Fireman Claims 'Witch Hunt' Behind Police Drugs Raid

A respected life-long fireman's career is on the brink after a police raid on his home found cocaine, cannabis and an electric stun gun.

John Chart, 47, was arrested on October 12, 2015 at the address in Bouverie Lodge, Rectory Road, Beckenham, but was only sentenced this week after fighting the case for two-and-a-half years.

The amateur power lifter had been suspected of supplying anabolic steroids, but no charges were proved regarding the muscle-boosting drugs.

Chart claims he is the victim of a 'witch hunt' within the London Fire Brigade (LFB) after making a complaint of bullying and was set up.

However, following a Croydon Crown Court trial he was convicted of possessing just under 10 gms of cocaine, 50 gms of cannabis and the stun gun, which he said a visitor had left behind at his home.

Last November he was sentenced for selling stolen clothing on eBay.

The father-of-four, who once saved a colleagues life, is just three years short of full-term service for retirement purposes and will also face disciplinary proceedings within the LFB.

He was charged six months after the search has been suspended from service ever since.

Police acting on a tip-off also raided Chart's girlfriend's home simultaneously, which the fireman maintains was the result of a 'vendetta' within the LFB against him.

The cocaine was discovered in the glove compartment of his van, parked outside the address and the cannabis in his kitchen.

The stun gun, which was not charged, and had been left behind after a demonstration by another fireman a year earlier and was in the bedroom of the address, which Chart's mother was using at the time.

He was sentenced to 100 hours community service and ordered to pay £750 costs.

Plane Passenger Denies Being Drunk During Flight

Isleworth Crown Court

A Great Yarmouth plane passenger, accused of being drunk during the flight, has appeared in court via videolink and denied the charge.

Karl Foster, 36, of Kings Road, Gorleston, pleaded not guilty to being drunk on a Gulf Air flight from Bahrain to Heathrow on February 4.

Appearing via his local magistrates court at Isleworth Crown Court an obviously frustrated Foster, who was unrepresented, said: “How can I take action against the airline for failing in its duty of care.

“All because I had one pint in Bahrain? This is a waste of resources, money. It's stupid.

“Someone has a mental breakdown on a plane and they are charged. Is that it?

“This is absolutely ridiculous. I spent three weeks in India after someone was run over in front of me by my taxi driver.

“I was tired, I was fragile, I had not slept for three weeks. They filled me with vodka and I had a meltdown.”

A trial date was set for July 2 and Foster responded: “Five times I asked for help and now I'm asked to shell out s***loads of money.

“How do I take the airline to court? Why am I being screwed over and my life turned upside down?” 

Uninsured L-Driver Gave Old School Friend's ID To Police

Isleworth Crown Court

A cleaning company boss, who gave the identity of an old school pal to police when pulled over driving his Mercedes without a full driving licence and insurance, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Part-time football coach Shawn Brown, 33, was exposed when his old friend responded to a court summons and the police officer realised he was not the same driver he stopped.

He pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between February 22, last year and February 3 by giving a false name and address to police; driving without insurance in Kensington Church Street on February 2 and driving without a licence.

Prosecutor Mr. James O'Connell told Isleworth Crown Court: “The defendant is stopped three times by the police and gave the name Leon Bennett.

“At the magistrates court the police officer spoke to the person and recognised he was not the driver.”

Brown had also given false details when caught speeding and stopped with a flat tyre.

The Recorder of Kensington & Chelsea Judge Martin Edmunds QC announced: “He gives the impression of somebody not fully appreciative of his position.

“On three occasions you gave the name of an old school friend when stopped driving your car when you were not insured or licenced to drive,” the judge told the dad-of-one.

“That instance of criminal stupidity was repeated four months later. You are a coach and mentor to young people and what they'd make of your criminality I dread to think.”

He sentenced Brown to eight months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, and ordered him to complete 250 hours community service.

The £50,000 a-year businessman, who has a property portfolio, must also pay a £5,500 fine and had eight penalty points added to his driving licence.

