Speeding Lord Banned For Loo Dash

Conservative peer Lord Trefgarne received a four-month road ban today for speeding yet again today after magistrates rejected his claim he was caught short and was rushing to the House of Lords toilets.

David Garro Trefgarne, 74, 2nd Baron Trefgarne, was caught on camera speeding at 36mph along Chelsea Embankment at 1.57pm on October 20, last year in his grey 2.4 litre Suzuki car as he dashed to a 2.30pm sitting of the House.

Rt. Hon. The Lord Trefgarne, of Kettlewell Close, Horsell, Woking, Surrey pleaded guilty to the offence at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and was also fined £1500, with £100 costs and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

The magistrates also dismissed his claim public transport would not be "practical" for a man of his age and responsibilities.

It was Lord Trefgarne's fifth speeding offence in three-and-a-half years and nine points will remain on his licence.

He produced evidence from a consultant urologist, proving he has a medical condition which leaves him prone to needing the toilet at short notice.

"The symptoms are that I have occasional, urgent need to urinate," said the peer, who held ministerial posts in Margaret Thatcher's Tory government. "It is totally unpredictable and urgent when it does happen.

"I was going to a sitting of the House of Lords, which I do attend on a very regular basis. I'm a conservative member of the House, we don't have a majority and the whips are very keen on attendance.

"Whipping in the House of Lords is much more vigorous than it use'd to be.

"I was getting the symptoms crossing Battersea Bridge, most serious and urgent symptoms and I am not aware of any public convenience between where I was and the House.

"I was anxious to get to the House of Lords as quickly as possible so I could relieve myself."

His lawyer Mr. Quentin Hunt told the magistrates: "Had an accident happened as a result of his condition he would not have been able to fulfil his functions in the House of Lords that day.

"Lord Trefgarne does have a role to play, sitting all hours and maybe it is not practical for a man of his age to get on public transport every day to conduct his duties."

Bench chairwoman Isobel Vass ruled: "Lord Trefgarne had other possible alternatives open to him such as a pub or a restaurant.

"We do not accept that his presence at the House of Lords was so essential his failure to attend would result in it's functions not being carried out."

She told the peer: "There are still nine points on your licence and when you resume driving you will have to do so with extreme care."

Lord Trefgarne was educated at the all-boys Haileybury and Imperial Service College public school and succeeded his father, the 1st Baron Trefgarne on his nineteenth birthday, taking his seat in the House of Lords on his 21st birthday in 1962.

He was a Government Whip from 1979 to 1981 and for the rest of the decade held posts at the Department of Trade; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Department of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Defence.

He was then promoted to Minister of State for Defence Support, then Defence Procurement and was finally a Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry.

A member of the Privy Council, Lord Trefgarne was one of ninety hereditary peers elected to remain after the 1999 House of Lords Act.

Sex Pest Groper: E-Fit Of Foreign Suspect Released

Police hunting a sex pest who groped a female pedestrian from behind have released this E-Fit of the suspect.

Detectives in Brent Borough continue to appeal for witnesses after the sexual assault in Honeypot Lane, Kingsbury, north-west London.

On Sunday, April 19, at around 10.45pm, a 37-year-old woman was walking along Honeypot Lane when she was approached from behind and inappropriately touched by a man.

The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 40-45 years old, slim build, 5ft 8ins tall, clean shaven with short dark cropped hair, brown eyes and freckles.

He was wearing a white casual shirt with a dark coloured short jacket on top, dark trousers and spoke in a foreign accent.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time that witnessed this assault or may know who this suspect is.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Kriel in Brent CID on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit

No arrests have been made.

Burger King Toilet Pervert Who Targeted Teen Girl Hunted

Police are hunting this pervert, who followed a teenage girl into a Burger King toilet and exposed himself after trapping her inside.

The 16 year-old victim was followed at the Praed Street, Paddington fast-food restaurant at 6.30pm on April 15.

After she emerged from the cubicle he prevented her from leaving the toilet by placing his foot in front of the exit door.

He exposed himself and made sexually indecent gestures to the teen.



He then left the restaurant via the fire exit on the first floor. 



