Wednesday 25 July 2012

Alleged Drug Dealer Accused Of Gunpoint Graveyard Rape


A drug-dealer lured a vulnerable addict to a dark graveyard and raped her at gunpoint, a jury were told yesterday.


Morgan Brooks, 26, of the YMCA hostel, Lansdowne Road, Croydon convinced his terrified victim the gun-shaped cigarette lighter was a genuine firearm and held it to her head throughout the ordeal.


"He preyed upon her vulnerability, he lured her to a graveyard and subjected her to a degrading attack to satisfy his own sense of power and sexual gratification," prosecutor Miss Hanna Llewellyn-Waters told Croydon Crown Court.


Brooks (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to raping the young woman at Croydon Parish Church, Church Street on January 22, 2010 and possessing an imitation firearm, with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely rape.


The pair had met ten days earlier and Brooks - who identified himself only as AJ - twice sold her small amounts of heroin and crack cocaine, the court was told.


"She was or is a drug addict and used heroin and crack, but she has sought help in the past and is prescribed methadone," explained Miss Llewellyn-Waters.


The victim agreed to meet Brooks in Croydon after he offered her a free "tester" - drugs he wanted to asses the purity of.


It was 7pm and dark as the defendant instructed her to walk to, where the only lighting was a torch he was carrying.


"She did not want to go in, but he said he was not going to give her drugs in the street," said the prosecutor.


"He produced what appeared to be a gun and she believed it was a genuine firearm and he put it to her head."


The young woman was then forced to the ground and raped, the jury were told.


"She cried all the way through the incident. She did not want to do it, she was extremely scared and all the time the firearm was pressed to the side of her head.


"She described that it made her feel sick and violated.


"He hit her on the back of the head, possibly with his fist or the imitation firearm and threatened her that if she told anyone he would shoot her in the head."


DNA evidence proves the chances of anyone else having sexual contact with the victim are a billion to one and police found the cigarette-lighter gun in Brooks' room.


Trial continues……….


Tuesday 24 July 2012

Bosh Brothers Beat-Up Car Dealer, Jury Told


Two brothers attacked a second-hand car dealer and his assistant with metal bars, after claiming a vehicle he sold was unroadworthy, a jury were told today.

After a series of angry text messages exchanged between the dealer and one of the brothers they arrived at his car lot to 'sort him out' Croydon Crown Court heard.

Peter Luke, 50,(pic.r.) of Elmlea Drive, Hayes and Merril Luke, 52,(pic.l.) of Lady Margaret Road, Southall deny the charges.

They have both pleaded not guilty to assaulting Sohil Nasarzadeh and Patryk Tokarek, causing them actual bodily harm, in Red House Industrial Estate, Redhouse Road, Croydon on August 22, last year.

They both also deny possessing a metal pole each as an offensive weapon and Peter alone denies possessing a heavy chain as an offensive weapon.

Trouble started after Peter bought a Chrysler Voyager from Mr. Nasarzadeh – nicknamed 'Sam' – and complained the battery was flat as well as reporting other faults.

“Peter maintains the car was in unroadworthy condition and reported the problems to Sam who tried to sort them out,” prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Edwards told the court.

“Peter became angry and in text messages was threatening to sort Sam out and these ended with Mr. Nasarzadeh telling him to: 'F*** off.'

“The brothers visited the car lot and Peter was worked up and angry and his grievance with Sam was obvious.

“He was shouting in his face, so close he was spitting in Sam's face.”

Peter, the jury were told, shouted at Mr. Nasarzadeh: “Don't talk to me like that you foreign c***.”

Mr. Edwards added: “Sam tried to call the police and Peter tried to grab the phone and then he tried to grab the keys from out of Sam's car.

“Merril took a metal bar from inside his trousers and went towards Sam, but his employee Patryk stood in the way and he was attacked by both defendants and Peter was also armed with a metal bar.

“Merril went to attack Sam by hitting him on the head with the metal bar, but he blocked him with his arms so Merril resumed his attack on Patryk.”

Eventually police arrived and arrested both brothers. “Both complainants suffered cuts and bruises and Sam's blood waas found on one of the bars.”

When searched by officers a chain was recovered from Peter Luke's pocket.

Both brothers were picked-out on an identity parade by the complainants.

When quizzed, Peter Luke complained the car he bought was unroadworthy and the alleged weapons were not to be used, but merely act as a “deterrent.”

