Drug Dealer Jailed After Police Probe Home-Invasion

A drug-dealer, who was attacked during a home-invasion at his address, has been jailed for three years after £90,000 of cannabis was discovered by investigating officers.

Andrew Howell, 52, (pictured) was targeted by two men, who suspected he had large amounts of cash, but the doorstep confrontation was reported by a local witness.

When officers arrived at the address in South Terrace, Surbiton, Surrey on November 13, last year they found the injured Howell who told them two men demanded: “Where's the cash?” and struck him.

Police had been flagged-down at 10.20pm by a concerned member of the public, who reported the assault.

However, oficers found large amounts of cannabis in the address, plus more at a rented storage unit.

A total of 8.17 kilos of cannabis resin; 4.05 kilos of skunk cannabis and 1.71 kilos of herbal cannabis were seized.

Howell pleaded guilty to counts of possessing cannabis, with intent to supply, and Detective Constable Alan Mears said: “This is a significant amount of drugs taken off the streets of Kingston involving someone who had not previously come to police notice.

“The case was successful thanks to the diligence of the member of public and the initial reactions of the attending officers.

“The thoroughness of the subsequent investigation conducted by Kingston CID led to the discovery of another location controlled by Howell where a further substantial amount of cannabis had been stored.

“The sentence reflects how the borough will deal robustly with anyone seeking to gain financial reward from drug dealing and supply.”

Drugs Gunman Wanted By Police

Police are hunting this alleged south London gunman and drug-dealer, but have warned members of the public to not approach him.

Officers from the Specialist Crime and Operations Command have released this image of 30 year-old Andre Chambers in a bid to aid their continuing hunt for the suspect.

He is described as black, approximately 6'0” tall, well built, with a scar on his face and a crucifix tatoo on his left arm.

He has links to the neighbourhoods of Camberwell and Peckham.



Anyone who sees Chambers should not approach him, but call police on 999.



Anyone with information as to his whereabouts should call officers from the Specialist Crime and Operations Command on 020 8721 4054.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Smooth-Talking Ticket-Tout Conman With String Of Lovers Must Pay Over £300K

A bogus ticket agent, who accumulated a small fortune while living illegally in the UK, has been ordered to pay back £308,380 or go to prison for an additional three years.

Haiti-born U.S. citizen Samuel Ernest, 47, (pictured) posed as a high-end agent, even targeting children's charity 'Childline' during a complex scam.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard Ernest accumulated the sum between 2006 and 2012 and must pay it within six months.

He originally admitted a £48,000 fraud involving 17 counts following an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service's Central Criminal Finances Team and was sentenced to four-and-a-half years.

He had pretended to run his own high profile corporate hospitality business and claimed to be associated to Prestige Ticketing Limited, the official provider of Olympic Hospitality Packages for the London 2012 Games, in order to convince people to buy non-existent tickets from him. 



The first of his victims to come forward was a 46-year-old woman who he dated with a view to defrauding her and her family.

The victim met Ernest at a Christmas party in 2011 and he persuaded her that he was credible by taking her to the British Independent Film Awards before convincing her to give him £3,900 for London 2012 Olympic tickets for herself and her family.

The tickets never materialized and Ernest disappeared after he got her money.



Other events that he convinced his victims he could get them tickets for included the MOBO Awards, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Champions League, the BAFTA Awards, the Wimbledon Championships, Cannes Film Festival, Cheltenham Festival Races, Les Misérables, a Harry Potter Film premiere, a Take That concert, a meet-and-greet with Bruce Springsteen and an Olympics charity dinner supposedly hosted by David Beckham, but which was completely fabricated by Ernest.



On one occasion, Ernest bid for London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony tickets, dinner with a celebrity chef and a night in a top London hotel, at a Childline silent auction.

He won the bid and claimed the tickets, which he then sold on for £4,000, however the money has never been paid to the charity.



The greatest sum of money he defrauded a single victim of was £9,250 - paid by a financial services firm for a combined total of 38 tickets for Take That concerts and Champions League matches. 



He also conned a dentist in Halifax, West Yorkshire, into paying £1,500 for tickets to a Harry Potter film premiere in London.

The dentist offered the tickets as a prize in a competition for his patients and when a 15-year-old girl won she and her family travelled to London for the premiere, only to find no tickets had been purchased. 



The vast majority of Ernest's victims were instructed to transfer money to a woman who he claimed was his accountant.