The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 30-35 years, of stocky build, 5ft 11ins tall, with short black hair and facial stubble.

He is believed to be of eastern European origin. 



He was wearing a black jacket with black jeans and shoes.



Detective Constable David Roberts, from Westminster's Major Crimes Unit, said: "This type of crime is very upsetting to the victim.

“I am keen for anyone with information to come forward. We will treat all intelligence received in the strictest confidence and will investigate every lead." 



Anyone with any information is asked to contact Westminster Police’s CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hairdresser's Marriage Crumbles After Pub Knife Row

A leading hair stylist's marriage fell apart after a rowdy night at a local pub during which he plunged a knife into the table his wife was sitting at in front of around forty shocked guests.

Mark Richard Westbrook, 50, of Breamwater Gardens, Richmond, who is the boss of the salon that bears his name in nearby Kew Village, was rowing with 36 year-old Czech-born Nikolka Westbrook, the mother of his three children.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to using threatening behaviour at the Anglers Public House, Broom Road, Teddington on November 9 , last year and yesterday was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

“We accept you have been under considerable stress due to the breakdown of your marriage, illness and your financial situation,” the magistrate told Westbrook. “You are impulsive and need to control that.”

The court did not make a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his estranged wife because a non-molestation order made by the Family Court already exists.

Westbrook was found not guilty of two alleged assaults and another threatening behaviour count at the family home later that night after a highly-charged trial in which his supporters packed the courtroom.

Nikolka claimed she feared her husband's temper, but Westbrook claimed her complaints were motivated by a desire to continue enjoying the lifestyle he financed during their twelve-year marriage.

She continues to reside at the £700,000 family home and Westbrook has been forced to move to an address fifty miles away in Chichester Place, Brighton, East Sussex.

The prosecutor told the court: “He felt his wife belittled him in front of a male outside the pub and slammed a cutlery knife into the table.

“She is shocked and there are forty guests present and Mr. Westbrook then storms out of the pub.”

Nikolka claimed violence continued at the family home, but Westbrook was cleared of those charges.

It was put to her that she enjoyed a “nice lifestyle” which included good clothes and meals, but Nikolka told the court: “I would say he enjoyed more of a social life than a family life.

“He was very abusive and aggressive towards me, using foul language in front of the children.”

She denied telling friends Westbrook was “getting old and fat” and had a “pot belly” and asking what the money was like for a single-mum.

Explaining the knife incident she said: “It was frightening. It made me scared.”

Woman Groped On Dancefloor By Ex-Soldier During Reunion

A Falklands War veteran, who travelled to London for a rugby-themed reunion, groped a woman who was dancing in front of him three times and flew into a rage when confronted.

Paul White, 55, of Cornwall House, Borough Road, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Devon will return to wimbledon Magistrates Court on June 17 for a pre-sentence report.

He pleaded guilty today to sexually assaulting a female at The Railway Tavern, The Quadrant, Richmond-upon-Thames on May 9 and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour on the same occasion.

The court heard the victim was enjoying a celebratory evening at the pub with friends and was on the dancefloor with White, who did not know her, standing behind.

He groped her rear with his hand on three separate occasions and she turned and told him: “Twice may be an accident, but three times is deliberate.”

She alerted security and White turned aggressive when challenged about his behaviour and a minor scuffle broke out.

The court was told White was in London to watch rugby and celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Goose Green, which took place in May, 1982, mainly involving 2 Para of the Parachute Regiment.

Uzi Sub-Machine Gun Stashed In Cemetery

This deadly Uzi sub-machine gun was hidden in a Croydon cemetery.

Police on the borough's Crime Squad searched an area in Croydon Cemetery after receiving information.

The found the firearm at approximately 2.15pm on April 29 just off Mitcham Road.


Enquiries continue and Croydon officers are working together with the Trident Gang Crime Command to establish who stored the firearm at the location or had access to the weapon.



Anyone with information that may assist police should call Croydon CID via 101 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



There has been no arrest at this stage.

Transexual Police Worker Who Battered Brother With Iron Bar Claims She Was Sleepwalking

A transexual police worker, who battered her sleeping brother over the head with an iron bar during a late-night murder bid, claims she was sleeping-walking and did not know what she was doing, a court heard today.

