Alleged Internet Perv Denies Sex Attacks On Two Young Girls

A paedophile, who hunted the internet for child porn, “acted out his fantasies with two girls” - sexually abusing one of them on his lap during a game of 'It', a jury were told today.

Father-of-two Peter Ross, 56, of Camrose, Beech Drive, Kingswood, Tadworth, Surrey claims the girls, who were aged between twelve to thirteen and nine to eleven years-old respectively at the time, have simply invented the allegations.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Wilkins told Croydon Crown Court the defendant downloaded child pornography on his computer and: “acted out his fantasies with two girls.”

The offences took place at Ross's former Croydon home, which he and his family suddenly abandoned when he was initially reported to police in 2006, the court heard.

“The defendant made the first complainant play a game called 'It' and when she was 'It' she would have to sit on his lap and that is when he touched her,” explained Mr. Wilkins.

“Sometimes his hand would go down her trousers and this happened quite a few times and sometimes he would put his fingers inside her vagina.

“She said it hurt and also says the defendant would play with himself while undressed.”

The victim reported Ross to the police and he abandoned his home so quickly the doors were left open, added the prosecutor.

The second victim found herself alone in the property with the defendant, explained Mr. Wilkins. “He pulled her jeans down and rubbed her just above the vagina.

“He says both girls are lying, that they have made it up.

“When the police went to arrest him for these allegations that the girls made they searched his home computer and on it there were forty or so indecent images of girls downloaded from the internet.

“The computer had been used since 2007 to search for the same imagery.”

The 2006 investigation was not pursued, but after the allegations were discussed on Facebook in 2010 by the complainants they came forward and made statements to police.

Ross has pleaded not guilty to four specimen charges of sexual activity with a child between May 1, 2004 and June 13, 2006 in relation to the first complainant and is alternatively charged with four indecent assaults in relation to the same incidents.

He also denies sexually assaulting the second girl between May 1, 2004 and May 20, 2006 and is alternatively charged with indecent assault in relation to the same incident.

Ross has also pleaded not guilty to six counts of making indecent images on or before July 24, last year.

Trial continues...............

Trader In Court Accused Of Scamming 83 Year-Old

An alleged rogue trader, accused of ripping-off an 83 year-old customer in a £9,350 scam, pleaded not guilty to fraud when he appeared at Croydon Crown Court last Friday.

Jason Jones, 42, of Worcester Road, Titton, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire is said to have taken advantage of the south London man, who is described as “very trusting and very friendly.”

Jones was bailed to return for the trial on December 9.

He pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud involving charges for work on the roof, guttering, patio, walkways and driveway of 16 Ryefield Road, Upper Norwood on dates between August 24, 2012 and February 21, this year.

He also denied engaging in aggressive commercial trading that involved harassment, coercion and influence.

Man Cleared Of Double Assault In His Local Pub

A pub customer, accused of attacking two drinkers after accusing one of them of looking at his wife, has been cleared of the charges.

Patrick Charles Brindle, 51, of Abbots Way, Beckenham was alleged to have elbowed one man to the jaw and punched his friend to the ground, inflicting a cut to his neck and above his eyebrow.

He pleaded not guilty to assaulting Dean Muzio, causing him actual bodily harm and assaulting Paul Wilson in the garden of the Rising Sun public house in Elmers End on April 18.

At Croydon Crown Court last week the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence on the charges.

The victims claimed Brindle approached them angrily, elbowing one to the left side of his jaw and while holding something in his clenched fist, possibly keys, punched the second man in the face, injuring his right eye.

They claimed he then followed-up with a flurry of further punches while the victim, Mr. Muzio, was lying on the ground.

He was taken to King's College Hospital and received treatment for a deep cut to his right eyebrow and a puncture wound to his neck was sealed with medical glue.  

Gatwick Airport Drug Smuggler Caught

A young drug smuggler, caught with 18 kilos of cannabis when he stepped off a flight at Gatwick Airport, has been sent to prison.

Gareth Craig Orrow, 22, of Jarden, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire fought the case at Croydon Crown Court (pictured).

