Buddy Holly-Style Guitar Thief Hunted

Police hunting an audacious guitar thief, who walked out of a south-west London shop with a £1,400 ruby red Rickenbacker, have released this CCTV image.

On Friday, August 28, at 2:20pm the bespectacled man entered the shop in High Street, Hampton Hill, Hampton.

Hanging in the front window was a six-stringed Rickenbacker 620 guitar.

The man simply took the guitar off the wall and walked out of the shop with it.

The man is described as a white man, aged between 25 and 30 years-old.

He has brown hair and at the time of the theft a goatee-style beard.

He was wearing glasses and a light-coloured coat.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV or has any information is asked to contact Richmond police on 020 8247 7019 or 101.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Suspected Bus Pervert Snapped By 14 Year-Old Victim

A quick-witted 14 year-old girl, who was the victim of a sex pervert on the top-deck of a bus, took this mobile phone pic of the suspect.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have announced they wish to speak with him in relation to a complaint of sexual assault.

At approximately 4:10pm on Thursday, July 9, the schoolgirl was travelling on a Route 405 bus between Hooley and Coulsdon South, Croydon.

The victim managed to take this picture of the suspect, before she got off the bus and ran home.

The suspect is described as an Asian man, aged between 25 and 30 years-old, of slim to medium build, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins tall, with short black hair and facial stubble.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a distinctive red Adidas top with blue jeans.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who can name the man pictured in the CCTV still.

Callers are asked to contact Detective Constable Goodman on 07770 315678 or by dialling 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 183831.

Bus Stop Sex Attack In East London: CCTV Released

Police hunting a bus stop pervert, who targeted a young woman in east London, have released this CCTV image.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Roads and Transport Policing Command are appealing for help in identifying the man.

On Wednesday, June 4 at about 1:30pm a 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a man as she waited at a bus stop on Wick Lane, Bow.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged approximately 40 years-old, of medium build with grey hair and around 5 foot 9 inches tall.

Officers have released this CCTV image of the man and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Emma Jones, who is leading the investigation.

Her number is 020 3054 5120 alternatively Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 151791.

The Met recently jointly launched the "Report it to stop it" campaign with Transport for London, British Transport Police and City of London Police, which aims to further increase the reporting of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport in the capital.

Dementia Care Worker Kept Assault Secret

A care worker looking after residents with dementia, who was cleared of canoodling on one elderly man's lap and touching a woman between the legs, has been sentenced for fraudulently keeping her violent past behaviour a secret.

Mina Devi Gurung, 43, was employed at Kingsley Court Care Home, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, but failed to declare an assault conviction.

Gurung, of Quetta Park, Church Crookham, Fleet, Hampshire was sentenced last Friday to a twelve-month community order, which includes 100 hours community service work and was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

She was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of one count of fraud on or about June 30, last year by dishonestly, with intent to make a gain, failing to disclose to her employers she had been convicted of assault.

The same jury found her not guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a mentally disordered person on November 25, last year.

It was alleged she allowed the man to kiss her and asked the woman: "Do you like that?" while touching her between the legs and: "Does it feel nice?"

She denies the alleged incidents occurred, claiming she is the victim of members of staff who do not like her.

Prosecutor Mr. Subhankar Banerjee told Isleworth Crown Court: "The defendant had worked at the care home since May, last year and was involved in the care of dementia residents.

"She worked on a specific ward for dementia residents and whilst working there sat on the first resident's lap and he had his arms around her, just below her breasts and was kissing her cheek.

"That sort of contact between a resident and care worker should not take place.

"Later that same day the second resident was receiving some personal care and afterwards a pad was applied.

"Ms Gurung put her hand between the female resident's legs and started stroking her over the pad."

The defendant is said to have asked the resident how it felt and she replied: "Yeah, it's lovely."

Mr. Banerjee added: "The resident would not have been in a position to know what was happening and that should not take place between a care worker and someone with dementia.

"The prosecution say both were sexual acts and the defendant says it did not happen."

