Clown Prince Of Robbers Caged For 11 Years

Clown Prince of Robbers Anthony Lee Perry had the grin wiped off his face when sentenced to 11 years for a string of raids on bookies and armoured vans while on the run from prison.

Perry, 31, of Great Dover Street, Borough, Southwark, earned his nickname after posing with cigarettes behind his ears for a police mugshot and was the target of a manhunt publicized on BBC’s Crimewatch and the national press.

He also wore silly shades and naff tracksuits during robberies - in which his gang threatened terrified staff with violence, claiming they had a gun – netting £31,500.

They targeted a string of London betting shops, a Bristol bookies, a Cheltenham Post Office and armoured vans in Basingstoke and Leamington Spa last year, during a 10-week blitz.

Perry’s gang was so notorious Tower Bridge Flying Squad mounted Operation Hoscar to trap them and the Association of British Bookmakers put up a £10,000 reward for his capture.

Perry pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to conspiring to rob betting shops between July 24 and October 3, last year, and security vans on or before October 8.

He also pleaded guilty to robbing a post office in Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, of £4,235 cash on September 5, last year.

Perry and accomplice Fabian Dawson, 29, jailed for 10 ½ years for his role plus other unknown raiders robbed Ladbrokes Bookmakers in Rotherhithe New Road, Rotherhithe of £1,500 on July 25; Southwark Park Road, Southwark of £960 on July 31; Salmon Lane, Poplar, of £600 on August 4 and Moravian Road, Kingswood, Bristol, of £4,500 on August 23.

He also robbed William Hill’s, London road, Streatham, of £144, on August 7 and Ladbrokes, Fishponds Road, Bristol, of £700 on September 5.

Perry was the getaway driver for raids on cash vans at Homebase, Winchester Road, Basingstoke, when £4,000 in coins was grabbed and on September 16 at Shires Retail Park, Tachbrook Drive, Leamington Spa, when £12,515 was snatched on October 2.

He became the fourth generation of his South London crime family to appear at the courthouse, located in tough Elephant and Castle.

Judge Simon Davis told Perry, handcuffed in the dock for extra security, “These offences bear all the hallmarks of a planned campaign of organized robberies. You were part of a professional team.

“These were all commercial premises deliberately targeted for high financial proceeds and these robberies were carried out over a long period of time. There must have been some planning.”

Prosecutor Mr. James Brown said Perry, jailed for twelve years for the manslaughter of a female pedestrian while driving a stolen car during a police chase, absconded from Ford Open Prison on June 2, last year, five months short of his release.

“The M.O. was simple and repeated throughout the robberies,” explained Mr. Brown. “They went into betting shops and lingered around, pretending to use the toilet, waiting for the opportunity for the secure area to be opened, or simply smashed their way in, frightening staff.

“There were two occasions when members of staff believed they had a gun.”

During the Salmon Lane robbery on August 4 the duo demanded the keys to the safe. “Perry puts his hand in his pocket and staff took that as an indication he had a gun,” said the prosecutor.

“The members of staff plead not to be hurt and Perry tells them they will not be if they do what they are told.”

At William Hill’s Dawson made a gun threat in front of Perry. “He says he will shoot staff if they do not co-operate with the safe.”

Typically Perry followed Dawson behind the counters. “They sought to target the safes, not just the tills,” said Mr. Brown.

“They were often disguised with sunglasses, caps and t-shirts pulled up over the lower part of their faces.”

During the raid on Ladbrokes, Kingswood, Dawson simply vaulted the counter. “Perry encourages him to get on with it and acts as a look-out as £4,500 is snatched.”

Staff later describe their ordeal as “petrifying”.

In Fishponds Road Dawson vaulted the counter, kicking the cashier in the face and breaking his glasses, as Perry acted as lookout.

The pair even tackle a have-a-go hero at Tewksbury Post Office who tried to trap Dawson inside the secure area.

“There was a member of the public who courageously intervened and this defendant kicked open the door to allow Dawson to escape.”

After the Leamington Spa van robbery the cashbox was abandoned by the side of the motorway after security dye ruined the notes.

Perry gave himself up at Hounslow Police Station on February 12, this year, three days after The Sun newspaper printed his notorious ‘clown’ picture.