Helen Doe, 53, of Montgomery Close, Mitcham, however later told police she woke up in the early hours of the home they shared with an "overwhelming hatred" for 64 year-old Kenneth Doe.

He received three wounds to his skull from the one and a half foot long metal bar as he lay in bed, plus received a broken finger as he tried to defend himself.

Doe, who is employed by the Metropolitan Police Uniform Services and is a vocal transphobia campaigner has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to the attempted murder of Kenneth on July 5, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Cavin told the jury: "Fortunately he did not die or suffer long-term injury at all, brain injury, however it is the prosecution case that in striking him several times with an iron bar she intended to kill him.

"It may be that she is not strong enough, maybe he blocked or parried the blows, he sustained a fractured finger.

"The prosecution say the evidence shows she intended that death would result, that she wished to kill him."

Miss Doe dialled 999 and told the operator at around 2.50am: "I've had an accident. I think I've killed my brother. I've hit him with an iron bar. Just now, I've been building up to it."

When officers entered the house the defendant was in the kitchen and told them: "It's me. I did it, he's upstairs."

Mr. Cavin added: "On the kitchen table was a metal pole about a foot and a half long with blood on it."

Police went upstairs to check on the brother. "His head and hair was covered in blood."

Mr. Doe told them: "I had an argument with her earlier and I woke up and she was hitting me with an iron bar……..I don't like her friends."

He was rushed to St. George's Hospital to be treated for the three wounds, plus a fractured middle finger on his left hand.

"Amazingly, fortunately, the wounds were stapled."

When Miss Doe was arrested she asked the WPC: "Can I have a cuddle?"

Mr Cavin told the jury Doe spoke freely in the van on the way to Sutton Police Station, confessing: "I wanted to do it. I wanted to kill him."

"She said her friendship with her brother was not a good one and woke in the early hours with an overwhelming hatred of her brother and she makes reference to muffled voices in her head.

"She describes a history of depression for which she was taking prescribed medication. She also said she was in the process of changing gender to that of a female and was having hormone therapy."

Doe's case is that she was suffering 'non-insane automatism' - involuntary movements she was not responsible for.

"The defence will point to the conclusion Miss Doe was sleepwalking when she attacked her brother and that sleepwalking and violence was due to the drugs she was taking."  

Doe has organised lectures for Croydon LGBT and has led the Croydon Trans Group and has been living as a woman since 2012.

Trial continues…………

Shot And Stabbed: Murder In Peckham

Ola Raji

Police are hunting two murder suspects after a young man riding a bike through a south London housing estate was shot and stabbed.

Ola Raji, 20, was killed at approximately 10.30pm on April 21 in East Surrey Grove, Peckham.

After responding to a shots fired emergency officers found Ola collapsed unconscious between two parked cars.

He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving in hospital and a post mortem confirmed the cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Detectives believe Ola made his way onto the estate riding a push-bike where he was confronted by two people who shot and stabbed him.

Immediately following the murder, the suspects left the scene on foot in the direction of Sumner Road via a cut through from Cator Road.

Police are particularly keen to speak with the driver of a car that drove down Rosemary Road at around 10.30pm as he/she may have seen the suspects running up the road in the opposite direction.

Detective Chief Inspector Will Reynolds of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "We believe that there were witnesses to this incident and I would like to encourage anyone who has information that could assist our investigation to come forward.

“We believe that after being shot Ola may have had some property stolen from him.

“It is likely that he was wearing a small pouch or bag under his body warmer. This has not yet been found."

“I would like to urge local people and anyone visiting the estate at the time of the murder to think about where they were and what they saw.

“It is essential that we piece together his movements that evening and understand why he was in East Surrey Grove at that time.

“Did you know Ola? Were you with him that evening? Do you know why he was there?

“All information provided to Detectives will be treated in strictest confidence but if you don’t want to speak directly to police please call Crimestoppers.

“Calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous and callers are not even asked for their name.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hit-And-Run Cyclist Hunted For Injuring Female Pedestrian

Police are hunting this hit-and-run cyclist who left a woman he knocked over near Tower Bridge with serious facial injuries.

