Speeding Uninsured Death Crash Driver Locked-Up

An uninsured speeding driver, who killed another motorist when crashing into him on the hard shoulder, has been locked-up.

Mohammed Ali, 21, of Barnet Grove, Bethnal Green was estimated as overtaking other cars at 100mph on the A-road shortly before colliding with 54 year-old Kenneth Barry.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving a vehicle whilst uninsured.

At the same court he was sentenced to five years, seven months custody and disqualified from driving for fifty-seven and a half months.

At 9.50am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Woolwich resident Mr. Barry stopped on the A13 eastbound between Ferry Lane and New Roundabout, Rainham, east London.

He pulled his Vauxhall Astra onto the hard shoulder to clear debris from his vehicle.

At the same time Ali was driving a blue BMW 335D along the same road.

Several drivers described seeing the car overtake them, travelling at speeds estimated to be over 100mph.

As the car attempted to overtake one car it was blocked and attempted to undertake.

The BMW moved at speed from lane three, to lane one and then back into lane three.

At this point Ali lost control of the car, which collided with Mr. Berry’s stationary Astra.

Mr. Berry was just getting out of his vehicle when Ali’s car struck him and he was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Inspector Jose-Paulo Qureshi, said: “Firstly I would like to thank the many witnesses who have assisted in this enquiry. 

“It was as a result of their information that we were able to build up a picture of Ali’s dangerous driving.

“Ali’s speed and dangerous manoeuvring that morning led directly to Mr. Berry’s death. 

“This is a busy road and all the people using it that day were put at risk.

“Mr. Berry has paid for Ali’s stupidity with his life, I am glad Ali will now face the consequences.”

'Cuckooing' Drug Dealer Took Control Of Vulnerable Victim's Home

A drug dealer, who intimidated a vulnerable resident and took over their home to sell heroin and cocaine during an 'cuckooing' enterprise, has been caged.

Akram Ali, 20, of Mill Lane, West Hampstead, threatened the victim with violence and assaulted him as he took to complete control of the address.

At Wood Green Crown Court he received three years custody for assault and possession of the drugs, with intent to supply.

The court heard how in January, the victim reported to police that his address had been taken over.

It was being exploited for drugs supply and trafficking - also known as ‘cuckooing’. 

The victim had been threatened and assaulted before he eventually managed to escape and report his ordeal police.

Officers from the Central North Gangs Unit launched an immediate investigation, and executed an arrest warrant at the address.

They discovered Ali as well as a quantity of Class A drugs – namely 217 wraps of crack cocaine and 110 wraps of heroin.

PC Josh Pryce, of the Central North Gangs Unit, said: “Ali specifically targeted the victim and preyed on his vulnerabilities and used his home as a base to commit crime.

“Drug dealing causes violence and misery across our communities and vulnerable people can often be exploited and intimidated.

“I hope Ali’s conviction brings some feeling of justice to the victim who can now start to rebuild his life. 

“If anyone believes they themselves are a victim of cuckooing, or suspects that someone they know may be a victim, please contact police so we can take action and support you.”

Rolex Robbery: Trio Of Muggers Hunted

Police are hunting these suspected Rolex robbers, who snatched a £6,000 watch from their 60 year-old victim during a brazen mugging.

On Friday, July 3, the victim was walking from Chancery Lane tube station, turning into Brownlow Street and then onto Bedford Row.

He was approached by two men, who stopped him and asked him where Tottenham Court Road was. 

The victim gave them directions and carried on towards Theobalds Road.

Moments later, the victim was grabbed from behind around his neck by one of the men as the other snatched his phone from his hand. 

The victim grabbed the phone back and threw it down the street to prevent the suspects from taking it, shouting for help as he did so.

One of the suspects then pulled the victim’s Rolex watch, model 116710BLNR, worth approximately £6,000 from his wrist, shouting” “I’ve got it,” as they fled.

A passing member of the public came to the man’s aid before police conducted an area search, but the suspects could not be traced.

The victim sustained minor injuries following the incident, but was otherwise physically unharmed.

Detective Constable Alejandra Gomez, from the Central North Command Unit, is investigating. 