He pleaded not guilty to importing the class 'B' drug on December 13, last year, but was convicted after a trial.

Orrow was sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment.

He must pay £2,000 prosecution costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

Twenty-one days he has already spent in custody on the charge will be deducted from the sentence.

C4 Racing Filly's Red Light Photo Fine-ish

Channel Four horse racing presenter Emma Spencer was fined £265 yesterday for jumping a red light while driving her Mercedes in Central London.

She did not appear at City of London Magistrates' Court, but pleaded guilty by letter to driving at 38mph through a traffic light 1.2 seconds after it turned red.

Prosecutor Mrs Varinder Hayre told the court it was 7.19pm when a camera at the junction of Victoria Embankment and Temple Avenue photographed Spencer on July 10.

Mother-of-three Spencer, 35, of Newmarket, Suffolk already has three penalty points on her licence for speeding in 2011.

She was given an additional three points and ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Drug-Addict Raided Relatives' Homes

A drug-addict, who burgled his own grandmother's suburban home of £11,000 worth of jewellery and repeatedly stole from his mother will be sentenced on October 28.

Daniel Moore, 21, (pictured) appeared at Croydon Crown Court earlier this week supported by members of his family and was bailed for a drug assessment.

He had already pleaded guilty to burgling his grandmother's address in Lindbergh Road, Wallington on January 23.

Moore also admitted stealing valuables from his mother in Gurney Road, Carshalton last year on November 17; November 21; December 19; December 20; December 22 and this year on January 8 and June 17.

Most of the stolen property was jewellery and was exchanged for cash at local pawnbroker shops.

The defence claim most of it has been recovered.

Smooth-Talking Charmer Jailed For Raping Two Women He Chatted-Up

A smooth-talking rapist, who chatted-up two victims in exclusive Mayfair - plying them with suspected spiked drinks – has received a life sentence with a minimum eight years behind bars.

Fabio Moniz, 27, approached the first woman as she enjoyed a night out with a pal and the second, an American businesswoman, in the street within a three week period.

He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown court of two counts of rape, plus one count of attempted assault by penetration. He was acquitted of sexually assaulting a third woman.

The first rape occurred after Moniz approached two female friends enjoying an evening out on August 25, last year.

After taking them to a nearby nightclub Moniz bought them rounds of drinks.

The next recollection of the first victim is awaking in an unknown flat as Moniz raped her.

She and the friend left the flat and called the police.


The second offence took place on September 13 when Moniz befriended a woman and persuaded her to go a bar with him and bought her a number of drinks.

She awoke the next morning in a disorientated state to find Moniz in her hotel bed. 



Later that day she caught a flight back home and during the journey felt unwell and concerned about the events of the night before.

On her arrival she attended a medical centre where she informed staff she believed she had been raped during her stay in London.

She was examined and samples taken.



The Metropolitan Police Service was informed and officers from Sapphire, part of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, travelled to the U.S. to collect the samples and take a full statement from her.

Moniz was arrested on September 19 and denied all allegations put to him.



Detective Superintendent Kate Halpin said: “Moniz preyed on young women in London’s West End, using initially his charm, and then alcohol as a means to sexually assault them.

“I would like to commend the victims for the courage they have shown in reporting the offences and re-living their ordeals in court to see justice.

“With the support of specially trained officers and other specialist agencies they have seen this case through to conviction.


"Given the nature of Moniz’s crimes, it is highly likely he has committed further offences and I would urge any victims to come forward.”

Killer Gets 4 Years For Mini-Cab Row Punch

An estate agent, who killed another man with a single punch outside a pub after a disagreement over a mini-cab, has been locked-up for four years.

Shaun McDermott, 44, (pic.l.) of Benhurst Avenue, Elm Park, Hornchurch was attacked while waiting for a lift from his girlfriend outside the Havering Oak pub, South Street, Romford in the early hours of February 3.

He was punched by 30 year-old Sean Boggans, (pic.r.) of Ongar Road, Brentwood, who was waiting for a mini-cab and died the next day from head injuries.

The electrician, of Benhurst Avenue, Elm Park fell heavily after the sudden blow and stuck his head on the pavement.

