Drug Dealer's Cocaine Found Under Floorboards

A drug dealer, who stashed 3.5 kilos of cocaine under his floorboards, has been locked-up for five years.

James Riches, 46, of Brownspring Drive, Eltham was arrested after police raided his south-east London home.

At Woolwich Crown Court he pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug, with intent to supply.

He also admitted possession of a stun gun.

He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the drug charge and one month for possession of a stun gun, to be served concurrently.

The court heard that on June 17, a drugs warrant was executed at Riches’ house.

On searching the property, officers noticed that floorboards in the stairway cupboard appeared loose.

When they were pulled up, a void was located in which 3.5kg of high purity cocaine was found in four black plastic bags hanging from a hook.

Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard, from Specialist Crime, said: “The Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command will continue to target those who supply large quantities of class A drugs, and bring them to justice. 

“The linking of a stun gun to the possession of these drugs shows the close link between dealing drugs and violence in our communities, which we are determined to reduce.”

Band On The Run: Shoplifter Hunted

A suspected audacious shoplifter, accused of stealing expensive music equipment from the same shop on four different days, is being hunted.

The Clubtek shop in Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, south-east London was targeted during the Summer of 2017.

Daniel Peter Cuddy, 36, is suspected of stealing speakers and amplifiers from the shop. 

The stolen property is valued at around £3,000.

The thefts took place on July 5, July 7, July 10 and July 11, 2017. 

Attempts to find Cuddy have to date been unsuccessful, and officers are now appealing for the public’s assistance in tracing him.

Cuddy has connection to Southwark, Deptford, Lewisham and Sydenham, where he lived in Homecroft Road, until 2017.

Anyone who may have seen Cuddy should call the South East BCU on 101 quoting reference 5383/oct02.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bald Perv Wanted For Bus Sex Assaults

Detectives investigating a series of sexual assaults on women travelling on buses in east and north London are appealing for help to identify a man they wish to speak to.

This CCTV image has been released by the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, which is leading enquiries into the nine offences between Thursday, July 4 and Wednesday, September 25.

Detective Constable Teresa Moore, said: “We clearly need to find whoever is responsible for these assaults, and I would like to thank the women for coming forward to report them.

“Although our public transport system is generally safe, this does not diminish the fact that one such offence is one too many. 

“Under no circumstances will this offending be tolerated and this linked series is being investigated using as many resources as possible.

“It is imperative women in London should be able to board public transport without fear of being targeted.

“Each incident has left the women targeted feeling very upset and shocked, and they are being supported by my team.

“We have carried out extensive enquiries to try and identify this man, and we are now asking the public to contact us if they recognise him.

“Please come forward if you know who he is, whether that means making a report to us directly, or via Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The women who were sexually assaulted by touching are between the ages of 23 and 62 years old, with the majority aged in their twenties.

The incidents have taken place on a number of bus routes including the 38, 48, 279, 254, 149 and 253.

They have been committed from late afternoon onwards but primarily between 7.00pm and 11.00pm.

None of the victims were left with physical injuries following the incidents.

Anyone who recognises the man in the images, or has related information to share, is asked to call detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command via 101 or tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jail For Thug Who Repeatedly Punched Woman During Cab Row

A violent thug punched a woman he knew in the face four times when she tried to jump out of the moving taxi they were travelling in.

Xavier Lightbourne, 30, of Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill received two-and-a-half years imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was also sentenced to twelve months - to be served concurrently - for breaching a Restraining Order, which was against the same woman.

Detective Constable Chris Willey, from the Central West Safeguarding team, said:“Lightbourne assaulted his victim whilst they were in a moving taxi, when she had no means of escape.

“The fact that he committed this abhorrent attack in front of the driver shows a level of arrogance, and expectation that he could do whatever he wanted. 

“However, that was clearly not the case and he is now in prison for his actions that day.

“I would like to praise the bravery of this victim for coming forward and contacting us. 

“Her presence at court also showed Lightbourne that he would be held to account for his behaviour, leaving him no other option but to plead guilty.

“We would always encourage the victims of violence to speak with police, including their local safeguarding team, or one of the many charities who support those who suffer from abuse.”

On October 18, last year a private hire driver picked up Lightbourne and a woman – who was known to the suspect – in Westminster. 

Lightbourne claimed the woman was drunk and threw her into the back of the cab.

The woman, who was clearly distressed, tried to get out of the cab whilst it was still moving. 

Her attempt enraged Lightbourne, who punched her approximately four times in the face.

The driver stopped the cab and Lightbourne ran off before going into hiding. 

The woman required medical treatment for facial injuries.

Lightbourne was circulated as wanted and a media appeal for information to trace him was issued.

On Wednesday, January 30 he handed himself in at a south London police station and was arrested and charged.

Online Sex Predator Caged

An online sex offender, who abused young females, including a 14 year-old he met on the internet, has been locked-up for seven-and-a-half years.

