Covidiot Caged For Coughing At Cop

A suspected car crook, who deliberately coughed into a policeman's face – claiming he had Covid-19 – has been jailed.

Adam Lewis, 55, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for assault on the officer, a designated emergency worker.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the officer was on cycle patrol in Westminster at 3.40pm on March 31.

A member of the public alerted the officer to Lewis, who was trying the door handles of parked cars.

The PC approached Lewis and attempted to detain him for a search, at which point Lewis tried to resist and smashed a bottle of wine he was holding on the floor.

Lewis then verbally threatened the PC, telling him: "I am covid and I am going to cough in your face and you will get it." 

He then coughed on the PC, who was trying to keep him at arm's reach, making no attempt to shield his mouth, and fell to the floor.

The PC bent down to restrain him, while holding his head away from Lewis, who attempted to cough up phlegm, before trying to spit in his face. 

Lewis also threatened to bite him, shortly after telling the PC that he had a bad disease and that he was going to give it to him.

After the PC called for assistance, other Met colleagues arrived and Lewis was arrested.

Chief Superintendent Helen Harper, from Area West Command Unit, said: “My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities - and we are appreciate that the vast majority of people are making every effort to comply with the measures the government has introduced.

"While these type of assaults are thankfully a rare occurrence, this incident was horrendous and if we do encounter this type of unacceptable behaviour we will be robust in our response. I hope the sentence today conveys a strong message that it will not be tolerated."

Shotgun Thugs Jailed

Lewis Philpot & Tony Murray

Two men are starting prison sentences after firing a shotgun in east London, injuring a man and a woman.

The pair, who were riding bikes, shot at the front door of a commercial premises, injuring the victims both aged in their thirties, in Chatsworth Road, Clapton.

Lewis Philpot, 22, (pic. l.) and Tony Murray, 27, (pic. r.) of Churchill Walk, Hackney, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life and causing grievous bodily harm, with intent.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Philpot was sentenced to nine years and four months imprisonment.

Murray was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Police were called on Thursday, January 23 at 0.55am to reports of a firearm being discharged.

The victims received pellet wounds as a result of the shooting and were taken to hospital and discharged with non-life changing injuries.

An immediate investigation was launched by Trident detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime.

As a result of their enquiries search warrants were executed a week later at two addresses and during the searches a shotgun was recovered.

Detective Inspector Matthew Webb of Specialist Crime said: “Both of these men have paid the penalty for their wanton discharge of a firearm on the streets of London. 

“It was merely good fortune that the injuries they caused were not more serious.

“The Met is determined to bring violent criminals to account and both men were quickly arrested and charged. 

“Following our inquiry, both were faced with overwhelming evidence and quickly pleaded guilty.”

'Arab Street' £300K Safe Snatcher Snared

An 'Arab Street' restaurant raider, who threatened a worker with a kebab skewer as his gang fled with over £300,000 in a safe, has been caged.

Hassan Gawish, 20, received 18 months imprisonment for his part in taking the safe from a Lebanese restaurant in Edgware Road.

At Southwark Crown Court he pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and one count of common assault.

The court heard that at around 5.55am on Thursday, November 28, last year Gawish and a group of four other men entered the restaurant.

Once inside, they threatened two members of staff until they revealed where the money was kept.

They used a crowbar to break open an office door and removed two safes, dragging them out onto the street.

As they loaded the larger safe into a silver Honda Civic they were disturbed by a marked police car responding to an emergency call made by one of the staff.

Three of the men immediately fled on foot while the car was quickly driven away with the large safe – containing between £300,000 and £350,000 in cash – in the back.

Gawish, who had remained inside the building, was detained by a member of staff as he ran out onto the road. 

As he attempted to make his escape, he punched the victim in the face and attacked him with a metal kebab skewer.

Despite the assault, the victim managed to keep Gawish at the scene and officers arrested him.

Detective Sergeant Pete Lower, from the Central West CID’s burglary unit, said: “This was clearly a pre-planned burglary in which Gawish played a pivotal role. 

“He had no hesitation in attacking anyone who stood in his way and it is only by luck that the victim was not more seriously injured.