As an additional punishment Brown must also obey an electronically-tagged night time curfew for a month between 8pm and 5am.    

Rifle Company Boss Accused Of Illegally Importing Shotguns

The owner of a high-precision rifle manufacturing company appeared in court today accused of illegally importing two twelve bore pump-action shotguns from the USA.

Miodrag Maksimovic, 54, the boss of Boston-based Dolphin Gun Company, is fighting the case and will return to Isleworth Crown Court for trial on September 17.

He was prosecuted after the weapons, DP-12 shotguns, arrived at Heathrow Airport on June 21, last year.

Maksimovic, of Bank House, Scalp Road, Fishoft is charged with being concerned in the importation of a prohibited weapon between May 11 and June 21, last year and purchasing the guns without the authority of the Secretary of State.

Maksimovic claims there was nothing fraudulent about the online purchase, which was made in his name and under the belief the guns were lawful.

He is well-known within the shooting world, having competed all over the globe, often representing Team GB and is currently their manager.

Teenage Girl Molested In Park: E-Fit Released

Police have issued this e-fit today of a suspect after a 17 year-old girl was molested in a Croydon park last summer.

The victim was alone near the ponds of Christie Drive at 7.00pm on July 19, last year when she was approached by a man who called himself 'Dave.'

He took her to a secluded part of the area, where he kissed her on the cheek before sexually assaulting her.

The suspect then took the victim to his car, where she was forced to undress.

She was then driven to an unknown location where she was sexually assaulted again.

The suspect stopped his attack after he believed he saw an unmarked police car drive by.

He then drove the victim back to the ponds and let her out of the car.

After speaking to her family, the victim was encouraged to report the incident to police.

The suspect is described as a white male, around 50 years-old, with short grey hair and stubble.

He was described as having very small lips and wore black rimmed glasses.

The victim noticed he smoked menthol cigarettes and wore a gold wedding ring as he said that he was married.

Detective Sergeant Ella Yardley, who is leading the investigation, said: "Alongside the e-fit, the victim has given a distinct description of the suspects habits and possible personal life.

“Does this sound like someone you know? Anyone with information is encouraged to contact us as soon as possible."

Those with information can call 02087214106, or call police on 101.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

East London Gunmen Caged After Shooting

Two “violent and dangerous” gunmen have been jailed after a gang-related shooting in east London over a woman.

Arif Ahmed, 21, (pic. l) of Durward Street, Whitechapel and 23 year-old Kasru Abdul (pic. r) of nearby Raine Street were sentenced at the Old Bailey.

Ahmed received 15 years imprisonment and Abdul 17 years.

Both were convicted of possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life.

A 21 year-old man was shot in the leg on a busy council housing estate and required surgery.

Detective Sergeant Barry Hart said: "Two violent and dangerous individuals have been taken off the capital’s streets, which is excellent news for Londoners."

Police, including specialist firearms officers, and the London Ambulance Service were called to Ernest Street, Whitechapel shortly after 7.00pm on September 24, 2016, following reports that a man had been shot.

During the trial the court heard that the motive for the shooting was a gang-related feud over a female.

Abdul and Ahmed were charged nearly a year later on June 30.

Jealous Ex Jailed For Stabbing Girl's New Man In Head

A heavily-tattooed thug, who stabbed his ex-girlfriend's new man in the head – fracturing the victim's skull - during a terrifying midnight attack, has been jailed for eight years.

Nathan Gunes, 38, of Cambus Road, Canning Town, east London followed the couple along Ingal Road, Plaistow on October 20, last year.

There was a brief confrontation at around twenty minutes past midnight resulting in Gunes stabbing the 28 year-old man in the head.

London Ambulance Service arrived at the scene and took the victim to an east London hospital.

His injuries were deemed to be non-life threatening.

Officers arrested and charged Gunes on the same day for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He was convicted of the offence at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Police Constable Meltem Duymus, of Newham’s Community Support Unit, said: “Justice has most definitely been served for the victim who sustained a brutal head injury for no reason of his own.