His lawyer Mr. Khali Missuri told the court: “He has battled with the problem of his homosexuality as he grew up on the tough Aylesbury Estate, North Peckham. He has had to hide who he is.

“He has an unhealthy desire to be accepted in the neighbourhood and this has led to his criminal behaviour.”

The Ford walkout was triggered by a relationship he formed with another inmate, explained the lawyer. “He had been ridiculed and threatened.

“At the end he wanted to get caught and get out of this mess he was in.”

Afterwards DC Mark Murdoch said: “He is a dangerous robber and got the sentence he deserved. That is the aim of the Flying Squad. To arrest people like him and put them in prison.”

Outside, Perry’s father Anthony Perry snr. 61, a reformed villain who now tutors inmates at tough Wandsworth Prison said: “It’s my fault he is here.

“My father, my grandfather appeared in this court, I appeared here and now Lee. It’s the unfortunate consequence of a family history.

“He stole five million pounds worth of computer chips when he was fifteen years-old. He got four years for that,” added Mr. Perry snr.

During the manhunt a police source said: "Perry gives the impression of being a clown but he's a very dangerous man. Someone knows where he is and can wipe the smile off his face."

'Ponzi' Trader In Court Again

A foreign exchange dealer accused of a ‘Ponzi’ scheme that left 800 investors £17m out of pocket was bailed until next year at City of London Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday).

Terence Freeman, 61, of King’s Place, King’s Road, Horsham, West Sussex, formerly of 30 Whitehall Lane, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, is the former boss of City-based GFX Capital Markets Ltd.

Freeman was investigated by the City of London Police’s Economic Crime Department, after initially reporting threats from investors to police.

Freeman is charged that between June 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court, he was knowingly a party to the carrying on of a business, namely GFX Ltd., for a fraudulent purpose, namely the inducement of persons to invest in a ‘Safe’ exchange scheme by making false representations and statements as to the protection and profits of investments.

He is also charged that between October 1, 2007 and February 9, 2009, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court the business of GFX Ltd. was carried on with intent to defraud creditors by similarly making false representations and statements.

He also is also charged that between January 1, 2006 and February 9, this year, being an undischarged bankrupt, acted as a director of GFX Ltd.

Between the same dates he is charged with failing to disclose to business associates his former name, under which he was made bankrupt.

Freeman is further charged with stealing £120,590 between November 7 and 30, 2007, belonging to investors in GFX Ltd and between the same dates acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, namely a diamond bespoke ring and gentleman’s signet ring.

Thirty investors are alleged to have lost over £130,000, with one individual said to have lost £1.5m.

Freeman was bailed to return on January 13, next year on conditions he reside at his address, surrenders his passport, reports weekly to local police and does not handle investments for trading.

Teen Muslim 'Groom' Rapes Illegal Wife

The teenage groom in an illegal Muslim wedding raped his 12 year-old ‘bride’ – also his cousin – in a ceremony arranged by his parents and the victim’s father.

Now all four members of the family face jail for subjecting the unwilling girl – married behind her shocked mother’s back – to a “nightmare”.

The 17 year-old groom was convicted today (Wednesday) at Wood Green Crown Court of raping the girl at his parents’ South London home on March 22, last year.

His parents, both aged 54, and the victim’s Tottenham father, 29, were convicted by the jury of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and all four were bailed until December 22 for sentencing.

The convictions follow a lengthy and meticulous investigation by detectives from the Child Abuse Investigation Team at Highgate with assistance from Haringey Council Children Services, the National Association of Muslim Police and the Henna Foundation.

The victim’s mother raised the alarm after her daughter’s father took the girl to his brothers’ home without permission.

Once there he staged an illegal marriage between the cousins and with co-operation from the boy’s parents allowed the youngsters to have sex.

The victim's mother said: "What happened to my daughter was a nightmare. Today's convictions will help us move on.

"DI McHugh and DC Hodges from Haringey Child Abuse Team have been very supportive through the case.

If you have been forced into a marriage or have been victim to such sexual abuse, there is help out there. The Police will help you. Do not feel frightened to speak out."