She said: “It appears that two of the suspects approached the victim while the third acted as a lookout. 

“All three are then believed to have fled – possibly via Holborn tube station.

“We have released CCTV images and footage of three men we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and urge anyone who recognises them to contact us immediately.

"Any jewellers who have been approached with the offer of a Rolex watch model 116710BLNR, and are unable to account for how they came to obtain it, are also urged to contact police.”

Those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 4538/03JUL20, or emailp243390@met.police.uk.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Big-Headed Entrepreneur Guilty Of Boozy Christmas Party Kiss Attempt

A drunken Canary Wharf entrepreneur cornered a terrified woman in a lift after a Royal Festival Hall corporate Christmas party before grabbing and trying to kiss her, a court heard yesterday.

Company Director Pavel Grushin, 26, who attended a £26,500-a year private Mayfair college boasted about his looks to police and urged officers to admire his Instagram account.

This “feeling of self-importance” was criticised by a district judge, who convicted Grushin, a University of Cambridge graduate in Entrepreneurial Studies of common assault and attempted sexual assault.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard Grushin, of Mersey Court, Samuel Gray Gardens, Kingston-upon-Thames was a guest at the private event on December 12, last year.

He was spotted by the victim, a married 33 year-old project management university graduate, loitering on an upper landing at 11pm.

“He was leaning over the staircase bannister for balance, he looked to be very drunk and unsteady and I could hear him mumbling,” she told the court.

The woman entered a lift with Grushin and his two male companions. “He very quickly walked towards me and tried to corner me, with his arms raised and using his body so I couldn’t get around him.

“His eyes were very glazed over and he seemed to be enjoying himself and I was immediately very frightened by his demeanour and expression.

“His motive seemed sexual. I was afraid for my safety.

“He followed me out of the lift and grabbed my right wrist very, very tightly and pulled me in his direction, back towards the lift.

“He said: ‘Come on,’ a few times and I just kept saying: ’No,’ loudly, firmly and very clearly.

“To escape, I kept walking backwards and his mouth was puckered as if leaning in for a kiss and I placed my hand on his chest to push him away as he leaned in three times to kiss me.

“I firmly pushed with all my body strength and he stumbled back and stopped.

“Afterwards I burst into tears and there was a big red mark on my wrist, like a Chinese burn.”

Venture capitalist Grushin had begun his night out at a Pall Mall club and ended it at members-only Tramp, near Piccadilly, insisting he limited himself to two glasses of champagne and two glasses of wine.

After being arrested at home over a month later, wearing just his boxer shorts, he told police he had “social status” and had met “many” women.

When officers asked if he thought the victim was attracted to him he replied: “She could have been. Look at me.”

Describing himself as “very successful” Grushin urged the officers to check his Instagram account, where he could be seen “hanging out with cool people.”

He told the trial: “I absolutely, categorically did not touch her,” but contradicted himself immediately by saying: “It is possible I friendly patted her, but I don’t remember.”

Grushin denied cornering the victim in the lift, claiming he was reaching for the buttons.

District Judge Nigel McLean bailed Grushin for sentencing, telling him: “Alcohol had been consumed and you accept it did effect your behaviour.

“I entirely accept the complainant’s reaction was to freeze through fear.

“I did not find you a credible witness and reject your account.

“The alcohol diminished your inhibitions and you had an inflated feeling of self-importance in your appearance and everything else.

“You did attempt to kiss her and that behaviour was sexual in nature.”

Local Nightmare Locked-Up

A vicious doorstep robber, who sank her teeth into a pensioner's hand and snatched her wedding ring, has been locked-up.

Monique Roach, 24, initially asked the 75 year-old victim for £10 when she turned up crying at her front door in east London.

She blocked the pensioner's attempt to close the door to the address in Dalston Lane, Hackney during the March 28 robbery and took the ring after biting the victim.

At Wood Green Crown Court Roach was sentenced to a total of seven years imprisonment.

She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of robbery and a separate blackmail when she obtained £105 from a man in his fifties by threatening to make a false assault claim. 

