Dodgy Drug Deal: Veteran Met Cop Nicked By Fellow-Officers

An off-duty policeman was arrested by his fellow Met officers, who witnessed his dodgy crystal meth deal outside Waterloo station, a court heard yesterday.

Neil Giffard, 50, claimed he had only bought Viagra when the officers caught up with him, but
they found a small amount of the Class A powder.

His twenty-three year career with the Metropolitan Police is now in ruins and Croydon Magistrates Court was told he faces internal disciplinary proceedings and almost certain dismissal.

Giffard, who since being charged has moved into his mother’s home in Brookwood Road, Millbrook, Southampton, pleaded guilty to possessing 2.9 grams of methamphetamine on April 5.

Prosecutor Dwain Coward told the court police were on patrol in their vehicle at 3.40pm outside the busy railway station.

“They were stopped at traffic lights when they noticed the defendant who seemed to be engaged in a drug deal and the officers followed him.

“As they approached the defendant began walking away so they got out of their vehicle and made themselves known to him.

“He did not stop at first and did not believe they were police officers.

“He said he had bought Viagra. He was searched and the officers recovered a bag that contained eight tablets  and a bag containing crystallised powder, the Class A substance.”

First-time offender Giffard was arrested and answered all questions “no comment” during his police interview.

The court heard Giffard had been living in Park Road, Enfield until splitting with his partner and had a desk-bound organisational role following heart problems.

“He is a serving police officer, having joined in 1999 and spending fifteen years with the riot police,” said Chloe Hill, defending.

“He is now organising call-centre staff at three centres and the disciplinary punishment will be far greater than any sentence he receives today.

“It is highly likely he will lose his job, a career that he has worked very hard at.”

In 2019 Giffard learned his heart only functions at 20% capacity and his condition is inoperable.

“He has been seeking medication and that search for effective medication continues.

“He was classed as ‘exceptionally vulnerable’ during the Covid pandemic and his social isolation has been considerable.

“On Boxing Day, 2021 his long-term relationship ended, but he continued to care emotionally and cover the financial strain.

“Mr Giffard says he was not in his right frame of mind and this was a single lapse of judgment when he was at a low point.”

District Judge Devinder Sandhu read eight character references from current and former colleagues of Giffard.

“He is extremely well-respected,” added Ms Hill. “His behaviour that day was completely out of character.”

Giffard has continued working for the Met since his arrest and charge, but that will end with the conviction.

“He will be served with his misconduct papers at the end of today. It will be a fast-tracked procedure,” said the lawyer.

“In these circumstances the assumption is he will lose his job because he has a criminal record.”

Giffard was fined £400, with £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

“I give you credit for pleading guilty to the offence,” Judge Sandu told him. “You have lost your impeccable character and the impact on your career is not completely clear.

“There was an element of planning. You had communicated with whoever gave you the drugs so I cannot accept it was a moment of madness.

“How it is that you came to know who to contact to get these drugs is a concern that the court has. 

“Over the last couple of years you have had a lot going on in your life, which you say led to you doing what you did.”

Commenting on Giffard’s serious heart condition the judge added: It calls into question even more your decision to obtain these drugs.”

Fifteen Year-Old Girl Twice Molested On Railway

Police are hunting this suspected sexual predator after a 15 year-old girl was twice molested while travelling on the railway.

British Transport Police (BTP) say the teenage girl was then led to a park at the end of her journey, where the same male exposed himself to her.

BTP are appealing to the public for their assistance in identifying the individual in the image after the incidents in the Medway area of Kent.

At just after 9.00pm on March 24, a man approached the victim at Gillingham railway station and put his arm around her.

They both boarded a train to Chatham and when they arrived at the station he sexually assaulted her.

A short while later, the man again sexually assaulted her on-board a service travelling from Chatham to Rainham. 

They both alighted the train at Rainham and he led the victim to a nearby park where he exposed himself inappropriately.

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 731 of 24/03/22.

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

Groups Clash At Milton Keynes Central

A woman's jaw was broken by a punch at Milton Keynes Central after two groups clashed at the railway station.

Another victim was headbutted and a man who tried to break things up was struck over the head with a bag containing cans of booze.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these CCTV images of two suspects they are requesting the public help them identify.