“A large amount of money was stolen from the restaurant and has still not been recovered and four suspects remain outstanding.

“We are doing all we can to identify the others involved and would encourage anyone with information to contact us on 101 with reference number CAD 1112/28NOV19.”

Bus Sex Pest Hunted In Heart Of Orthodox Jewish Community

Police hunting a bus sex pest in the heart of north London’s Orthodox Jewish community have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

He is believed to be responsible for molesting a 15 year-old girl and trying to touch a 19 year-old female on buses travelling through Stamford Hill.

There is nearly a year between the incidents and the first, onboard a 254 bus, occurred at 7.50am on February 14, last year when the 15 year-old reported being sexually assaulted on the top deck.

The 19 year-old was travelling to work on a 253 bus at 8.56am on February 4, this year when the suspect repeatedly attempted to sexually assault her.

He eventually got off at Clapton Common and the young woman reported he had also molested her or tried to molest her on the same bus service on two earlier occasions in a period of a couple of months.

Police Constable Clair, who is investigating said: “Both of the victims did the right thing and immediately reported what happened and we’ve supported them throughout the investigation.

“Although there is a year between the two incidents we are treating these as linked and it’s really important that we track down this man.

“I am asking anyone who knows him to call us straightaway, specifically if you travel on the 253 or 254 bus routes or are local to the Manor House and Stamford Hill areas then consider if you know who this man might be.

“If you are the man in the CCTV then I am appealing to you directly to contact us.

“We treat all allegations of sexual assault seriously. If you have been sexually assaulted then I urge you to report it to us. We will support you.”

To give information 100% anonymously contact independent charity Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

Would-Be Canal Rapist Caged

A wannabe rapist was caught and is starting a fifteen-year sentence after a teenage boy heard the early hours screams of his female victim. 

Sean Manning, 42, was convicted of the attempted rape of the woman, aged in her thirties, and was made subject to a minimum ten-year period behind bars.

Wood Green Crown Court Manning attacked the woman on the steps of Haggerston Bridge, by the Regents Canal, Hackney on August 11, last year.

He met the woman in a nearby pub and followed her when she left in the early hours, asking her to come with him.

When she refused, he became aggressive and dragged her down the steps at the side of Haggerston Bridge. 

He then attempted to rape her, physically assaulting her as she struggled to get away.

The victim only managed to escape from Manning after a 14-year-old boy heard her screaming from inside his house.

He came outside and confronted the male before calling police, while Manning fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

He was arrested five days later and remanded in custody until trial.

Detective Constable Mark Papasavva said: “Sean Manning targeted a vulnerable lone woman, who was simply out enjoying an evening with friends.

“He followed her until she was on her own and when she refused to return to his flat, violently attacked her.

“The victim has shown extreme courage and bravery in coming forward in what has clearly been an incredibly stressful and traumatic time for her and I am pleased that Sean Manning has now been convicted.

“I must also praise the bravery of the 14-year-old witness who came forward to assist the victim. 

“His bravery began by bringing this attack to an end and assisted with the conviction of a very dangerous man.

“I hope this case shows how seriously we take these types of offences and encourages other victims of this type of crime to come forward, whatever their circumstances.”

Wannabe Bus Stop Rapist Caught By CCTV Operator

A late-night wannabe bus stop rapist - caught solely by a suspicious CCTV operator - is starting a four-year prison sentence.

Student Rami Othmane, 21, was prosecuted despite the female victim refusing to help police and investigating officers relying heavily on the quality of the images.

The Sicilian resident of Arabic heritage was living in Hackney, east London, where he preyed on the lone woman at 4am.

Police have described him as “dangerous” and his behaviour as “atrocious”.

He pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to one count of attempted rape and was sentenced today.

The court heard the CCTV operator observed Othmane trying to force the woman to perform a sex act on him in Allerton Road on January 22, this year.

Police were alerted and rushed to the bus stop, but Othmane had already fled.

They spoke to the woman, but she refused to co-operate or give a statement to police.

However, officers were determined to track their suspect down, due to the seriousness of what was caught on CCTV, and launched an investigation.