Gurung was required to disclose her assault conviction to her employer, the jury were told. "The fraudulent gain was her continued employment, but she says she did tell somebody."

She was questioned by police on December 10, last year. "She said the staff had made it up because they did not like her."

Shrek Grope Dad Given New Sentencing Date

A dad who groped Princess Fiona when he took his wife and two kids to a Shrek-themed attraction on London's Southbank - claiming "she looked very good" as he waited to board one of the rides - returned to court yesterday.

The young actress playing the character - Shrek's love-interest in the hit movie franchise - agreed to a friendly hug, but was shocked when 36 year-old Srinivas Boreddy grabbed her bum and tried to kiss her.

The IT specialist, of Pleasant Place, Chesterfield, Derbyshire pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the unnamed woman at Shrek's Adventure!, County Hall on October 25.

Yesterday he was bailed until December 18 for a pre-sentence report because their was no interpreter to assist him. 

He speaks Telugu, a tongue common to south-eastern Andhra Pradesh, India. 

Prosecutor Miss Colette Hanna previously told Camberwell Green Magistrates Court: "The victim was acting in her role as the princess at the children's adventure.

"She was dressed-up as the princess and was manning a bus ride, which Mr. Boreddy tried to get on with his wife and two children.

"One child did not reach the required minimum height so Mr. Boreddy remained there while his wife and the other child went on the ride.

"He returned on his own later and asked if he could go on the ride and after waiting a few minutes he asked for a hug.

"She co-operated because, dressed as a princess, it is the sort of thing she had been asked for before.

"He went to hug her and grabbed both of her buttocks, which he squeezed tight, and pulled her towards his groin.

"He went to kiss her face and she turned and he kissed her neck and she felt what she thought was a bite.

"She says she felt violated and started to cry."

The police were called and officer later questioned Indian-born first-time offender Boreddy.

"His account to the police mirrored the victim's, although he denied the bite," added Ms Hanna. "He said he thought she looked very good and thought they had been looking at each other and had made eye contact.

"He said he did not think it was inappropriate behaviour in England and when asked if it would have been acceptable in India agreed that it wasn't."

District Judge Timothy Stone told him: "I cannot rule out custody until I get a report and hear more about you. Be prepared for anything."

Cheated Ex Sent 'Revenge Porn' Pics To Former Girlfriend's New Man

A bitter ex sent 'revenge porn' depicting himself and his former girlfriend having sex to her new man via Facebook, accompanied by a flurry of insults.

Apprentice plumber Oliver Thomas Robinson, 20, believes Hannah Kermally cheated on him with her new boyfriend before they split.

Yesterday he told Croydon Magistrates Court: "I think it was the silliest thing I've ever done. I truly regret it."

Robinson, of Hatfield Mead, Morden, pleaded guilty to disclosing private sexual photographs, with intent to cause distress, on October 13.

Prosecutor Miss Caroline Mungal explained: "This is a revenge porn case. The victim was in a relationship with Robinson since January this year.

"In May Robinson filmed them engaged in sexual activity with her consent and at her request he agreed, a few days later, to delete it from his mobile phone.

"In August the relationship ended on good terms and a few days later she received a WhatsApp message from Robinson, which included the footage.

"She believes he was taunting her and he threatened to send it to other people.

"On October the thirteenth she was with her new partner at his home when he received a Facebook message from Robinson.

"The message included two screen shots from the video showing her engaging in oral sex with Robinson.

"He also sent messages including: 'Dirty Slut'; 'I'm gonna ruin her'; She cheated on me with you'; 'Tramp' and 'Dirty cheating c****.'

"She was upset immensely that Robinson sent a private message to her new partner."

Robinson's lawyer Mr. Nicholas Robinshaw told the court: "He deeply regrets and is disappointed by his behaviour. It was in the heat of the moment after he felt cheated on.

"It became clear she had been cheating on him and Miss Kermally's new boyfriend was taunting him about that on Facebook and it was a spontaneous, idiotic reaction."

Robinson was placed on an eighteen month community order, which includes a 'building better relationships programme' and a rehabilitation requirement.