The 44 year-old victim was walking in Abbey Street, Southwark with her husband at 6.00pm on April 14 when struck by the cyclist, who was riding along the pavement.

The victim fell to the ground and suffered significant facial injuries.

London Ambulance Service were called and she was taken to St. Thomas' hospital.

The cyclist fled before police and the ambulance arrived.

Police Sergeant David Hunt of Cathedrals Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "We are keen to trace the man pictured in the image.

“The victim sustained significant facial injuries and If not for her husband and a member of the public stopping to help she would have been left on that footpath.

“I would encourage anyone who recognises him to contact us immediately."

Chief Superintendent Zander Gibson, Borough Commander for Southwark, said: "This incident was brought to my attention during a Twitter chat.

“It must have been an awful encounter for the victim, both physically and emotionally and she has my heartfelt sympathy for what she went through.

“We sent an officer to the scene and they completed an investigation.

"There was a delay in following this investigation up but I am confident we are now taking appropriate steps to identify the person responsible.

“The vast majority of cyclists are decent honest hardworking people, but in this case I think the person responsible for knocking the victim over needs to explain their actions to us.

“I'd encourage them to get in touch at the earliest opportunity."

Anyone who has any information should contact Southwark police on 0207 232 6220 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting CRIS 3010559/15.

Police Hunt Valuable Watch Thieves

Rare: One Of The Stolen Watches

Burglars snatched 124 valuable antique watches during a night time raid on a Hampstead dealer.

The business, in Heath Street was targeted on April 11 and is situated in a communal building, which the raiders forced their way into.

It is suspected they or associates of the burglars returned the next night to steal more, but they were disturbed by a neighbour and left empty-handed.

Detective Constable Adele Joyner from Camden CID said: “The watches taken during the burglary are antiques and can only be purchased from a specialist outlet.



"We are issuing a picture of four of the watches taken during the burglary and are urging members of the public to contact police if you are offered an antique watch for sale.” 



Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Adele Joyner on 020 8733 6913 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Middlesbrough FC Fan's Away-Day Blowout

Away Day Blues: 'Boro Go Down 4-3

A Middlesbrough FC fan, who made the long trip south for his team's away fixture with Fulham FC, was caught by a police sniffer dog with cannabis in his pocket as he tried to enter the stadium.

Mark William Benson, 30, of Coppice Road, Middlesbrough pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to possessing a small amount of the drug at Craven Cottage on April 25.

To add insult to injury Middlesbrough lost the game 4 – 3.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Gill told the court: “It was 2.40pm and a drug dog was present as away fans entered the turnstile before the match.

“The dog made an indication towards Mr. Benson and he had a snap bag of herbal cannabis, which he said he had paid ten pounds for and was for his personal use.”

Benson told the court he was a zero hours worker and had nothing to say about the offence.

He was fined £73, with £20 costs and was ordered to pay a £180 court charge and £20 victim surcharge.

Female Prison Officer Jailed For Secret Affair With Murderer

Arriving For Sentencing: Whittaker

A female prison officer, who had an affair with a murderer nearly twenty years her junior - exchanging love letters and flirtatious texts, calling him: 'Baby Cake' - was jailed for fifteen months today.

Anita Whittaker, 52, of Oak Way, Acton had served eleven years with HM Prison Service when she began the relationship with 35 year-old Kazadi Kongolo, who stabbed a fellow-teen to death as a youngster.

The Zaire-born Wormwood Scrubs prisoner was 17 years-old when he murdered a 19 year-old male at a railway station on September 9, 1998, stabbing him four times - including a fatal wound to the heart.

At the Old Bailey on March 25, 1999 he was detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure and told he would serve a minimum of twelve years custody.

Whittaker pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office, namely engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a serving prisoner and failing to report a serving prisoner had possession and use of a mobile phone on dates between April 1 and October 6, last year.

"She's lost her job, her reputation and she is embarrassed," Diane Buck, defending, told Isleworth Crown Court. "She had two daughters who are a year of two younger than Mr. Kongolo."

