Retired Civil Servant Shoots Dead OAP Neighbour's Rescue Cat

Shot: Ethel

A retired civil servant, who ran his local Neighbourhood Watch, fatally shot his neighbour’s cat, which had been given a second chance of life after being rescued from Romania, a court heard.

Patrick Medford, 80, claimed four year-old Ethel was a danger to the wild birds he enjoyed feeding in his suburban back garden.

The cat sadly suffered an agonising death, with internal puncture wounds to her colon and intestine and died from sepsis the next day, despite veterinary surgery.

Pensioner Medford, of Yew Tree Close, Welling pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on September 29, last year.

In 2019 he was invited to join the East Wickham Ward Panel, which discusses local policing and was later invited to join the Bexley Independent Advisory Group, which advises senior borough Commanders and Inspectors.

He was the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for several years, but stepped down following the shooting.

Medford even handed in a reference to the magistrates from Sir David Simmons, the former Chief Justice of Barbados, who was also the Caribbean island’s former Attorney General.

Gun: Medford

Ethel’s owner, Jackie Richmond, 80, a retired police officer, who lives opposite Medford, paid £2,000 in vet bills in a desperate attempt save her pet’s life.

“She was such a nice cat, she was very loving and gentle,” said Mrs Richmond outside court. “She loved people and all the other people on the close loved her.”

Medford was sentenced to sixteen weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years and ordered to pay his neighbour £2,000 compensation, plus £600 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

“I think he just hates cats and said she was a predator. He said she was disturbing birds in their nests.”

Neighbours rallied around to help find the culprit, with one checking their CCTV to prove Medford was at his £500,000 semi-detached house when the fatal shot was fired.

RSPCA prosecutor Andrew Wiles told Bexley Magistrates’ Court: “This case concerns a four year-old cat rescued from Romania in early 2020 that belongs to this defendant’s neighbour.

“She first became aware of a problem last June when she received an email from the defendant, which stated that ‘owners of predators should keep them under control’ because the cat had gone into his garden.

“In a second email he said he had to chase the cat from his house and in a third email referred to the case of a cat, which had returned home with a note attached to its collar threatening to kidnap it.

Neighbour: Jackie Richmond

“Last September Mrs Richmond was inside her house when she heard her cat howling and screaming and she returned home in distress through the catflap.

“She vomited and collapsed to the floor and was obviously in pain and distress with her eyes twitching and in the hallway vomited and collapsed again.

“Mrs Richmond sought urgent veterinary treatment and the vet states the cat was in severe shock , with severe abdominal pain and unable to walk.

“She had a weak pulse, low blood pressure and a slow heart rate.

“An x-ray was taken, which clearly showed an airgun pellet had punctured the abdomen and there was a fresh puncture wound.

“Surgery was performed and the cat recovered, but then succumbed to sepsis and died, despite all of their best efforts.”

Medford was reported to the RSPCA and police officers arrived on his doorstep on October 6.

“They found an air rifle that Mr Medford showed them that was in his back bedroom, propped by the window and a supply of ammunition.

Ethel's wound

“The gun was seized and ballistic analysis confirmed the pellet found in the cat came from Mr Medford’s gun.”

Medford told the Probation Service he used the air rifle to shoot pigeons, but enjoys other wild birds.

He claimed he did not intend to injure Ethel, but scare her away, but the Probation Officer felt he was “trying to minimise the offence” and “failed to appreciate the feelings of others.”

Medford insists tests on his air rifle’s scope would prove the weapon was inaccurate.

His lawyer Matthew Coxall told the court: “Clearly it is a serious matter, firing an air weapon at an animal in the garden.

“He did not intend to kill the cat, even thought he was the cause of the cat’s death.

Medford's weapon

“The scope was damaged and was 23cm off.

“He is a bird lover, wild birds and feeds them and felt the cat was preying on them and admits he did not like the cat.

“He aimed away from the cat, but the pellet hit the cat. It was a reckless, dangerous act.

“He is ashamed to be in court and custody would probably finish him off. He does not know how much longer he has left.”

Magistrate Phiroze Neemuchwala announced: “This is a serious matter involving a weapon and the prolonged suffering and death of an animal, with the owner suffering a degree of stress for a significant period of time.”

Medford’s air rifle was forfeited and the court disqualified him from owning any animal for an indefinite period of time.

North London Bus Pervert Hunted

Police are hunting this early-morning suspected bus pervert after a young woman was left “extremely upset” when targeted.

At approximately 8.00am on Friday, May 7, the 23 year-old woman, who was travelling on a 393 bus towards Kentish Town, north London noticed a passenger sitting behind her had lowered his trousers and was exposing himself.

