Richard Thomas of Ealing CID, said: "The victims are emotionally upset and are wrongly blaming themselves for this incident.
“This is a despicable crime for which I would like to trace the suspects and put them behind bars.
"I urge anyone who recognises the man in the image or has information to contact me as a matter of urgency so others do not fall foul of these heartless criminals."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ealing CID on 101 quoting reference CRIS 2510022/15. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wednesday, 10 June 2015

Drink-Driver Jailed For Running Over Policewoman Who Ordered Him To Stop

A drink-driver who ran over a policewoman as he tried to evade a roadblock – knocking her unconscious – has been locked-up for two years.
Jobless Michael Adenibi, 22, of Pembury Close, Pembury Road, Hackney drove at the officer at between 20-30mph and threw her two metres into the air.
She landed on the bonnet of his Ford Focus before falling to the ground and suffered a concussion.
He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving; driving without a licence and insurance and was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of inflicting actual bodily harm on PC Sue Thomson.
The court heard it was just after 3:30pm on October 2, when Adenibi approached a police vehicle check near Hammersmith Bridge.
Two officers indicated for him to pull over and Adenibi initially proceeded as though he was going to comply.
However, he then veered around the officers and the central traffic island and sped away up the wrong side of the road against oncoming traffic.
Officers saw Adenibi enter the Hammersmith one-way system in the wrong direction and his details were circulated.
He was stopped by police in Shepherd's Bush Road, but drove onto the pavement behind a telephone box, causing pedestrians to jump out of the way.
As he did, PC Thomson moved around to the front of her vehicle to try and get Adenibi to stop, but he ignored her orders and drove straight at her, knocking her into the air.
PC Thomson said: "I will never forget what happened that afternoon and I know how lucky I was not to be more seriously injured, but the emotional consequences have surprised me with their depth and longevity.
“On a positive note I will always remember the love and support of my family, friends and colleagues both on the day and the months since.
“They have all been amazing and I am hugely proud to have them on my side."
Chief Superintendent Gideon Springer, Borough commander of Hammersmith and Fulham, said: "This was a serious and deliberate attempt to injure one of my officers to evade arrest and could quite easily have proved fatal.
"PC Thomson is a credit to not only Hammersmith and Fulham police but the Metropolitan Police Service and this is a typical example of the courage and professionalism demonstrated by our officers in London on a daily basis."

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

Nightclub Death: Three Bouncers In Court

Adam Hird
Three club doormen, charged after the death of an aspiring pilot who was restrained in the early hours outside a Vauxhall nightspot, are due to appear in court today.
Epping travel agent Adam Hird, 30, died two days after an incident outside No. 65 Bar, Albert Embankment on June 15, last year.
They will appear on bail at Croydon Magistrates Court charged with negligence manslaughter.
They are: Lewis Thorne, 22, of St Lawrence Chase, Ramsgate, Kent; 
Mark Pantalleresco, 51, of The Parade, Brighton Road, Tadworth, Surrey and 
Sebastiano Ragusa, 30, Celandine Close, Poplar.

Mr. Hird was restrained at approximately 3.20am as he tried to gain entry to the club, but his heart stopped and he was rushed to hospital.
He sadly passed away at 4.40pm on June 19.

Monday, 8 June 2015

Middlesbrough FC Play-Off Fan Nicked For Lighting Flare Outside Wembley

A teenage Middlesbrough fan, who travelled to the Wembley play-off final with his parents and brother and sister, missed the match after being chased by police and arrested for holding a lit flare outside.

Apprentice joiner Kieran Brundle, 18, of Clover Hill Drive, Loftus, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Redcar and Cleveland suffered the additional misery of learning his team lost the game 0-2 to Norwich City, who were promoted to the Premier League.


He appeared at Hendon Magistrates Court today on a charge of throwing or casting a firework outside Wembley Stadium on May 25, contrary to the 1875 Explosive Act and was bound-over to keep the peace for six months in the sum of £100.