“This is a great outcome for the Community Support Unit in Newham who are committed to taking violent thugs, such as Gunes, off the borough's streets.”

Council Estate Rapist Who Targeted 16 Year-Old Is Caged

A rapist, who pounced on a lone 16 year-old girl as she walked through a council estate one night, has been locked-up for ten years.

Nael Khaliq, 36, struck up a conversation with the vulnerable teenager in Cambridge Estate, Kingston-upon-Thames at around 10.30pm on July 17, last year.

He led her into a car park, where he raped her and then fled in a vehicle.

The victim alerted police and an investigation was immediately launched.

Officers quickly carried out local CCTV enquiries and identified Khaliq's vehicle.

He was arrested the following day, charged that evening and remanded in custody.

Khaliq was on licence from prison at the time for theft offences and was found guilty following a week long trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Detective Constable Gregg Nicol said: "Khaliq's cowardice in attacking a vulnerable teenager almost beggars belief.

“She on the other hand has displayed incredible bravery and courage throughout the judicial process.

“Khaliq will now have plenty of time to think about what he has done in prison. I hope this will be of some small comfort to the victim as she moves on with her life."

Detective Inspector Simon Cowling said: "This was a terrible crime and a lone and vulnerable woman.

“Her prompt action in alerting police meant we could preserve and gather the evidence that quickly identified, and subsequently convicted, Khaliq.

“This case demonstrates that the Metropolitan Police Service is determined to support victims and bring sexual predators to justice.

"I must also thank both the response officers who attended that day and my team for their professionalism, both contributed greatly to the successful outcome of this case."

Jealous Thug Blinded Girlfriend With Single Blow

A jealous thug, who blinded his girlfriend in one eye with a single savage punch during a row outside her house, has been locked-up for eleven years and four months.

Dee Hunte, 35, of Mary Seacole Close, Hackney pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm at the Croydon address on November 18, 2016.

Croydon Crown Court heard the victim returned home to find Hunte, waiting outside her property.

He asked for her door keys and mobile phone to check on who she had been with.

When the victim refused, Hunte became very aggressive, placing both hands around her throat and squeezing tightly, warning her: ”Don’t scream or I’ll kill you!”

He then punched her in the face causing the injury to her right eye and eye socket.

She fell to the ground and Hunte stamped on her back a number of times before running from the scene with her mobile phone.

Passers-by came to her aid and police and the London Ambulance Service were called.

The victim was taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit at Croydon University Hospital, and later transferred to St Georges’ Hospital where she was treated for her life changing injuries.

An investigation was launched by officers from Croydon Community Safety Unit and Hunte was soon identified, but in the weeks and months following the incident, he managed to evade police.

On July 25, last year he was arrested in the Westminster area, and subsequently charged.

PC Asiri Hamidi, of Croydon Community Safety Unit, said: “Hunte is a dangerous and violent individual with a predisposition for extreme jealousy and controlling behaviour.

“The sentence he received reflects the danger he poses to the public.

“His victim was left with life-changing injuries, and understandably remains very traumatised by the incident, but I hope this result will give her some comfort.

“We take a zero tolerance approach towards perpetrators who inflict such violence and are determined to provide justice for victims and judicial sanction for those responsible.”

Bus Garage Supervisor Accused Of Touching Two Women

A bus station supervisor, accused of touching two females while working at the busy garage, has appeared in court.

Scott Robert Cairney, 54, of Park Road, Dunoon, Argyll denies the allegations and will return to court for trial on May 21.

Cairney, who attended Dunoon Grammar School, was employed by Transport for London at Cromwell Road bus terminus in Kingston-upon-Thames, south-west London.

He held the post from April, 2012 until September, last year.

Cairney appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with sexually assaulting one woman on July 10 and 14, last year and a second woman on July 10.

The Crown Prosecution Service allege they were both touched inappropriately over their clothing.