Boozy Birthday Bash Brings Ban

A two-time drink-driver, caught early one morning behind the wheel while twice the limit following a boozy birthday celebration the night before, has been banned from the roads for three years.

Frank Kiyimba, 41, of Peabody Square, Southwark, pleaded guilty to driving his Audi A6 in Bishopsgate on October 3 with 80 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

City of London Magistrates' Court (pictured) heard it was 6.15am on a Sunday morning when suspicious police stopped Kiyimba due to the manner of his driving.

"I am very sorry I was drunk on the day," he told the court.

Kiyimba, who was banned for a year in 2004 for drink-driving, added: "I was coming from a birthday party and desperately need the use of a car."

He was fined £350, with £90 costs and disqualified from driving for three years.

Algerian ATM 'Genius' Caged

A cash-point fraudster whose gang looted over half a million pounds from ATM's up and down the country - funding a luxury lifestyle of foreign trips and flash cars - was jailed for two years on Monday.

Algerian asylum-seeker Mehrez Berkane, 32, of Dunstan Lane, Edge Hill, Liverpool perfected a technique whereby cash was withdrawn without his string of bogus accounts being debited.

"What you were involved in was a new and sophisticated method of cheating banks out of money," Southwark Crown Court Judge Martin Beddoe told Berkane. "The fraud you were involved in was in excess of half a million pounds."

The defendant was successfully hunted down by the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit, which placed hidden cameras at key ATM's targeted by the gang and obtained his identity in a stop and search.

Berkane - an expert in Transaction Reversal Fraud - carried out at least 280 such thefts on thirty-two nights, netting £119,450 with illegally obtained pre-paid credit cards, which were then immediately destroyed.

Berkane pleaded guilty to stealing £112,570 from HSBC Bank between February 10 and November 20, 2008.

He also pleaded guilty to sixteen sample counts of stealing sums between £200 and £600 from HSBC branches in Liverpool; Stanmore, Midlesex; Golders Green, North London; Cherry Hinton, Cambridgeshire; Church End, Finchley, North London; Bushey and Oxey, Middlesex and from an RBS in Allerton, Liverpool.

Berkane further admitted falsely representing he was Eddy Benjami on February 11, 2008 and Adam Sami on February 20, 2008, when he used forged Belgian passports to obtain the pre-paid credit cards.

Prosecutor Mr. Martin Dunham told the court: "Those skilled in Transaction Reversal Fraud, a select few, have ways of removing cash from the machine without their account being debited by manipulation of the cash disposal slot."

An investigation was launched after the HSBC lost £557,540 between January 2007 and September 2009.

"Berkane was regularly seen using the cash-points when the cameras recorded a Transaction Reversal Fraud," explained Mr. Dunham.

The defendant - whose brother Lyes is on the run from police - obtained pre-paid credit cards at the CoOp and Money Shop in Old Swan, Liverpool and used cards fraudulently obtained by others.

Once identified as wanted Berkane was arrested in Bury Street, Liverpool on January 20, last year after police stopped his black Audi A5 and he was quizzed at St. Anne's Street Police Station, denying the frauds.

"There are no assets and the money has been spent," added Mr. Dunham.

First-time offender Berkane, the son of a Mayor, has been served with deportation papers, but will contest removal based on his marriage to his French wife - an EU citizen.

"This fraud involved the use of forged passports and other forged material to secure the pre-paid credit cards used and misused at the ATM's attacked with these cards," Judge Beddoe told Berkane.

"Some of the proceeds was used to indulge yourself in expensive foreign travel and to maintain a lifestyle to which you were not entitled."

Maxine Sharples, 23, of Local Centre, Palacefields, Runcorn, Cheshire, who had been living with her mother at Livermore Court, Liverpool 8 as a bail condition pleaded not guilty to entering into a money laundering arrangement between September 30, 2007 and October 30, 2008 in that she received £21,200 into her Nationwide Building Society account and paid £20,480 of it to Berkane.

