Brothers Grim: Thirteen Years Each For Battering Drinking Buddy

"No Mercy": James & Wesley Henry

Two brothers have been jailed for battering a drinking-partner with bottles, leaving the man for dead with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.

The 40 year-old victim, a construction worker at Tottenham Hotspur FC's new stadium, drank in a pub local with the pair, even buying them drinks, before he was savagely set-upon.

James Henry, 26, and Wesley Henry, 24, both of Castleford Close, Tottenham were each sentenced to thirteen years imprisonment after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.

CCTV footage captured the moment the brothers, plus two unknown accomplices, turned on the victim shortly after 4.35am on Wednesday, September 16.

The victim was surrounded, with the brothers brandishing glass bottles.

As the victim tried to step away he was punched to the ground by Wesley before being glassed over the head by James.

Wesley then returned to the victim and kicked him repeatedly in the head whilst he was lying unconscious.

The men then steal his gold chain and rifle through his pockets before making off.

A passing member of the public contacted police and the London Ambulance Service after they spotted the lifeless victim, assuming he had been hit by a car due to the severity of his injuries.

The victim suffered life changing injuries including a fractured skull, a bleed to the brain, and facial injuries.

Investigating officers pieced together the attack with CCTV footage and both suspects were identified with the assistance of forensic evidence.

Wesley claimed in interview that his heavy use of cannabis played a role in his actions.

The victim suffered permanent facial disfigurement and requires ongoing treatment for anxiety, dizziness and blurred vision as a result of the savage attack.

Two additional men, seen taking part in the assault, are being sought by police.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Pembe Rayif from North Area CID said: "This was a savage attack which appeared to be completely unprovoked.

“The victim is clearly trying to get away from all the males but was set upon by them all prior to receiving the first strike from Wesley.

“Once unconscious and helpless on the ground, the group target his head showing no mercy and even returning to steal his chain and search his pockets for valuables.

“I hope this verdict goes some small way to helping the victim move on from such a harrowing attack."

Seven Years For Sex Predator Who Preyed On 13 Year-Old Girls

A sexual predator, who molested two 13 year-old girls twelve months apart, has been jailed for seven years.

Davis Kigozi, 26, pounced in the girls' homes, where he had been an invited guest at the time.

Harrow Crown Court also placed him on the Sexual Offenders Register and he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Kigozi was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of sexual activity with a child by penetration.

The court heard how Kigozi preyed on the two girls while he was in relationships with older women who were known to the girls.

On May 28, last year Kigozi returned to the victim's address in Charlton, south-east London and sexually assaulted her.

The girl - who was 13 at the time of the attack - managed to escape from Kigozi and locked herself in a separate room.

Kigozi threatened to kill himself if the girl told anyone what had happened.

Almost a year later on May 12 Kigozi - who was now in a different relationship - struck again.

Kigozi, who had been drinking at the address, made his way into the 13-year-old victim's bedroom in Colindale and sexually assaulted her.

During the attack, the girl's mother came into the bedroom and disturbed Kigozi.

He tried to blame the abuse on another family member, but police were called and Kigozi was arrested.

Detective Constable Jackie McKenzie-Bell of the North West Command Unit led the investigation and said: "Kigozi is a sexual predator who abused his position of trust to assault two vulnerable girls.

“I can only hope his conviction can give them some form of closure to their ordeal.

"Given the similarity of Kigozi's offences, it cannot be discounted that he has abused other children.

“I would appeal to anyone who has been a victim of Kigozi to come forward and speak to police.

“There are specially trained officers to support you and who will strive to obtain justice for you."

Barber's Yellow Line Road Rage

F4 Fade: Blackman's Barber Shop

A barber drove his car into a traffic warden who approached him while parked on a yellow line outside his shop.

Patrick Blackman, 36, works at F4 Fade in Dawes Road, Fulham, where he was arrested later that day.

The father-of-one, of Brabazon Road, Hounslow pleaded guilty on thursday to assaulting warden Kamor Balogun by driving his black Ford vehicle into his left knee on August 18.

Prosecutor Mr. Robert Simpson told Westminster Magistrates Court: “Blackman was in his car, which was parked on a yellow line and the traffic warden said he wanted to talk to him.

“He became abusive and said: 'I'm going to run you over.'

“The defendant then mounted the pavement and struck the left knee of the victim, causing a scratch.

“He then got out of the vehicle and was abusive again.”

Blackman denied threatening to run the traffic warden over and said: “I'm very embarrassed to be here.”

District Judge Nina Tempia told Blackman: “This was a very foolish escapade. You are lucky there was not a more serious injury.”

Blackman was fined £200, with £85 costs plus a £30 victim surcharge and ordered to pay £75 compensation to the traffic warden. 

