Retired Account Conned Relatives Out Of £93K Will

A greedy retired accountant, trusted by a deceased pal to share his will amongst his relatives, kept £93,000 for himself on top of money he also inherited from his friend.

David Coddington, 79, of Ormonde Court, Upper Richmond Road, Richmond-upon-Thames was the named executor of the estate, but for years got away with secretly keeping most of the cash.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position between February 12, 2012 and October 30, 2015 while the executor of the estate of James Brendan Connolly.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday he received fifteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and must obey a three-month home curfew between 6pm and 6am.

His sister has agreed to sell her flat so lifelong bachelor Coddington can pay compensation.

The three counts relate to failing to distribute the estate to nephew Tony Connolly, niece Eileen Loakman and relative Anne Downey.

The nephew only received £25,000 of the £93,000 due and said: “It is very distressing the wishes of my late uncle were not executed.”

The two women didn’t see a penny of the £13,000 they were each due to inherit and Eileen said: “I am sickened, saddened and disappointed that the wishes of my late uncle, who trusted David Coddington, were not carried out.”

Anne said: “I am angry, saddened and disappointed he did not carry out his duties.”

Coddington was investigated by the Serious Fraud Office after Tony Connolly reported him to Action Fraud.

It was discovered he used the late Mr. Connolly’s estate to pay his credit card bills, withdrew £13,000 from cashpoints and wrote cheques to himself.

“The estate was worth just over one hundred and thirty-five thousand pounds and there were five beneficiaries, with Mr. Coddington being one of them,” said prosecutor Ms Alexandra Boxhall.

Judge Timothy Lamb QC told him: “You let yourself, your family, the deceased and his family and friends down.

“You got away with ninety-three thousand pounds of someone else’s money secretly for a number of years. It’s a disgrace on you.

“There is no sense sending a man of your age, with your remorse and medical conditions outlined by your GP inside.”

"Bloody Annoying" Drunken Medical Equipment Expert Pawed Elderly Passenger On Flight

A drunken international medical equipment salesman, who kept grabbing the 70 year-old female passenger sitting next to him on a flight home from South Africa, avoided prison with a suspended sentence yesterday.

Andrew Few, 39, who has achieved Gold air miles status with British Airways, drank one mini-bottle of wine after another during the 11-hour flight.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman, who was visiting her son in the UK, and being drunk onboard the BA A380 aircraft on August 19, last year.   

A charge of sexually assaulting the woman, who was due to give video link evidence from South Africa, was dropped on the day of trial along with another common assault count against another woman.

Few, of Marigold Place, Harlow, Essex received six months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must complete 120 hours community service work.

The divorced dad-of-one, a bio-medicine graduate was also fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £3,200 in court costs and £800 compensation to the victim.

He had already consumed a glass of wine before boarding the flight from Johannesburg, took a beer on board with him and was given a complementary glass of champagne as a frequent flyer. 

Prosecutor Mr. Mark Kimsey told Isleworth Crown Court: "

Few was seated in the plane’s upper deck and the victim was next to the window.

“It is accepted from the outset the defendant was quite charming and chatty, talking about his life and background, but was consuming alcohol and asked her if she wanted a drink.

“An hour later he was clearly drunk. He was getting small bottles of wine, different wines.

“He became persistent, saying she must have one and leaned across her and began putting his hands on her shoulder area.

“At one point he said he fancied her and she said: ‘Get back in your seat.’

“She had a blanket around herself and he put his hands on her shoulder area and hugged and touched her upper body.

“She felt his face or lips at the back of her neck.”

Other passengers were disturbed by Few’s behaviour. “They describe him as clearly under the influence of alcohol and say that his behaviour was: ‘Irritating and bloody annoying.’

“Another passenger says he was: ‘Overly friendly to the lady next to him’ and he was moved by staff to the lower deck after the complaints.”

However, Few then began targeting the staff. “He began being a little abusive to the cabin crew,” added Mr. Kimsey.

The woman later gave police a victim impact statement. “She describes the incident as horrible and was teary afterwards. She was revolted and was made to feel sick.

“There were no injuries, but she was clearly effected by what happened.”