The court heard Whittaker took advantage of her position in the prison workshop to enjoy physical contact with Kongolo, progressing from kissing and cuddling to oral sex.

Wormwood Scrubs

"The offence came to light during a random cell search on the segregation unit and discovery of a mobile phone Mr. Kongolo had hidden in his anus," explained prosecutor Mr. Rav Johal. "The defendant's number was on that phone."

Whittaker then began a cover-up of the affair by trying to remove love-letters she had given Kongolo.

"She was caught assisting his move on the wing, escorting him when she had no business being on the wing and was there to remove the letters from him.

"Her home was searched on the day of her arrest and letters were found from Mr. Kongolo and in her bedroom was found a phone, which she used to keep in contact with the prisoner.

"She admitted developing a friendship and then a relationship after four months that became intimate and sexual.

"She said she was vulnerable after an abusive relationship with another prison officer who worked at another location.

"The relationship with Mr. Kongolo consisted of touching, then kissing, him putting his hand under her knickers and she performed oral sex on him."

Kongolo, who was prohibited from having a phone, sent texts such as: 'Good morning my beautiful'. 'Hey, I love you' and 'Sexy Queen.'

She replied, often referring to the prisoner as: 'Baby Cake.'

Whittaker denies oral sex occurred and Miss Buck added: "There was no full sexual intercourse, this was a loose sexual relationship with cuddling and touching.

"Encounters occurred in the workshop and a lot of his letters included fantasy, but she accepted them from him and she shouldn't have."

The Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson, rejected this and said the communication between them revealed oral sex did take place.

"Because of where you worked a prison sentence will be much more difficult for you," he told Whittaker. 

"Prison security was well drilled into you when you trained, it's very important and can be compromised when you have a sexual relationship with a life prisoner.

"It undermines discipline and boundaries and opens up the officer to the potential of blackmail.

"He had an illicit mobile phone and you were well aware he had it and made contact with it on sixty-four occasions and you had contact with his brother and the partner of his cellmate.

"You were under a duty to report that phone, but you could not because that would lead to the discovery of your illicit relationship."

Sprint Star Linford Christie's Son Sentenced For Hidden Drugs Stash

Drugs: Liam Oliver-Christie

The son of former sprint star Linford Christie received a suspended prison sentence today for having 'crack' cocaine and heroin stashed under the floorboards of his council flat.

Police armed with a search warrant entered the property while 29 year-old Liam Linford Oliver-Christie was out and found the drugs - with a street value of £1,410 - in a box.

Oliver-Christie, of Lakeside Road, West Kensington pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to possessing a quantity of cocaine and diamorphine on September 30, last year.

He was sentenced by the Recorder of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson to two months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

He was also ordered to perform 150 hours community service work, pay £200 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Drug-dealing charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, who previously revealed 14.1 gms of 'crack' was seized along with 841 mgms and 6.9 gms of heroin. 

The son of the 1992 Olympic 100 metres champion now claims he is successfully beating his drug problem with the help and support of his family.

Police, accompanied by a sniffer dog, searched his empty ground-floor council flat at 2.30pm and also found drug paraphernalia on the living room table and an additional 23.6 gms of an unspecified white powder.

Police Raid: Oliver-Christie's Flat

Officers left a note for Oliver-Christie and he surrendered himself at a local police station, which he attended with his solicitor.

Prosecutor Mr. Neil Griffin told the court: "There was a search warrant executed at the defendant's address. He was not home, but under the floorboards was a box containing drugs.

"The last time he was at this court he had been charged with possession with intent to supply class A, but was acquitted. He had over a thousand pounds cash and pleaded guilty to that."

Oliver-Christie's lawyer Miss Emma Fenn said: "The drugs problem is now under control. He has sought voluntary help and that has been resolved with family help.

"He is suitable for unpaid work if this passes the community threshold. This does not look like a case where a DRR (Drug Rehabilitation Requirement) assessment is appropriate, but probation may take a different view.

"He wants to explain he is already doing drugs work and wishes me to pass that onto your honour," Miss Fenn added.  

His father also won gold for Britain in the 100m at the World, European and Commonwealth championships and his national record of 9.87 secs set over twenty years ago stands to this day.