'Have-A-Go-Heroes' Detain Violent Cashbox Robber

A violent robber, who snatched an armoured car's cash box and was chased and caught by 'have-a-go' passers-by, has been caged for eight years.

Michael Richards, 51, who hid his identity by wearing a crash helmet, bit two members of public, who joined the injured security guard in detaining him.

At the time he was on licence from prison, having been released from a life sentence for similar a similar offence in June, last year.

Richards pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to one count of robbery in Tottenham High Road, Tottenham, north London on September 27.

When eventually released the court ordered he remain on an extended licence for an additional three years.

Richards struck outside a shop at 11.30am when the custodian was making a delivery of cash to a store.

He was approached from behind by Richards who pushed him forcefully to the ground.

Richards, who was wearing dark clothing and a motorcycle crash helmet, picked up the cash box and fled.

The custodian, who suffered a range of injuries during the incident, ran after Richards, as well as three members of the public who witnessed the robbery.

Richards ran towards a black vehicle displaying false number plates, but as he did he was caught by the members of the public who attempted to remove him from the vehicle.

During the struggle Richards viciously bit two of the members of public.

The three bystanders managed to detain Richards on the floor, with the help of a fourth member of public, until police arrived.

The cashbox was recovered from the vehicle.

Detective Constable Kevin Parley from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad said: “I would firstly like to praise the courageous members of the public who intervened and detained Richards while he was attempting to escape.

“They prevented a dangerous criminal from fleeing, and enabled us to detain him in possession of items clearly associated with the robbery.

“This was pivotal in enabling us to bring this case before the courts so quickly and helped us achieve this sentence for Richards today.

“In the commission of this offence, Richards showed a complete disregard for the law and justice system having only recently been released from a custodial sentence for committing another cash in transit robbery.

“He is a dangerous individual who will now serve a lengthy prison sentence and will no longer be able to blight our communities with his offending.”

Tory Researcher Accused Of Parliament Sex Assault

A researcher for Tory Minister Chris Skidmore appeared in court today accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the Houses of Parliament.

Callum Warren, 26, of Lilliput Court, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, was bailed by Westminster Magistrates Court to appear at Southwark Crown Court on January 24.

The offence allegedly occurred last summer in the The Grade I listed Norman Shaw North building - the original New Scotland Yard - now part of the Parliamentary Estate.

Warren is charged that on July 12 he sexually assaulted a female in Room 220, of the Norman Shaw North building, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Street, with intent, by sexually penetrating her vagina with his fingers.

Shaven-headed and bearded Warren dressed in a blue suit, white shirt and blue patterned tie spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality during the short hearing.

He is employed by Conservative MP Mr. Skidmore, who represents the constituency of Kingswood, South Gloucestershire and was recently appointed Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation.

The charge is indictable-only and Warren was sent to the crown court on condition he does not contact the victim.

Warren was notified of today’s court date by postal requisition and his lawyer Tom Warden indicated the charge would be fought.

“There was no penetration and any sexual contact was consensual,” he told District Judge Nina Tempia.

The judge told Warren not to contact the complainant, whose name was written down on a piece of paper for her, directly or indirectly by phone, email or social media to prevent further offences or interference with the witness.

Veteran Armed Robber Back Behind Bars

A veteran armed robber, who tried to snatch a supermarket cash delivery by threatening the guard with a hammer, has been caged for five years.

Matthew Missenden, 56, of Hazel Grove, Sydenham had been released from a life sentence in 2016 for gun-enabled raids.

He fought the charge, but was convicted by a Woolwich Crown Court jury.

He was found guilty of attempting to rob the G4S guardian in Deptford High Street on May 14.

The custodian was delivering a cashbox when he was approached by Missenden, who was armed with a hammer.

Missenden gestured for the cashbox to be handed over, but when the custodian revealed the box was empty Missenden fled the scene.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad launched an investigation.

Extensive review of CCTV footage showed Missenden escaped in a green vehicle.

Officers traced the registration to Missenden’s home address, where he was arrested on June 20.

Missenden was on life licence at the time of this offence after being released from custody in 2016 having served a sentence for a series of gun-enabled robberies.

Detective Constable David Crewe of the Flying Squad said: “Missenden is a prolific offender who has no respect for the law or the criminal justice system.

“At the time of this offence he was on licence having been released from a custodial sentence he received for similar offences.

“Missenden showed no concern for the welfare of the custodian merely carrying out his day job, or other members of the public around him, when he attempted this robbery armed with a weapon. 

“This case should send a clear message to those considering carrying out these audacious crimes that we will track you down and bring you to justice.”

To Our Readers: Have A Very Happy Christmas

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Please accept our best wishes for this festive time of the year.

Christmas Day is a time for celebration and joy, plus appreciation of the loves ones we have around us.

It is also a time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy this day and hopefully another one in twelve months time.