Ernest had the woman's bank card and PIN which he used to withdraw an average of £1,600 per month from cashpoints.

He also used the card to buy meals at luxury restaurants in London and Brighton.



In August 2012, police began investigating Ernest, who was of no fixed address and had been staying with women at various addresses across the UK.

Knowing that detectives were looking for him, Ernest rang one of the investigating officers to taunt him that he was not going to hand himself in, however detectives worked doggedly to track him down and just 19 days later they traced Ernest - who does have links to addresses in New York, San Francisco, California and Cannes - to a bed and breakfast in Birmingham. 



Police stopped him as he was leaving the bed and breakfast.

Ernest attempted to pass himself off as his twin brother by presenting his passport before unsuccessfully trying to run away. 



During the course of their investigation, specialist financial investigators gathered 67 witness statements in five weeks; scrutinized six years-worth of bank statements - an arduous task given that money was frequently being moved on an hourly basis - and analysed over 46,000 text messages exchanged between Ernest and his victims.

They also seized a number of genuine events tickets from him, including for Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations and a Heston Blumenthal supper night, which he had used as examples to convince people of his credentials.

Sometimes he gave these tickets to people by way of consolation or to placate them when he did not deliver the goods that they had actually paid for.



Detective Superintendent Nick Downing said: "Ernest convinced his victims that he was a high-flying corporate hospitality organiser with a network of high-profile contacts that included celebrities.

“In fact, he is an audacious confidence trickster with no feeling for his victims, including those women whose emotions he exploited to get to their money. 



"Such was the extent of Ernest's self-belief that he tried to pass himself off as his twin brother.

“It was only when he eventually came to court that he admitted who he was.

“Ernest didn't believe that we would find him but he underestimated my detectives' sheer determination and dogged pursuit.



"This confiscation order is an example to others that if you're making money from crime, we won't stop at convicting you - we'll also come after your cash."



The prosecution of Barbara Howell, 57, of Ilkeston Drive, Aspull, Wigan - who was originally arrested and charged in connection with this case was discontinued.

Rapist Created Fake 'Text Girl' To Aid Teen Sex Attack

A rapist, who tricked a teenage girl into befriending him and inventing a non-existent third girl to assist his sordid plan, has been jailed for seven years.

Opeoluwa David, 26, (pictured) of Durham Rise, Plumstead approached the 17 year-old at a bus stop, claiming he was a recent Nigerian immigrant hoping to meet new friends.

He was convicted at Inner London Crown Court of raping her at his bedsit on July 24, last year.

She had swapped numbers with him at a Thamesmead bus stop earlier in the month and exchanged text messages – also posing as 'Becky' to gain the victim's trust.

The teenager believed she was meeting the defendant and 'Becky' on July 24 and when she questioned the girl's wherabouts David reassured the victim the girl would be joining them later.

David took the teen back to his bedsit where he locked them both inside and raped her.

He then let the victim go and she immediately contacted a friend and reported the incident to police.



David was arrested the following day and charged with rape and false imprisonment.



The investigation was carried out by officers from Sapphire, part of the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

Detective Constable Jivan Saib, who led the investigation, said: "The successful conviction of David is largely down to the bravery of the victim in this case.

“David took advantage of this girl but she has shown immense bravery and resolve in supporting our investigation.



"I hope this conviction and custodial sentence encourages other victims to come forward and tell us what has happened to them."



Detective Inspector James Pryde said: "I would encourage all victims of rape to report what has happened to them to the police - together with our partners we will assist and support you.

“Our officers are specially trained to support victims of rape. 



"In this case the victim has seen David convicted - he will now go to prison and, on his release, will be monitored as a registered sex offender."

Flying Club Veteran Jailed For Historic Sex Abuse Of Schoolboys

Biggin Hill Airport

The ex-member of a Biggin Hill Airport flying club is starting a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for taking advantage of his acccess to youngsters by sexually abusing two boys.

Benjamin Gavin Dix, 76, molested the children when they were aged either nine or ten years-old – often after inviting them for rides in his car and allowing them to steer the vehicle.

The pensioner, of Frith Hill Road, Godalming, Surrey pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to five counts of indecent assault between 1969 and 1992.

Police were contacted by one of the victim's in September, 2011, who complained of abuse in 1969 or 1970 and the second man revealed Dix molested him in 1992.

Detective Constable Paul Hill said: "The two victims in this case were children when Dix assaulted them.