Detective Inspector Noel McHugh, who led the investigation, said: "This has been an exceptionally challenging investigation and we are grateful to all those who assisted with the case and ensured these convictions today.

"The offences committed are incomprehensible and the victim is a truly brave girl who suffered at the hands of those who should have offered her protection.

“She and her mother assisted the investigation throughout and, due to their courage, we have been able to ensure justice here today."

'Road Rage' Lady Driver Rams Pregnant Motorist

A ‘road rage’ woman was locked up for 9 months after driving into a pregnant motorist, pinning her to her own vehicle, minutes after being cut up.

Angry Leanne Smith, 24, of Cliffside Court, West Hill, Dartford, Kent, screamed abuse at the 32 year-old victim, who was five months pregnant and punched her in the face before ramming her as she dialed 999.

She pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm in Highland Road, Bexleyheath, on March 16.

The victim pulled in front of Smith in Crayford, causing the defendant to slow down, but apologized and held up her hand.

Two miles later, at a red light, Smith jumped out of her car shouting abuse and punched the victim through her partially open window.

The victim’s 30 year-old sister got out of the car, but her pleas to end the attack on a pregnant woman were ignored, with Smith turning on her, grabbing her hair with both hands and trying to punch her.

The shocked victim got out of her car to call police, but found herself pinned to her own car as Smith drove straight into her, also causing over £1,100 of damage before speeding off.

The unborn baby was fortunately unharmed, but doctors at Darenth Valley Hospital, where the victim was rushed by ambulance, treated her for a fractured cheekbone, severe facial bruising, swelling and tenderness to her pelvic area and both feet.

Six days later the victim spotted Smith in Dartford, noted her car’s number plate, and tipped-off police.

The victim gave birth to a healthy baby girl in July.

Detective Constable Rhana Dhillon, of Bexley Police CID, said: "I would like to thank the victim for her vigilance and determination.

"If she had not spotted the suspect at a later stage we may not have obtained the crucial lead we needed.

"What makes this case even more horrific is that the victim was heavily pregnant and despite being told this Smith continued to assault the victim and deliberately drove into her.

"I am just thankful that the baby was unharmed and is healthy."

Teen Caged For Knife Killing

A teenager who stabbed a 15 year-old boy to death was caged for seventeen years today (Monday) after youths broke a code of silence that stalled the police investigation into the brutal street attack.

Chris Mazekelua, 17, was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Steven Lewis (pictured) who he stabbed in the chest during a disturbance involving hundreds of youngsters.

He was attacked by a gang from a rival postcode as he left a charity event aimed at tackling youth violence and died in his 16 year-old sister Tanya's arms as his 13 year-old brother looked on.

Witnesses said the gang, who were armed and 'looking for trouble' had issued death threats to the victim over the last four months.

Hundreds of youngsters spilled out of St. Cedd's hall, next to St. Philip's and St. James's Church when trouble broke out.

Steven had been stabbed in October by the gang from the neighbouring Custom House area.

Police on patrol in Whitwell Road, Plaistow, East London, on January 24 saw a large group of youths at 10.45 pm.

They fled the area, leaving Steven dying in the street.

He was pronounced dead just over an hour later at the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Clayman, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said:"This investigation has once again highlighted a willingness for some young people to arm themselves with weapons and in this case, to use them with fatal consequences.

“A number of knives, including a machete, were found discarded in and around the scene after the police had arrived.

“This only reinforces the need for a robust response by the MPS when tackling those who choose to carry such weapons.

"This inquiry was hampered at an early stage by a significant lack of co-operation by more than 300 young people who were present at the scene and who were clearly influenced by a 'don't snitch' culture.

“Many refused to speak to the police and many of those who did were simply not prepared to provide any evidence.

“This resulted in those that had initially been arrested having to be bailed.

“In this case, public support through witness evidence was paramount due to other factors, such as forensic evidence being minimal.

“Fortunately, a small number of people were brave enough to come forward and provide evidence and it is as a result of their efforts, along with a dedicated investigation team, that convictions have been secured.

"This only reinforces the need for communities, particularly its younger members, to have the confidence and trust to speak to the police, to see tackling violent crime as their business and that the police can deal with their issues.

"I would like to thank all those who supported this investigation and our thoughts go out to Steven's family at this time.