Roach rang the woman's doorbell at 11.30am and after failing to pull at her heartstrings with fake tears, launched the violent attack.

Roach left a palm print on the victim’s door, which was recovered by forensic officers. 

She was also captured on CCTV in the vicinity.

She was arrested on April 17 at an address in Rendlesham Road, Clapton.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown the pensioner could not attend a live identity parade so an officer wearing full protective clothing visited the victim's home with a photo line-up.

He explained the process to the victim through a front window of the address and via this process, the victim successfully identified Roach.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jack Downey, of the Central East Basic Command Unit, said: “This was a callous and heartless robbery, whereby Roach targeted a vulnerable lady in her own home. 

“The violence she used left the victim terrified and fearing for her safety, at a time of significant uncertainty as we all navigated our way through Coronavirus restrictions and risks.

“I am pleased that Roach has been brought to justice for this brazen crime.”

The blackmail offence, which occurred on Monday, April 13 at an address in Spenser Grove, Hackney targeted a vulnerable victim. 

A few days earlier she had manipulated the man into giving her money after approaching him at his address and claiming she needed cash for her children.

She returned to his address and told the victim to give her a further £20 or she would call the police, saying that he had hit her. 

She left with the cash and the victim reported the incident to police.

She tricked him into giving her a total of £105 in cash.

Midnight Underground Station Fight: Tube Worker Injured

British Transport Police are hunting a midnight thug after a tube station worker potentially suffered nerve damage trying to break-up a fight.

This CCTV image of their suspect has been released as officers continue trying to identify the man.

Just after midnight at July 11 the worker was on duty at Mornington Crescent Underground Station when two members of the public began fighting.

The victim tried to separate the pair, but was pushed to the floor and had to attend hospital.

He is believed to have sustained possible nerve damage.

Officers believe the man in this 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 13 of 11/07/20.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CPS Bungle Allows Notorious Hit-And-Run Driver To Dodge New Charge

A notorious hit-and-run driver, who crippled a young mum, has escaped justice on a charge of flouting his disqualification after a Crown Prosecution Service foul up.

Pascoe Petgrave, 24, walked free from court because no prosecution witnesses turned up for his trial and important evidence had not been served on him.

Petgrave, of Sutherland House, Gilbert Close, Woolwich had been charged with driving a Seat Ibiza, while disqualified, on Battersea Bridge Road on August 25, last year.

He was also charged with driving without insurance, but always insisted it was a case of mistaken identity and he was not behind the wheel.

Petgrave left Chanelle Higgins, 33, paralysed from the chest down and needing a wheelchair for the rest of her life when mounting the pavement in his grey BMW and mowing her down.

He was described as “callous” when sentenced in 2017 to two-and-a-half years imprisonment and was made subject to a two-year driving ban from the day of his release.

Ms Higgins needs round-the-clock care after being injured along with friend Nikisha Cox, 32, at 4.30am on May 29, 2016.

Petgrave fled the scene and was convicted after an Inner London Crown Court trial of of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where prosecutor Meena Fakhri unsuccessfully applied for the trial to be adjourned so her witnesses could give evidence against Petgrave.

The CPS had anticipated Petgrave not appearing and were going to rely on statements being read to the court to convict, but they had never been served on him, making this impossible.

Magistrate Rene DaSilva announced: “We are not prepared to grant the prosecution’s application to adjourn the trial.

“We have considered the old age of this offence, it is summary only and we look to speedy justice.”

There had been four previous listings of the case.

“The prosecution are not even in a position to proceed with the case today. In the interests of justice we refuse to adjourn,” added the magistrate.”

Ms Fakhri then announced: “The Crown have no option, but to offer no evidence in this case.”

The magistrates were never told the facts of the previous case against Petgrave and the circumstances of his disqualification.

Mr. DaSilva told Petgrave before he left the dock smiling: “The prosecution is offering no evidence in the case. This matter is withdrawn, dismissed and you are free to go.”

Police Find Cannabis Farm In Camden Spare Room

A middle-aged Camden man, who turned his spare room into a cannabis farm, while also peddling heroin and crack cocaine, has been jailed.