She also denied transferring criminal property, namely £3,984, between December 4, 2008 and January 28, last year and her pleas were accepted by the prosecution and not guilty verdicts entered.

ATM Thief Who Preys On You And Me Dodges Prison

A cash-point fraudster, who filmed victims’ PIN numbers then snatched their cards after rigging the machines, has dodged prison with a suspended sentence.

Jobless HGV driver Klodian Gjetjol, 28, of Huron Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire used his mobile phone technology to film people typing in their secret four-digit number.

He pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to possessing a pinhole camera bar and an ATM trapping device at Barclays Bank, Gloucester Road, Kensington, (pictured) on October 5.

He also admitted stealing an AMRO bank card at the same location and stealing a Nationwide debit card at Barclays, Heath Hurst Road, Hampstead on the same day.

Prosecutor Miss Alexa Morgan told the court: “Once the victims’ card is inside the machine the ATM trapping device keeps the card and when the victim leaves to report it the criminal retrieves the card and withdraws funds.”

Police were observing Gjetjol – who tried to conceal his identity under a black cap – loiter near the Gloucester Road cash-point, returning to the ATM on several occasions.

“The victim’s card was trapped and the defendant was seen removing the camera bar, which he had fixed above the machine,” explained Miss Morgan.

“When police tried to apprehend Gjetjol there was a short struggle and he escaped, but was caught in nearby Cromwell Gardens and when searched the Nationwide card was found.”

The defendant had dropped the trapping device near the cash-point.

He was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Nightclub Snub Sparks Revenge Gun Attack

Doormen and punters at a trendy Central London nightspot dived for cover after an angry customer - refused entry by staff – returned and fired five shots from the back of a motorbike.

Abdi Samanter, 29, (pic.top) will be locked-up for an 11-year minimum after shooting up Sosho, Tabernacle Street, Hoxton (pic.bottom).

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of attempting to murder two doorman; possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life; possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition and possessing a firearm while prohibited on December 14, last year.

Detective Inspector Michael Millar of Operation Trident – which investigates violent black-on-black crime - said: “Samanter carried out the shooting in order to teach the two doormen a lesson because they had refused him entry to the club.

“He used a revolver to shoot five times at door staff and members of the public at close range - it was miracle no one was hit.

“Today's conviction could not have been achieved without the courage and bravery shown by two doormen and a passing taxi driver who chased and caught Samanter even though he levelled his firearm and shot at them.

“I would like to thank the men for their actions and for giving evidence at court.

“It is thanks to them, and the determination and tenacity of officers from the Trident north shootings team, that a dangerous individual is now off our streets and behind bars.”

A group of men - including Samanter – were refused entry to the club at 2.40am, sparking a disturbance in which barriers were kicked over and bottles thrown.

At 5.00am Samanter returned to the club on the back of a motorbike and fired shots into a group outside.

Fortunately no one was injured.

The doormen gave chase and then pursued Samanter on foot after he fell off the motorbike and he was detained with the help of a taxi driver in nearby Dysart Street.

DJ 'Smokin' Joe Stomped Out

A nightclub reveller - high on a cocktail of booze and cocaine – has been jailed after leaving a popular Australian DJ with a fractured jaw and eye socket after delivering a “violent and gratuitous kick.”

University dropout Yusif Hassan, 31, of Radcliffe Way, Northolt, Middlesex was sentenced to two-and-a-half years for maliciously wounding 26 year-old ‘Smokin’ Joe Mekhael, inflicting grievous bodily harm, in Smithfield meat market on June 13, last year.

Southwark Crown Court was told the pair began brawling at 5.30am and CCTV showed Hassan returning to deliver a final kick to the face of defenceless Mr. Mekhael (pictured) as he lay on the ground.

Father-of-four Hassan, who has just completed a twenty-six month robbery sentence, claimed self-defence and told police the victim called him an “Abbo” as they left the club.