An investigation was launched by detectives from the Homicide & Major Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin.

DCI Sandlin said: "Shaun McDermott had been in the Wheatsheaf pub nearby with two of his sisters, while Sean Boggans had been at a private party in the Havering Oak.



"Boggans called a cab at around thirty minutes past midnight and, after it was delayed, he was waiting outside the Havering Oak with his friends.



"Meanwhile, Shaun had gone to the same location to meet his partner, Wendy Whittle, who was driving there to pick him up.



"Boggans, possibly frustrated by the wait for his taxi and in the mistaken belief that Shaun was also trying to get a cab, remonstrated with Shaun and subsequently threw a punch which caused Shaun to fall to the floor and hit his head.



"It was a wholly unnecessary, violent act which caused Shaun to sustain a fatal head injury."



Bus Stop Sex Fiend: Do You Know Him?

Police have released this CCTV image of a bus stop sexual predator, who threatened a lone woman and took her back to his east London address.

The victim was approached while she waited at a bus stop in Holloway Road, Islington on the evening of September 4, last year and taken away in a taxi to a property in Hackney.

She left the address and immediately alerted police and an investigation was launched by officers from the Sapphire Unit, which specialises in sex crimes.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged around 35 years-old, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, of large build, with a pierced left ear and small scar on his right eyebrow.



Anyone with information is asked to contact Shoreditch Police on 020 7275 3491. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Mother-Of-Two Stabbed To Death: Husband Charged

The husband of an east London mother-of-two, who was stabbed to death in her ground-floor flat, has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Amina Bibi, 43, (pictured) of George Carver House, Station Road, Forest Gate was killed on September 13.

The alarm was raised by her eleven year-old son, who saw her body through the window when he unexpectedly returned home to collect some school books.

A neighbour broke into the property and called the police.

Her husband, Mohamed Ali, 64, also of George Carver House was charged six days later and appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court on September 20.

A second man, Frederick Best, 46, of Kebble Terrace, Forest Gate also appeared at the same court charged with murder.

Kebab Shop Thug: Do You Know Him?

Police have released this E-Fit of a thug who repeatedly punched a kebab shop customer in the face in the early hours of the morning, inflicting serious injuries.

The suspect was already inside Efes Kebab, Norwood Road, West Norwood when the 37 year-old victim arrived at 1.30am on April 6

After a short conversation the suspect punched the man several times and left the premises.

He is described as a dark European male, aged between 30 - 35yrs, 6ft tall with an athletic build and short brown hair.

He was wearing a brown t-shirt and blue jeans.



Detective Inspector Will White of Lambeth Borough said: "We are appealing for information from the public regarding the identity of the man in the e-fit, who we would like to speak to in connection with a violent, unprovoked attack which has left the victim with serious facial injuries.

“If you know this man or were in the Norwood area at the time of this incident we would like to hear from you.



“Violence of any kind will not be tolerated within Lambeth Borough and we will endeavour to identify those responsible and put them before the courts.”



If you can assist police with this inquiry, please call 0208 649 2191 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

N-Dubz Star 'Fazer' Banned For Speeding

N-Dubz star 'Fazer' was banned from driving for fourteen days today after his fourth speeding offence.

'Fazer' - real name Richard Rawson, 26, was caught by two police sergeants from the Met's Diplomatic Protection Group driving his Audi Q7 at 45mph along Warwick Road, Earl's Court at 11.40pm on January 7.

His claim off always driving on cruise control at no more than 30mph to avoid speed cameras and to improve his fuel consumption  was rejected at City of London Magistrates' Court.

Rawson, of Richmond Drive, Woodford Green, Essex was also fined £750, with £500 costs and ordered to pay a £75 victim surcharge within twenty-eight days.

The award-winning rapper, DJ, producer and songwriter and ex-boyfriend of Tulisa Contostavlos told the court he was going to Tesco's to buy batteries.

"It was just a casual drive to the shops and I was aware the police were behind me. They did come up behind me quite quick.

"I made sure I was not doing anything wrong because I was being followed by the police," explained Rawson, insisting his 30mph cruise control was on.