Tesco's Fined £23,000 For Rodent Bagel

Tesco’s were fined a total of £23,000 on Friday after a British Telecom P.A. bought a rodent-gnawed bagel stored on a urine-soaked shelf covered in droppings.

“Parts of the bagel were missing. It looked like it had been eaten,” Jill Pearson, 49, told City of London Magistrates’ Court.

Mrs. Pearson, (pictured) of Woodford Green, Essex, had popped into Tesco Express, Holborn Viaduct, next door to her B.T. building, after finishing late on December 5, last year.

“I was going to get a bagel to take home and toast and have it with marmite,” she explained. “I liked the one with seasoned nuts.

“After arriving home I realized the bag had been split or broken in some way. Parts of the bagel looked like they were missing so I put them back in the bag.”

Work colleagues urged her to report Tesco’s and the next day she phoned City of London’s Environmental Health Department, who prosecuted the case case.

Their Environmental Health Officer, Patricia Jones, who has been on the Food Team fifteen years inspected the bagels and the busy store.

“The bagels appeared that they had been gnawed by some rodent. Part of the bagel was missing,” she told the JP’s. “My initial reaction was ‘we have got a problem somewhere’.”

She inspected the bottom shelf where the ‘Food Doctor’ bagels were for sale.

“There was a strong musty smell which over the years I’ve learned is the smell of rodent urine,” she explained. “I also noticed quite a few droppings. Twenty to thirty sprinkled around.”

She spotted telltale rodent evidence in the section. “At least two of the other packets had gnawing damage.”

The officer inspected the fresh-baked area. “I could see a few droppings caught between the shelf and the edgeways.”

The fresh pasta section was no better. “I did find droppings on the shelf.”

Inside the small gloomy storeroom which also housed the oven Mrs. Jones discovered potential rodent entrance points.

“The floor had a bit missing, there were two large holes in the wall behind the oven and a couple of ceiling tiles were missing. “Those holes made it very easy for any rodent to gain entry.”

There were also large gaps between the bottom of the loading door and the floor with protective bristles either worn or chewed away, she added.

She ordered Tesco’s to stop baking immediately, remove items from shelves and clean and disinfect.

Tesco Stores Limited, of Tesco House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, were convicted on two summonses of placing a bagel on the market which was unsafe for human consumption in that it had been gnawed by a rodent, contrary to the General Food Regulations, made under the Food Safety Act 1990 and were fined £10,000 on each.

They were also convicted of failing to provide food premises protected from contamination by pests, namely rodents, contrary to the 2006 Food Hygiene Regulations and were fined £3,000

Tesco’s claimed fundamental “failures” in Mrs. Jones’ investigation, pointing to the fact they had a pest control entry in their records on December 4 and a Rentokil contract.

The company was also ordered to pay £8,551 costs.

Pole Beaten To Death By Fellow-Countrymen

A Pole who sought a better life in London, was beaten to death in a scruffy squat at the hands of four fellow-countrymen, each jailed for eleven years at the Old Bailey yesterday.

Tomasz Bundyra, 28,(pictured) suffered fatal multiple injuries to his head, torso and legs – consistent with a sustained beating with fists and feet – around lunchtime in a disused office block just south of the Thames.

Four Poles were each sentenced to 11 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to Mr. Bundyra’s manslaughter at Partnership House, Waterloo Road, on January 26.

They are: Tomasz Bobola, 36; Pawl Synoweich, 22; Dariusz Glusek, 30 and Igor Volosin, 33, who all shared the squat. A fifth defendant, Kristof Skobel, 48, will be sentenced on December 11.

All five, who were caught by detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, will be deported to Poland after completing their sentences.

G20 Spray-Painter Accepts Caution

An Islington man, accused of spray painting the Wellington Statue in front of the Bank of England during the G20 demonstration in the City of London earlier this year, will be cautioned by police instead of prosecuted.

Francis Medina, 41, of Upper Caldy Walk, had originally been charged with causing criminal damage to the national monument, (pictured) by graffiti, on April 1.

City of London Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday the prosecution would be dropped on medical grounds.