Abraham Ibrahim, 21, of Woodmill Road, Clapton was found guilty of a number of offences after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

His brother, Yousef Ibrahim, 29, of Woodmill Road, Clapton, was found guilty of one count of perverting the course of justice. 

He was jailed for twelve months.

Abraham Ibrahim contacted his victims through social media messaging apps. 

After exchanging messages Ibrahim arranged to meet one of the victims outside of London in June, 2018. 

He then went on to commit a number of serious sexual offences against her.

At around the same time, Ibrahim was also communicating with another girl aged 14 years-old, who lived in London. 

He met her several times and engaged in sexual activity.

Officers from Central Specialist Crime led the investigation, launched after the parents of one girl called police after finding explicit images on her phone. 

On September 14, last year officers executed a search warrant at Ibrahim’s home address and arrested him on suspicion of child abuse offences. 

He was bailed and further arrested at a later date when more offences came to light.

Yousef Ibrahim was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after he contacted a friend of one of the victims in January, while his brother was on remand, and asking her to change her story.

Suspended Prison Sentence For Harassment Campaign By Text

City of London Magistrates Court

A man who harassed his victim with threatening text messages at a City of London construction recruitment firm has received a suspended prison sentence.

Scott Butler, 44, of Taylor Row, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent must also complete a number of unpaid hours work under Probation Service supervision.

He was charged with harassing Scott Clarke between December 20 and 30, last year at Venture Construction Solutions, New Broad Street by sending a number of threatening text messages stating he would use violence against him and his unborn child.

Butler was sentenced at City of London Magistrates Court to ten weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and ordered to complete up to twenty-five days of a recommended rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must also complete 150 hours community service work and was made subject to a two-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with Mr. Clarke.

Butler must also pay a total of £400 in court penalties.

Universal Credit Claim Continued After Inheritance

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

A benefit claimant, who kept her inheritance a secret and continued to receive money, will now have to work for free after being sentenced.

Sarah Young, 39, of Buckingham Avenue, Thornton Heath did not tell the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) about her windfall while claiming Universal Credit.

She appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with failing to notify the DWP of a change in her circumstances between July 4, 2018 and January 4, this year, namely that she had received a capital asset in the form of an inheritance.

Young was placed on a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 144 hours of unpaid community service work.

She must also comply with a probation-ordered recommended activity requirement of up to thirty days.

The court made no compensation order for the benefit payments Young received as that is being recovered by the DWP.

She must also pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge at the rate of £10 per fortnight.

NOT GUILTY: Consulant Cleared Of Defrauding NHS

100% Innocent: Dr. Klusmann

An NHS consultant with University College London Hospital has been cleared of also working lucrative private shifts while collecting her NHS salary during an alleged £130,000 fraud.

Paediatric radiologist Dr. Maria Klusmann, 47, of Southwood Lane, Highgate  was accused of deliberately deceiving bosses at the Bloomsbury hospital during the two-year scam, her trial heard.

After a four-week trial at Blackfriars Crown Court the consultant was found not guilty of fraud after the jury deliberated for over twenty hours.

“This is a case about money and greed,” prosecutor Leila Gaskin told the jurors at the start of the trial. 

“The prosecution say the defendant was paid by the NHS, but instead she chose to work elsewhere at exclusive private clinics.”

Dr. Klusmann received a total of around £130,000 from the NHS and her private work, with approximately £60-£70,000 defrauded from taxpayers, the court heard.

She diagnosed sick children using CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays, ultrasound scans and by taking biopsies.

Dr. Klusmann pleaded not guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position between April 3, 2014 and August 2, 2016 having always protected her innocence.

She denied dishonesty, insisting much of her private work was during periods of leave from UCLH with the remainder of time paid back to the NHS.

The court heard Dr. Klusmann also worked at Highgate Private Hospital; The Wellington Hospital and Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth in St. John’s Wood; Aspen Healthcare and HCA Healthcare.

“Senior doctors were able to see the defendant was not working at the times and places she was contracted to on numerous occasions,” explained Ms Gaskin.

“She admitted no wrongdoing and did not alter her conduct and an internal investigation revealed extensive gaps when she was working for other private clinics when she should have been working for the NHS.

“The prosecution case is over two years she did not work for hundreds of hours for the NHS and during that time was working in the private sector, earning additional sums and was doing this dishonestly and deliberately covering it up.

“She was effectively being paid by both the private clinics and the NHS at the same time. The defendant was being dishonest, working at private clinics on days she should have been working for the NHS.

“She was deceiving the NHS, she was acting fraudulently.”

The court heard Dr. Klusmann reacted negatively when confronted by UCLH. “She became agitated and evasive and did not answer questions she was asked and there was an attempt on her part to manipulate the data.

“She says if there is a deficit there is a fault in the computer software of the hospital, which was prone to crash.”