“They showed courage to come forward after so many years to tell us what happened to them.

“These were very disturbing assaults on very young children at the time and although these assaults took place many years ago, it shows that we will pursue sex offenders and bring them to justice.



"Dix thought he had got away with it, but the victims in this case were determined to see him brought to justice."



Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas, said: "Dix sexually abused two young boys who were vulnerable.

“This case may have happened many years ago, but in this case he was brought to justice because his victims came forward and they should be commended for overcoming their fears and disclosing these terrible crimes.



"With appropriate support from police and our partners, I urge other victims of sexual crimes to come forward and tell us what has happened to them. You will be supported."

Dix must also sign the sex offenders egister for life.

'Audacious Predator' Caged For Terrifying Late-Night Rape Bid

A wannabe rapist, who kicked a woman's front door off it's hinges after following her home from a night bus, has been locked-up for ten years.

Shane Lynch, 25, (pictured) of Aviary Close, Canning Town, is described by police as a: “predatory, audacious sexual offender.”

He demanded to know where the 26 year-old victim was during a terrifying face-to-face confrontation with her mother, then after finding her tried to pull off the young woman's tights and dress.

She was only saved when her mother tried to pull him off as their landlady screamed that she was calling the police.

In the early hours of Friday June 14, last year the victim was travelling home after a night out with friends.

Lynch approached her as she waited for a night bus to travel from Romford to Canning Town, east London and began chatting to her during the journey.

He asked to walk her home several times but she declined his offer, leaving him in Hayday Road.

She carried on walking to her house and was preparing a snack when she heard the front door being kicked open.

Terrified, she hid in the kitchen while Lynch hunted for her upstairs.

He confronted the victim's mother, demanding to know where she was.

He then came back downstairs and found the victim cowering in fear.

Lynch immediately attacked her, pulling her to the floor and trying to tear off her dress and tights.

He told her he wanted to have sex with her and ignored her pleas for help.

The victim's mother came downstairs and attempted to drag Lynch off her daughter, but was assaulted in the process, suffering minor injuries.

However, on being told the police were being called by the victim's landlady, Lynch finally made off after throwing a suitcase at the women.

He was arrested on the next day and claimed in a police interview that the victim had stolen his phone and he was trying to retrieve it.

He admitted assaulting the victim's mother, but claimed it was self-defence.

He was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court of attempted rape, having already admitted an unrelated charge of wounding, with intent, on another victim on January 25 in Newham Way, Canning Town.

He received seven years for the attempted rape, plus three years for the GBH charge.

Detective Constable Yvonne Rhoden, MBE, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and the other female occupants of her home.

“I hope this conviction goes some way to restoring her peace of mind in the future.

"Lynch is a predatory, audacious sexual offender who, but for the brave actions of the victim's mother, would have carried out a violent rape.

"He has posed a real danger to lone females using the public transport system and we would appeal for members of the public to come forward with any information on similar offences."

Police can be contacted on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.

Witnesses Sought For Tower Bridge Motorbike Tragedy

Police are continuing to appeal for information concerning the tragic Tower Bridge fatality of a pedestrian who was struck by a motorbike.

Benjamin Sale, 32, (pictured) from Manchester was struck near the junction with Tooley Street, Southwark at 2:48pm on December 10.

Officers, the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended.

Mr. Sale was rushed to the London Hospital, Whitechapel with head injuries, but was pronounced dead approximately 24 hours later.

The motorcyclist stopped at the scene and was not arrested.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact officers at Catford Traffic Garage via the Witness Appeal Line on 020 8285 1574.

Businessman Benefits Cheat Ordered To Repay Fraction Of Swindled Money

A partially-sighted escort agency boss, who illegally pocketed almost £176,000 in benefits - including a massive claim for approximately 60,000 miles in non-existent taxi rides - has been ordered to repay 7.5% of the money.

Under a government disability scheme businessman Andrew Pishides, 39, billed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for daily 100 mile round-trip £180 fares for four years - supporting the claims with forged receipts.

After Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings Harrow Crown Court ordered him to pay £13,190 to the DWP within six months or serve twelve months imprisonment.

"You must have lived very well for those four years," sentencing Judge Jeremy Donne QC told Pishides, who ran 'Escort Emporium', 'Escort Solutions' and a letting agency for parking spaces called 'Park Let'.

"These offences reflect a moderately sophisticated and extremely persistent fraud that garnered you just shy of one hundred and eighty thousand pounds.