Brundle initially pleaded guilty to the offence, but the prosecution agreed to vacate the plea and withdraw the charge, allowing the teenager to keep his good character and not have a criminal record.


The court heard It was approximately 2.00pm when police saw a red flare being held by somebody in the crowd and when they approached Brundle he made off and was chased and apprehended.


When quizzed by officers Brundle them it was a smoke bomb and he panicked and ran when he saw them approach him.


The whole family came down for the match, Mr. Brundle's brother and sister and mum and dad and they were waiting to go in,” said Mr. Andrew Benington, defending. “Someone gave him the item and you just pull a pin out and smoke comes out and he held it up.


This offence is usually dealt with at the police station with a penalty notice. The lad's come down from Middlesbrough with his dad, a five or six hour trip, and they are keen to get back.


I don't think we'll see him in court again unless it is a Christmas drink-drive when he is forty-five years-old.”

Sunday, 7 June 2015

Bus Pervert: Police Release CCTV In Hunt For Sex Offender

Police are hunting this bus sex pervert, who groped young girls, aged just twelve and seventeen years-old in east London.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released this CCTV image in their attempts to identify the assailant.
Officers now believe the suspect is from the Southwark area of south London.
The first offence occurred at about 3:30pm on Tuesday February 24 in Mawney Road, Romford, after he followed the 12-year-old off a route 248 bus travelling from Upminster.
The second offence occurred at about 15:00pm on Thursday March 5, while the victim - aged 17 years-old - was waiting at a bus stop on Waterloo Road, Romford.
Officers are treating the incidents as linked.
The suspect is described as a black man, around 30-40 years and approximately 6ft tall with bad teeth.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Neil Webb on 020 3054 6712 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 173383.

Saturday, 6 June 2015

"Dangerous, Calculating, Predatory Rapist" Gets 25 Years

A security guard who raped two women at his home – drugging the first victim with a spiked cup of tea – has been jailed for twenty-five years.
Kwame Boakye, 53, of Frobisher Court, Evelyn Street, Deptford was convicted of three counts of rape following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.
The court heard how Boakye befriended his first victim through his work as a security guard and used his influence within the Ghanaian community to offered to help her find employment.
He persuaded her to attend his home address on her own on November 22, 2012 where he drugged the cup of tea he gave her and whilst she was unconscious, raped her.
Boakye was arrested on December 8, 2012 and denied the offence when interviewed.
He lied that the victim had never been to his address and that they never had sexual intercourse.
He even went as far as claiming that he was impotent.
While on bail Boakye befriended another Ghanaian woman under the pretence that he was a trader in clothing to Ghana.
He persuaded her to come to his flat and offered his victim a drink, which she refused.
Boakye became agitated and used force to rape her.
He then carried out a campaign of intimidation and threats to persuade the second victim to return to his flat on numerous occasions where he committed further offences of rape.
Once Boakye began to lose control over his second victim he began to harass her family and friends.
When arrested Boakye claimed that his second victim had never been to his flat alone and that he was impotent.
Telephone records and victim statements provided overwhelming proof of his guilt.
Detective Constable Chris Hammond and Detective Constable Liz McAvoy, the investigating officers from the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Kwame Boakye is a dangerous, calculating and predatory rapist.
He used his position of influence in the Ghanaian community to befriend his victims and gain their trust.
He then used this trust to lure them to his flat where he attacked them.
"We would like to thank his victims for their bravery in reporting him to police and providing their evidence in court.

The Met is committed to supporting victims of sexual assault and bringing their attackers to justice.


“We would encourage any further victims of Boakye to come forward in the knowledge that they would be fully supported."

Thursday, 4 June 2015

Solicitor Denies Flouting Restraining Order After Assaulting Wife

A solicitor, accused of flouting a restraining order by phoning his ex-wife's house on his twelve year-old son's birthday, denied the charge when he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today.