New South Wales native Mr. Mekhael, who also suffered two cuts to his lip and swelling to his cheek, refused to sign a police statement and returned home a few weeks later.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Dunham told the court the fight was witnessed by market worker John Barnes.

“He saw Hassan aim two kicks at the smaller man. He saw Mr. Mekhael in the foetal position with his head exposed and Hassan returned and kicked him in the head. He was sickened by the fact there was nothing the victim could do.”

CCTV captures Hassan making a “who’s next” gesture to onlookers.

He was arrested after a cabbie followed him and was found with bloodstained shoes.

When quizzed Hassan claimed: “I was jumped by four guys from the BNP. It was self-defence.”

Mr. Jeremy Lynn, defending, told the court: “He was insulted by Mr. Mekhael and then ended up having a fight.

“He is disgusted by his own behaviour. He had been drinking and also tested positive for cocaine.”

The lawyer described Mr. Mekhael as a: “Ferocious-looking individual. Muscle-bound and fit.”

After quitting a bio-chemistry degree course Hassan has racked up fourteen offences, including criminal damage, robbery and possession of drugs.

“He has spent the last eight years drinking and taking drugs and not looking after his family,” explained Mr. Lynn.

Judge Nicholas Lorraine-Smith told burly shaven-headed Hassan: “You had been out drinking and taking drugs. It was clearly a pretty vicious fight and ended with you leaving him on the ground.

“You walked away, but you then changed your mind, returned and delivered a vicious and gratuitous kick to the face of that man as he lay defenceless on the ground.”

Weed-On-Wheels Dealer Jailed After Crash

A mobile drug dealer, who crashed in a residential Eltham street as he tried to flee suspicious police who caught him with cannabis two days earlier, has been jailed for thirteen months.

Jobless Jerrell Simpson, 24,(pic.top) of Denby Street, Peckham pleaded guilty to possessing £600 worth of cannabis, with intent to supply, in Clayhill Crescent (pic.bottom) on May 25.

Croydon Crown Court heard it was 6pm when officers in an unmarked car spotted Simpson driving an Astra van, recognising him as same man they issued with a fixed penalty notice two days earlier for having two bags of herbal cannabis.

A marked police car joined the pursuit and the defendant sped away, but lost control of the van and crashed into a wall, damaging the tyres.

Officers found a bag of cannabis in the passenger footwell and stuffed behind the centre console approximately 60 £10 bags of the drug.

There was a £20 float in the ashtray and Simpson had another £230 cash on him.

“The defendant is a mobile drug dealer, dealing drugs from the vehicle,” said prosecutor Mr. Mark Gadsden.

“I am satisfied you are a mobile drug dealer,” Judge Stephen Waller told the defendant. "In a residential street you lost control of your van and hit a wall."

Ex-Businessman Shoots Wife To Dodge Payout

A retired businessman tried to execute his estranged wife – shooting her in the head three times - just hours after she saw a lawyer to discuss a financial settlement.

Ronald Seymour, 70, (pictured) of Hendon Lane, Finchley, North London is facing years behind bars for the shooting.

Miraculously 65 year-old ex-croupier Sonia Delvaille survived, but still has two bullets lodged in her skull and is suffering long-term life-changing effects.

Seymour was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of attempted murder in Cavendish Avenue, Finchley Central on February 11.

He admitted possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition and will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on October 27.

Detective Inspector Sally Jeffrey of Operation Trident’s Non-fatal Shootings Team – which investigates black-on-black violence - said: “The relationship between Seymour and his wife had broken down over a period of time causing much animosity between them and, as a result of his actions, leaving Mrs Delvaille ultimately fighting for her life.

“The Metropolitan Police Service is determined to bring perpetrators' of domestic violence to justice and deal with the victims' and their families sensitively.”

Witnesses described how Mrs Delvaille and her husband had been arguing and he had dragged her down the street whilst she was screaming.

He then fired a handgun from inside a white plastic bag, and as she fell to the floor he fired a further two shots at her before running away.