"The benefits represented an income of over forty thousand a year and in addition you had legitimate sources of twenty thousand a year, which would have been equivalent to a six-figure salary before tax."

Pishides, of Alexander House, Broadfields Way, Neasden was originally sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years, placed on a twelve month supervision order with a three-month electronically-tagged evening curfew.

"Is it right that you should go to prison for four-and-a-half months? I confess I find this difficult," announced the judge. "I have a clear public duty to deal with people who commit offences like these, but on balance i am persuaded a prison sentence can be suspended."

Pishides pleaded guilty to three counts of obtaining money transfers by deception, namely £106,000 in access to work payments; £37,328 in housing benefit; £28, 637 in income support and evading a liability by deception, namely £3,874 in council tax.

DWP investigators mounted a surveillance operation, which confirmed their suspicions that Pishides did not travel from his home in north-west London to Wrotham in rural Kent three times a week to work as a software salesman.

The access to work scheme offers financial assistance with travel costs to those with disabilities.

He also failed to declare all of his bank accounts, his business income and part-ownership of a mortgage-free Lewisham flat.

Investigators discovered hundreds of pounds a week were being paid into Pishides' bank account from a large number of women who had signed-up to be his escorts.

The DWP are pursuing compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act and are currently deducting £100 per month from Pishides' disability living allowance payments.

Pishides' lawyer Mr. James Maloney told the court: "The risk of re-conviction is low, the public is not at risk from the defendant. 

"His disability would make imprisonment more stressful and difficult than able-bodied defendants and he would be vulnerable to those in the system with more know-how than him."

Pishides suffers from a genetic eye condition, which restricts his field of vision to only 10% and he needs times four magnification in his right eye - his best - to see normally.

"He lost a lot of his life skills, his confidence, his self-esteem and did fall into some form of depression," added Mr. Maloney. "He is genuinely resourceful about this."

Judge Donne added: "He was pretty well off compared to a lot of people and it must have been apparent to him that what he was doing was quite egregious.

"What is the court to do with someone who commits offences on this scale for this period of time?

"However, it is a simple fact prison would be more difficult for someone with his difficulties and I have wrestled in my mind as to the correct sentence in this case."

Teenage Student Gang-Raped By Trio

A rapist who participated in a gang attack on a teenage girl is starting a 7-year sentence while his two accomplices remain on the run.

Sadiq Ali, 23, (pic.top) of Blyth Road, Hayes was jailed at Isleworth Crown Court and 22 year-old Mohamed Abdihakim, (pic.bottom) of Mackay House, White City Estate, Shepherds Bush continues to evade justice.

Both were convicted of the rape and false imprisonment of the 19 year-old student, who was held against her will after visiting Ali's flat in Hayes, Middlesex on May 26, last year.

At 4.30am she was raped by both defendants and a third man, who absconded before the trial began.

Detective Constable Adam Lewis, said: "This was a horrific attack by three males on a lone female victim.


"The sentence reflects the severity of the ordeal the victim was put through.

“Police are still actively pursuing the two outstanding suspects in this case.

“The Metropolitan Police Service are committed to pursuing any allegations made to them of a sexual nature.



"If anyone knows the whereabouts of Mohamed Abdihakim please contact the Sapphire Unit on 020 8247 6520 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." 

Albanian Car Wash Wars Spark Triple Murder Bid

An Albanian, who armed himself with a loaded gun when attending a late-night business deal, is starting a 23-year sentence after shooting at three men in a horrific triple murder bid.

At least seven shots were fired by Admir Bregaj, 26, (pictured) who repeatedly tried to kill the trio as they desperately attempted to flee in their car.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder at a petrol station in Chase Side, Enfield on September 7 and one count of illegally possessing a firearm.

The Old Bailey heard the three victims had attended at 10:20pm to discuss a car-washing business venture when a row broke out between them and two other men.

Bregaj approached and pulled a gun from the front of his trousers, which was initially hidden by his black leather jacket.

The defendant fired the gun and one of the victims, who avoided being shot, jumped into his car in an effort to escape.

Bregaj kept firing bullets causing damage to the vehicle.



The second victim tried to get into the same car, but Bregaj saw him and chased him around the vehicle, continuing to fire shots at him, wounding him in the buttock.

A third man tried to disarm Bregaj, but he shot him in the pelvis.

Bregaj fired another shot that hit the floor and rebounded - hitting the same victim in the ankle.