Few’s lawyer Lauren Brigitte said: “He’s utterly mortified to find himself in the dock of this court.

“The fact he is in this court is of enormous concern to him.

“When he boarded that flight the thought that he might, by the time the flight landed, be arrested and be a criminal in a criminal case couldn’t be further from his comprehension.”

She said he only started drinking because his laptop battery was flat, forcing him to stop working.

Few had spent the previous week working in South Africa. “That employment requires him to travel around the world and he travels hundreds of thousands of miles a year.”

The court heard Few rarely drinks while flying. “He doesn’t ordinarily drink on board. To while away the time he did begin socialising and drinking,” said Miss Brigitte.

“The alcohol did bring him to the attention of others in an adverse way and his behaviour was annoying to other passengers.”

Few denies he was trying to encourage the lady to drink. “He was suggesting she drink water and was not pressing her to drink alcohol.

He was cleared of assaulting a second female passenger he accidentally spilled alcohol on and who told him: “You’re bloody annoying.”

Few says he was “eight out of ten” drunk and is now worried about how the convictions will effect his career and plans to live and work in Australia.

Recorder M Butt told Few, dressed in a grey suit with a white shirt and grey tie: “It seems quite clear you were trying to kiss her. She felt your actions were sexual.

“There’s no doubt. It is obvious you were very drunk. 

“This has nothing to do with cabin pressure, your laptop not working or a complementary glass of champagne on board. It’s your decision to drink to excess.

"You assaulted a seventy year-old lady entitled to travel in peace, without being bothered by your drunken bizarre behaviour.

"You have been very fortunate today that you have not been sent to prison immediately.”

Blurry Image Released Of Five-Foot Tall Sex Predator

Police hunting a diminutive sexual predator, who has molested several women in Ladywell, Lewisham, have released this blurred image of their suspect.

The first reported incident was on Thursday, December 7, last year, with the most recent being the Sunday, April 29.

The suspect is described as a light skinned black male, aged between 18 and 30 years-old, he is of slim build and around five feet tall.

He has an afro hair style that is around three to four inches deep.

On a number of attacks he has worn a dark jacket with a hood which is worn up, dark trousers or jeans and trainers.

He has also sometimes worn gloves.

Detective Constable Tristan Hunter said: "These incidents were very traumatic for the victims and we are appealing to the public to help us identify who this man so that he can be apprehended as soon as possible.

"There is a possibility that these incidents are part of a linked series of attacks, as a number of victims have provided very similar descriptions of the attacker.

"While efforts to trace the person or people behind these attacks progresses, police patrols in the area have been increased and officers are working with the community to offer reassurance and to help identify the offender."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or 0739300695.

Notorious Croatian Jewellery Thief Wanted For £2m Diamond Rings Theft

A suspected Croatian jewellery thief, wanted for heists all over Europe, is wanted after three diamond rings – worth over £2m – were snatched from a high-end Chelsea art fair.

Masterpiece London, held at Royal Hospital Chelsea, last summer was the scene of the audacious theft of the valuable rings from a cabinet.

The suspect, (pictured) has been identified as Vinko Osmakcic, and is wanted by Kensington and Chelsea CID for the theft, which occurred at around 5.30pm on July 4, 2017.

Detective Sergeant Chris Taylor, leading the investigation, said: “This was a well-planned and audacious theft committed in the middle of a busy art fair.

“We are re-releasing the image of Mr. Osmakcic in an attempt to trace him.

“It is highly likely that Mr. Osmakcic may be out of the UK, possibly in Europe.

“He may also be known by the following name Vinko Tomic or Juro Markelic.

“I am asking anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact police or Crimestoppers so we can bring him to justice.”

Anyone who can assist police is asked to call Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0122 quoting Operation Hestia or report information via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. 

The three stolen rings are: A cushion-shaped diamond ring.

A vivid yellow cushion-shaped diamond ring encased in smaller oval and round-shaped diamonds.

An emerald-cut diamond ring with purple and pink stones, and four pear-shaped diamonds.

All three rings have diamond-encrusted bands.