Spy-Camera Perv Caught Again

A legal eagle – caught filming up women’s skirts with a specially adapted spy kit for the second time – was forced to quit his job with a top London law firm, a court heard.

Alan Howard Rose, 48, of Avondale Avenue, North Finchley, was a P.A. in the litigation department of the unnamed firm, who gave him the choice of being sacked or to resign with a reference.

Rose, supported by his occupational therapist wife Hilary, 44, is a respected member of the Jewish community, having raised thousands of pounds for the Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women in this year’s London Marathon, his ninth.

The former Territorial Army volunteer pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to disorderly behaviour, contrary to Section 5 of the Public Order Act, in Sainsbury’s, Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, on August 6.

Prosecutor Mrs. Alexa Morgan told the court it was 2pm when security staff spotted Rose, (pictured) initially suspecting he was a shoplifter.

“He was seen by a store detective approaching a woman and standing very close to her, placing a carrier bag close to her legs. The staff paid very close attention, suspecting he was shoplifting, but he was actually upskirting.

“He was found in possession of a camera and recording equipment,” explained Mrs. Morgan. “The bag had a hole cut in it and the camera was facing upwards.”

Police seized the equipment and found a further 54 similar video files of upskirt images filmed in sandwich shops, canteens, offices and on the train.

Rose told police when arrested. “I can’t believe I have done this. I could lose my job. I can’t believe how stupid I am.”

A search of his home revealed more “upskirting clips” stored on CD discs. Rose was convicted of an identical offence on January 8, 2007.

His lawyer Mrs. Rasool, who refused to give her first name, told the magistrates her client is attending sex addiction classes in a bid to conquer his demons.

“The stakes were high and he and his family have suffered as a result. He has expressed remourse, there is no justification for what he did.

“He was working as a P.A. in the litigation of a large law firm,” added the lawyer. “They gave him the option of being sacked without a reference or resign with one and he elected to resign.”

Rose and his wife have a five year-old son, Adam, and despite attending three job interviews since his resignation the defendant has failed to find employment to support his family.

Hilary is a brain injury specialist, who has empathized with her husband’s behaviour, the court was told. “He has confessed to her and she has some insight as a result of her work and stands by him.

“He can’t explain why he took such a fatal step that day,” added the lawyer.

Rose was fined £350, with £90 costs.

Yob Foursome Face ASBO's For Late-Night Attack

Four late-night thugs, caught on CCTV launching an unprovoked attack on two pals, have been served ASBO’s by police, a court heard.

The victims, aged 20, were left with injuries after being punched and kicked outside Sam’s Chicken Shop, Field End Road, Eastcote, Middlesex, while waiting for a taxi home.

They had earlier enjoyed a peaceful night out at ‘The Manor’ public house across the street when confronted by the group at 1.30am.

The four defendants all pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to causing an affray, contrary to the Public Order Act, on March 7 and will be sentenced on December 4.

They are: Eric Thomson, 19, of Mahlon Avenue, Ruislip; Rikki Floyd, 20, of Wilsmere Drive, Northolt; Jabey Bathurst, 21, of Brook Close, Ruislip and Lee Luke, 24, of Trevor Crescent, Ruislip.

Floyd alone also pleaded guilty to assaulting Thomas Byrne, who was with his friend Leandros Liasides when attacked by the group.

Prosecutor Mr. James O’Connell told the court: “This is an unprovoked attack outside a bar late at night.

“All of these defendants were involved in attacking the two complainants and the prosecution say the instigator was Thomson, who was seen throwing the first punch and starting the incident off.”

Judge Anna Guggenheim QC was shown CCTV footage captured by a Hillingdon Council camera and told police are seeking ASBO’s against all four.

The images revealed Bathurst following-up with a punch, and Floyd walking behind Mr. Byrne and punching him.

Mr. Liasides is then seen to be kicked in the face by Bathurst and punched by Luke, before Bathurst follows up with a second kick to the victim’s face.

Thomson was arrested at the scene of the incident, which had spilled into the middle of the road, and was witnessed by 20-30 people.

He initially lied to police, claiming he acted in self-defence. His three co-defendants said nothing when questioned.

Mr. Byrne suffered bruising to his left eye, cheek and nose, plus swelling to his jaw and a cut lip. He continued suffering headaches for some time afterwards.