Bregaj then ran off. 



He was arrested on the October 8 by Operation Trident officers and subsequently charged and remanded in custody.



Detective Inspector Glenn Butler of Trident Gang Crime Command said: "This significant sentence reflects the serious nature of this offence.

“Bregaj fired numerous shots in a public area over a seemingly trivial argument about a business venture.

“This would have been a terrifying experience for the victims, who thankfully have now made a full recovery from their injuries. 



"I hope this result sends a clear message that Trident officers will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those individuals who bring harm to their communities through acts of violence, gun and gang criminality. 



“If you have any information on gun and gang crime please do not hesitate in contacting the police."

Night Bus Sex Attacker Wanted: Do You Recognise Him?

Police are hunting this pervert, who followed a young woman in the early hours after she got off a night bus.

Officers from Harrow CID have released an image of the suspect in a bid to catch and arrest him.

He followed the 21 year-old victim in St. Kildas Road, Harrow at 2:00am on November 21 after she got off the N18 bus at the nearby garage.

She was approached from behind and sexually assaulted and her attacker also snatched her mobile phone.

The suspect is black, approx 30-35 years old, approx 5' 10" tall and spoke with an English accent.

He wore a black beanie hat, a black woollen jacket and blue jeans.



Detective Constable Janine Stevenson from Harrow CID said: “I would like to speak to the man in the photograph in connection with this matter.

“It is believed he was travelling on the same bus as the victim.

“I am appealing to anyone who may know him or know of his whereabouts or has any information to call police on 101, alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 

Bus Death Tragedy: Did You See Anything?

Police are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was struck and killed by a bus outside Tooting Broadway Underground Station.

Local man Dennis McGoldrick, 69, suffered fatal multiple injuries on December 16 and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the route 131 bus was stopped after the 6:15pm incident, but not arrested.

Anyone who witnesses the incident should call the Road Death Investigation Unit at Hampton Traffic Garage on 020 8941 9011. 

Happy Christmas To All Our Readers

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year from everybody here at Square Mile News.

We hope you are all safe and well and are enjoying a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones.

This last year has been the most prolific in terms of breaking news stories for Square Mile News and our Christmas wish is to continue to be even more successful in the coming twelve months.

Hit-And-Run Driver Admits Killing Policeman In 80mph Tragedy

An unlicensed and uninsured killer hit-and-run driver, who mowed down a police officer signalling him to stop at a speed trap, will be sentenced next year.

PC Andrew Duncan, 47, (pic.top) was flung thirty metres, sustaining fatal injuries, when struck by Gary Bromige, 25, (pic.bottom) who was driving a black VW Golf at over 80mph.

Bromige, of Holland Road, South Norwood pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving; death while unlicensed and uninsured; failing to stop at an accident and failing to report an accident.

He was remanded in custody until February 7.

Officers were deployed in Reigate Avenue, Rosehill in the early hours of September 20 on a speed enforcement operation when PC Duncan signalled for Bromige to pull over.

However, the defendant ignored this request and drove the vehicle into the officer, abandoning it a short distance later.

Father-of-two PC Duncan, who had served twenty-three years, had sustained multiple injuries and died in the early hours of September 22.

Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane, said: “On the night of September 20 Bromige who was not legally permitted to drive, was doing so dangerously, recklessly and his actions led to the tragic death of PC Andy Duncan.



“He callously failed to stop leaving a critically injured officer at the scene. 



“Andy’s death has had a profound effect on his family, friends and colleagues and Bromige now faces a jail sentence to reflect on the devastation that he has caused.”

Graveyard Rapist Convicted Of Copycat Sex Attacks

A double rapist, who pounced on a second victim in a copycat attack while on bail for the first offence, is facing years behind bars.

James Isted, 27, (pictured) of Tintagel Road, Orpington stalked his victims, aged 17 and 27 year-old from behind – hitting the first over the head and threatening the second with a knife.

Both attacks ocurred in Church Hill, Orpington on September 30, 2011 and May 7, last year respectively.

Isted was convicted of two counts of rape and robbery against the women and assaulting a police officer on May 7 and will be sentenced on February 7.

Croydon Crown Court heard the first rape ocurred at 2.40am when the defendant struck the teenage girl from behind and dragged her into the graveyard of All Saints Church.

She was subjected to a harrowing and lengthy ordeal and Isted left with her handbag, which contained a mobile phone and other personal items.