"I was doing it to be one hundred per cent safe in London. I do it every day.

"I had some points on my licence and did not want to lose it because I had a baby on the way."

Glamour model girlfriend Ashley Emma gave birth to daughter Ava Rose in March.

"I think it really helps with fuel consumption as well," added Rawson.

"I have regularly been stopped by the police while driving the vehicle and was even stopped coming here today in Mile End."

Police Sergeant Colin Marsh told the court: "The Audi accelerated hard into Warwick Road. It was driving at speed.

"We 'catched and matched' the Audi and the speedometer was reading approximately forty-five miles per hour. We were travelling at exactly the same speed that vehicle was travelling at."

The speed limit in Warwick Road is 30mph.

Police Sergeant Stephen Farmer, who was driving, agreed he matched Rawson's car at 45mph.

"It was clearly travelling at speed and as it turned into Warwick Road it appeared to me the driver accelerated hard."

The court heard Rawson, who has previously been banned for eight months, currently has nine penalty points on his licence.

Man Wanted For South London Rape

Police are hunting this suspected rapist after a woman reported a sex attack at an unknown Southwark address.

Alieu Diallo, 25, is wanted by officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

The alleged rape is said to have occurred in the early hours of October 21, last year and the 27 year-old complainant reported it to police the next day.

Diallo is a West African who also uses the names Amadu Jalloh and Alieu Galloh.

Extensive enquiries have been carried out since the allegation was made and officers now need to trace Diallo.



He has previously frequented the Peckham, East Dulwich, Old Kent Road and Leyton areas.



Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 7275 3490 or if you wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Retail Entrepreneur Caught Nicking Bottle Of Vitamins

The founder of retail clothing giants 'mk one', which was bought by TOPSHOP boss Sir Philip Green and later sold for £55 million, was convicted today of pinching a £17.59 bottle of vitamins.

Bankrupt entrepreneur Mark Gerald Brafman, 59, who now lives off Employment Support Allowance is a two-time shoplifter, having once also stolen groceries from Sainsbury's.

He tried to get away with stealing the vitamins from Holland & Barrett by claiming he was suffering a diabetic attack at the time, but this was dismissed by City of London District Judge Tessa Szagun.

"The CCTV clearly shows you picking this item up and putting it in your pocket and then move to another isle and pick-out a packet of mints and take the cheaper item to the check-out," she told Brafman.

"That is not the activity of a disorientated man as you would have me believe. You knew what you were doing and you were dishonest."

Brafman denied, but was convicted of theft from the store in Kings Mall, Hammersmith on November 29, last year and was fined £110, with £150 costs and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

The father-of-three, who lives in a gated community in Waters Place, Putney, offered to pay at the rate of £5.00 per week.

The court heard store manager Lucy Mitkova was watching the CCTV at 2.25pm when Brafman walked in.

She told police in a statement: "We get a lot of shoplifters in the store and I observed a white, balding male with glasses, carrying plastic bags.

"He picked-up a bottle of vitamins and then placed it inside his right coat pocket and then took some mints, which he paid for.

"After paying for the mints only the male left the store and I notified Kings Mall security who detained him outside and the vitamins were found in his right coat pocket."

Brafman told the court: "I am a diabetic, Type One, and I suffer from a very brittle type of diabetes. However hard I try to control my sugar levels it seems to have a mind of it's own."

He said he injects himself with two different types of insulin eight to nine times a day, plus takes tablets and was suffering an attack of hypoglycemia when he took the bottle of vitamins.

"I have this very erratic diabetes and these attacks occur very frequently. I really don't know what I am doing and feel I am going to pass out.

"I was really all over the place.

"I felt very unwell and had a horrible taste in my mouth so I bought the mints. I was confused by that stage. I did not know if I was coming or going.

"I have no recollection of taking the vitamins. They are not something I require in any way. I was just very confused and not aware of my actions in any way.

"I think my hypoglycemia got worse in the store."

The court heard Brafman was conditionally discharged in November, 2010 for stealing £67.76 worth of groceries from Sainsbury's.