Using local CCTV they tracked Othmane’s movements and a resident at one address he visited told officers on January 30 where they could find him.

Police attended his home and noticed the coat their suspect was wearing that night was at the residence.

Detective Constable Dave Barrett said: “It is with huge thanks to the diligent CCTV operator, who spotted this alarming incident and immediately called police, allowing the officers to act quickly and locate the victim and ultimately put this man behind bars.

“We fully respect the victim’s decision not to make a report, but we hope today’s outcome proves that we took this incident, like all sexual offences, extremely seriously and will work tirelessly to trace those who think they can commit atrocious crimes such as this.

“Othmane is dangerous individual and he may well have caused serious harm to others if he wasn’t apprehended.”

Grenfell Fraudster Who Moaned About Free Hotel Jailed

A greedy Grenfell Tower fraudster, who enjoyed a five-month 4-star hotel stay by lying he was an unofficial resident in the block, has been jailed.

Sheffick Brimer, 50, was a serving prisoner during the fatal blaze, but claimed he was in hospital for an operation.

He enjoyed £32,000 in accommodation and food after insisting he was staying with two residents, who died in the fire.

Audacious Brimer even complained about the first free hotel – forcing a move - and was constantly rude and aggressive to staff.

At Isleworth Crown Court he was convicted of fraud by false representation and sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Brimer claimed to have lived in a flat in Grenfell Tower along with two residents who sadly died in the fire. 

On the night of the fire he claimed to have been in hospital, admitted a few weeks earlier for an operation.

In reality he was in prison on the night of the blaze and for weeks before and after the tragic incident.

When he was released Brimer presented himself to council officials and was given emergency accommodation, intended for displaced residents of the tower block, paid for by the Royal Borough of Chelsea and Kensington.

He received four star hotel accommodation, with food, to the value of £31,776.59 between July 18, 2017 and December 11, 2017.

An investigation was launched after suspicions were raised when he failed to attend voluntary meetings to assess his housing needs. 

Also, the flat he said he lived in did not match the floor number he claimed to live on.

During interview, Brimer claimed he was provided accommodation as a result of his work with various charitable organisations and claimed he previously stayed with the deceased family and in several other flats within the tower.

Members of the deceased's family had never heard of Brimer before and said he was not living with them. 

Detectives made numerous enquiries with other residents of the tower and not one of them had heard of him.

Detective Constable Lucy Hall said: “Brimer was never a resident of Grenfell Tower and using this tragedy as a way to receive free accommodation and food at the cost of the council is completely despicable and appalling.

“He even had the audacity to complain about his initial accommodation and was moved to a second hotel. 

“Witnesses also said he was rude and aggressive to hotel staff.

“Brimer’s behaviour compounds the upset of individuals who have been traumatized by the Grenfell fire and is disrespectful to the victims who he claimed he was living with.”

Wanted: Smiling Sex Assault Suspect

Police are hunting this smiling suspect after a 13 year-old schoolgirl was molested on the deserted top deck of a north London bus.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Command have released the CCTV image as they try and identify the man.

On Thursday October 24, last year the young teenager boarded a 302 double-decker bus travelling from Willesden to Mill Hill.

The suspect boarded at the same stop and followed her upstairs to the empty top deck and deliberately sat beside her despite all the other seats being available.

He attempted to strike up a conversation with the girl and made lewd suggestions.

The suspect then sexually assaulted the teenager before getting off the bus at Watling Community Centre in Orange Hill Road, Edgware.

Officers are requesting anyone who recognises the suspect to call police on 101 of tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 3328/24OCT19.

Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Brute Locked Up

A man who subjected a woman to repeated violence and sexual abuse, claiming she inflicted the injuries herself, has been jailed.

Ian David Vacciana, 57, of Newham, east London received thirteen-and-a-half years imprisonment.

He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of two counts of grievous bodily harm, with intent, rape, attempted rape and assault by beating.

The court head the first incident happened in February, 2018 in Newham when he attempted to rape the female victim.

Between the summer of 2018 and spring 2019, Vacciana then subjected the victim to two serious assaults. 

In July he raped her, assaulting her again the following day.