He denied assaulting the two men, claiming he acted in self-defence. His brother Merril did not answer any questions.

Trial continues........

Monday 23 July 2012

Mugging Victim Dies Five Days After £100 Cash Snatch


Police are hunting the killer of a Paddington man, who died five days after he was violently mugged for £100 he had just withdrawn from a cashpoint.

Michael Walser, 45, (pictured) was found dead at his flat in Gloucester Terrace on June 24 - a post-mortem confirmed the cause of death as a head injury.

On June 19 he was pushed to the ground, hitting his head, by a robber who approached him from behind in Church Street, St. John’s Wood at 10.30pm – moments after withdrawing the cash.

The only description of the suspect is that he is a white male.

An incident room has opened at Hendon under Acting Detective Chief Inspector Andy Manning who said: “This was an unprovoked, senseless attack on an innocent man.

“I appeal to anyone with information that may assist police, or who knew Mr Walser, to contact the incident room.”



Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8358 0300. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



On June 28 a 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the enquiry and taken to a west London police station.

He was bailed pending further enquiries.

Sunday 22 July 2012

£20K Reward For Capture Of Masked Killers


A £20,000 reward is now up for grabs to shop the masked killers of a Thornton Heath man – shot when three intruders burst into his home a year ago.

Carlton Ned, 41, (pictured) suffered a fatal shot to the chest at the address in Langdale Road in the early hours of July 1, last year.

He died at the scene, but police believe he was not the killers’ intended target.

The suspects, who were armed and had their faces covered, entered the house and fired a number of shots.

Witnesses have described seeing the suspects flee in a silver Ford Fiesta car, which travelled along Langdale Road towards London Road.



Detective Chief Inspector John Crossley of Operation Trident – which investigates violent black-on-black crime - said: “We need anyone who saw a silver vehicle travelling in Langdale Road or London Road, or has any information about this car to come forward.

“It is essential we trace the vehicle as soon as possible.
We would like to appeal to anyone who has any information about this dreadful murder to come forward no matter how small you think it may be, your information could be vital and it is not too late.”



Anyone with information is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 8733 4212. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



Nine men, aged between 20 and 26, have been arrested by police, but nobody has been charged.

Saturday 21 July 2012

Boozy Football Yobbo Old Enough To Know Better


A drunken Southampton football fan, who barged and shoved a policeman during last season’s away fixture at Crystal Palace, was hit with a court bill of nearly £1,000 last Thursday.

Gregory Brian Bailey, 49, of Drayton Close, Southampton pretended to faint when handcuffed at South London’s Selhurst Park (pictured) after also shouting a torrent of foul-mouthed abuse.

He was fined £250, with £620 costs for assaulting PC James Sears on April 9, fined £100 for being drunk and disorderly and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Bailey denied the charges, but was convicted after the officer told Croydon Magistrates’ Court: “He dropped his right shoulder into me and nearly tipped me over a low wall into the Southampton fans.

“He left and started to walk down a twenty foot tunnel under the stand, but turned, looked at me and said: ‘Fuck you’ and waved two fingers in my direction.

“I thought: ‘I’m not having that’ and walked after him and tapped him on the shoulder.

“My intention was to tell him to calm down and tell him he was out of order. I did not want to arrest anyone.

“He looked up at me, said: ‘Fuck you’ and turned away and pushed me away with his arm.”

PC Sears told the court he believed the suspect now needed to be restrained and was concerned about the growing number of Southampton fans gathering under the stand at half-time.

“The man was drunk as well. He was a big man and I did not want him throwing his weight around.

“I placed one of his wrists in handcuffs and he did not like that at all and started struggling.

“A steward then came over and took hold of his other arm and when I handcuffed him he fell limp to the floor.

“We carried him outside and I was concerned he may be suffering a heart attack so I removed the handcuffs and he began flailing his arm about.

“I put the handcuffs back on and again he fell faint. He did not want to be handcuffed.”

The officer denied Bailey’s suggestion that he himself had caused injury to the defendant.

Thursday 19 July 2012

Train Tragedy: Two Teenagers Acquitted


Two alleged muggers, accused of chasing a victim onto railway tracks where he was fatally struck by a 100 mph express, were dramatically acquitted of manslaughter yesterday after the trial judge ruled the evidence was too weak.

Apprentice electrician Lewis Ghessen, 22, (pictured) had run into Harrow and Wealdstone station at 8.40pm and sprinted along the platform, telling the operator he feared for his life and was being pursued by "mad guys," Isleworth Crown Court was told.

