Zombie Knives, Gun & Cocaine Seized During Stockwell Police Raid

Two men were arrested after a police raid on a south London property, where officers seized a loaded gun, six zombie knives and cocaine.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Specialist Crime Command executed a firearms warrant at the residential address in Stockwell on Monday, January 18.

Two men aged 43, and 47, were detained.

The suspected self-loading pistol, which contained bullets, was made safe and has been sent off for testing.

The men were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, with intent to endanger life, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article.

They were taken to a south London police station and were subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Phil Holt from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:

“This warrant resulted a number of dangerous weapons being taken off the streets of London as well as a large amount of Class A drugs. 

“This is yet another example of the inextricable link between drugs and violence.

“Every, single day operations such as this are taking place to remove drugs and weapons from our streets and ultimately make London a safer place for everyone.”

Ex-Vicar Who Ran Youth Club Jailed For Molesting Boys

A former parish reverend and youth club leader has been jailed for sexually abusing three young boys over four decades ago.

The boys, aged between ten and eighteen years-old, were molested between the mid-1970's and the early-1980's.

Stephen Hardwicke, 63, of Church Road, Uxbridge received five years’ imprisonment after a nine-day trial at Harrow Crown Court'

He was convicted of five counts of indecent assault.

The initial allegation of abuse was reported to police in October, 2015. 

Further enquiries led to police making contact with a further victim in 2017.

The offences took place when Hardwicke was a leader at a youth group attached to Stanmore Baptist Church.

Officers from Edgware Child Abuse Investigation Team investigated the allegations.

Detective Constable Nicola Cameron, of the Edgware Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Hardwicke took advantage of his young victims’ vulnerability, sexually abusing them on numerous occasions when the opportunities presented themselves. 

“I would like to praise the victims’ courage in reporting what happened to them to police.

“A crime committed over thirty years ago is still a crime. 

“While investigations into non-recent sexual offences can be challenging, we have specially trained officers who will follow up all lines of inquiry, and seek to prosecute when the evidence will support it.”

To report a rape or sexual offence, call police on 101, report it online at www.met.police.uk or visit a police station. 

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cocaine, Cash & Samurai Sword Seized In East London

A suspected drug dealer also had £4,000 cash and a Samurai sword seized after a traffic stop in east London.

Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) made the arrest in Whitechapel Road at 8.00pm on January 14.

The officers were on proactive patrol to deter and detect violent crime.

They stopped a car that had an incorrect number plate. 

Due to the driver's behaviour, he was detained for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Inside the car, officers found twenty snap bags of suspected Class A drugs and seventeen small tubes of suspected Class A drugs - both believed to be cocaine.

The man, aged 31 years-old, was arrested on suspicion of possession, with intent to supply Class A drugs and taken into custody. 

The drugs were seized and sent off for testing.

During a subsequent search of the suspect's home address, officers found a samurai sword and £4,000 in cash, which was seized.

The man was released under investigation while detectives from the Central East BCU's CID carry out further enquiries.

Inspector Jamie Fowler, of the Violent Crime Taskforce, said: “We know there is a strong link between the sale of drugs and serious violence on the streets of London. 

“Using our powers of stop and search has led to the seizure of these suspected drugs and dangerous items, disrupting crime and protecting the public from their harm.

“The Violent Crime Taskforce are present in areas known for high levels of violence, looking to disrupt criminals in their tracks. 

“Removing drugs and weapons from our streets is one of the core functions of the VCTF, ultimately working to make London safer for everyone.”

Child Molester Shared Abuse Online

A child molester, who targeted a young boy and girl and shared sick, sexually explicit underage material online, has been jailed for 14 years.

Abraham Berger, 40, of Hackney, east London pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to two counts in relation to each victim.

He admitted sexual assault by penetration and by touching on a boy and girl, aged under ten years-old.

Berger also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and distribution of indecent images of children.

He will spend a further four years on licence, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.

Berger was part of an instant messaging chat group that discussed the sexual abuse of children and shared indecent images and videos between them.

He was first arrested on August 6, last year by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Online Child Abuse and Exploitation team.

A mobile phone found on Berger was examined and officers discovered nearly 1,600 unique child abuse images and 127 videos, graded A (depicting the most serious child abuse) to C.

A number of the videos were “first generation” and showed Berger committing the abuse.

