Masked Gang: Teenage Burglar Caged

A masked burglar, who was part of a terrifying gang that broke into an occupied flat, has received four years and ten months imprisonment.

Buster Goldsmith, 19, of Havering, east London pleaded guilty to the aggravated burglary and a second attempted burglary.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Goldsmith was one of a group of four suspects who broke into a residential address on the York Way Estate, Holloway on Sunday, August 11, last year.

At 11.36pm, a 999 call was made from the address stating that a group of men had forced their way into the flat and made threats.

The group were all wearing hoodies and masks, but ran from the flat when the light was switched on by one of the occupants.

The group then tried unsuccessfully to break into a neighbouring flat before fleeing the scene. 

It was once they had ran from the building that police were called.

Goldsmith was detained and arrested only minutes after the 999 call was made, when an officer who was near the York Way Estate saw him hiding next to a car.

A CCTV review showed the group in balaclavas entering the ground floor lobby of the building, after entering the estate by climbing over a high fence. 

All four males wore hoodies, balaclavas and latex gloves.

Goldsmith was charged the next day.

Detective Constable Irfan Ahmad, who led the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victims involved and they are still coming to terms with what happened that night. 

“Their sense of security in their own homes – the place they should feel safest – has been shattered.

“We are pleased Goldsmith has done the right thing and acknowledged his involvement in the incident. 

“We know however that there were a number of other individuals involved in this case and we are continuing our efforts to trace them.”

Nightstalker's Midnight Sex Attack

Gordon: "Sexual Predator"

A “sexual predator” has been jailed for a midnight attack on a lone woman, whose screams were heard by local residents.

William Gordon, 34, of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle molested the woman once and then chased and subjected her to further sexual assaults.

The victim was the forth woman he followed that night.

At the Old Bailey he was convicted of four counts of assault by penetration; two counts of common assault and one count of sexual assault.

Yesterday he was sentenced to thirteen years imprisonment.

The court heard that at approximately 0.15am on Tuesday, August 6, last year, Gordon followed the victim as she walked along Larcom Street to Charleston Street, near Elephant and Castle.

He sexually assaulted her for the first time, but when she managed to get away Gordon chased her to Cotham Street, where further assaults took place.

The court heard how throughout the attack the victim called out and continued to try and fight Gordon off.

Her cries alerted people in nearby houses to what was taking place and the police were called. 

Gordon fled the scene.

Nightstalker: Gordon

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Central South Command Unit launched an investigation immediately.

A media appeal prompted a number of calls that identified Gordon.

He was arrested on Tuesday, August 20 and denied any involvement in the attack.

Detectives discovered that Gordon had followed three other lone women that same night in the lead up to the incident. 

Officers also found that Gordon had followed a woman a week prior to carrying out this attack.

Detective Inspector Sharon Steel of the Central South Command Unit, said: “At every opportunity Gordon has failed to acknowledge any wrong-doing and has instead chosen to put both the victim and witnesses in this case through a full trial.

“William Gordon is a manipulative sexual predator who poses a serious danger to women and today the jury have rightfully convicted him. 

“That night he was clearly targeting lone women before he carried out this prolonged attack.

“I would especially like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case, she has helped to make sure that this dangerous offender has been rightfully convicted on all seven counts.”

East London Bakery Slashing: High-Vis Knifeman Wanted

A suspected High-Vis knifeman is wanted by police after a 16 year-old schoolboy was slashed with a Stanley knife in an east London bakery.

Officers in Tower Hamlets have released this CCTV image of the man they believe is responsible for the unprovoked attack.

Police were called to the bakery in Market Square, Poplar at 3.00pm on January 25.

It was reported the teenager was approached by an unknown man, who engaged him in conversation, before slashing his arm with the sharp blade.

The suspect then fled the scene.

The victim suffered an injury to his elbow, which required hospital treatment.

Detective Constable Luke Martinez, who is leading the hunt, said: “This was a shocking attack in the middle of the day in a busy area.

“I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man pictured or has any information of his whereabouts.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 4594/25Jan or the independent charity Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.

Domestic Terror: Hammer-Wielding Thug Caged

A hammer-wielding thug, who battered a woman at an east London address - inflicting three serious head wounds and a suspected broken arm - has been caged.

Mark Hosang, 49, of Paragon Road, Homerton, received ten years imprisonment for the violent attack.

He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, and will remain on an extended licence of three years once released.

Hosang carried out the attack on the woman, aged in her forties, in the early hours of Wednesday, July 12, last year.