Dominic Morris, 19, of Leavesden Road, Watford and a 16 year-old Harrow youth were found not guilty of manslaughter and attempting to rob Mr. Ghessen on September 25, last year on the direction of the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson.

A post mortem revealed the dead man had been drinking heavily that day and smoked cannabis. Traces of ecstasy and amphetamine were also found in his blood.

"An allegation of manslaughter is a serious allegation, but a charge in these circumstances is technical and difficult to prove" Judge McGregor-Johnson told the jurors.

"In my view the evidence of the prosecution does not reach the necessary level of a case to answer on either of these two counts and the defendants have to be found not guilty."

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Accountant Jailed For Fleecing Firm


A trusted accountant, who stole nearly £150,000 from a firm of chartered surveyors he "mercilessly exploited," was jailed of three years today.


Father-of-four Ian Lodwick, 55, of Station House, Askenham Road, Westcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire will now be pursued for the money he stole over four years under the Proceeds of Crime Act.


He was employed by Isleworth firm Michael Richards & Co. from 2000 until he left amicably in January 2010, but financial discrepancies were discovered by a new firm of accountants when they carried out an audit.


"He has just spent two weeks accusing the partners of telling a pack of lies. There is no remorse or regret at all," said Isleworth Crown Court (pictured) Judge Robin Johnson.


"The kindest thing to say is that he is in a state of irrational denial.


"They treated him as a colleague and friend and when he was caught he threw it all back in their faces."


Lodwick told the jury the partners knew he took the money as a pay rise, but agreed with him to keep it secret from other members of staff.


He was in full control of the company's banks accounts, knew all the online passwords and kept the firm's chequebook in his desk.


"It is you who has placed your family in this terrible position," Judge Johnson told the first-time offender. "Over four years of dishonesty you took nearly one hundred and fifty thousand pounds as a minimum.


"The case against you was overwhelming and the two partners in the company had placed complete trust in you and you mercilessly exploited that trust.


"You did all you could to cover your offending. This was theft by a person in breach of a high degree of trust.


"You have brought catastrophe on your own family and prison is a disaster for them and you."


Michael Richards & Co also pursued a successful civil claim against Lodwick and a charge has been placed on the family home, which has equity of £100,000.


"The Crown will initiate confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act," prosecutor Mr. Tyrone Silcott told the court.


Lodwick's lawyer Mr. Andrew Morris said: "He knows he is facing custody, having lost his good character.


"Up until now his character has never been questioned. He will never be allowed to work again in the profession he has been employed in almost his entire working life.


"He had led a law-abiding life and the shock of the prison door closing behind him will be dramatic for him."


The defendant also has credit card debts of £25,000, run up to support his family while he was not working.


"He had been taking high doses of anti-depressants and sometimes was unable to move all day," added Mr. Morris. "The money cannot be paid back because he does not have it."


Accountants Glazers completed an audit after the defendant's departure and after discovering a £43,000 shortfall invited Lodwick in to explain.


"He said in that meeting he had received unauthorised payments and that his wife was spending a lot of money and was suffering post-natal depression," explained Mr. Silcott.


Lodwick was found guilty of stealing £43,023; £11,975; £24,505; £11,748; £30,676 and £13,777 on various dates between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2010.


He was also convicted of defrauding the company's partners out of fifteen cheques, totalling over £30,000 between April 1, 2006 and February 28, 2010.

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Teen Stabbed One-Night-Stand To Death While On The Phone To His Ex


A merciless killer, who subjected a mum-of-three he picked-up in a pub to a “sustained and brutal attack” over five terrifying hours as she begged for her life, was caged today.

Reece Ludlow, 20, stabbed Louisa Brannan, 35, a total of twenty-five times with two kitchen knives and battered her about the head with a frying pan at his mother's flat.

Ludlow, of Oakwood Court, Benhill Wood Road, Sutton pleaded guilty halfway through his trial to murdering the Huddersfield woman, formerly of Water Street, Springwood.

Sentencing him to life imprisonment, with a 17-year minimum, Woolwich Crown Court Judge Nicholas Hilliard told the defendant: “Your victim was naked, defenceless and in unfamiliar surroundings when you made a sustained and brutal attack.

“She asked you to stop, but you did not. You cut her jugular vein with a knife and hit her with a frying pan.