At 7.50pm on Saturday, April 9, a group of men travelling back from a football match were challenged by another group of people over inappropriate comments they made to a woman as they exited the station.

Violence erupted resulting in the headbutting of one man; the punch to the woman and attack on a member of the public who intervened.

Officers believe the men in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 568 of 09/04/22.

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

Pair Still Being Hunted For Violent Tube Train Attack

Transport police are continuing to investigate an attack on a female tube train passenger, who was repeatedly punched and kicked in the face and had her mobile phone snatched.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these two images of their main suspects, who were with a larger noisy group on the train.

The antisocial group, which had two prams with them were travelling on a westbound Central Line service at 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 9.

As the Underground train arrived at East Acton station a man from the group grabbed the female victim's bag.

As she tried to retrieve her belongings from the man a woman in the group pulled her off the train, whilst shouting and hitting her in the face.

The victim was pushed to the platform and was repeatedly punched and kicked in the face by the woman.

The man then took the victim’s phone from her pocket and the group left the station.

Officers believe the people in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any information, you can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 349 of 09/02/22.

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

No Joke: Ex-Heavyweight Champ David Haye Accused Of Comedy Gig Assault

Haye leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court

Former world heavyweight boxing champ David Haye appeared in court yesterday, accused of throttling a fellow audience member at a comedy show while shouting: “One more word and I’m going to kill you.”

Haye, former holder of the WBA belt, is said to have leapt over a seat to confront the man at comic Paul Chowdhry’s stand-up gig at the Hammersmith Eventim Apollo, last year.

The 41 year-old appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court, having been arrested on a warrant at Heathrow Airport the day before.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of assaulting Nickesh Jhala on October 30, 2021 and was bailed to return to the same court for trial on September 9.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service summary the six foot three ex-boxer - nicknamed ‘The Hayemaker’ - attended the 8pm show and was seated near the complainant.

It is alleged he jumped over the back of a seat and into the aisle to confront Mr Chowdhry, who says Haye placed his hand on his throat and issued the threat.

A first instance warrant for the arrest of Haye was issued because the cut-off date for charging him with offence of common assault was approaching.

Before fighting at heavyweight Haye was dominant at the lighter Cruiserweight, becoming unified world champion in 2008.

He was ranked the number one Cruiserweight in the world between 2005 and 2007.

Tube Station Passenger Robbed Of Coat By Masked Gang

Transport police are hunting this suspected robber after a tube station passenger – fearing he would be stabbed - had his coat taken.

British Transport Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the individual.

On March 4 at 4.00pm, a group of masked men surrounded the victim at the barrier gates of Morden Underground Station and demanded his coat.

The victim refused and one man intimated he had a knife. 

Fearing he would be assaulted, the victim gave them his coat.

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

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200021062.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Boozy Dean's Drink-Drive Parking Gaffe

Court Out: Gaffney arriving at & leaving Staines Magistrates' Court

EastEnders star Dean Gaffney was banned from the roads yesterday after police - alerted by his dodgy parking - caught him drink-driving just before midnight.

The 44 year-old, who played Robbie Slater in the BBC soap, revealed at Staines Magistrates Court he has found finding acting work particularly difficult of late.

The father-of-two, who appeared in the BBC soap between 1993 and 2003 and 2017 and 2019 was fined £300, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for twelve months.

Gaffney, of Willow Bough Yard, Hertford, pleaded guilty to driving his black two-litre Audi A7 diesel with excess alcohol in Viscount Road, Staines on April 28.

He had 46 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor Lucy Lumsden told the court: “It was 11.40pm when police officers on  mobile patrol saw an Audi A7 parked on a corner with its lights on and engine running.

‘They approached and the drivers’ side window was open and the driver appeared intoxicated although he said he had not drunk any alcohol.

“The officers could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath and he failed a roadside breath test.

“He admitted during his police interview he had been driving.

“The defendant is of good character with no previous convictions and the only aggravating feature is the presence of a female passenger in the front seat.”

Gaffney, who also made guest appearances on EastEnders in 2004; 2010 and 2015, only spoke to confirm his name and give his address and date of birth.

He was dressed in a smart dark grey suit, white shirt and black tie.

Simon Collingham, defending, told the court: “Mr Gaffney is keen to say how deeply remorseful he is.

“He regrets the offence and is ashamed of his behaviour and losing his good character.

“He should receive full credit for his guilty plea.