An hour later police received a call from a solicitors firm stating the defendant had rang them and confessed he had shot his wife.

Seymour was sitting on a wall as armed police attended the address and arrested him in the street.

He told officers he had shot his wife and threw the gun into a stream in Waverley Grove.

Internet Show-Off Caged

A wannabe gangster who boasted about guns, gangs and violence in a “chilling” Internet video has been locked-up for eight years after a police raid on his house.

Ryan Agostini, 23, (pic.top) of Calshot Street, Islington, North London was not home during the early hours search on October 9, last year when officers found a sawn-off shotgun and ammo (pic.bottom).

Blackfriars Crown Court heard Agostini gave himself up at Islington Police Station the next week.

Police obtained the search warrant after discovering the video, which the Judge described as “chilling.”

“I am pleased that Agostini has received a lengthy sentence which sends a clear message to people involved in gun crime that the Criminal Justice System will not tolerate this,” said Detective Sergeant Derek Wright.

“Islington Police officers are committed to disrupting gangs and taking guns and other dangerous weapons off of our streets.”

Agostini received six years for possessing the shotgun and twenty-nine rounds of ammunition plus two years for possessing forty-six rounds of expanding ammunition.

'Night Crawlers' Crushed

A gang of wannabe villains who reveled in their own self-aggrandising notoriety – posting Internet rap videos of their criminal exploits – are now beginning well-deserved jail sentences.

Calling themselves the ‘Night Crawlers’ they posted YouTube videos under the name 'NC Bangers' starring members boasting about break-ins and thefts hailing themselves 'notorius criminals' who would never be caught.

Gang leader Matthew ‘Taze’ Murtagh, 20, (pic.top l.) of Brighton Road, Croydon taunted investigating police with cocky mobile phone messages like: “You’ll never find me” and “I’ll be celebrating Xmas with my Mates.”

He was forced to swallow those boasts when arrested on December 23, last year hiding out in a local B&B.

He received three years for conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and handling stolen goods, plus another two months for a separate assault.

Michael Hunte, 19, (pic.top mid.) of Old Lodge Lane, Kenley, Croydon, was jailed for 28 months for conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, plus two months for the assault with Murtagh.

Lee ‘Joops’ I'Anson, 20, (pic.top r.) of Haling Park Road, Croydon, dodged jail for handling property stolen by the gang.

Kevin ‘Spoils’ McBarron, 20, (pic.bottom l.) of Eldridge Road, Croydon, received 18 months for handling stolen goods, including two Mercedes.

Daryl ‘Dozey’ Axten, 20, (pic.bottom mid.) of Caterham Drive, Coulsdon, received 12 months for two burglaries.

Christopher Brookes, 19, of Court Road, Caterham, Surrey received 12 months for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.

The gang's criminal spree in Croydon was so prolific the burglary rate in the borough plummeted after they were picked up by police.

Croydon Crown Court heard they targeted residential homes, often swooping late at night while the residents were fast asleep.

The high performance cars they focused on stealing were frequently seized with their keys, which allowed the vehicles to be sold on or potentially used in other crimes.

The proactive operation to arrest and prosecute the gang was carried out by the London Crime Squad, (LCS) with assistance from Croydon borough officers.

The victim impact statements submitted to court showed that some of them are still coping with the trauma caused by the gang's activities.

One victim, a mother, has been caused such anxiety and is so fearful for the family's safety she is afraid to stay alone in her own house at night.

Her husband's statement concluded: “Our quality of life has considerably diminished since this burglary.”

Another victim told in his statement of the extent of the strain placed on his family.

His wife still cannot sleep and is extremely anxious about being away from her home after dark, having previously been very independent.

His young son is also now markedly more withdrawn.

“These sentences demonstrate the Met's commitment to tackling these offences,” said Detective Inspector Lee Hill of the LCS.

“Burglary is a heinous crime, which can have a devastating impact on its victims.