Police and London Ambulance Service were called at 6.25am to reports of the injured woman in distress at a residential address in Paragon Road.

A member of the public had heard screams coming from the address and called 999.

At the scene officers found the victim suffering from three significant head wounds and a suspected broken arm. 

Enquiries revealed Hosang had attacked the victim with a claw hammer, striking her across the head and arm as she tried to shield herself from the attack.

Hosang was arrested at the scene and taken to an east London police station.

Detective Constable Mark Symonds, from the Central East Command Unit led the investigation and said: “This was a sustained, brutal attack, aggravated by the use of a weapon which could have easily had fatal consequences.

“I would like to praise the bravery of the victim who has shown great courage and resilience in supporting this investigation. 

“The professionalism and care of staff at the Royal London Hospital has enabled her to make significant improvements in her recovery and I can only hope the sentence handed down to Hosang further aids this.

“I would also like to praise the actions of the passer-by who called police – their actions allowed us respond swiftly and arrest Hosang while his victim could receive immediate medical attention.

“I would always encourage anyone to call police if they see someone else in trouble - your actions could save a life.”

Nightclub Victim Suffers Fractured Skull: Two Suspects Sought

Police are hunting these two suspected nightclub thugs after a man suffered a fractured skull and bleed on the brain.

Police were called at approximately 1.45am on Saturday, April 20, last year to the Chelsea Lodge on King's Road, Fulham.

Witnesses told officers a fight had broken out resulting in the victim falling to the floor. 

Whilst on the floor, one man is said to have kicked the victim in the head while two others repeatedly punched him.

The victim was taken to hospital having suffered a fractured skull and bleed on the brain as a result of the attack.

On July 14, a man in his twenties voluntarily attended a police station in central London where he was interviewed under caution. 

He was released under investigation.

Detectives are now requesting the public’s assistance in identifying two further individuals they would like to speak to.

Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette, from the Metropolitan Police's Central West Basic Command Unit (BCU), said: “We are appealing for the public’s assistance in our investigation into this violent attack. 

“We have reviewed large amounts of CCTV, taken witness accounts and pieced together the events of that evening in an attempt to identify those involved.

“This fight broke out shortly after an exchange of words between the victim and three other men. 

“These men then proceeded to attack the victim who sustained severe head injuries which left him hospitalised for a number of weeks. 

“He is still suffering the effects of these injuries today.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have spoken to these individuals on this night, or who knows of them to get in touch with police – either through direct routes or anonymously through independent charities including Crimestoppers and Fearless.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 quoting Cad 1022/20Apr19. 

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111 – they do not ask your name and cannot trace your call.

Snubbed Party-Host Shoved 18 Year-Old Girl Over 4th-Floor Balcony

A party host deliberately pushed a teenage girl over a 4th-floor balcony – causing fractures to her neck and back – when she snubbed his advances.

Yusef Ali, 20, was convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on the 18 year-old who fled when he lashed out at attendees with a knife.

Ali, of Corry Drive, Brixton, was also found guilty at Croydon Crown Court of affray and possessing an offensive weapon.

He was found not guilty of attempted murder.

The court heard that at around 9.00pm on August 3, last year Ali and a friend booked a the flat in Empire Square, Long Lane, Borough to host an overnight party.

At around 3.00am the following morning, people started to arrive at the apartment, including the victim and her friends.

Ali had never previously met the victim, but took an immediate interest in her, grabbing at her and pulling her hair to get her attention. 

It was clear the interest was not reciprocated and she attempted to ignore his behaviour, causing him to become angry and aggressive.

At around 9.00am, another group of boys arrived and a scuffle broke out between them and Ali, who had armed himself with a knife from the kitchen.

He was left with a minor cut to his lip and head and lost all restraint, waving the knife in people’s faces, lashing out and stabbing.

The party-goers immediately began to flee the scene, but Ali managed to stab at least two other males as they tried to leave the property. 

Both were taken to hospital and have since recovered from their injuries.

Empire Square

The victim managed to escape the flat and was attempting to call for the lift when Ali approached her. 

She ran to the balcony and called to those below for help, but before anyone could assist, Ali ran at her and pushed her over the ledge.

She landed on the hard floor below and suffered significant injuries including fractures to her neck and lower back. 

She was in hospital for several weeks and although she is making a good recovery, has been unable to go back to work or college.

After the incident, Ali attempted to leave the building, but officers were quickly on scene and arrested him.

A blade found at the venue matched a knife handle in Ali’s pocket at the time of his arrest.