Detective Constable Chris Bailey, of the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime (vulnerability) team, said: “Berger is a dangerous, predatory offender who poses a serious risk to children.

“He was living a double life, committing sickening acts of child abuse and talking about his crimes to others online.

“The protection of children, and other vulnerable people, from harm is a priority for the Met, and we have a team of officers dedicated to identifying and arresting child abuse offenders who operate online.”

If you have any concerns about Berger’s offending and any past contact he might have had with other children, we would urge you to call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency – we have specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or report online. 

Local Drunk Spat In Ex-Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn's Face

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was spat in the face by an angry pedestrian, trying to cross the road as the MP and his wife enjoyed a bike ride, a court heard today.

Jobless ex-plumber Gerald Dore, 56, screamed: “F*** off, you c***,” as Mr. Corbyn, 71, who was with Mexican businesswoman wife Laura Alvarez, 51, beckoned him to cross in front of them.

Heavy-drinking batchelor Dore, of Conistone Way, Holloway pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr. Corbyn, just yards from his home in Berriman Road, Islington and using threatening behaviour towards Ms Alvarez, with intent to cause fear.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard it was during the first lockdown on May 20, last year that the couple encountered Dore at the junction with Seven Sisters Road.

“The victims are Jeremy Corbyn and his wife Ms Alvarez. On May the twentieth, last year in the morning they were cycling,” said prosecutor Matt Barrowcliffe.

“Jeremy Corbyn saw this defendant and made a gesture that he could cross.”

Dore - who claims the couple were in his way - immediately abused the pair. “Jeremy Corbyn said there was no need for that language and the defendant continued shouting and swearing aggressively towards both parties.

“He stepped forward and spat in his face.”

Afterwards the MP told police: “It was alarmed and distressed by the aggressive behaviour shown towards me and spitting in my face.”

The prosecutor added: “Ms Alvarez says she was fear of violence due to the level of vitriol and aggression the defendant was directing towards both of them.”

Wearing a green and purple rugby shirt in the dock Dore said: “I was shouting art him. I might have sprayed him, I don’t know.”

Claiming he was suffering chronic toothache at the time Dore added: “I don’t know him. I don’t dislike him, he was just in my way as I way trying to get home.

“They gave me opiates for the pain and I got addicted to them and the only way to get off is hair of the dog.”

Dore has a history of drink and drug abuse and the Probation Service feel he may offend for “attention-seeking” after being convicted in 2017 of assaulting a tv news reporter in Finsbury Park.

Reading their pre-sentence report District Judge Adrian Turner told Dore: “You say you have no negative feelings towards Jeremy Corbyn, have no negative views or were motivated by Jeremy Corbyn’s politics.

“It seems alcohol has played a part in many of your previous offences.”

Dore lives in a council flat near Mr. Corbyn and successfully fought eviction two years ago.

The court heard Mr. Corbyn had even assisted two of Dore’s friends - one now deceased - with their welfare issues.

The Probation Service described Dore as “isolated” with a medium-risk of harm, adding: “His offending may be a form of attention-seeking.”

He was assessed as somebody who could pose a serious risk at any time to members of the public, the media and those in the public eye.

Judge Turner announced: “I understand he (Mr. Corbyn)

may be more likely a target for abuse and violence than the average man in the street.

“It is the spitting that seems most serious. It is gross in usual circumstances, but at the time when infections were running very high it was a very serious thing to do.

“He may have been targeted, it is difficult to say,” added the judge, concussing the ugly incident was a “chance encounter.”

Dore was placed on an 18-month Community Order, which includes 80 hours Community Service Work and 30 days of rehabilitation.

He was also ordered to pay Mr. Corbyn £150 costs and Ms Alvarez £100.

“The fault was entirely yours. He thought you wanted to cross the road and signalled for you to do so and in exchange received a barrage of abuse, along with Ms Alvarez,” said Judge Turner.

“For no reason at all you were repeatedly abusive.”

Octogenarian's Kill Threat

An octogenarian has been convicted of assaulting and threatening to kill a woman at his £1million North Kensington address.

Ali Teki Mehmed, 86, of Wallingford Avenue fought the charges, but was found guilty after a trial at City of London Magistrates' Court.

He was convicted of assaulting Martha Lucia Zapata and making threats to kill her, intending she would fear he would carry it out, at the address on July 12, last year. 