Jonathan Frederick Woodroffe, 49, of Great Austins, Farnham, Surrey, who is employed by Fulham's Excelsior Solicitors, was bailed until a trial at the same court on August 14.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of harassment by leaving a voicemail on his ex's landline on November 17, last year, breaching a restraining order imposed at Richmond Magistrates Court on June 17, 2011.

The order was made after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-wife.

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal also took their own steps and reprimanded Woodroffe for being convicted of assault in non-professional domestic setting and ordered him to pay them £2,226 costs.

Wednesday, 3 June 2015

Ex-Music Teacher's Court Date On Historic Paedophile Charges

A retired music teacher, accused of molesting a young boy four decades ago, was due to appear in court today for the first time on the five charges.

Roger Lunn, 76, of New Barns Avenue, Ely, Cambridgeshire failed to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and the case was adjourned until June 10 for a video link.


He is charged with five counts of indecently assaulting the boy, aged under 14 years-old, between January 1, 1972 and December 31, 1976 at an address in Browns Road, Surbiton, Surrey.

Lunn was represented during the short hearing, but no representations were made on his behalf or indications as to his plea.

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

Aswad Star Smothered And Stripped Girlfriend During Violent Abortion Row

Sentenced: Brinsley Forde
The award-winning founder and former lead singer of UK reggae band Aswad smothered his partner with bedclothes and ripped off her t-shirt and knickers hours after she aborted another man's baby.

Brinsley Forde MBE, 61, who hit number one in the charts with 'Don't Turn Around' in 1988 flew into a rage at 3am when given the cold-shoulder by Jemma Payne as the couple lay in bed.

She described being shaken like a "rag doll" and says she continues to live in fear of her ex, who she described as a "danger" to their two year-old son.

Forde, of The Courtway, Watford was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court of assaulting Miss Payne at her flat in

Orford Court, Elmcourt Road, West Norwood on October 30, last year.

Today he was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes 300 hours community service work and was ordered to pay £200 compensation to Ms Payne, £350 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge. 

"Brinsley wanted to be close to have a cuddle. He put his arm around me and tried to bring me close, but I told him I did not want to be close to him, I wanted to be left alone," Ms Payne told the trial.

"He got very angry and upset. He lost his temper and went into a blind rage and grabbed and shook me like a rag doll.

"He put either a pillow or duvet over my face in a blind rage and held it down. I couldn't breathe and I started to panic and kick out with my legs.

"I jumped off the bed, but he ran around and ripped-off my t-shirt with one sweep from under my arm, tearing it off and did the same with my pants from the front, ripped them off.

"I had chafe marks under my arm, a burn sensation that came up as a bruise the next day."
"Rag Doll": Jemma Payne

The court heard Forde, who is also a radio presenter and actor, confiscated several pairs of shoes he bought Jemma as he left the flat, but then turned and blocked the front door.

"I picked-up a shoe and threw it at him and as he moved back I shut the front door," she explained.

The attacked was reported to police a week later on November 6 and Jemma explained: "I did not report it at the time because of domestic violence in our relationship.

"I realised he was an unsafe person to have around my son and I was worried social services would take him away. That's why I didn't report it.

However, Forde claims there was no assault and Jemma made a false statement because he threatened to tell social services she wanted to buy cannabis from associates nicknamed the 'Frontline' in Brixton.

He was arrested on November 7 at a social services meeting, which was due to discuss, among other topics, their son's Child Protection Plan.

Forde told police: "My ex has made these allegations up because I was going to report her to social services about our son."

When cross-examined Miss Payne did not deny becoming pregnant with another man, adding: "I'm afraid of Brinsley and his behaviour.

"Social services are happy for me to come off child protection as long as I have nothing to do with Brinsley. He's a danger to my son."

Forde told the court the row was about Jemma's affair and abortion. "The chances were that she was back with her ex-boyfriend. I found his underwear in the house.

"I once picked-up the phone when he thought it was Jemma and he asked: "Is the fool still there?'

"I would say she has anger issues that came up now and again and I am facing a charge that discredits me and I have not seen my son."