Detective Constable Tom Waller, from the Metropolitan Police's Central South CID, said: “Ali violently pushed an innocent 18-year-old woman off a fourth floor internal balcony in a fit of rage which had already seen him stab two men.

"It was only by sheer luck that she was not more seriously injured and although she is recovering well, this incident has had a huge impact on her life.

“Ali did not care who he injured that night and was clearly intent on harming anyone in his path.

“Those at the party were left terrified and we are grateful for those who have provided their own witness accounts and had to re-live what happened.

“Thanks to them and the dedicated work of our officers, Ali has been brought to justice and is now likely to face a significant time in prison.”

Tube Train Flasher: Pervert Hunted

Police are hunting for this suspected tube train pervert after a man indecently exposed himself to a female passenger.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image as they continue trying to identify their suspect.

On October 11, last year a man sat opposite a woman on a Piccadilly Line train from Manor House.

While staring at her, he exposed himself and began to touching himself inappropriately.

The victim quickly left the train and the man then got off at Bounds Green.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information, which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 166 of 11/10/19.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Teen Robbed Of Scooter And Earphones On Train

Police are hunting this suspected robber after a teenager had his electric scooter and AirPod earphones snatched on a Thameslink train.

The 17 year-old victim was told by the robber he had a knife and the suspect was captured on CCTV leaving the next station on the scooter.

The teenager was travelling from West Sutton at around 12pm on February 25 and was threatened as the train approached Elephant & Castle station.

The robber asked to see the victim's earphones and immediately put them in his jacket pocket.

He then asked to take a closer look at the scooter and when the victim refused, simply snatched it from him, claiming he was armed with a knife.

The robber left the train at Elephant & Castle with the electric scooter and earphones.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or witnessed what happened please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2000018769.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Station Punch Tragedy: Police Release E-Fit

Police continue to hunt a train station thug after a middle-aged commuter died three months after being punched unconscious.

The British Transport Police have released this e-fit of their suspect as they attempt to trace the wanted man.

At 11.05am on November 26, last year at St. Mary Cray station in south-east London the 50 year-old victim was punched on the ramp entrance.

The man fell unconscious and was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

He remained there for approximately 15 weeks, but sadly passed away at home on February 15, just three days after being discharged.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died of head and neck injuries, believed to have been sustained from a fall at his home.

Detectives are continuing to try and trace an individual in connection with the assault in November. 

He is described as a black man, of athletic build, and around 6 feet tall.

He was wearing a long black raincoat which had the hood up and tight grey trousers or jeans. 

He was also wearing white Nike trainers with a white tick.

Officers are now appealing to anyone in the local area who may recognise the man in the e-fit picture to get in touch with them as soon as possible.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 204 of 26/11/19.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Killer Kicked Drinking-Buddy To Death Over £30 Debt

A killer has been caged for kicking his drinking-buddy to death over a £30 debt.

David Dalling, 45, of Thorparch Road, Stockwell, delivered half a dozen kicks to 60 year-old Hurbert Hall before returning to inflict a seventh sickening one.

He was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court of manslaughter and received ten years imprisonment.

The court heard Hall and Dalling were in in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, east London in the early hours of April 2, last year, having been drinking alcohol together.

At about 6.30am, the friends began to argue over a £30 debt. 

Dalling, the younger and fitter of the two, threw Hall to the floor and began attacking him – kicking him six times in the head.

Dalling walked off to pick-up the items that had fallen out of Hall’s pocket, before delivering a seventh sickening kick to his head before calmly walking away.

A passer-by discovered Hall lying motionless on the floor, face down in a pool of his own blood.

The member of public called 999 and officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and rushed to Hall’s aid.

Hall, from Walthamstow, sustained injuries to his head causing severe blood loss and a traumatic brain Injury. 

He was taken to an east London hospital where he sadly died at 5.40pm the next day.

An investigation was launched by homicide detectives from Specialist Crime and Dalling was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, April 4 after police enquiries identified him as the suspect.

When he was arrested and cautioned, Dalling replied: “I understand. Murder?”

Detective Sergeant Daniel Yeoman said: “Dalling carried out a brutal, vicious attack on Mr. Hall over a petty argument over a thirty pound debt. 

“Dalling continued his attack on Mr. Hall, even when he was lying defenceless on the ground and clearly injured. 

“Dalling then calmly walked away without an ounce of remorse for what he had done to his friend.

“Luckily our enquiries enabled us to swiftly arrest Dalling and the evidence we compiled has resulted in him being convicted and jailed for killing Mr. Hall.”