Mr. Liasides suffered fractured teeth, which requires ongoing dentistry, plus bruising and a cut lip.

Thomson will also be sentenced on an unrelated charge of converting criminal property and the absent Luke, due to be also sentenced for burglary, had a warrant issued for his arrest.

Gambling Barclays Bank Cashier Caged For Stealing

A Barclays Bank customer account advisor, who defrauded his employers out of over £30,000 to fund his gambling addiction, was jailed for fifteen months in at Southwark Crown Court on Monday.

Jason Philip Hopgood, 24, of Hollingworth Close, West Molesey, Surrey, pleaded guilty that between March 1, 2008 and January 24, this year, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court, he dishonestly abused his position with intent to gain, by manipulating various personal accounts of customers, falsified messages and carried out other improper acts, contrary to the Fraud Act.

An additional charge of stealing £34,350 from Barclays Bank between January 1 and 24, this year was allowed to lie on the file by the Fraud Prosecution Service.

First-time offender Hopgood, whose grandmother and girlfriend’s accounts were involved in his fraud, handed in a reference from Gambler’s Anonymous.

Football Yob's Race Rant Rap

A racist football thug – thrown off a tube train with his rowdy pals after traveling to London for a Chelsea match – dodged a banning order, but was fined £130 on Monday.

Barman Christopher English, 27, of West Street, Havant, Portsmouth, had earlier spent a weekend behind bars after failing to turn up for his trial at City of London Magistrates’ Court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He denied, but was convicted in his absence of racially aggravated threatening behaviour at Charing Cross Underground Station (pictured) on August 31, last year.

The court heard English and two pals had traveled to the capital for the Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur match with the defendant downing eight pints of beer and two bottles of Smirnoff Ice.

The trio enjoyed a drinking session in Leicester Square, but caused a disturbance on the Southbound Bakerloo Line when play fighting and wrestling with each other.

Prosecutor Miss Tertia Mackesy told JP’s the group refused a member of staff’s request to leave the station and boarded a tube train.

They were persuaded to leave the carriage after the driver refused to depart, but they followed the staff member, hurling abuse with English – sporting a Chelsea top - the ringleader.

“He was being held back by his two friends,” added Miss Mackesy. “He was shouting ‘you c***. Why are you chucking me off the train?”

English then screamed at the member of staff: “Fuck off. Why are you interfering, you paki?”

The three friends were all arrested and English’s pals were later released without charge.

“My behaviour was not acceptable, due to being drunk, but I don’t admit the racist allegation. I am not a racist,” English told the court.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped an application to impose a football banning order on English because of the lapse of time and various journeys he made after the match.

He was also ordered to pay £165 costs.

Rape-Claim Girl Locked Up

An “attention seeking” nursery assistant – who falsely claimed she had been the victim of a triple rape by two men – was jailed for four months on Friday.

Emma Wallace, 25, of Meadhall Lane, Chertsey, Surrey, pleaded guilty to three counts of perverting the course of justice.

Wallace arrived drunk at the police station with two boyfriends – one married – when she made the bogus triple-rape allegation on June 14, last year.

She even claimed her girl pal Sam had procured her for rape and threatened her with a knife in a bid to stop the attacks being reported to police.

Prosecutor Mr. Anthony Heaton-Armstrong told the court: “She was intoxicated, not thinking straight and hysterical.

“She alleged she had been raped twice by a man she named, a friend of a friend and between those two incidents was raped by a man she could not identify, a ficticious person.

“The police were immediately suspicious and it was not long before she was being investigated,” added the prosecutor.

Wallace’s lawyer Mr. Andrew Turton said: “She was troubled and vulnerable. She was suffering from the breakdown of her parents’ marriage and though they are going through a divorce they are in court today.

“She has had troubled relationships. She has had a suicide attempt,” added Mr. Turton. “She was prescribed medication for depression and continues to be prescribed and there were issues with alcohol.”

Wallace rejected an offer of a police caution for wasting police time. “She had great difficulty going back on what she said.

“She can be gullible, naïve, attention seeking and prone to exaggeration. These are character traits that must have relevance,” said Mr. Turton. “She had fragile physical and mental health.