Isted was arrested a few days later on October 4 and was on bail pending further enquiries when he struck again.

This time he approached the victim from behind at 1.30pm – threatened her with a knife – and raped her in the graveyard.

This time a witness reported the daylight attack and Isted was arrested by police after a short chase in possession of the victim's bank card and jewellery, including her engagement ring.

Detective Inspector Faye Churchyard, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Isted has shown a total disregard for both victims in this case, forcing them to re-live their ordeal by pleading not guilty to the offences.

“Both victims have shown immense courage in attending court and facing their attacker.

“I hope their determination and success in seeing him convicted will go some way in providing them with some closure.

“I believe there may be other victims who have not come forward and I urge them or any victim of rape to tell the police what happened to them.

“Specially trained officers together with our partners are here to support you throughout the process."



Anyone with information they believe may assist police is asked to call 020 8721 4614. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knife And Baseball Bat Thugs Jailed For Settling Feud

A odd pair of thugs – armed with a knife and baseball bat – settled a local feud in a betting shop, leaving their victim needing 14 stitches and treatment for bumps and bruises.

Perry Young, 30, (pic.top) and James Sullivan, 58, (pic.bottom) were each jailed for two-and-a-half years for inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Inner London Crown Court heard Young, of Barkworth Road, South Bermondsey and Sullivan, of nearby Acanthus Drive had threatened their victim during an ongoing dispute.

In May they pounced on him inside a Rotherhithe William Hill betting shop – attacking him in front of shocked memebers of the public.

Witnesses said they entered the betting shop brandishing the weapons, shouting and swearing aggressively.

The victim was chased around the shop and pushed into the glass front door, causing it to crack.

They pursued the victim outside and continued to hit him as he lay on ground. 



When police arrived they found the victim suffering bruises and bumps to the head and a puncture wound in his back that required 14 stitches.

He was taken to hospital and is still receiving treatment to this day.



Detective Constable Marlon Guthrie of Southwark CID said: "I am pleased with the result and hope it acts as a deterrent to others.

“They gave little consideration to the frightened staff at the bookmakers and members of the public, who genuinely feared for their safety as Sullivan and Young violently assaulted the victim." 



Detective Sergeant Iain Duncan Smith, of Southwark CID, said: "This was a difficult investigation to bring to conclusion due to fear within the community of reprisals.

“Had it not been for the intervention of the Police and in particular Detective Constable Marlon Guthrie's tenacity throughout the investigation these individuals would have most likely not been brought to justice.

“I would like to thank my team of officers who have worked tirelessly in bringing all of those involved before the courts.” 

Money Laundering Trio Facing Jail For £200K Plot

Money Launderer: John Walker

A Northern Ireland lorry driver, caught transporting criminal money to the continent, was told yesterday to expect a “significant” prison sentence for the £200,000-plus plot.

Anthony Robert McDermott, 50, of Knockadore, Newtownbutler, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and his two co-conspirators were under police observation as they laundered cash from various criminal sources.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to conspiring to transfer criminal property, namely £17,490 and €116,000, between August 31 and October 28, last year.

Sean Michael Tossell, 46, of Elm House, 50 Holmesdale Road, Teddington, Middlesex and Hayden John Walker, 42, of Queenswood Avenue, Wallington, Croydon also admitted the same count.

McDermott alone also pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property, namely £100,100, on October 27 at Colchester Services on the A12, Essex.

Prosecutor Mr. Bill McGivern told the court: “He was using the lorry to ship money out of the jurisdiction.

“He is based in Northern Ireland, comes to England and then the continent, taking that money from the UK out and passing it on.”

Whether the money is the profits of drug dealing, fraud or any other criminal activity is not clear and Mr. McGivern added: “We have our suspicions, but nothing can be put before the court. We say the monies come from different criminal sources.”

The cash was concealed within Budweiser and a Marks and Spencer packages.

The prosecution describe Tossell as an “organiser” and Walker a “trusted courier” who was twice observed passing money to McDermott.

However, Walker claims his involvement was limited to those two occasions and he was paid £200 each time, only knowing it was cash during the second trip.

“I was not aware of what was in the first package, but I could see the second packet contained cash, which I thought was suspicious,” Walker stated in his basis of plea.

“I have no knowledge of where the money came from or where it was going.”

Mr. McGivern replied: “Those are the only two days we can say he passed the money to McDermott. There is no evidence to say he had an organising role.”