“Those responsible should be in no doubt of our resolve to arrest them and bring them to justice.

"The London Crime Squad will continue to disrupt those criminal networks involved in serious acquisitive crime, through intelligence-led policing operations.

“I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank officers from Croydon borough for their commitment and dedication throughout this operation.”

Public-Enemy Pervert Facing More Jail

A notorious sex offender convicted of peddling indecent images of children has pleaded guilty to flouting a court order prohibiting him going online to view inappropriate sites.

Jobless kitchen fitter and ex-youth football coach Leslie Blanchard, 53, (pictured) formerly from the Great Dunmow and Chelmsford areas of Essex was told to expect a “substantial custodial sentence.”

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to have communicated on an adult dating site called plentyoffish and search adult pornography on February 27, March 16 and July 20.

The offences are in breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order imposed on October 12, last year after he was convicted of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children.

The order prohibits him from using any internet chat room or forum or using the internet except for employment, education or keeping in touch with friends or family.

“I’m very concerned about this case,” announced Judge Anthony Pitts. “I know Mr. Blanchard, he’s an intelligent man, I have spoken to him many times and he is in flagrant breach.

“I am likely to impose a substantial custodial sentence.”

Blanchard was remanded in custody until November 1 for pre-sentence reports and will apply for bail on October 8.

“The last time I saw you was quite some time ago at your review which I was told was going well and I was told you were making the best of efforts,” Judge Pitts told Blanchard.

A court ban has been imposed on publication of Blanchard's address for his own protection because he has been hounded by the public.

“There is one aspect of this case that has attracted intense press interest,” said Blanchard’s lawyer Miss Marion Smullen.”

Metal Thieves Spark High-Speed Airport Chase

Thieves who audaciously snatched £4,000 worth of sheet metal vital to fire safety at Biggin Hill Airport were involved in a high-speed chase with security, a court heard this week.

After smashing through a temporary perimeter fence they began loading the metal – which has a high scrap value – onto the back a flat bed truck then sped away through narrow country lanes.

Jack Haycraft, 22, of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley, Kent was found not guilty at Croydon Crown Court today (Wednesday) to stealing fire training equipment from the airport on April 6.

His alleged accomplices Robert Simpson, 21, of Ronfearn Avenue, St. Mary Cray and 19 year-old Joe Simpson of Mells Crescent, Mottingham admitted the theft and were sentenced at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Mr. Geoff Gelbart told the jury at was 11am when a female security guard caught the trio in a restricted area only 100 yards from where aircrafts taxi to and from the runway (pictured).

She immediately radioed security and alerted police.

“Their attitude changed sharply and they said: ‘We don’t want the fucking police here. Why are you calling the police?” explained the prosecutor.

“Access to this area had been through a temporary security fence. That fence had been damaged as if someone had smashed through it.”

The airport says £500 worth of damage was caused.

A second security guard tried to head the truck off in his 4x4, but had to give up.

“The truck sped off at high speed in a dangerous manner,” Mr. Gelbart told the jury. “The roads around Biggin Hill tend to be narrow country lanes used by farmers, walkers and locals.”

The truck, driven by Robert Simpson, collided with hedgerows, smashing off his wing mirror and nearly had a head-on collision with an oncoming motorist.

“A Mercedes was coming in the opposite direction and he took a gap that did not exist, scraping the hedge and the side of the Mercedes.

Police intercepted the truck on the A21 at the Farnborough Hill roundabout and arrested the three defendants, recovering the stolen metal.

When quizzed by officers Haycraft told them: “I havn’t stolen anything.”

He claimed he innocently agreed to some labouring work and thought he was on an industrial estate when loading the sheet metal.

Haycraft, a type one diabetic, told the jury a lack of insulin caused him to feel “unwell and dizzy” at the time.

Ex-Marine Jailed For Iran-Bound Sniper Sights

A former Royal Marine who put our troops in danger by helping a notorious international arms dealer try to export 100 sniper rifle sights to blacklisted Iran was jailed for two-and-a-half years today (Tuesday).