“She did not die straight away and was at your mercy for five hours, naked and terrified, but you showed her no mercy.”

Ludlow, who was subject to a Youth Rehabilitation Order for two muggings and was 18 year-old at the time, claimed the victim insulted him, his family and ex-girlfriend in the bedroom, which “triggered” the attack.

However, this was rejected by the judge, who during the trial heard evidence from Ludlow's ex, Fon Promsan, 19, who was called several times by the defendant as Louisa was fighting for her life.

“You further indulged your feelings of pity in several phone conversations,” he added. “She was heard to scream and ask for help and you were heard to abuse her and tell her to get up.

“You had several hours to show her one ounce of compassion and you chose not to. You are extremely dangerous when thwarted.”

Louisa had just moved in with her father in Mitcham to support her dying sister, Kayleigh, 22, who had a brain tumour and met Ludlow for the first time at the local Kings Arms pub, on March 14, last year.

He was heard to describe her as “hot” and say: “I'd like to give her one.”

Louisa's eldest daughter Ebony, 16, suffered a stroke after hearing of her mother's murder and was confined to a wheelchair for some time, but struggled on crutches to give a tribute at the funeral.

She also leaves behind son Jack, 10, and a younger daughter Gemima.

“She was only thirty-five when she was unfortunate enough to cross your path and die at your hands,” Judge Hilliard told Ludlow, as over a dozen members's of Louisa's family packed the public gallery.

“She did not abuse your mother racially or otherwise or abuse your girlfriend. You invented that as something that could start to explain why you reacted with such extreme violence.

“You were an enthusiastic participant in sexual activity with Louisa Brennan,” added the judge. “You became angry when you did not receive the comfort from her that you sought.”

Louisa was later found by the emergency services dead in the bath of her date’s blood-splattered flat with multiple knife wounds.

Ludlow had originally denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but changed his plea after his psychiatrist decided he could no longer support such a defence.

He first called his ex, who had dumped him because of his violent tendencies, at 3am, confessing to the stabbing and saying: “She’s in the kitchen and there’s blood everywhere.”

Louisa was still fighting for her life during the phone calls and Ludlow’s ex heard her begging for help and saying: “I’m dying”.

There was blood all over the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and officers seized a frying pan – which Ludlow had struck the victim with – which had traces of blood and hair and a bloody knife was found in the kitchen and another blade on the floor.

A pathologist confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and found evidence of a blow on the side of Louisa’s head.

Ludlow was arrested six days later, drunk on a train at Victoria Station, but refused to answer questions when quizzed by police.

In a moving victim impact statement Louisa's mother, Anita Brannan, described her daughter as a “kind, generous, loving, person” whose death had “ripped the family apart.”

Louisa had spent her final days at her father Dave's home in Mitcham. “The pain, anger and sorrow are eating him up every day,” the court heard.

“Every minute of every day we have to live with the horrific final moments of Louisa's life,” added her mother.

Prosecutor Mr. Adrian Derbyshire QC said: “The aggravating feature here is there must have been mental or physical suffering inflicted on the victim prior to her death.”

Ludlow's lawyer Mr. James Scobie QC told the court his client had behavioural difficulties since the age of five and found himself living alone as a teenager, drinking heavily and cutting himself.

Monday 16 July 2012

EastEnders' Star's Cocaine Shame


Former EastEnders star Leanne Lakey - who played Belinda Peacock in the BBC soap - tested positive for cocaine after she was arrested on suspicion of stealing £6,500 from the pub who took her on as a manageress.


This fact was kept from the jury who tried and acquitted her last week - after she told them the missing cash was due to the pub's shambolic accounting practises rather than any dishonesty by her.


"The reasonable inference is this defendant stole the money to finance an expensive habit," prosecutor Mr. Rupert Kent told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. "She tested positive at the police station after her arrest."


White powder was also found on an Oyster card and a CD case and Lakey's boyfriend was recently convicted of serious cocaine offences, but these facts were not revealed to the jury, along with her alleged confession to using the drug on the premises.


Lakey, 34, of Tindal Street, Chelmsford denied and was found not guilty of stealing the reduced figure of £3,894 from the Royal Standard pub, Ballantine Street, Wandsworth between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.


"This defendant stole that amount of money," Mr. Kent told the jury. "However, you will be asked to consider whether this was through mismanagement.


"The prosecution case is the only conclusion is this defendant had her hand in the till. That is the explanation as to where all this money went."