Liam's mother is former typist Yvonne Oliver, who had a short relationship with the athlete, and he has a twin sister Korel, with neither child having much contact with their father during their upbringing.

Paedophile Artist Finally Confesses Four Decades On

An illustrator, who sexually abused two young girls four decades ago – molesting one when he took her out for ice-cream and groping the other as she lay in bed, dramatically confessed during his trial last week.

Artist Henry Christopher Mendes, 64, of Park an Pyth, Pendeen, Penzance had denied forcing the first girl, who was approximately eight years-old, to perform a sex act on him and running his hand up the body of the second girl, also aged around eight.

However, after hearing the two victims give evidence at Blackfriars Crown Court Mendes unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty and will be sentenced on June 12.

Prosecutor Mr. Shaun Esprit told the jury the offences occurred in north London's Kentish Town in the late 1970's and only came to the police's attention when the first complainant reported Mendes in 2013, encouraged by her friend revealing she was also molested.

“The defendant went out to go to the off-licence and he asked the first complainant if she fancied coming with him to get an ice-cream,” he told the court. “He stopped off at a pub and left her outside while he popped in.

“She was left outside on her own and after what seemed to her an eternity the defendant returned and as they walked back he took her through an elevated area, which was higher up and had a swing and concrete blocks.

“The defendant made her sit down on one and she noticed he was mumbling to himself and fiddling with the zip on his trousers and she did not know what was going on.”

The girl then performed a sex act on Mendes, said Mr. Esprit. “Afterwards he seemed relieved and satisfied.”

The girl remained silent until 1989. “She blurted out what happened to her mother. It was an emotional outburst.”

The complainant later emailed Mendes. “She brought up what happened and expressed a lot of anger and was extremely emotional.”

The second complainant also told police she was targeted by the defendant, added Mr. Esprit.

“She was asleep in bed and awoke and was aware of someone next to her, a man, and could hear ponderous breathing.

“She did not open her eyes, but recognised the voice of the defendant saying: 'You're so beautiful' and she felt a hand under the duvet, which bit by bit moved up.

“It stopped short of between her legs when a man's voice outside her bedroom door said: 'Chris, let's go to the off-licence.'

“The defendant was known by his second name, Chris,” the prosecutor told the court.

Mendes was arrested and questioned by police. “He denied the assaults.”

Mendes had pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault in relation to each girl between July 8, 1976 and November 27, 1979.

Wedding Guest Smashed Woman's Nose With "Almighty Punch"

A drunken wedding guest smashed an innocent woman's nose with an "almighty punch" - leaving her needing £10,000 worth of reconstructive plastic surgery - when aiming a blow at her husband.

Groom's guest Neil Abbott, 41, had been drinking vodka during the reception at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street when confronted about his boisterous behaviour on the dance floor and alleged groping of a young woman.

"That was an almighty punch, and I have seen some over thirty-five years, and from a man that is heavily built and this poor woman has suffered the most dreadful, dreadful injuries," announced Isleworth Crown Court Judge Simon Davis.

"This poor innocent lady was not expecting to be hit. You have played rugby in the past and you are a powerful man, one can see that, you do some physical work and that was meted out to this woman."

British Gas employee Abbott, a £50,000 a year work colleague of the groom, of Grace House, Erickson Gardens, Bromey pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Christina Mina on May 24, last year.

He was sentenced on Friday to eighteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must also compensate Mrs Mina £9,798.45p - money she has already spent on advanced dentistry and cosmetic surgery to rebuild her nose, which was flattened by the blow - as well as £950 costs.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Rodgers told the court: "Mr. Abbott goes to punch Mrs Mina's husband and connects with one forceful punch on her.

"She has had reconstructive surgery and will have follow-up surgery. There will be cartilage taken from her to fix a fault with her nose, which had a detached septum and enlarged nostrils.

"Mrs Mina has delayed having children because of this, but will resume once she has recovered."

Abbott's lawyer Mr. Richard Paton-Philip said: "He was too intoxicated to be interviewed by police on the day, but the next morning showed remorse when shown the CCTV.

"There is nothing to suggest he is anything other than a good, decent man who acted out of character when he drunkenly threw this punch aimed at someone else."