Ex-Corporal Andrew Faulkner, 41, who protected the media in war zones after quitting the Army in 2000 following sixteen years service, tried to trick Customs into believing they were Dubai-bound hunting scopes.

“These items have an obvious military significance and one of these types of sights were found some years ago in an arms cache in Afghanistan,” Southwark Crown Court Judge Nicholas Lorraine-Smith told him.

“You accept these may be used by militia against armed forces in the Middle-East,” added the Judge.

“I have no doubt you are deeply ashamed that you put your financial needs ahead of those of your past and future colleagues in the armed forces.”

The company director of Fitten End, Newton, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, formerly of Dog Drove, Sutton St. James, Spalding, Lincolnshire was arrested after the consignment was seized at Heathrow Airport.

Faulkner pleaded guilty that on February 18, 2009 he was knowingly concerned in the unlawful exportation or attempted exportation of goods, namely optical sights for firearms.

Faulkner, who agreed to export them for Italian Alessandro Bon in exchange for 12,000 Euros, packed One hundred high spec German-manufactured Schmidt & Bender sights, worth 124,000 Euros, into seven boxes.

Bon and two other men are currently under investigation in Italy for illegal international arms dealing.

The Italian planned to sell them in Iran for $2,600 each – more then doubling his money.

Prosecutor Mr. David Hewitt told the court: “The Crown’s case is this defendant was responsible for the arrangement of exporting optical sights from the UK to Iran via Dubai.

“The exportation of military items is controlled, but licences can be applied for,” added the prosecutor.

“The reason is military equipment is not sent to countries or users this country has concerns about to minimise the risk of military equipment being deployed against allied forces.”

Optical sights of 5x’s magnification are on the military list.

The Iran-bound scopes had a magnification of 3-12x’s and were described by Mr. Hewitt as: “Military and police marksman grade.”

There are also United Nations sanctions banning such trade with Iran.

“These restrictions are therefore applied more strictly, reflecting the general undesirable nature of trade with that country.”

Faulkner’s role was vital because Bon – who previously bought 900 such sights – knew exportations from the UK to Dubai were treated with less suspicion and helped legitimise his business.

Faulkner denies a prosecution suggestion he was a Royal Marines sniper instructor, claiming his expertise was underwater, earning him a six-month Dubai contract in 2006 with Peacekeeper International.

He worked for the wealthy as a bodyguard, protected BBC correspondents in Afghanistan and had a modest business selling body armour to the media.

From October, 2008 - while grieving from the death of his 17 year-old rugby-playing son killed while driving without a seatbelt in September – Faulkner agreed the exportation.

The tragedy effected his thinking, claimed Mr. Nick Bleaney, defending, plus “financial pressures.”

“He became ensnared in an enterprise that has brought shame on him and his family,” said the lawyer.

Faulkner was arrested on February 23 and charged at Snow Hill Police Station, City of London on September 1 and initially he denied the scopes were Iran-bound.

Judge Lorraine-Smith conceded Faulkner’s judgement was “clouded” by the death of his son, but told him: “You were the front man, your name and address was on the documents.

“You were prepared to do this for twelve thousand Euros.”

Benefits Blown On 'Blow'

A jobless single dad who used benefit handouts to buy cocaine was caught by police snorting a line in his car.

Father-of-two Timothy Bell, 30, pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) to possessing £25 worth of the class A drug in a Bromley street on May 28.

The unemployed plumber, who receives £140 per week and is single-handedly raising children aged one and seven, was seen by officers sitting in his car snorting the cocaine.

When approached he threw a small bag containing the drugs away, but later admitted: "I had two lines of charlie earlier."

Police also recovered £120 cash stuffed in the car's console.

"I have heard you have modest means, but obviously not insufficient to buy cocaine," Judge Nicholas Ainley told Bell, fining him £150, with £120 costs.