Beckenham Bus Sex Pest: CCTV Released

Police hunting a bus sex pest, who grabbed a woman's breast, have released this CCTV image of their suspect today.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 12, last year at approximately 7.15am, on a Route 54 bus in Beckenham, heading towards Lewisham.

The victim, a 25-year-old woman, sat on the upper deck of the virtually empty bus.

A stop later, the suspect boarded and sat directly next to her.

He began to engage her in unwanted conversation.

The suspect then put his arms around her and grabbed her breast.

The victim pushed the suspect away, ran down the stairs and off the bus.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 20 to 25-years-old of slim build.

He was wearing a blue baseball cap, dark jacket and scarf around his mouth.

Detectives from the Met's Roads and Transport Command (RTPC) are investigating.

Police Constable Jay Thorn, who is investigating the assault, said: "This has left the victim feeling violated and now anxious to use public transport.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the man wanted for questioning to contact us as soon as possible."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0207 327 4444 and quote CAD 1391/12Dec.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://www.crimstoppers-uk.org you can tweet @MetCC with any information.

There have been no arrests. Enquiries continue.

Model Accused Of GBH After Rollerblade Collision With Pedestrian

An international model has appeared in court accused of seriously injuring a female pedestrian while rollerblading in the West End.

French-born Patrick Nodanche, 27, of Ashville Road, Leytonstone is alleged to have crashed into the woman while she was crossing the road outside Planet Hollywood.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the woman received a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain as well as cuts and bruises, particularly to her forehead and scalp.

She has still not returned to work six months later and suffers a form of tinnitus and has difficulty concentrating.

Six foot two inch-tall Nodanche is charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm upon Jean Hu on October 27, last year in Haymarket, near Piccadilly Circus.

He was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on June 6.

Nodanche, whose interests include extreme sports and martial arts is represented by modelling agencies in London, New York, Milan and other major cities around the world.

He has modelled for Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue, Canali, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

Defence Consultant Denies Slapping Woman's Bottom At Admiralty House Fundraiser

A military consultant appeared in court for the first time today, accused of groping a woman at a Royal Navy charity event held in Admiralty House’s museum.

Mark Forsyth, 57, of Millennium Close, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Bristol denies the allegation.

The boss of MRDFORSYTH Consulting Limited is charged with sexually assaulting the woman on February 15 at the landmark Grade 1 listed building, near Whitehall.

On his professional profile he describes himself as an experienced Defence and Business consultant seeking new challenges.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the complainant was assisting a fundraising charity event.

“At the end of the evening, after several drinks, Mr. Forsyth approached as she was packing up and made some jokes and slapped her on the buttocks,” said the prosecutor Jennifer Gatland.

“He also tried to give her a hug, to which she pushed him away.

‘In interview he said he couldn’t remember the incident.

‘It was touching over clothing. It was a short incident.”

Forsyth was bailed unconditionally to appear at Southwark Crown Court on June 6.

He has worked on projects here in the UK, plus Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Singapore.

Forsyth previously worked as a specialist for the Australian Defence Forces and the New Zealand Defence Force in their delivery of heavy recovery military vehicles.

He is a former parish councillor for Frampton Cotterell Parish Council and an ex-town councillor at Bradley Stoke.

Forsyth is a graduate of Worcester University, Farnborough College of Technology and the School of Electronic Engineering.

He currently resides in a four-bedroom £550,000 detached home.

Admiralty House is used for government functions and houses ministerial apartments.

It backs onto Horse Guards Parade and was once home to Winston Churchill while serving as First Lord of the Admiralty

John Prescott had a grace-and-favour flat in the building when he was Deputy PM and it has been home to several Prime Ministers during 10 Downing Street renovations.

Airport Cleaner Nicked £2,643 Worth Of WH Smiths Lottery Scratchcards

A late-night cleaner at Heathrow Airport secretly swiped £2,643 worth of Camelot scratch cards while sweeping WH Smiths - cashing them in for £675.

Single mum Tracey Flitton, 39, of Birchdene Drive, Thamesmead was caught on CCTV clumsily trying to hide her face with a blue scarf, which quickly slipped off on camera.

She pleaded guilty today to stealing the lottery scratch cards in Terminal 4 between January 12 and February 4 and acquiring criminal property, namely the winnings.