"This defendant has said he is not going to drink in public again," said Judge Davis. "It's the drinking that concerns me. He was absolutely drunk that night and had he not been this would not have happened.

"At the root of this disgraceful event was drink, there's no doubt about that," he told Abbott. "You changed her life with one punch, if she had died and this was one-punch manslaughter you would be going to prison for a number of years.

"I believe you did touch that young woman on the dancefloor, maybe you did not realise it or maybe in a laddish gesture it was just a brush."

A witness said he and Abbott were enjoying "lads dancing" during the reception.

"Mrs Mina was hoping for a family and she is struggling with that now because of what you have done to her cosmetically and emotionally," added the judge.

"There are wounds that are not on the surface.

"However, if I send you to prison today you would lose your job and lose your house. I am prepared to accept this was completely out of character."

The Probation Service ruled Abbott would not benefit from an Alcohol Treatment Requirement, but the defendant promised the court he would voluntarily attend counselling.

"Are you going to be able to put up with questions from your friends when you are out like: 'Go on have another one. Where's your bottle? Where's your face?'" the judge asked Abbott.

The defendant replied: "You would have to be a fool not to learn from this experience. The coming and going to and from court, the pressure. You would have to change."

Double-Rapist 'Lifer' Could Be Free In 2022

A “sexual Predator” repeat rapist - who targeted an 80 year-old pensioner - has been given a life sentence, but may be free in just seven-and-a-half years.

Robert Lashley, 32, of Blythe Road, West Kensington waited for the woman, who lives alone, to return from a local newsagents early one morning and followed her to her flat, where he raped her.

An Isleworth Crown Court jury found him guilty of the offence after hearing Lashley was caught on CCTV loitering outside the woman's Shepherd's Bush block of flats at 7.30am on August 16, last year.

Earlier this month was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation he serves at least seven-and-a-half years in prison, minus time served on remand.

He was quickly identified and arrested the next day and the victim was able to give evidence against him in court which led to a successful conviction.



The court also heard that Lashley had received an eight-year sentence in 2004 for a similar rape on a 59-year-old woman.



Officers believe Lashley may have targeted other women and are appealing for other possible victims to come forward.



Detective Constable Victoria Kilburn said: "Robert Lashley is a sexual predator who, on 16 August 2014, targeted one of the most vulnerable members of our community and subjected her to an horrific sexual assault.

“This was all the more distressing as the offence occurred in her home, where she should have felt safe. 



"I also hope that this sentence will encourage more victims of sexual offending to approach police, in the knowledge you will be believed no matter what age you are, and that the police will seek prosecutions for sexual offences.



"I would like to pay tribute to the victim of this offence. She is a spirited lady who showed great courage and determination, not only during the offence, but also in attending court and giving evidence against Lashley.

“She has found this experience extremely traumatic and I hope she can recover from this to enjoy her retirement in peace.



"Police are taking the step of releasing Lashley's image today. If you think you have been a victim of Robert Lashley, I would ask you to come forward and speak to police." 



Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Founder And Ex-Singer Of Reggae Legends Aswad Convicted Of Late-Night Attack On Girlfriend

Brinsley Forde MBE 

The founder and former lead singer of UK reggae band Aswad smothered his partner with bedclothes and ripped off her t-shirt and knickers hours after she aborted another man's baby.

Brinsley Forde MBE, 61, who hit number one in the charts with 'Don't Turn Around' in 1988 flew into a rage at 3am when given the cold-shoulder by Jemma Payne as the couple lay in bed.

Forde, of The Courtway, Watford was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court of assaulting Miss Payne, the mother of his young son, at her flat at 2 Orford Court, Elmcourt Road, West Norwood on October 30, last year.

"Brinsley wanted to be close to have a cuddle. He put his arm around me and tried to bring me close, but I told him I did not want to be close to him, I wanted to be left alone," she told the trial.

"He got very angry and upset. He lost his temper and went into a blind rage and grabbed and shook me like a rag doll.

"He put either a pillow or duvet over my face in a blind rage and held it down. I couldn't breathe and I started to panic and kick out with my legs.