He was made subject to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting contact with Miss Kermally, and was ordered to pay £85 costs, with a £60 victim surcharge and a £180 court charge.

'Ecstasy' Bra Girl In Court After Nightclub Arrest

A suspected ecstasy supplier, who ironically lives in a former police property, appeared in court for the first time yesterday.

Danielle Taylor, 23, of The Old Police House, Fakenham Road, Dereham, Norfolk was arrested at the landmark Electric Brixton club, Town Hall Parade, Brixon.

Camberwell Green Magistrates Court heard she had twenty wraps of MDMA – also known as 'Molly' – hidden inside her bra.

Taylor pleaded not guilty to possessing 1.8 gms of the drug, with intent to supply, on August 31 and released on unconditional bail until her trial, scheduled to last only one hour, on February 3, next year.

Taylor, who has no convictions, indicated she would be prepared to plead guilty to a charge of simple possession. 

Infatuated Love-Cheat's Prison Sentence Cut

Cheat: Peter Lawrence

The prison sentence of a 78 year-old love-cheat, who stole approximately £160,000 from his ex-mistress to finance the pop career of his new girlfriend, was reduced today.

Retired-surveyor and former local Rotary Club president Peter Rex Lawrence, who also swiped another £63,000 from the property company who managed her home, was jailed for a total of five years last Friday.

Today he returned to Croydon Crown Court where Judge Daniel Flahive re-sentenced him to four years, declaring he did not give Lawrence sufficient credit for pleading guilty.

Lawrence persuaded 80 year-old Sheila Losack to twice re-mortgage her flat and broke open her jewellery box to pawn around 60 items worth £5,000 to £7,000.

All the money was sent to Swedish wannabe celebrity Tia Mehari, 27, - known to Lawrence as 'Nefe' - after the Egyptian queen Nefertiti - who he continues to send £700-£1200 per month from his private pension.

They met in Tottenham Court Road when the then 19 year-old Tia asked for directions and Lawrence invited her to join him for a coffee and she revealed her pop star ambitions under the stage name Nefertiti.

"That moment certainly changed my life," said Lawrence in conversation before he was jailed. "She's lovely. Have you ever been in love?"

As for Ms Losack, who he single-handedly deceived and financially ruined, he said: "She's still got a roof over her head."

The court heard he sent 'Nefe' another £50,000 - his share of his former matrimonial home - and 'borrowed' another £10,000 from his sister.

First-time offender Lawrence, of 17 Academy Gardens, Croydon, was homeless when Ms Losack - who he enjoyed a twenty-year relationship with during his marriage - agreed he could move in.

She owned two flats knocked into one at Le Chateau, Chatsworth Road, Croydon - bought after a life-time of work, mostly as a civil servant in the Overseas Estate Department of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Tia Mehari aka 'Nefe'

"He was divorcing his wife because of affairs he had, but Ms Losack found out he was having an affair with a woman in Sweden and their relationship ended" explained prosecutor Miss Claire Robinson.

By April, 2009 Lawrence was living in the spare bedroom rent-free and on Ms Losack's recommendation he became Le Chateau's company secretary, which gave him full access to their bank account.

"He frequently asked her for money and for loans and because she felt sorry for him she agreed, but he never paid her back."

During a period of illness he helped Ms Losack with her financial affairs and set-up internet bank accounts and learned of all her investments and assets.

"For the next four years he systematically helped himself to money from those accounts and also stole her jewellery and from the residents of Le Chateau.

"When she confronted him over the broken jewellery box and missing valuables Lawrence became angry and told her he needed the money and she should: 'Get over it.'"

He withdrew £8,581 on her Co-Op credit card; £601 on her Allders store card; £1,765 on her John Lewis card and £4,959 on her M & S card.

Lawrence persuaded her to re-mortgage in sums of £57,000 and and £25,000 to finance decorating and repairs and stole the lot, also using her internet banking to transfer another £59,000 to himself.

