Woman Denies Facebook Harassment Charge

A grandmother, accused of facebook harrasment, has appeared in court for the first time.

Melissa Watson, 46, of Abbots Gate, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk claims the messages have been doctored by the complainant to incriminate her.

"I've got all the undoctored messages. He's doctored what he wrote before he went to the police," she told Bromley Magistrates Court.

"In effect he's got off scott free and I'm standing here."

She will return to the court for trial on November 30.

Watson pleaded not guilty to one count of harassing Martin Gamby between June 9 and July 19 by also sending emails and instant messages to him, his friends, work colleagues and family.

Neighbour Finally Admits Trying To Frame Local Rival With Fake Facebook Page

Andrew Currie & Joanna Goodwin

A neighbour, who set-up a fake facebook page to frame a man living a few doors down, has been warned he will probably be locked-up.

Scotsman Andrew Currie, 48, created the bogus online account, which was full of offensive comments directed at himself.

Jobless Currie, of Newark Road, South Croydon pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between April 5 and August 7, 2014 by claiming his neighbour had made the facebook insults.

His partner, Joanna Goodwin, 41, has always denied the same charge and the prosecution offered no evidence against her and a not guilty verdict was entered.

Croydon Crown Court heard that when aged in his twenties Currie was convicted of a similar offence when he tried to blame another person for criminal offences.

His lawyer Thomas Quinn told the court: “This happened in haste. He has been advised custody is almost inevitable.”

Currie is in poor health after suffering three strokes in the last six years.

Judge Daniel Flahive bailed him until October 24 for sentencing, announcing: “This can be nothing, but custody.

“At the moment it calls for an immediate custodial sentence.

“On a no promises basis I'll keep an open mind until I hear the opening of the prosecution.

“At the moment I see no option, but custody so prepare yourself for that.” 

Couple's London Trip Ends In Boozy Hotel Bust-Up

Blows: Smith

A couple's romantic weeklong trip to a luxury Kensington hotel ended in the husband's arrest for hitting his wife during a row in their room.

Musician and touring production manager James Smith, 54, has been forced to swap the four-star acomodation for night's in his lorry's cab after being banned from the matrimonaial home.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Amaya McKenzie-Smith at the 124 year-old Gore Hotel, which is near London's Royal Albert Hall on March 22.

Hammersmith Magistrates Court heard the couple – who married last year – travelled to the capital from their home in Park Avenue, Elderslie, Johnstone, Scotland.

He was fined £800, with £620 costs and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Mr. Robert Chambers told the court there was evidence the couple had been consuming alcohol and had an argument in their room after a night out.

“There was pushing and Mrs McKenzie-Smith was pushed and slapped in the face.

“She left the room, but returned for her belongings and Mr. Smith told her if the police became involved he would tell them she had fallen over.

“She reported what had happened to the hotel staff and they called an ambulance and the police.”

A photograph of Mrs McKenzie-Smith was taken, which showed bruising to her face and she was taken to hospital.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries.

When questioned Smith denied striking his wife, claiming he had to escort her out of their room three times due to her behaviour.

Bruises: McKenzie-Smith

“He said the last time she entered the room she had bruising to her face, which had not been there before and they must have been self-inflicted,” added Mr. Chambers.

Smith claimed his wife had attacked him first and pulled his hair.

The prosecution say there were several blows, but Smith denies this, claiming he only pleaded guilty to prevent his wife enduring the stress of giving evidence.

The court heard the couple are having a “time out” and the defendant was prohibited from contacting his wife or visiting the marital home while on bail.

Smith told the court he is currently living in his lorry and spending most of his time in Portugal.

“We just bought a property in Roehampton and we bought a house in Portugal because that's where we want to live.

“We both have property concerns and I manage the properties.”

Smith says his wife's “violent mood swings” resulted in him often being a victim of her violence, claiming she also abused alcohol and drugs.

“It's a serious assault,” said magistrate Mr. Richard Duncalf. “We don't want to see you in court again.”

No Charge For Tory MP Accused Of Offensive Window Gesture

Hendon MP Matthew Offord has had a charge of threatening behaviour against him dropped at Hendon Magistrates Court last Friday.

The 46 year-old Tory did not appear before the court, which was told the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case late the day before.

The court register gave his address as his constituency office at Churchill House, 120 burns Lane, Hendon, where the incident occurred on May 5.

It was alleged he made explicit gestures from his office window at passing Labour campaigners, who were travelling on a decommissioned fire engine.

The Fire Brigades Union vehicle was being used by ex-Labour MP Andrew Dismore and driven by union member Steve James.

Offord was interviewed by police at South Harrow Police Station on June 24 and summoned to court via requisition.

He was due to appear on a charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress, contrary to Section 5 of the Public Order Act.

The CPS ruled there was “no realistic prospect of conviction.”

The MP had no representative in court, but his solicitors Hodge Jones & Allen, of North Gower Street, Camden successfully applied for defence costs.