"This is not the first time you have found yourself before the courts, but I will take into account your limited means," judge Szagun told Brafman, warning him bailiffs would be sent to collect the debt if he did not maintain the payments.

Booze And Drugs-Fuelled "Sexual Deviant" Caged For Twenty Years

A sex-obsessed internet pervert, who raped two ex-girlfriends, is starting a twenty-year prison sentence.

Steven Jeanne, 44, of Brent House Road, Homerton, east London was on bail for raping one woman when the second rape case – which had previously been dropped by police – was pursued.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard when police arrested Jeanne for raping a former partner in October, last year they seized extreme pornography and indecent images of children stored on a computer at his address.

He was bailed and attacked the same victim during a row in March, this year and was remanded in custody.

Whilst awaiting trial for those offences, information came to light about another rape of a woman in Newham which Jeanne had committed in February 2011.

The victim, again a former partner of Jeanne's, had made the allegation to police in February 2012 - a year after the incident took place.

At the time of the initial investigation, it was deemed there was not sufficient evidence to proceed with a prosecution.

Officers reviewed the allegation and, after further investigation, Jeanne was charged with this rape.



Detective Constable Kath Watson of the Sexual Exploitation and Child Abuse Command based at Hackney led the investigation.

She said: "Steven Jeanne's offending was fuelled by alcohol, drugs and his obsession with extreme pornography.

“He manipulated and humiliated his female partners for the duration of their relationships with him.

“I am so grateful that they trusted the Police and were able to assist us in incarcerating a dangerous sexual predator."



Detective Inspector Patrick Milford, who heads up the Hackney Team said:

"Steven Jeanne is a very dangerous sexual deviant.

“He preyed on vulnerable women, subjecting them to violent rapes.

“The victims have shown incredible courage throughout the investigative process and I would like to thank them for their support throughout this.”

Chef Starting Life Sentence For Stabbing Ex To Death

A knife-wielding chef, who stabbed his ex to death after initially being refused access to their daughter, is starting a life sentence – with a 17-year minimum.

Delton Coley, 36, (pic.bottom) returned to 30 year-old Daneshia Arthur's east London address with a set of knives and stabbed her several times.

He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to murdering the fashion design graduate at the cul-de-sac home in Baden Powell Close, Dagenham she shared with her mother and daughter.

Her mother, Colleen Ollivierre, discovered Daneshia's body when she returned home on March 18

Earlier that day Coley had turned up and asked to see his daughter, but Daneshia (pic.top) a graduate of the London College of Fashion, refused.

He returned, and after gaining access to the address murdered Daneshia, leaving her on the floor, where she was pronounced dead later that evening.

Detective Inspector Andy Yeats of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said:

"As a result of Delton Coley's actions the family of Daneshia Arthur have been left devastated. 



"Immediately after attacking Daneshia, Coley had the opportunity to contact the emergency services and potentially save the life of the mother of his child.

He chose not to do this, but instead fled the scene - a despicable act by a cowardly man." 




Colleen Ollivierre said: "Daneshia's death has destroyed our lives and family.

“We are traumatised, broken hearted, emotionally unstable, shocked and finding it hard to accept that we have to experience such a great loss. 



"We have lost a very, very special daughter, mother, sister and friend. A very loving woman, a very caring woman with a good character and sense of humour.

“Daneshia was strong willed, motivated, trustworthy and reliable."



Gregory Arthur, Daneshia's brother, said: "Daneshia was a focused and beautiful individual inside and out and to be taken from us in this manner is devastating and unjust.

“We have to pick up the pieces that this coward has left behind."

Pensioner In Court For Historic Sexual Offences Charges

An Avon pensioner, accused of historic sex offences against a young boy forty years ago, appeared at Croydon Crown Court for the first time this week.

Malcolm Stuart, 75, of High Street, Banwell was bailed until December 4 for a plea and case management hearing.

He has already indicated he will be denying the charges.

Stuart is charged with two counts of gross indecency against the boy when he was aged twelve and thirteen years-old between January 1, 1974 and January 1, 1981.

He is further charged with four counts of indecently assaulting the boy during the same period and committing a further sex act.