Vacciana was arrested on July 24, last year and tried to claim the victim had caused the injuries herself.

Detectives from the North East Area’s Safeguarding team led the investigation.

Detective Constable Sally Ogden said: “Vacciana is a violent, dangerous, individual who put the victim through an absolutely terrible ordeal. 

“He has continued to deny the vile things he did to her. 

“I’m pleased that the jury agreed with the overwhelming evidence we built against him and chose to convict him.

“I’d like to praise the victim for her courage in contacting the police and for supporting our investigation throughout. 

“Her actions have helped to put a dangerous man behind bars where he is unable to cause harm to anyone else. 

“I hope the victim’s bravery inspires other victims of violence and sexual abuse to come forward. 

“Contacting the police can be an extremely daunting thing to do, but rest assured, you will be provided with support and compassion.”

Bogus Mini-Cab Brothers Sexually Preyed On Women

Nazmul Ahmed

Two predatory brothers, who sexually preyed on vulnerable lone women leaving bars and nightclubs - even looting their bank accounts - have been convicted of multiple offences.

Nazmul Ahmed, 26, and Selim Ahmed, 32, would pose as genuine mini-cab drivers and sexually assault the young women in their vehicles and take their bank cards.

Nazmul, of Cromer Street, Camden, north London is starting a 16-year prison sentence after being convicted of one count of rape; two counts of assault by penetration, plus counts of theft, fraud and money laundering.

His brother Selim, also of Cromer Street will be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on May 22 for sexual assault and kidnapping, plus using a bank card stolen by Nazmul.

Detective Inspector Louise Caveen, of the Metropolitan Police’s Central North safeguarding team said: “Nazmul and Selim Ahmed are predatory offenders, who have deliberately targeted vulnerable women to sexually assault and defraud them.”

Nazmul was placed on the sex offenders register for life and will spend an extended four years on licence once released.

When sentenced the judge described him as a “predator” and “a ruthless and callous serial sex offender.”

Four women, all in their twenties, gave evidence and the first victim, recalled being approached by men in a car following a night out with friends in Russell Square, Holborn on September 15, 2018.

She fell asleep in the vehicle and awoke to Nazmul sexually assaulting her. He dropped her off at her home and she reported the incident to police.

The second woman woke up in a Bedford Place hotel room in Holborn on March 2, last year after a night out in Tottenham Court Road.

Selim Ahmed

She was alone with no memory of the previous evening and her phone and bank cards had been stolen and cash withdrawn.

Police enquiries revealed she had been raped by Nazmul, who had also defrauded her of £3,000 with the help of his girlfriend Dora Vavrova, 26, from Dundee.

Vavrova was convicted of fraud by false representation and acquiring criminal property and was sentenced to a one-year community order, which includes 140 hours community service work.

The third victim accepted a lift home from Nazmul outside a Shoreditch bar on March 27, last year.

She fell asleep in the front passenger seat and woke up to find him sexually assaulting her.

He drove her home and she later realised he had taken money from her account.

The victim reported the incident and when Nazmul was arrested the next day he was linked to the two earlier offences.

The same investigation exposed his brother Selim as a similar offender, who picked-up a woman in Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch just after midnight on January 27, last year.

She was waiting for a bus when Selim pulled up, posing as a mini-cab driver, offering to drive her home.

Another man in the car, Levi Croll, 19, of Euston posed as a legitimate customer and backed-up Selim’s claims and the woman got in.

She was driven around residential streets while Selim tried to obtain money from her bank account and he sexually assaulted her when they both briefly left the vehicle.

Croll was convicted of one count of kidnap and will also be sentenced on May 22.

DI Caveen added: “Through a large scale and detailed investigation my team were able to link the Ahmeds to this pattern of behaviour, which they continued to deny in the face of overwhelming evidence.

“Thankfully my team were able to prove their involvement beyond doubt. We continue to investigate whether they have committed other offences.

“I would like to thank the four women who gave evidence in these cases and I hope that the sentences passed will be of some comfort to them, as well as ensuring other members of the public are protected from these men.

“My officers are trained to give specialist support to victims of sexual assault and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of such behaviour to come forward and speak to us.”