The man got off the bus at the Goodinge Health Centre stop in North Road, Islington a short time later.

The Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have described the victim as being “extremely upset” by the incident.

They have released this CCTV image of the suspect, who they wish to urgently identify and speak to about this incident.

He is described as white, approximately 6ft tall, with a large build and a scruffy appearance. 

At the time of the incident he was wearing a striped top and dark trousers and was carrying a dark coloured holdall bag.

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC providing the reference 1521/07MAY.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

Murder Investigation: Body Of Missing Hungarian Woman Found

Police investigating the suspected murder of a young Hungarian woman have found human remains in a north-west London park.

On Monday, June 14, remains were found by officers searching Neasden Recreation Park.

They were investigating the disappearance of 20 year-old Agnes Akom – also known as Dora.

While we await forensic identification, the family of Agnes have been informed of this development. 

They are being supported by specially trained officers.

Police are not discussing the circumstances of the discovery any further at this stage.

Agnes moved to the UK three years ago and was last seen near her Cricklewood Broadway address on the morning of Sunday, May 9. 

She was reported missing two days later on Tuesday, May 11.

Agnes was not seen or heard from since the day of her disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, senior investigating officer from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime North, said:“The discovery of human remains by my colleagues searching the area is both shocking and deeply disturbing for everyone concerned, in particular for Agnes’s family, who continue to be supported by specialist officers. 

“I request that their privacy is respected as this very difficult time.

“I expect my team and forensic colleagues to remain at Neasden Recreation Park for some days to come as they maintain the scene and complete their site examinations.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience as we continue with our enquiries in the recreation ground.”

Neculai Paizan, 63, has been charged with her murder and is in custody, awaiting his next appearance at the Old Bailey. 

Stalker Jailed

An obsessed stalker, who terrorised a woman in east London, has been jailed.

Charles Thomas Cox, 28, of Medway Road, Bow received two years and six months imprisonment.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he pleaded guilty to stalking and burgling the woman's home, which backs onto the Grand Union Canal.

Cox was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order until further notice, and was ordered to pay compensation to victim amounting to £190.

Cox first appeared by the victim’s back garden, around midnight on May 4, last year. 

He made repeated visits to the spot in June, and when the woman noticed that her fence was damaged on June 27, she installed CCTV as a safety measure.

She did not see Cox again until November 7 when she reviewed her CCTV. 

The footage showed Cox in her garden on three occasions in October. 

On November 3 Cox entered her garden and broke into her home, where he stole a set of keys, slippers and underwear.

Cox was arrested on November 19 after a DNA test matched him to semen found on the woman's back door.

Detective Constable Michael Dixon, who led the investigation, said: “We still don’t know why Charles Cox developed an obsession with the woman who he had never met before.

“His stalking must have been extremely disturbing and shocking, especially as it happened at the victim’s home. 

“Alarmingly, Charles Cox went on to break into her house, where he stole various items from, including the victim’s underwear.

“I would urge anyone being targeted and stalked to immediately report it. 

“This will help us to take offenders like Charles Cox off the streets of London and make our city a safer place for all.”

Robber Stabbed Shopkeeper

This knife-wielding robber, who stabbed a shopkeeper in the back after snatching cash from the till, has been locked-up.

Liam Killigrew, 47, received ten years and four months imprisonment for the newsagent's raid.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court he pleaded guilty to robbery, inflicting grievous bodily harm and causing criminal damage.

On the evening of Saturday, June 27, Killigrew was seen by staff taking money out of a till at a newsagents in Liberty Avenue, Colliers Wood.

After being challenged he stabbed one of the shopkeepers in the back. 

Other staff then bravely pulled the shutters down, detaining Killigrew inside the premises before calling police.

The shopkeeper was taken to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as significant but not life changing.

Killigrew was arrested at the scene and initially taken to hospital for treatment to a pre-existing condition. 

Whilst there, he attempted to escape, causing damage to the hospital room ceiling.

Detective Sergeant Ben Stephenson said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for staff members and in particular the victim, who was extremely lucky not to have received more serious injuries.

"Killigrew brazenly took money from the till and had no qualms in attacking the victim with a knife when he was challenged.

"I must commend the staff for their bravery in making every effort to ensure Killigrew was not able to escape arrest; even though they must have been in fear for their lives.

"The significant sentence handed down is only right given the danger he poses.”

Nineties Pop Star Finley Quaye Sentenced For Smashing Bus Glass Door

Troubled 90’s pop star Finley Quaye has been sentenced for yet another conviction - this time for throwing a metal road sign through a glass bus door during a fare row.