Care Home Boss Denies £250K Fraud

The manager of a Harrow care home looted the accounts of around £250,000 during a five-year scam, even treating herself to a Jimmy Choo handbag, a jury heard today.

Abeeda Khan, 52, ran Oakleigh Care Home, based in Oakleigh Road, Hatch End diverted £81,875 to friends and family during the fraud, the court heard.

Khan, of St. Mary’s Avenue South,  Southall was also the 50% owner of the home and is accused of using the company credit card to make purchases for herself.

The Harrow Crown Court jury was told she also submitted false claims for petty cash; claimed cash back after overpaying for hours worked and used tradesmen and contractors to work on her own properties at the home’s expense.

Prosecutor Mr. Notu Hoon said Khan kept swindling her co-owner despite receiving a £34,000 a year salary for managing the 19-bed home.

“The Crown’s case is she has perpetrated frauds on the home and authorised payments to a number of people from the nursing home’s funds.”

Those people included her cousin; brother-in-law; sister-in-law and other individuals who were “ghost” employees the jury were told.

“Various purchases are made on the home’s credit card for the defendant’s personal use,” explained Mr. Hoon. “There were purchases in Tesco’s, Morrisons and for a Jimmy Choo handbag.”

These added up to approximately £46,748 and the petty cash came to £10,765.

Khan was questioned three times by the police. “She didn’t deny the acts, but claimed her co-owner consented and encouraged her actions.

“However, there is no evidence of agreement and the co-owner rejects the assertion.

“These frauds amount to something in the order of a quarter of a million pounds on top of her salary,” added Mr. Hoon.

Khan has pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud between July 1, 2012 and September 30, 2017. 

Trial continues…………..

'Murder Mile' Stabbing: £20K Reward Offered

Jude Gayle in shop before stabbing

Police investigating the fatal alleyway stabbing of a fitness instructor two years ago have announced a £20,000 for information that solves the case.

Jude Gayle, 30, (pictured) was killed shortly after leaving this shop on the corner of Dunbar Street and Norwood High Street on the evening of September 24, 2017.

The location of the killing occurred on the notorious 'Murder Mile', which runs from Tulse Hill to West Norwood and three suspects were cleared after an Old Bailey trial.

Jude had been preparing a meal for family members on the Sunday afternoon and made the short distance to the corner shop to buy a bottle of ketchup and lollipop for his young daughter.

After leaving the shop he was stabbed in an alleyway in DuneIm Grove as he made his way back to the family meal.

At 5.39pm, emergency services were called to the alleyway where Jude lay critically injured. 

Despite emergency treatment by a doctor from London's Air Ambulance, Jude was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.42pm.

A post-mortem examination the following day gave cause of death as incised wounds.

Three men were prosecuted with Jude’s murder, but were all later found not guilty following a trial at the Old Bailey.

They are: Jonathon Haynes, 37, of Park Avenue, Mitcham; Leon Bishop, 32, of East Dulwich and Tarelle Bishop, 23, of Dunelm Grove, West Norwood.

The Met is now offering a £20,000 serious crime reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Wright, leading the investigation from the Specialist Crime Command, said: "On the second anniversary of Jude's murder, we remain committed to bringing his killers to justice.

Jude was taken away from his family in the worse way possible. He was a father, brother and a son and it is difficult for them knowing that nobody has been convicted of his murder.

“We have had a number of witnesses come forward with information as part of our investigation, which we are very grateful for but we want anyone who has not already made contact with us to come forward.

The information you have no matter how small, could be a vital piece of evidence. 

“We are counting on you to get in touch and the information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Jude's mother, Pett Roach said: “The past two years have been very difficult for us. I have just accepted that Jude will not be coming back from the shop. 

“He is gone. No one can bring him back. We are left to pick up the pieces and continue with our lives. 

“All I can hope for and all I want is justice, no more, no less. I want those responsible for killing my son, convicted and serve the maximum penalty.”

Jude's partner Rachel Goodchild said: "Sunday 24th September started like any other Sunday but ended so far from anything I thought could ever happen to me. 

“That day Jude, my partner my children’s father got brutally murdered. Leaving me his beloved daughter and unborn son to face life alone. 

“Our daughter speaks daily of Jude wanting wishing and hoping her reality of her daddy no longer being with us is just a dream. 

“She just can’t understand why he is no longer here with us, something I will have to face all over again as our son get older.

“Through the careless actions of others I've been forced into bringing up our children alone and I owe it to them and to the memory of Jude to get justice. 

“So I am pleading from the deepest part of me please if you or anybody you know has any information no matter how big or small please help with the ongoing investigation. 

“We need new compelling evidence, help us get JUSTICE FOR JUDE!"

Anyone with information about Jude's death can contact the Incident Room on 0208 721 4961 or via the police non-emergency number 101.

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