Mehmed was fined £400 for the assault and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim.

He was fined £250 for the threats to kill charge and must pay £700 costs and a £65 victim surcharge.

The court also made Mehmed subject to a restraining order, prohibiting contact with the woman.

Thug Beat Woman After Sex Snub

A thug, who beat a woman with a wooden chair leg when she rejected his sexual advances, has been jailed for thirteen years.

The 40 year-old victim received serious head injuries and was spared a more severe beating when her screams were heard and the alarm raised.

Simon Sparshatt, 47, of Waller Road, New Cross, south-east London was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm; false imprisonment and threats to kill. 

On November 20, last year police were called to Sparshatt’s address by a concerned member of the public after they heard the woman calling for help.

On arrival, officers had to force entry to Sparshatt’s address and inside they found the victim with serious head injuries.

She told officers Sparshatt held her against her will and repeatedly hit her with a wooden chair leg when she refused to have sex with him.

Sparshatt was arrested and admitted attacking the victim, suggesting he intended to cause her more harm. 

He was charged and remanded in custody.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged.

Detective Constable Cora Keogh of the South East BCU said: “This was a violent and sustained attack on a defenceless woman.

“If it hadn’t been for the prompt call to police by a concerned member of the public and the actions of the officers when they arrived then this could have had far more serious consequences.

“Sparshatt is a violent man and I am pleased that the court has handed him a significant jail sentence, which truly reflects the seriousness of his crime.”

Late-Night Shopper Raped: Suspect Hunted

Police investigating the reported rape of a late-night shopper, who was followed home, are trying to identify this suspect.

On Sunday, December 6, last year at approximately 11.55pm, a woman was spoken to outside a supermarket on Tollgate Road, Beckton, east London. 

She was followed home by the suspect, where she says he then raped her.

The suspect is male aged between 30 and 40 years-old and was wearing black trousers, a black jacket and a navy top.

Detective Constable Joe Herron from the Metropolitan Police's North East Safeguarding team said: “I would like anyone who may recognise this man to please contact us."

Anyone who knows the man pictured or who has any other information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 3835/09DEC20.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

Walthamstow Home Invasion: Five Suspects Hunted

Police are hunting these five suspected knife-wielding home invaders after a terrifying raid in east London.

On Monday, January 11 at approximately 2.30pm, a man wearing an orange high visibility jacket knocked on the door of a residential address in Beresford Road, Walthamstow, claiming he was a delivery driver.

Once the resident opened the door, four other suspects forced their way into the address, all armed with knives.

The suspects entered several rooms in the house, searching for valuable items to steal.

The five suspects stole jewellery, phones, passports, iPads, a designer handbag, ear pods, ID cards and designer watches from the address.

Police are making an appeal to the public for any witnesses or information in relation to the suspects that could result in their identification.

Anyone with information or who recognises the suspects is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3600/11JAN21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Body In Suitcase: Police Want To Speak With Lithuanian

Police are hunting a Lithuanian fugitive wanted for questioning after a woman's body was found in a suitcase at a west London address.

The body of 41-year-old Polish national Joanna Borucka was discovered after police were called to the property in The Crescent, Southall, on Friday, December 18, last year.

It is believed Joanna was last seen alive on Friday, November 13.

While the cause of her death is yet to be confirmed, the circumstances are being investigated by detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide).

Enquiries so far have identified 50-year-old Petras Zalynas, originally from Lithuania, as a person of interest, who officers urgently need to speak to in relation to Joanna’s death.

It is believed Zalynas has left the UK and may now be in Germany. 

Met officers are working with their European counterparts in an effort to locate him but are also counting on the public’s help.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide), said: “It is thankfully very rare for a body to be found in these shocking circumstances. 

“I know it makes the news of Joanna’s death all the more difficult for those who were close to her.

“Our investigation is progressing well. 

“We have identified Petras Zalynas as a person who we need to speak to in order to find out what happened to Joanna. 

“I’m confident there are people out there who may have seen Zalynas or who might know where he is. I would urge them to come forward.

“I would particularly appeal to London’s Lithuanian community. 

“If you know anything about the whereabouts of Petras Zalynas, please get in touch. 

“You will be supported and your information could hold the key to unlocking this investigation.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4319/18DEC.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.