BBC Techie's £8K "Revenge" After Job Loss

A bitter BBC technical operations manager, whose contract was cancelled, used the corporations's account to order nearly £8,000 worth of specialist electrical equipment during an act of "revenge" against his manager.

Former BBC News team leader Dominic Di Chiera, 50, claims he sought to blow his boss's budget to embarrass him during staffing cuts, but he ended up being arrested and having his home searched by police.

Di Chiera, who joined the beeb in January, last year after fourteen years at Channel 4, was sentenced yesterday to a twelve-month community order with 200 hours community service work and must pay £1,000 compensation to the BBC.

He ordered  a 3D Blu-ray player, LED televisions, a mobile phone, camera drive and other electrical items as his contract neared its end and four items were recovered by police when they searched his matrimonial home in Battersea Bridge Road, Battersea.

Australian-born Di Chiera pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation, namely fraudulently using a BBC account to make purchase orders totalling £7,773.63p between June 4 and 26.

Prosecutor Miss Louise Burnell told Hammersmith Magistrates' Court: "Mr. Di Chiera was making fraudulent purchase orders for electrical equipment using the BBC account and having many of the items delivered to his home address."

His employment was due to terminate on June 30 and on June 26 his manager, Huw Davies, noticed a suspicious order made on the BBC account.

"It was reported to an investigating manager and the purchase order history revealed Mr. Di Chiera had used the account on behalf of the BBC and many orders were delivered to his home address."

On June 27 the defendant was called in to explain himself.

"He said he was very stressed about his contract coming to an end and said he acted in a silly fashion and admitted items were delivered to his address," explained Miss Burnell.

The police were called and Di Chiera's home was searched the same day and he was later questioned by officers.

"He said he had hidden many of the items within the BBC, but it is a mammoth task to search the building for them and the items have not been recovered."

Di Chiera told the probation service Mr. Davies had put him under huge pressure and he was working sixteen-hour days at the BBC.

He felt whatever he did was not sufficient to satisfy management and said the frauds were an act of "revenge" to make his boss look bad by going over budget.

Di Chiera's lawyer Mr. Juleun Lim told the court: "None of these items were retained by him. He's ordered them and they have been put back into circulation in the BBC stock.

"His motivation was to effect negatively his manager over the budget and make him look bad so that when the budget was reviewed there would be an overspend.

"His manager was treating him very unfairly and putting a tremendous amount of pressure on him and he likens it to being bullied.

"His work was good and when he was told his contract would not be renewed the pressure got to him and to use his words: 'I suffered a mental breakdown.'

"He is sorry he acted in the way that he did and he does wish to make amends.

"He is unemployed and actively seeking work in the same field and has an interview tomorrow."

Bench chairman Mr. Mike Cartwright announced: "This is a serious matter. There is no evidence that these items are back in the stock at the BBC."

Di Chiera was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

He was employed at a variety of BBC sites and has also worked for Channel 4 and BSkyB.

Angry Ex Punches Former Girlfriend's New Squeeze For Smooching On Dancefloor

A jealous former-jailbird punched a love-rival, who was dancing with his ex-girlfriend, to the floor of a packed nightclub and spoiled for a fight when chased on to the fire escape.

Steel erector Kurt Tarbuck, 27, of Honeybourne, Belgrave, Tamworth, Staffordshire had travelled down to London for the We Are FSTVL and bumped into his ex at the landmark club the following evening.

He was convicted at Croydon Magistrates' Court yesterday of assaulting Federico Paiato at the Ministry of Sound, Elephant and Castle, on May 27.

Tarbuck had recently been released from a twelve-month prison sentence imposed on October, last year for smuggling three taser-like stun guns into Heathrow Airport from Bangkok.

He was fined £150, with £300 costs, ordered to pay Mr. Paiato £125 compensation and a £20 victim surcharge.

The court heard Tarbuck (pictured) approached his ex of one week, Kelly Wood, just after 11pm as she danced with and kissed Mr. Paiato.