“She is absolutely dreading the prospect of imprisonment. It would be crushing for someone of her disposition to go into custody.”

Judge Anna Guggenheim QC said: “The troubling aspect of this case as in some many cases is the allegation of rape involves the word of one against the other.

“The courts always regard the false allegation of rape as a serious offence.

“No person was arrested, but her accusations not only involved a named man, but a woman who was a friend of hers,” added the Judge.

“Fortunately the harm done was limited and the prospect of a prison sentence was not hanging over their heads.

“There is a possible emotional explanation in that she was attention seeking.”

Firms Fined For Heathrow T5 Construction Death

Two construction companies were fined a total of £105,000 after “failed” equipment used at Heathrow’s Terminal Five project was involved in a Plymouth man falling fifty feet to his death.

Carpenter Matthew Gilbert, 27, suffered fatal multiple injuries on August 3, 2005, after a 6.5 tonne concrete slab he was standing on with Slough engineer’s assistant Parminder Singh, 24, collapsed.

SGB Services Ltd., of Harsco House, Regent Park, 299 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, admitted two breaches of Health and Safety regulations at Isleworth Crown Court and were fined £30,000, plus £30,000 costs.

“They manufactured and supplied heavy-duty Threaded Shoring Adapters, (TSA’s) whose failure was one of the principle causes of the collapse,” said Mr. James Ageros, prosecuting.

The TSA’s were used to hold the massive slabs in place on the car park roof until concrete was poured in over reinforced steel to secure the structure.

Also prosecuted were Laing O’Rourke Infrastructure, of Paramount House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, who admitted one Health and Safety breach and were fined £75,000, plus £75,000 costs.

“The failures of Laing O’Rourke were causative in the death of Mr. Gilbert and the serious injuries suffered by Mr. Singh,” added Mr. Ageros.

Mr. Singh, 24, who spent nine weeks in hospital, received £270,000 compensation, after suffering serious injuries to his head, leg and back and claims to still suffer side effects four years later.

The court heard by supplying a batch of sub-standard TSA’s in 2003 SGB failed to ensure they were capable of carrying the maximum loads.

Laing O’Rourke failed to have the necessary quality control checks in place to ensure the TSA’s used could carry the heaviest loads and failed to remove sub-standard TSA’s when warned.

“This was a safety critical component and was likely to be used in safety critical circumstances,” explained Mr. Ageros.

Describing the incident as a “tragic accident” Judge Hazett Colgan said: “The TSA was downrated and should not have been used for a slab of that weight and had been marked in red paint to show this.

“SGB knew about the poor quality of some of them and they re-supplied downrated TSA’s to four sites around the country.”

As for Laing O’Rourke the Judge added: “They must have known some of them were defective.”

He gave Laing O’Rourke credit for resolving all civil claims, co-operating with the Health and Safety Executive and instigating new systems of training, control and risk assessment.

He accepted SGC supplied the four other sites in error and that if used correctly the downrated TSA’s were still perfectly adequate.

All such TSA’s have been scrapped and new models are now being used.

"Seat Rage" Businessman Cleared After Brawl

A respected businessman – accused of “seat rage” at an internet seminar hosted at a top London hotel – was cleared of pummeling a fellow-participant for sitting in his spot.

Shocked organizers pulled 59 year-old Albert Horace Aldridge and Femi Ogunbanji, 31, apart at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, (pictured), Edgware Road, Bayswater, on June 26.

Aldridge, of Foxhollow Drive, Farnham Common, Slough, was found not guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court of assault despite admitting he was frustrated at seeing his seat occupied after a lunch-break.

Aldridge, CEO of Slough-based A5 Group of Independent Companies, describes himself as a ‘successful and experienced business entrepreneur’ on his web profile.

The father-of-four is the former head of trade associations Consumer Electronics and International Telecom and his sons attended top privates school Merchant Taylors, Middlesex.

“It’s a petty piece of seminar seat rage that got out of hand,” prosecutor Miss Tertia Mackesy told the court. “The victim had taken a seat and the defendant told him he was sitting in his seat. He refused to move and the defendant called him a ‘pompous nigger’.