No details of the allegation were given in court.

Magician Denies Champagne Bottle Attack On Girlfriend

A magician and hypnotist, accused of hitting his girlfriend with a champagne bottle, has appeared in court where he claimed self-defence.

Marcus Anthony Lewis, 30, of 67 Kipling Avenue, Worthing is said to have struck the woman on the elbow, causing bruising and swelling.

The prosecution told Hammersmith Magistrates Court there is a suspicion a fracture was caused, but no medical evidence to confirm this.

Lewis pleaded not guilty to assaulting Catherine Mallett, causing her actual bodily harm, on on July 14 and a second count of assaulting her on July 18.

Prosecutor Mr. Nathan Miebai told the court: “The defendant has hit the complainant with a champagne bottle, causing injury to her arm.

“As a result the complainant's arm was fractured,” he added, admitting: “There is no medical evidence.”

The defence say the injury exhibits nothing more than “bruising and swelling” and ocurred as a result of Lewis, who is of good character, defending himself.

He was bailed for a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court on January 13, next year on condition he does not attend Miss Mallett's address in Frithville Gardens, White City, Shepherd's Bush. 

Football Fan Sentenced For "Sparko" Punch That Felled Supporter

A Norwich man left a fellow football supporter “sparko” with a single punch after jostling between two groups leaving a tense Premier League match last season.

Stephen Best, 36, of Bahram Road, Costessey had just watched Chelsea FC's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur when he lashed out.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to assaulting Christopher Gray outside Stamford Bridge stadium on May 2.

He was fined £350, with £85 costs and was ordered to pay the victim £200 compensation and a £36 victim surcharge.

The result of the night game finally ended Tottenham Hotspur's title ambitions.

In a statement Mr. Gray said: “We were sitting in the upper block and I left the ground with my son to catch a train home and we made our way towards Fulham Road.

“I was assaulted, but don't remember much about it. I suffered cuts to the left side of my jaw and received an x-ray.

“I had whiplash and my jaw was swollen and I had severe bruising to the side of my mouth. I was off work for three days.”

The victim's son, aged twenty-four, told police they were near the official Chelsea club shop.

“A guy barged into my dad deliberately and punched him in the face when asked: 'What are you doing?'

“My dad seemed to be out of it. He was struggling to breathe, I thought he was sparko.”

When questioned Best said he was with his seven year-old son and father and there was some “pushing and shoving” and he acted out of a sense of defending his group.

Magistrate Mr. Richard Duncalf told the first-time offender: “People at football matches are entitled to go home without being assaulted.

“You've lost your good character. Any more trouble at football matches and you will have a football banning order imposed and a much more serious sentence.”

Blogger Denies Stalking Female Broadcaster In Over 300 Tweets

A blogger accused of stalking writer, broadcaster and social commentator Sonia Poulton has appeared in court for the first time.

Darren Laverty, 49, of Maes Hyfryd, Beaumaris, Anglesey is said to have tweeted to her or about her over 300 times.

He indicated a not guilty plea at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and was sent to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on October 18 after electing jury trial.

Father-of-three Laverty blogs about Wrexham’s Bryn Estyn children’s home, which is at the centre of an abuse enquiry.

He has been charged with one count of stalking involving serious harm or distress between January 30, 2015 and May 12, this year,  causing Sonia Poulton serious alarm or distress, which had an adverse effect on her day-to-day activities.

She is a regular guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, often commenting on issues involving children.

Sonia, 52, has also debated issues concerning young adults and senior citizens, health and crime among others.

She has written many articles, most notably for the Daily Mail and Daily Express.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told the court: “The complainant is a journalist and after the Jimmy Savile enquiry she began reporting on it and receiving abuse from people, and the police say one of them is the defendant.

“She feels this is a sustained campaign against her and she’s harassed by the defendant.

“Most of this has taken part via twitter.

“The defendant tweeted either about or to the complainant on approximately three-hundred occasions, causing her to suffer alarm and distress.

“If convicted the defendant is likely to receive a custodial sentence.”

Laverty remains on bail on condition he does not enter London, contact Sonia or mention her in online communication.

Wheelchair-Bound NHS Patient Denies Spying On Young Eastern European Carers With Secret Spy Cameras

A disabled NHS patient, who needs 24-hour care, appeared in court today accused of wasting funds on hiring young Eastern European carers he spied on with secret cameras.

Farina Mian, 31, who suffers muscular dystrophy and needs a specially-adapted wheelchair machine to keep him breathing, claims the cameras were for home security.

Mian, of Banstead Court, White City, Westway, Shepherd’s Bush elected jury trial when he appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court and will appear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 20 for a preliminary hearing.

He has indicated a not guilty plea to three charges allegedly committed at his home address between January 17, 2011 and August 16, last year.

He is charged with voyeurism for sexual gratification; installing recording equipment for the purpose of voyeurism and sexual gratification and observing a person doing a private act for sexual gratification.