Now living in the modest Abercorn House Hostel, Bute Gardens, Hammersmith the 47 year-old Brit Award-winner appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Edinburgh-born Quaye, whose hits include ’Sunday Shining’ and ‘Even After All’ got into a row with the driver of the bus in Hammersmith and threw food all over the interior.

He pleaded guilty to causing £249.14p worth of criminal damage on June 17, last year.

The court heard Quaye, who has multiple alcohol-related convictions, tried to use his card to pay the fare, but there was a disagreement.

He started shouting and swearing at the driver and after throwing around the food, exited the bus and walked around to the drivers’ side to continue the row.

Quaye picked up a metal road sign and threw it through the glass door of the bus.

He was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement of up to twenty days.

Quaye was also ordered to pay £249.14 and £50 in compensation, plus a £95 victim surcharge and £85 costs. 

Rapist Bundled Lone Victim Into Vehicle

A rapist, who kidnapped his victim in the early hours along with two mystery accomplices, is starting a ten-year prison sentence.

The woman, aged in her twenties, was bundled into a car, held down and beaten before being raped by the driver.

George Stoiean, 27, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to one count of rape and his two passengers are still being hunted.

At 3.30am on November 25, last year the victim was walking in Ilford High Road, east London when a vehicle, driven by Stoiean, pulled up beside her.

She was forced into the vehicle, where she was attacked by Stoiean.

The woman suffered injuries to her face and body after being held down and repeatedly punched. 

She was subsequently dropped off a few streets away, where she made her way to a friend's house to raise the alarm.

Police were called and specially trained officers provided support to the woman. 

Detectives launched an investigation to track down the men responsible and used CCTV, phone data and witness accounts to locate Stoiean.

He was arrested in Lincolnshire two days later and taken into custody.

Detective Constable Claire Smith, of the East Area Public Protection Unit, said: "Stoiean has not shown any remorse for his actions and repeatedly lied to police about his involvement in the attack.

"The victim has shown incredible courage after suffering such a terrible ordeal and I hope this sentence brings her some comfort that Stoiean will serve a lengthy custodial sentence before being released."

Fake Punter Robbed Brothel

A knife-wielding teen, who raided a brothel with an accomplice during a “frightening attack” has been caged for five years and three months.

Muhammed Rashiq, 19, of Mildred Avenue, Watford, arranged via phone, to visit a sex worker at an address in Maida Vale, west London.

On Wednesday December 30, last year at approximately 11.50pm, Rashiq arrived at the location with a second man wearing covid face masks and forcibly entered the property armed with large knives.

The robbery was disrupted by another person at the property, who pretended to call the police and the men fled with the woman’s iPhone.

Investigations by detectives on the telephone number used to book the appointment identified Muhammed Rashiq as a suspect.

He was then picked out by the victim on an ID parade and the box belonging to a telephone linked to the offence was found at his address. 

He initially denied the robbery, but subsequently admitted it at a preliminary court hearing.

He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

DC Ben Lovatt, of Central West Robbery Squad, based at Charing Cross Police Station said: “This was a frightening attack on a young woman.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, working tirelessly to target the perpetrators, prioritising action against sexual and violent, predatory offenders.

“We want all women and girls to feel safe anywhere in London and have the confidence to come to us when they are not.’’

"Give Me The Money Or I'll Shoot You"

An early-hours armed robber, who threatened to shoot a shop's cashier during a £130 raid, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Steven Faber, 53, of Solon New Road, Clapham, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

On September 12, last year at 1.57am Faber entered the shop in Clapham Park Road.

Holding a Beretta-style handgun he threatened to shoot the cashier unless he handed over money from the tills. 

Faber shouted at the cashier: "Give me the money or I'll shoot you."

The cashier handed over £130 and Faber ran off.

The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad launched an investigation into identifying Faber. 

The team located him through CCTV and arrested him on September 29.

Detective Constable Stefen Rule, who led the investigation, said: “Weapons have no place on the streets of London. 

“Our priority is to protect our communities and target those involved in firearms and violence.

“This case is another good example of the work we do to remove violent offenders from the streets.”

Young Boy Throttled Near Vauxhall Bridge: Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspect after a 12 year-old boy was throttled by a stranger near Vauxhall Bridge.

Detectives are appealing for help from the public to identify the man and have released this CCTV still.

The victim was at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Udall Street, Pimlico at around 3.54pm on Wednesday, May 12 when a man approached and grabbed him around the neck.

The man held the victim by the neck until a member of the public intervened at which point, he left, walking away in the direction of Vauxhall Bridge.

The victim did not sustain any lasting injuries, but was understandably shocked by the incident.

Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC providing the reference 5207/12MAY.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.