East London Stabbing: Police Released CCTV Images

Detectives have issued CCTV images of two men they want to identify and trace in connection with a stabbing in east London.

Police were called at 3.00pm on Thursday, October 11, to a commercial premises in Globe Road, Bethnal Green where a man had been attacked.

At the scene a 33-year-old man had suffered stab wounds to his back and his arm.

The injured male was taken to hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who can identify the two men pictured.

Detective Constable Ben Stone of Central East CID said: “This was a violent planned attack, and it was mere luck that the victim wasn’t more seriously, or even fatally, injured.

“I urge anyone who can name these men to contact police without delay."

Anyone with information should call Central East Command Unit by dialling 101 quoting CAD4615/11OCT, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Schoolteacher Jailed For Book Cupboard Grope

A schoolteacher who molested a 15 year-old girl pupil in a book cupboard has been jailed for nine months.

Andrew Charles Embling, 36, of Coxtie Green Road, Brentwood taught at a secondary school in Hornchurch, Havering, east London.

He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by touching on January 10, last year.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Embling asked the victim to collect some books for him from a cupboard.

She went to the cupboard to look for the books but could not find them.

He then went back to the cupboard with the victim to assist her.

Whilst in the cupboard he sexually assaulted her.

She immediately told a friend what had happened and then informed a teacher.

Embling was suspended with immediate effect and the police and local authority were informed.

Embling was arrested three days later on January 13 and charged over a year later on March 29.

As part of his sentence, he was issued with a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Investigating officer Police Constable Clare Henson, from the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: “Embling abused the trust this student put in him and saw his opportunity to use his position to betray the victim by sexually touching her.

“The young victim has shown great courage and maturity in coming forward and disclosing what happened, and giving evidence against Embling in court.

“I would also like to praise the school for their response to this incident, their assistance during the investigation and the ongoing support they have provided to the students at the school."

'Pay Or Stay': Precious Metals Fraudsters Ordered To Compensate Victims With Pennies On Pound

Fraudsters: Sabin & Ridpath

The jailed masterminds behind a £7.75m precious metals investment scam will serve more time behind bars if they don’t compensate their victims.

They were convicted at Blackfriars Crown Court of a plot to sell investors “worthless barrels of junk” and approximately £3.6m is owed to the 250-odd victims of the scheme.

Ringleaders Christopher Sabin, 45, of Eyot House, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks and Tobias Ridpath, 54, of Wellington Square, Hastings each received nine years.

On Thursday Sabin, whose criminal benefit was calculated as £6.57m, was ordered to pay £14,469 within three months or serve an additional eight months imprisonment.

Ridpath, whose benefit was also £6.57m, was ordered to pay £201,571 within three months or serve an additional two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Investigators found Sabin’s only real asset was a second-hand Range Rover because his family home is in his partner’s name, but Ridpath has a 40% stake in the property he owns with his wife.

Prolific salesman Nicholas Start, 37, of Spencer Close, Pamber Heath, Tadley, Hampshire, who pocketed at least £132,000 in commission over a few months received seven years imprisonment after the trial.

"Prolific": Start

His total benefit was calculated as £868,753 and he must pay £153,034 in compensation within three months or serve an additional eighteen months imprisonment. 

A fourth lower level participant in the scam, William Berkeley, 54, of Barrington Court, Chichester Terrace, Horsham, who received four years, made a nominal £1 compensation payment.

Using a misleading website and inaccurate glossy brochure they either cold-called customers with scripted patter or placed ads offering the opportunity to purchase supposedly lucrative metals vital to 80% of the world’s industry.

Prosecutor Mr. David Durose told jurors Denver Trading - started by Sabin and Ridpath - was run from a short-term £860 per month office in the City.

The court was told Start headed a “prolific” brokerage - London Commodity Markets - and Berkeley took over the Swiss branch of the business after the original director quit, claiming the business “stank horribly.”

One typical investor, Cecil McMurray, invested £243,000. “He lost a vast amount of money.”

One Quid: Berkeley

Another client bought 100 kilos of rare metals in September, 2012 for £39,000 and two-and-a-half years later that investment was worth £285.

The investors did not know approximately 50% of the money they handed over immediately went to the company as a sales commission - halving the investment, the jury were told.

“Not one of them have made a penny and they have lost pension pots and life savings. The losses are in the millions and millions of pounds.

“They were duped into investing,” explained Mr. Durose, who said the fraud lasted approximately one year from Spring, 2012.

Judge Rajeev Shetty told the four scammers when jailing them: “All the buyers have ended up with worthless barrels of junk, either gathering dust or have long since been disposed of. The loss to them has been total, no one has made one pound back.

“The jury found this was all a scam, a ruthless vehicle designed to rip-off people of their savings and pension pots to make you all wealthy.

“Making as much money as possible was the name of the game and that game is now up.”