Lakey, who was described by her boss Ian Harrison as a "resting actress" was given grace and favour accommodation above the pub, made a partner in the company and paid £250 per week wages.


"She was carefully trained as to how to manage the public house," explained Mr. Kent.


On June 22, 2010 her two bosses realised something was wrong. "They were unable to contact the defendant at the pub and found a number of problems."


An audit revealed an initial shortfall of £6,500.


Lakey eventually sat down with her bosses on August 7. "This defendant failed to account for the six and a half thousand pounds of missing money and she was dismissed from her employment."


Three days later she was arrested by police and declined to answer any questions.


Once expenses incurred by Lakey were taken into account the shortfall was reduced to £3,894. "The Crown's case is that this defendant stole this money," added Mr. Kent.

Sunday 15 July 2012

Will Rookie Olympic Gun Cops Be Backed-Up By The French?


An experienced police firearms officer has revealed the two-week compulsory course, which all officers must complete, is being squeezed into two days due to Olympic pressures.


We also face the prospect of armed French police on the streets of the capital to make up the numbers of required firearms officers on duty during the games.


Authorised Firearms Officers must complete a basic two-week course in the Glock 17 self-loading pistol and the Heckler and Koch 9mm handgun.


"The public has been placed in a heightened state of danger," warned the Met PC. "I'd rather have the copper with the training and no gun than the gun and no training.


"If he has to draw that weapon there is the potential for innocent bystanders to be placed in greater danger."


So far the Metropolitan Police have failed to answer questions regarding firearms training for the Olympics and whether French police have been requested to cover the shortfall of qualified officers.


"Most of the officers on call are going to be ill-trained bobbies who know nothing about guns or the powers they have to use that weapon."


The two-week course involves exercises covering the use of firearms in simulated real-life situations and the appropriate use of force in challenging circumstances.


Also covered is the knowledge and extent of police powers and legislation.


"They did not have the time four years ago, because of the volume of officers they had to push through, to stick to the usual two-week course," added the officer.


"We are talking about being short by a thousand to cover this event. Remember, there are only five thousand Authorised Firearms Officers in the whole country.


Police officers have come under pressure to undertake armed Olympic duty.


"You cannot simply rely on volunteers for this, there would not be enough coming forward. A lot of officers do not want to carry guns, it is a big ask.


"This is all last minute, they are handing out guns like sweets and hoping to God nothing happens.


"It is a late dash to come up with the numbers and come the Olympics we are going to have French armed officers on the streets."


The two-day course is hopelessly inadequate to properly train the Olympic firearms team, added the PC.


"These guys are just going to be crowd-pleasers. They probably won't even be able to get the guns out of the holsters, they simply have not had the time to practise this."

Saturday 14 July 2012

Teen Facing Lengthy Sentence For Stabbing Man To Death


Hitchin teenager Jordan Kelly-Flattery was yesterday convicted of the manslaughter of a partially-sighted party guest and was told he faces a "substantial" custodial sentence.


The 19 year-old, of West Close was found not guilty of murdering Stondon man Graham 'Snowy' Snowden, 36, (pic.bottom) at a house in Milestone Road, Hitchin in the early hours of January 8.


However, the Croydon Crown Court jury found him guilty by a majority of 11-1 of unlawfully killing Mr. Snowden, who suffered a stab wound to his left and arm and a fatal wound to his chest, severing his aorta.


Kelly-Flattery, (pic.top) who has a previous conviction for carrying a knife, now faces a possible minimum mandatory sentence for public protection if he is deemed a dangerous offender.


"He tells me he does not want to adjourn for a pre-sentence report. He simply want to know his fate as soon as possible," said Mr. Alan Kent QC.


The Recorder of Croydon Warwick Mckinnon, disagreed, remanding Kelly-Flattery in custody until August 10 and announcing: "I think it is absolutely essential.


"I am particularly concerned about the previous carrying of a knife and the issue of dangerousness must be addressed by the probation service.


"An inevitable substantial custodial sentence is necessary."


The only emotions revealed in the packed courtroom were the odd sigh of relief from the defendant's family and friends as the not guilty verdict to murder was announced.


As the jury assembled the knife, which killed Mr. Snowden, was placed on a court bench directly in front of his family and had to be removed to spare further anguish.


It can now also be revealed for the first time that Kelly-Flattery's brother is serving a life sentence for murder.