He was seen to suddenly punch the victim once to the right side of his face, knocking him to the floor, and as Tarbuck was pursued from the club a member of staff said he continued to be aggressive on the fire escape.

Tarbuck denied the charge and told the court: “I had come down for a festival the day before in Upminster and was at the club with a friend and on soft drinks.”

Tarbuck claimed he had been dating Miss Wood for nine months, but ended their relationship a week earlier, and only approached her because he had heard she was upset about the break-up.

“As I approached to clear the air they started kissing and I was pretty disappointed that she would do it in front of me. It was not an appropriate time.

“I asked her why she would do that in front of me and she looked a bit bewildered.

“He interrupted and told me to: 'fuck off' and I told him it had nothing to do with him and he stepped towards me in an aggressive manner.

“He was leaning forward as if he was about to hit me and I hit him first. He had his arms out, fists clenched, it was menacing.

“He was almost in my face and that is when I threw the punch and he fell to the floor.

“He got up and looked angry and chased me. I went for the fire exit.”

Tarbuck denied a prosecution suggestion that he was in a “jealous rage” or that he had been staring at his ex for forty-five minutes as she danced with the victim.

However, a staff member confirmed Tarbuck was the aggressor and the punch came “out of the blue” without any provocation.

Sham Marriage Couple Sentenced For Scam

A bogus South African bride reported her sham marriage with a Nigerian student after only receiving £1,000 of her promised £5,000 fee - resulting in both of them being arrested and prosecuted.

Single-mum Bonga Mnisi, 26, who was granted leave to remain in the UK in 2002, married Felix Arifalo, 27, at the Holy Pentecostal Church, Peckham and his temporary spousal residency application was successful.

However, two days before it was due to expire last year he made a false domestic violence complaint, hoping this would result in him being granted permanent leave to remain.

Croydon Crown Court heard the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) had already been tipped-off by Mnisi the marriage was false, with Arifalo insisting it was genuine.

Mnisi, of Hawkesley Road, Birmingham pleaded guilty to doing an act to facilitate a breach of UK immigration law, namely entering into a sham marriage on September 26, 2009.

The first-time offender, who has been housed by her local council, was sentenced today to eight months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and ordered to complete 100 hours community service.

Cleaner Arifalo, of Poplar Place, Thamesmead pleaded guilty to seeking leave to remain in the UK by deception on February 10, last year and was sentenced to ten months imprisonment.

Prosecutor Mr. Guy Russell told the court: "Miss Mnisi claimed she had an attack of conscience when her daughter was three months-old and reported that she had gone through a sham marriage, which kick-started this process.

"She said: 'I put my hands up for committing this crime. I married Felix Arifalo to do a friend a favour.

'Recently he repeatedly made threats to me and said I would lose my right to live in the UK'."

The court heard Arifalo, whose entire immediate family are resident in this country, entered the UK on a two-year student visa, which was extended and he married Mnisi a month before it was due to expire.

"Last year he applied for indefinite leave to remain on the basis he was the victim of domestic violence. That was entirely false," added Mr. Russell.

Mnisi's lawyer Mr. Shahnawaz Khan said: "She could not sustain this fraud against the state and after becoming a mother felt guilty.

"Money was not her motivating factor and she says she never had a relationship with Mr. Arifalo."

Arifalo's lawyer Mr. Shuyeb Muquit told the court: "He maintains that it was a genuine marriage and she left the matrimonial home and became pregnant by someone else."

The defendant suggested his parents went behind his back and agreed the £5,000 fee with his new bride, but only paid her £1,000.

The lawyer described Arifalo's bogus domestic violence claim as a "tick-box" application, adding: "His family are all resident in the UK and he simply panicked."

Recorder Barry Kogan announced: "This is not tick-box. It goes into quite a lot of detail. This was a cynical attempt to gain leave, based on domestic violence.

"The purpose of the marriage was clearly aimed at giving you, Felix Arifalo, the right to remain in this country and for you Bonga Mnisi it was a favour for a friend although you were to be paid five thousand pounds.

"You, Arifalo, then came up with another scheme, the cynical pretence that you were a victim of domestic violence, including a lengthy statement with assertions that were all wholly false."