Prosecutor Miss Fiona Willis told Uxbridge Magistrates Court: “This matter regards theft by an employee. She was a cleaner sub-contracted via a company called Turquoise.

“She took scratch cards from the display unit of the landside store on five occasions.”

WH Smiths realised scratch cards were missing on February 8 and began an internal investigation.

“The CCTV showed a cleaner removing large quantities of scratch cards from the display in the early hours of the morning and the company she worked for identified her.”

Jamaican-born Flitton, who claims she is stressed by her wayward 15 year-old daughter, snubbed a meeting on February 9 and never returned to the airport again.

“On the first CCTV clip she is seen sweeping the floor at 2.37am and going behind the counter while still holding her broom and taking scratch cards from the display and putting them into a small bag.”

Another clip showed Flitton in the deserted store at 2.16am removing cards and not paying for them.

“In the third CCTV clip she is seen wearing a blue scarf and after taking more scratch cards at 1.52am she removes the scarf, revealing her face,” explained Miss Willis.

The next day she repeated the theft. “She pulls a wad of scratch cards from the display.”

On April 6 Flitton agreed to be interviewed by Heathrow police. “She made full admissions and said she made about six hundred pounds by cashing in the winning tickets.

“They were cashed-out at retailers in rapid succession.

“This is an abuse of trust. She had access to the shop in the middle of the night when no one else was around.”

The first-time offender was bailed to Isleworth Crown Court for sentencing on June 5 after the magistrates ruled they had insufficient sentencing powers.

Internet Blind Date Sex Assault: Suspect Hunted

Police hunting an internet blind date, who sexually assaulted a teenager on a park bench, have released this picture of their suspect.

The victim, a 19-year-old female, had agreed to meet the suspect, who she had met online, on Sunday, November 12, last year at 8.30pm at Walthamstow Bus Station.

Both the victim and suspect brought friends with them when they met.

Both friends left separately soon after meeting.

When the friends had left, the suspect grabbed the victim by the arm and walked her into a nearby park where they stopped at a bench by the play area.

The suspect forced the victim to sit on the bench before sexually assaulting her.

The victim told the suspect to stop and left in the direction of the bus station.

The suspect followed the victim briefly, but eventually walked back into the park.

The victim did not see the suspect again but she received messages from him saying that he was sending his friend back to ‘get her.’

Detective Constable Matthew Cron, said: "We continue to actively search for this suspect and hope that someone may recognise him.

“If you know who this male is, please contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone who recognises this male should contact police on 101 and quote CAD 7666/12NOV17. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Violent Ex Caged For Terrifying Home Invasion Attack On Former Girlfriend

A violent ex who broke into his former girlfriend's home, armed himself with a kitchen knife and viciously beat her when she jumped from an upstairs window, has been jailed.

Racine Ndiaye, 43, of Cresswell Road, Croydon received 13 years imprisonment for the attack, which resulted in the woman suffering a broken ankle from the drop.

He was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of wounding, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and common assault.

At around 8.00am on November 21, last year Ndiaye attempted to break into the woman's Croydon home and shouted through the front door, threatening to kill her.

In fear for her life she called the police and Ndiaye fled the scene prior to their arrival.

Hours later, at approximately 11.00am, Ndiaye returned to the house and broke in through a window.

Ndiaye took a knife from the kitchen. and the victim locked herself into an upstairs bedroom.

When she began climbing out of the window in an attempt to escape, Ndiaye kicked down the door and grabbed her as she dangled from the window ledge.

She fell to the ground, suffering a broken ankle.

Ndiaye then ran outside and began repeatedly punching and kicking her, despite the intervention of members of the public.

Police were called by a member of the public.

Ndiaye fled the scene prior to police arrival.

The victim was taken to a south London hospital with significant facial injuries, as well as the fracture.

Ndiaye was arrested later that evening at 9.35am and was charged on November 22 and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Milo Horvath, of Croydon CID, said: “This lengthy sentence reflects how seriously police and the courts take vicious attacks such as this.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure violent individuals such as Ndiaye are placed before the courts.”