She eventually reported him to the police in 2013. "He was putting her under pressure to sell her flat to an associate of his," said Miss Robinson.

"She has found herself virtually bankrupt and lost all of her savings and investments and the equity in her property.

"The standard of living she worked all her life to achieve has been taken away and she says Lawrence: 'Betrayed me at all levels.'

"Much of the stolen jewellery was from her family and had sentimental value and she has been left feeling violated."

Lawrence, a former Adventure Scouts leader, developed an "infatuation" with 'Nefe' said his lawyer Miss Fiona Dunkley. 

"This was a fantasy relationship that was never consummated, but took over Mr. Lawrence's life and rational though processes.

"He had been sending money to her out of fear she would otherwise end the relationship."

'Nefe' reminded him of a lost love he was left heartbroken by while living in Bahrain as a young man. "He continues to be in love with 'Nefe' to this day.

"The money was for her alleged singing career, she was seeking a contract with Virgin.

"This is the choice he has made and he still wants to maintain a relationship with 'Nefe' even though it is conducted over the phone."

A doctor says the "Nefe fantasy" protects Lawrence against the guilt of reality and possible suicide attempts.

"He is ashamed and sad about what he has done," added Miss Dunkley. "He is too embarrassed and ashamed to ask for references from anyone, but his sister."

Lawrence pleaded guilty to six counts of theft and six counts of fraud by false representation on dates between April 1, 2009 and June 5, 2013.

He was ordered to pay £10,500 compensation to Ms Losack.

Ex-National Wrestling Coach Jailed For Sexually Abusing Young Team Member

A former national wrestling coach, who sexually preyed upon a young member of his team three decades ago, was jailed for four years yesterday.

One-time coach for the British Amateur Wrestling Association James Watson, 63, of The Cedars, Dunstable, Bedfordshire struck when the young boy and his team mates stayed at his home before travelling to bouts all over the country in the 1980's.

He pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to two counts of gross indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault on dates between December 1980 and December 1985 at his former home in Rodney Street, Mitcham.

The abuse occurred when the victim was aged between nine and fourteen years-old and the now-married 44 year-old was prepared to give evidence against Glasgow-born Watson until he finally accepted his guilt on the first day of the trial.

He was not reported at the time and went on to be convicted of abusing boys in the Liverpool and Bolton areas, receiving a seven-year sentence.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Collings told the court the victim contacted the police on May 28, 2013 to report sexual abuse by his former wrestling coach.

“He and others stayed at the defendant's house the night before competitions and would go on training runs, after which the defendant would suggest the victim take a shower and have a sports massage.

“The young boy would lie naked on the bathroom floor and the defendant would start massaging one leg and make contact with his penis as he moved to the other leg.”

This behaviour escalated to Watson masturbating the youngster and performing oral sex on him.

“He would also share the defendant's bed with regularity, while three to four members of the club slept in the spare room and it was seen as an 'honour' to be selected.”

Similar intimate abuse occurred in the bedroom until the boy eventually quit the wrestling team.

In a victim impact statement he recalled feeling “ashamed and embarrassed” and “used and abused”, adding the offending had also caused stress within his marriage.

Watson's lawyer Miss Nicola Shannon reminded the court his last sexual offence was committed in 1998. “He's a man in very poor health and is not a man who is an ongoing risk to the community.”

Woman Followed Off Night Bus By Pervert: CCTV Released

Police hunting a late-night sex attacker, who followed a young woman off a bus, have released this CCTV image.

The woman, aged in her twenties, got off a route 12 bus at 4.00am in Barry Road, East Dulwich on June 13.

She was followed by the suspect, who was also a passenger on the night bus.

Once they got to Friern Road the suspect grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.

He then ran off towards Upland Road.

The suspect is described as Latin American, 5ft 6ins tall, aged in his early 30s, with black hair.

He was wearing a white T-shirt and dark coloured trousers.

Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who was on the bus or who may have seen the suspect running from the scene.

Anyone with information, or who recognises the man, is asked to contact Southwark CID via 101 quoting reference 3016929/15.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.