Michael Ryan, 59, of Cranleigh Street, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

At Wood Green Crown Court he pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis, plus possession, with intent to supply, heroin and crack cocaine.

The court heard that on Friday, March 27, officers from the Central North Gangs unit executed an intelligence-led search warrant at Ryan’s address following information from the public.

At the address they discovered 193 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine with a value of around £2,000, as well as a cannabis farm containing sixty mature cannabis plants.

The cannabis farm had been hidden in a spare room disguised as a built-in cupboard in an attempt to conceal it.

The electricity meter had been by-passed, which was a fire hazard and danger to neighbours.

Detective Sergeant Richard Greenwood, of the Central North Gangs unit, said: “Information from the public is crucial and in this case, led to drugs being taken off the street and a fire hazard being removed.

“This search warrant which subsequently led to Ryan’s arrest and conviction is just one example of the proactive policing work which is taking place across Camden and Islington.

“Drug supply is totally unacceptable and drives much of the violence we see across the boroughs, which is why it’s so important that Cannabis farms like this one are destroyed.

“We will continue to use all the different tactics available to us to reduce anti-social behaviour in Camden and Islington and bring those involved in criminality to justice.”

Fifteen Years For Acid Attacker

An acid attacker, who was part of a vicious gang that poured corrosive liquid over their victim – leaving him with devastating injuries – has been caged.

The victim has needed plastic surgery, including reconstructive work to an eyelid after the ambush in east London.

Sahme Mohammed, 28, of Park Avenue, East Ham has been locked-up for a minimum of 15 years, with an extended 5-year period on parole after his release.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he was convicted of throwing a noxious substance, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, with intent.

The court heard police were called at 4.00pm on February 12, 2018 to reports of a man having been attacked with a noxious substance in Burges Road, East Ham.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. 

On arrival, police found the victim suffering from burn injuries to his face, arms and torso.

Members of the public had run to help him and were dousing him with water.

Initial enquiries established that three males – including Sahme - had arrived in Burges Road in a silver coloured Lexus. 

The victim was hit with a brick before the corrosive liquid was brought out of the vehicle and poured onto his face, causing catastrophic injuries.

Medics treating the victim following the attack described his injuries as ‘a devastating chemical injury’ for which the resulting treatment was a variety of procedures including skin grafts and the reconstruction of his eyelid.

The men involved were identified from CCTV and forensic evidence.

Detective Constable Faye Cook said: “This was a horrific incident which left the victim with serious injuries. 

“This sentencing is the culmination of a lengthy process which has been very trying for him.”

Co-defendant Muhammed Al-Ali, 25, of Sisley Road, Barking was also sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, plus extended parole for the same offence.

A third accused, aged 27, was arrested and charged, but died before he could stand trial.

I Like To Ride My Bicycle: Huge Haul Of Suspected Stolen Cycles Found During Raid

Police investigating specialist bike thieves seized 118 suspected stolen cycles when they raided an address in Hackney.

Officers from the Central East BCU launched the probe after stolen bikes were advertised for sale online.

They executed a warrant at the property on the morning of Sunday, August 2 and found the huge haul, with an estimated value of more than £30,000.

Officers are working to establish how many of them are stolen, and hope to reunite as many of them as possible with their rightful owners.

Two men, aged 21 and 60 were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and possession of criminal property and bailed pending further enquiries.

An investigation was launched and the warrant arranged after eleven people reported finding bikes that had been stolen from them being advertised for sale on social media.

Sergeant Jo Stephens said: “This was a significant seizure of bicycles we strongly believe have been stolen – either in burglaries, robberies, or from the street - for the purpose of selling on for a profit to unsuspecting buyers.

“While the internet is a good place to easily advertise and sell property, the informal nature of the transaction means that people also use certain websites to sell stolen goods quickly and anonymously, with little trace."

Sergeant Stephens added: “We are making enquiries to try and find out who the bikes belong to so we can return them to their owners.

“We would urge anyone who has a bicycle to get it security-marked and registered at BikeRegister – this helps us return stolen property to its owner, and it also helps us bring prosecutions.”