During the two-week trial the court heard that Mr. Snowden, enjoying a rare night out, ended up at the address after his drinking-pal Shane Howard brought him there.


Mr. Snowden, who used a walking-stick after a serious car crash several years ago, had difficulty rising from the sofa and was twice pushed back down by the defendant, which sparked a row between the pair.


He was stabbed in the hallway by Kelly-Flattery, who told the jury he was acting in self-defence after Mr. Snowden pulled the knife from his waistband and it dropped to the floor.


The defendant fled via the living-room window, dumped the knife in a wheelie bin in Westmill Road, and with the help of a friend hid his clothing on the edge of Brocket Hall Golf Course.

Friday 13 July 2012

Robbers Worked On Story After Victim's Train Death Jury Told


Two alleged phone muggers, accused of chasing their terrified victim into the path of a 100mph express train, conspired in the back of a police van to concoct a convincing story, a jury has been told.


Dominic Morris, 19,of Leavesden Road, Watford and a 16 year-old Harrow youth have pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of apprentice electrician Lewis Ghessen, 22, at Harrow & Wealdstone station on September 25, last year.


They also deny, at Isleworth Crown Court, to attempting to rob the Paddington man of an iPhone and Blackberry.


First the jury were given more details of Mr. Ghessen's (pictured) desperate final 999 call as he dashed along the platform and jumped onto the live tracks.


"I'm getting chased, I'm getting chased," he told the operator. "I'm being chased down the railway tracks. I'm at Harrow and Wealdstone, I'm fucked, I think they will fuck me up.


"I'm being chased by fucking mad guys. I don't want to lose my fucking life. I'm walking on the tracks so I don't get robbed.


"I told them on the bus I support Tottenham and they told me they supported Arsenal and said: 'We're going to fuck you up.'


"My God, there's a train coming. Oh my God, oh my God.


"I nearly got hit by a train, my mother's life.


"I don't want to get robbed, this is dangerous. They don't dare come on the tracks. I can hear them coming after me."


Mr. Ghessen was then fatally struck as he called a friend by a Virgin express train travelling from Euston to Preston, Lancashire.


Both defendants were identified on CCTV and arrested at their respective homes on October 11, with the youth asking police: "What evidence have you got on me?"


They refused to answer questions during interviews, but were recorded in the rear of a police van.


"They made a number of significant comments," said Prosecutor Mr. Julian Evans. "The prosecution say, in effect, they were talking about presenting an account denying they even went into the railway station.


"There were discussions about the man being drunk and that they heard him say he was going to commit suicide.


One recorded comment was: "We want to make sure the story is one hundred per cent perfect."


Trial continues………

Thursday 12 July 2012

Young Date Stabs Mum-Of-Three To Death


A Huddersfield mother-of-three, who tried to re-start her life in London, was viciously stabbed to death by a teenager she met in a local pub, a jury has heard.

Louisa Brannan, 35, formerly of Water Street, Springwood was found dead in the bath of her date’s blood-splattered flat with multiple knife wounds.

Reece Ludlow, 20, of Oakwood Court, Benhill Wood Road, Sutton has pleaded not guilty to murdering Louisa at the address on March 14, last year on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Woolwich Crown Court heard Louisa and Ludlow had met for the first time the night before at the Kings Arms pub, Mitcham and returned to his flat.

Prosecutor Mr. Adrian Derbyshire told the jury: “Once they were at the flat there was some kind of sexual contact between them and not long after she was subjected to a brutal attack that led to her death in the flat.”

The defendant called his ex-girlfriend at around 3am, confessing to the stabbing, the court heard.

“He said he had stabbed her with a little black knife and said she was bleeding from the neck, back, arms and legs,” explained Mr. Derbyshire.

“He said: ‘She’s in the kitchen and there’s blood everywhere’.”

Louisa was still fighting for her life during the phone calls and Ludlow’s ex heard her begging for help and saying: ‘I’m dying’.”

The defendant also called his mother, who tipped-off the police, but he had vanished by the time the emergency services arrived at the flat.

There was blood all over the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, where Louisa’s naked body was found in the tub.

Officers seized a frying pan – which Ludlow had probably struck the victim with – which had traces of blood and hair and a bloody knife was found in the kitchen and another blade on the floor.

A pathologist confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and found evidence of a blow on the side of Louisa’s head.

Ludlow was arrested six days later, drunk on a train at Victoria Station, but refused to answer questions when quizzed by police.

Trial continues……….