"I jumped off the bed, but he ran around and ripped-off my t-shirt with one sweep from under my arm, tearing it off and did the same with my pants from the front, ripped them off.

"I had chafe marks under my arm, a burn sensation that came up as a bruise the next day."

The court heard Forde, who is also a radio presenter and actor, confiscated several pairs of shoes he bought Jemma as he left the flat, but then turned and blocked the front door.

"I picked-up a shoe and threw it at him and as he moved back I shut the front door," she explained.

Jemma Payne

The attacked was reported to police a week later on November 6 and Jemma explained: "I did not report it at the time because of domestic violence in our relationship.

"I realised he was an unsafe person to have around my son and I was worried social services would take him away. That's why I didn't report it.

However, Forde claims there was no assault and Jemma made a false statement because he threatened to tell social services she wanted to buy cannabis from associates nicknamed the 'Frontline' in Brixton.

He was arrested on November 7 at a social services meeting, which was due to discuss, among other topics, their son's Child Protection Plan.

Forde told police: "My ex has made these allegations up because I was going to report her to social services about our son."

When cross-examined Miss Payne did not deny becoming pregnant with another man, adding: "I'm afraid of Brinsley and his behaviour.

"Social services are happy for me to come off child protection as long as I have nothing to do with Brinsley. He's a danger to my son."

Forde told the court the row was about Jemma's affair and abortion. "The chances were that she was back with her ex-boyfriend. I found his underwear in the house.

"I once picked-up the phone when he thought it was Jemma and he asked: "Is the fool still there?'

"I would say she has anger issues that came up now and again and I am facing a charge that discredits me and I have not seen my son."

He told the court he was forced to grab Miss Payne's wrists to defend himself as she tried to punch and kick him.

District Judge Andrew Sweet ruled: "Mr. Forde was clearly upset by the pregnancy and by being rebuffed and grabbed hold of Miss Payne and shook her, ripped her t-shirt and pants off and covered her face with the pillow case or duvet.

"I'm satisfied Miss Payne was telling the truth. This is a very serious allegation," added the district judge, bailing Forde until june 2 for a pre-sentence report. 

Lady Vera-Brigitte Accused Of £18,000 Benefit Fraud

Lady Vera-Brigitte Bilek Von Sternberg appeared in court today charged with an £18,000 benefit fraud against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea while renting out a £1.1m house to a string of tenants.

Vienna-born Lady Vera-Brigitte - known as 'BB' to friends - is accused of keeping a bank account secret and passing off the people who paid her rent as friends or family members.

The freelance arts and performing arts critic, of Thomas Darby Court, Lancaster Road, Notting Hill indicated not guilty pleas when she appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court.

She is the daughter of a former Cultural Attaché to the Middle East and moved to Chelsea in 1990 with her daughter Rebecca and became head of department at two educational establishments.

Lady Vera-Brigitte is a member of Chelsea Old Church and has been elected to the boards of a number of charitable trusts as a fund-raising trustee.

She was bailed to appear at Isleworth Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on May 26 after the court declined jurisdiction, based on the seriousness of the case.

All the money has been repaid to the local authority.

She is charged with two counts of fraud by false representation in that on September 17, 2009 and July 13, 2011 she made a false representation in a housing benefit and council tax benefit application relating to Ivy Cottage, Uverdale Road, West Brompton by indicating she had no bank account and failed to give details of a Barclays account.

She is similarly charged that on February 4, 2013 she made a false representation in relation to a benefit claim on the same property by telling the council she "never" had any subtenants, only visitors, guests, friends and members of her family and had no income except Pension Credit and Disability and Living Allowance, but had multiple tenants she charged rent between September 16, 2012 and September 18, 2013.

Lady Vera-Brigitte also faces two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances, namely that she was renting out Ivy Cottage between June 2, 2012 and September 18, 2013 and a flat in Philadelphia Court, Uverdale Road between September 16, 2012 and January 4, 2013.

She is similarly charged that on or about May 4, 2012 she dishonestly failed to notify the council she had a tenancy agreement with Anchor Trust and had moved out of Ivy Cottage, Uverdale Road into her current address.