Prosecutor Mr. Michael Mallon told the court: “The NHS is funding Mr. Mian to employ carers and he has the freedom to choose his own carers.

“He recruits young Eastern European females and they live at his address on rotation.

“He’s installed cameras in their private living quarters by a relative who was duped into it.”

An onboard computer on the defendant’s wheelchair allows him to access the cameras.

“Mr. Mian has been zooming in, seeing what is happening in  those private quarters.”

Police have seized 49 videos and 11 still images.

One video is said to record a carer in  the shower.

“They were recorded in private, there’s significant planning and it is an abuse of trust.

“It’s a waste of NHS money for this purpose.”

Miss Sadaf Etemadi, defending, told the court: “The cameras were set up for security reasons, Mr. Mian being a victim of crime previously.

“That was the only intention for installing the cameras.”

District Judge Tim King announced: “On the facts opened to me it is very unpleasant. There is breach of trust and planning.”

Industrial Generator Tracked Down To Thief's Home

Police were led to the house of a bungling crook, who did not realise there was a tracker in the £3,000 industrial generator he nicked from work.

Anton Peter Arber, 34, a self-confessed “complete idiot” even went to the trouble of grinding down the serial number and painting it black in a bid to disguise it.

Arber, of Stella Maris Close, Canvey Island, Essex was immediately sacked from his £1,000 a week job by construction company Clancy Docwra Ltd.

He pleaded guilty today to stealing the Ingersoll Rand compressor generator while working at Thames Water’s Hogsmill Sewage Treatment Works, Lower Marsh Lane, Kingston-upon-Thames.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told Wimbledon Magistrates Court a stock-take on February 29 showed the generator was missing and it was reported to the police on March 31.

“The next day Essex Police attended Canvey Island because the generator had a tracking device, which led them to Stella Maris Close, the defendant’s address.

“They were invited in by the defendant’s wife and in the back garden they found the generator, which had been painted black.”

When Arber was questioned he initially claimed he took it home to fix it, but eventually confessed he intended to sell it on eBay.

He told the court: “I’m guilty by being a complete idiot. It was taken home over Christmas and sat there until it was recovered.

“It was only recently painted, it was complete stupidity.

“Maybe it had a sale value of five hundred pounds, but I was earning double that.

“I lost my job the day the police came around and the children have seen the police going through the house.

“I’m very sorry for what I’ve done.”

Amber was placed on  a twelve-month community order, which includes 120 hours community service work.

He must pay £1,000 compensation to Clancy Docwra, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Hospital Supervisor Denies Groping Female Cleaners

A cleaning supervisor at Orpington Hospital groped female members of staff, threatening them with the sack or a cut in hours if they complained, a court heard today.

Abdel Majid Rabti, 47, is accused of slapping the backsides and groping the breasts and thighs of domestic staff he believed would never report him, the Croydon Crown Court jury were told.

The first cleaner, who cannot be identified, told the court: “He slid his hand down my breast and when I shouted at him he went white.

“He’d grab my hand and pull it towards his penis area and I’d pull it away,” she added. “That happened quite a lot, all the time for years.”

Rabti, of Gumping Road, Orpington claims the three women have invented the allegations to “get rid of him”.

He has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting each woman twice and assaulting one of them once at the hospital, which is also known as Princess Royal University Hospital and is located near Farnborough. 

Prosecutor Mr. Deepak Kapur said: “This defendant touched each of the complainants. The touching was sexual and none of the complainants consented.

“It was totally unwarranted conduct toward these individuals.

“He abused his position in a supervisory capacity. He was robust in his view and thought they would not report him.

“Any suggestion they would was repressed by him intimidating them through hours of work or their jobs and it did remain unreported for some time.”

The earliest incident, in September, 2014, involved the first cleaner. “He grabbed her hand and tried to get her to touch his penis.

“She resisted and he tried to pass it off as a joke.”

The jury were told Rabti struck again on January 30, last year when the woman was working in the rehab department.

“He put his hand to her chest, slid down to her breast and squeezed.”

A second cleaner also came forward. “She said on two occasions he smashed, stroked, fondled her buttocks.

“The first time she was leaning over a cleaning table and he laughed it off.

“The second time he did the same when she walked past him, he slapped her bum again and laughed it off, but this time threatened her with the sack.”

Rabbit is also charged with assaulting this woman. “He even threatened to attack her,” explained Mr. Kapur.

“He started picking on her, became annoyed and threatened to sack her and raised his hand is if to hit her and threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

“He told her to shut up or he would smash her head against a wall and held his throat in a threatening manner.”

Regarding the third cleaner Mr. Kapur added: “She was by the sink washing up and the defendant pressed his body against her, pushed his groin against her backside and moved side to side.

“Another time he ran his hand up her leg, up her skirt to the top of her leg.”

Trial continues………….