“Mr Gaffney was not seen driving, but he admitted to the police he had been driving the vehicle.

“From the age of fifteen he has worked full-time in the entertainment industry, but like so many others in the profession since the onset of Covid he has found it hard to find work.

“The opportunities to find work have been difficult and he lives off of his savings and has the full support of his family emotionally.

‘He does express his remorse sincerely. It was out of character and this is not an individual you will see in court again.”

District Judge Julie Cooper gave Gaffney - who in 2006 finished fifth in ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ - twenty-eight days to pay.

BTP Investigating Racial Abuse At Tooting Bec

Police are hunting this suspected racist after derogatory comments were made towards a woman at Tooting Bec Underground Station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released the image and are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying him.

At 3.00pm on Sunday, April 3, a man pushed past two women walking down the stairs to the platform. 

He then made racially derogatory comments towards one of them.

Officers believe the man in the 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 445 of 03/04/22.

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

County Lines Drug Dealer Derailed

A crack cocaine and heroin dealer, who utilised the train network during his County Lines illegal drugs trade, has been locked up.

Charles Oluwaseyi Ogunnowo, 26, of Crest Road, Croydon is starting a sentence of five years and eight months after a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in supplying crack cocaine and heroin, possession of cannabis and possessing criminal property and was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Ogunnowo was stopped by officers from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce at Three Bridges railway station, near Crawly, West Sussex on February 24.

Just after midday Ogunnowo was spotted by plain clothed officers alighting a rail replacement bus service at the station, having travelled from Brighton.

His behaviour aroused the attention of the officers who then engaged with him as he walked towards a London-bound train.

Ogunnowo told the officers he was in possession of £850 as well as a burner-style phone, that he claimed belonged to his cousin.

He was subsequently searched and in addition to the money and phone, he was found to be in possession of cannabis.

The officers then arrested him on suspicion of being concerned in Class A drug supply, money laundering and possession of cannabis.

An investigation into Ogunnowo’s activity was launched and text message data on the burner-style phone he was carrying on the day was analysed.

Detectives discovered more than 500 broadcast messages in the phone’s outbox offering the sale of heroin and crack cocaine to a mass recipient list.

Detective Inspector Graham Moss said: “It’s evident from the data found on Ogunnowo’s phone that he was operating a lucrative business peddling harmful drugs between London and Sussex using the railway.

“As a result of our intelligence-led operations and the quick investigative work in this case, he’ll now have plenty of time on his hands in jail to reconsider his criminal activity.”

Stanley Knife Thug Laughed About Inflicting Horrific Facial Injury

A shameless thug, who laughed about the facial wound he inflicted on a teenager outside a railway station, has been locked-up.

Kai John Laing, 21, even shouted out his true name after slashing the 19 year-old's cheek with a Stanley knife.

The victim was with two friends, who had asked Laing just moments earlier if he was “okay”, when he stared at them outside Ashford International, Kent.

At Canterbury Crown Court Laing, of Manston Road, Ramsgate pleaded guilty to counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on January 3 and possessing an offensive weapon.

He was sentenced to four years and eight months.

Laing will also remain on parole for an additional thirty-six months after his release.

At just after 10.30pm, the victim and two friends were standing outside the station when Laing and his partner walked by the group, looking at them as he passed.

One of them asked if he was “Okay”, to which Laing replied “cushtie”.

Laing stopped and handed his shopping bags and work boots to his partner, pulled the Stanley knife from his waistband and approached the three men.

As he got closer to the group, one of the men pushed him away before Laing swung the knife in the face of the victim, causing a 10-centimetre gash to his cheek.

Laing then repeatedly shouted: “That’s my name. Kai John Laing,” and left the location.

Emergency services were called, and the victim was rushed to hospital, where he received stitches to the open wound on his cheek.

The day after the attack Laing was identified as the culprit and officers attended his home address, arrested him and brought him into police custody for questioning.

In interview British Transport Police officers showed Laing a photo of his victim’s injury, and he responded by laughing.

Detective Constable Ellen Whinney said: “This was a despicable act of violence that resulted in the victim, who Laing had met just moments before the attack, sustaining a horrifying facial injury.

“His actions on that evening were ghastly and brainless – I’m glad that he’ll spend his immediate future behind bars where he can’t harm anyone else.”