“Mr. Tossell is the contact between the two. He is in an organising role, organising the delivery by Walker to McDermott.”

Judge Peter Testar remanded all three in custody until sentencing on January 24 telling them: “There are no promises and the overwhelming likelihood has to be significant sentences.”

Teen Girl Sexually Assaulted At Party: Do You Know This Suspect?

Police hunting a sex offender wanted for a late-night attack on a teenage girl have released this CCTV image of a suspect.

The 17 year-old victim was attending a party with friends at an address in Ealing, west London in the early hours of September 22, last year when she was assaulted.

Officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command have released this image.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Phil Cotter said: "I would like to speak to the man in the photograph in connection with this matter.

“I am appealing to anyone who may know him or know of his whereabouts to call police on 020 8733 3773.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to call. 



Officers would also like to speak to guests at the party that night. 



Alternatively, if you have information and you would like to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



There have been no arrests in the investigation. 

Masked Late-Night Intruder Attacks Lone Woman. Are You A Victim?

A late-night prowler, who sneaked through an open ground-floor window last summer and sexually assaulted the lone young woman sleeping inside, was convicted on Tuesday.

Raymond Yates, 31, was captured on CCTV tying a t-shirt around his face in the early hours of July 25 before entering the property in Hurstbourne Road, Sydenham.

He was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of sexual assault, robbery, and trespass, with intent to commit a sexual offence, and will be sentenced on a future date.

Yates removed his shoes as he cased the property to prevent the 23 year-old woman hearing him sneaking around outside.

She awoke to find the defendant straddling her, pinning her to her bed.



Yates then subjected the woman to a sexual ordeal and threatened to kill her if she made a sound.

He then fled through the same window a minute later, having stolen two mobile phones.


Officers traced Yates using an app on one of the stolen mobile phones.

He was arrested, in possession of both phones, on board a bus in Brixton Hill approximately an hour after the incident at around 600am.



Detective Constable Corrado Di Mascio of the Met's Sapphire Unit, part of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, led the investigation.

He said:
"This was a particularly harrowing attack on a lone woman whilst she slept in her bed at home. 



"The evidence shows that Yates was calculating in his attack, concealing his identity and taking off his shoes in an attempt to mask his approach. 



"I would like to praise the victim who has been committed to seeing her attacker brought to justice."



Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas, also of Sapphire, added: "The level of planning and thought Yates demonstrated while carrying out this offence shows he is a committed offender.

“While we have no concrete evidence of other offences we cannot discount the possibility that Yates may have carried out other attacks.



"If you believe you have been the victim of this man, please contact police.

“Sapphire have specially trained officers who will support you and strive to obtain justice for you.”



Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Raymond Yates is asked to contact the Sapphire Unit on 020 8721 4678. 

Police Find Dirty Drugs Cash In Dishwasher

A drug dealer, who laundered over £23,000 inside his kitchen dishwasher, has had the cash confiscated and will be unable to enjoy his illicit profits when released from prison.

Joseph Leslie Pitts, 27, of Sparrows Lane, Eltham failed to wash the cash, which was seized from inside a safe (pic.bottom), hidden inside the appliance.

On Monday at Woolwich Crown Court an order was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which requires Pitt to surrender £23,567 or serve an additional term of custody.

He was arrested on August 30, 2011 after police searched his vehicle in Sidcup and after finding a small bag containing cannabis discovered another 17 self-seal bags, totalling 25 gms of the drug.

Another bag of cannabis was later found hidden in his clothing when he was searched at the police station. 



Police search Pitts' home and 14 self seal bags containing 19 grams of cannabis were found, along with other drugs paraphernalia, including digital weighing scales and a quantity of empty self-seal bags ready for use. 



Officers also found a stun gun disguised as a mobile phone and the cash inside the safe.

Following a lengthy investigation, Pitts was charged in July, last year with two counts of possession, with intent to supply cannabis, two counts of possession of cannabis, possession of criminal property and possession of a stun gun.

He was eventually convicted of the offences at the same court and on August 5 was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Michael McElroy from the Metropolitan Police Service's Criminal Finance Team said: “This case has been lengthy and difficult, but meticulous investigation has ensured justice has been done.

“Pitts denied the money was his and produced witnesses whom he claimed the money belonged to - but their evidence was not found to be credible. 



“The Criminal Finance Team, working closely with local officers, will rigorously use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that drug dealers and other criminals are not allowed to enjoy the fruits of their illegal labour.”