He told the court he was forced to grab Miss Payne's wrists to defend himself as she tried to punch and kick him.

"Whilst this gentleman is of good character the offence itself does cross the custody threshold because of the nature and circumstances of the assault," announced magistrate Mr. Howard Cohen.

"We are concerned by a lack of remorse and Mr. Forde may not fully appreciate how unacceptable his behaviour was," added the magistrate, agreeing to impose an indefinite restraining order prohibiting Forde contacting Ms Payne and visiting her home.

Forde's lawyer Mr. Nicholas Robinshaw said: "He's had a number of previous relationships and sees his children from those relationships regularly. Never in those relationships has there ever been a suggestion of impropriety.

"This is very much a one-off. It has never happened before and is unlikely to happen again. It appears there was infidelity early on, on both sides, it's over."

Mr. Cohen told Forde, who still protests his innocence: "This is a blot on what otherwise would be seen as blameless character. You have done a great deal in the service of the community and that's been recognised by an award.

"However, any assault that takes place in a domestic setting is serious. That woman was entitled to feel safe and secure in her own home and an assault is an abuse of that.

"The nature of the assault is of great concern to use, but we have pulled back from passing a custodial sentence."

Monday, 1 June 2015

Speeding Lord Banned For Loo Dash

Conservative peer Lord Trefgarne received a four-month road ban today for speeding yet again today after magistrates rejected his claim he was caught short and was rushing to the House of Lords toilets.

David Garro Trefgarne, 74, 2nd Baron Trefgarne, was caught on camera speeding at 36mph along Chelsea Embankment at 1.57pm on October 20, last year in his grey 2.4 litre Suzuki car as he dashed to a 2.30pm sitting of the House.

Rt. Hon. The Lord Trefgarne, of Kettlewell Close, Horsell, Woking, Surrey pleaded guilty to the offence at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and was also fined £1500, with £100 costs and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

The magistrates also dismissed his claim public transport would not be "practical" for a man of his age and responsibilities.

It was Lord Trefgarne's fifth speeding offence in three-and-a-half years and nine points will remain on his licence.

He produced evidence from a consultant urologist, proving he has a medical condition which leaves him prone to needing the toilet at short notice.

"The symptoms are that I have occasional, urgent need to urinate," said the peer, who held ministerial posts in Margaret Thatcher's Tory government. "It is totally unpredictable and urgent when it does happen.

"I was going to a sitting of the House of Lords, which I do attend on a very regular basis. I'm a conservative member of the House, we don't have a majority and the whips are very keen on attendance.

"Whipping in the House of Lords is much more vigorous than it use'd to be.

"I was getting the symptoms crossing Battersea Bridge, most serious and urgent symptoms and I am not aware of any public convenience between where I was and the House.

"I was anxious to get to the House of Lords as quickly as possible so I could relieve myself."

His lawyer Mr. Quentin Hunt told the magistrates: "Had an accident happened as a result of his condition he would not have been able to fulfil his functions in the House of Lords that day.

"Lord Trefgarne does have a role to play, sitting all hours and maybe it is not practical for a man of his age to get on public transport every day to conduct his duties."

Bench chairwoman Isobel Vass ruled: "Lord Trefgarne had other possible alternatives open to him such as a pub or a restaurant.

"We do not accept that his presence at the House of Lords was so essential his failure to attend would result in it's functions not being carried out."

She told the peer: "There are still nine points on your licence and when you resume driving you will have to do so with extreme care."

Lord Trefgarne was educated at the all-boys Haileybury and Imperial Service College public school and succeeded his father, the 1st Baron Trefgarne on his nineteenth birthday, taking his seat in the House of Lords on his 21st birthday in 1962.

He was a Government Whip from 1979 to 1981 and for the rest of the decade held posts at the Department of Trade; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Department of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Defence.

He was then promoted to Minister of State for Defence Support, then Defence Procurement and was finally a Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry.


A member of the Privy Council, Lord Trefgarne was one of ninety hereditary peers elected to remain after the 1999 House of Lords Act.