“The victim threw a cup of water over him and the defendant then threw a cup of coffee over the victim and punched him repeatedly to the back of the head.”

Both men called 999 and both were arrested by police for assault, but when seminar organizers appealed for witnesses none identified Mr. Ogunbanji as the aggressor and three gave evidence against Aldridge.

Mr. Ogunbanji told the magistrates 100 seats were free as Aldridge approached his isle seat. “I sensed he was confrontational and aggressive.

“He told me I was sitting in his seat and called me a pompous nigger. I was stunned and surprised and threw half a cup of water at him and he instantly poured his coffee over me, over my face, my suit and started to punch me.

“It did not stop until one of the organizers dragged him off me,” added Mr. Ogunbanji, estimating 10-15 blows were landed. “If they had not he would not have stopped.”

Aldridge claimed witnesses mistook his defensive pushes for punches, insisting the seat-thief was the aggressor.

“I thought ‘typical, of all the chairs in the hall he is sitting in mine’,” explained Aldridge, claiming he needed to resume the afternoon session in an aisle seat to stretch out his recently injured left leg.

“I said ‘you are sitting in my seat’ and he said ‘do you own the fucking seat. Does it have your fucking name on it?”

Coffee went everywhere in an attempt to ward off Mr. Ogunbanji’s attack, insisted the defendant. “I pushed him when I saw the fist come at me.

“I thought ‘my God Aldridge, he is going to knife you,’ and I pushed him again.”

He denied hurling racist abuse, but admitted witnesses were correct who heard him shouting: “He stole my seat! He stole my seat!” as the pair were split up.

Prosecutor Miss Tertia Mackesy told the court Aldridge was unhappy about being arrested. “He made the counter allegation that he was called a ‘fucking chink’ and kicked.”

Aldridge, whose father is Scottish and mother Chinese told cops he was the victim. “He said he was verbally abused and assaulted and said he was not the aggressor.”

Witnesses claimed Aldridge shouted “son of a bitch” “prat” and “fuck” repeatedly during the fraces.

He told the magistrates he has been invited to be listed in ‘Who’s Who In Business’.

“I am certainly well respected,” said Aldridge.

Deadly Runaway Van: Man In Court

A delivery van driver, charged with manslaughter over the deaths of a Stoke-on-Trent IT worker and German tourist, struck by a runaway vehicle in the City of London, appeared in court for the first time.

The victims, 24 year-old David Smith, from Alsager, employed by Lloyds TSB and 33 year-old Claudia Kauert, suffered fatal multiple injuries when struck by a white Mercedes van in Pudding Lane, Monument, on April 24.

Larkland May 51, of Hawthorn Road, Upper Edmonton, North London, was sent by City of London Magistrates’ Court to appear at the Old Bailey on March 1.

He is charged with unlawfully killing the two victims, within the jurisdiction of the Central Criminal Court, contrary to Common Law.

He was bailed on conditions he remains resident in the U.K. and notifies police of any international travel.

Cop Daughter's Boozy Birthday Brawl Shame

The drunken daughter of a senior police officer attacked an arresting cop during her boozy birthday celebration and punched and spat in the face of a female jailer at the local station.

Business student Leah Colleen Stranix, 19, of Blackwall Way, Poplar, was screaming for her father when locked in a police cell following the late-night bust-up outside a City of London nightclub.

Stranix pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to assaulting Police Sergeant Santi outside Charlie’s Bar, Crosswall, Tower Hill, on July 18 and using threatening behaviour.

She also pleaded guilty to assaulting Caroline Omelia at Bishopsgate Police Station and was sentenced to 120 hours community service.

“Ironically her father is a fairly high-ranking police officer,” said Miss Beth Rogers, defending. “Her father’s altered opinion of her is something she will have to deal with. This has shaken her and it has shaken her family.”

Prosecutor Mrs. Varinder Hayre told the court it was 3.25am when police spotted drunken Stranix (pictured) amongst a crowd of people outside the club.

“She was screaming and shouting and then collapsed on the floor,” explained Mrs. Hayre. “She was held up by a group of people and was shouting at the top of her voice and thrashing her arms around.

“The group held her arms so she would not lash out and P.S. Santi asked her if she was o.k.” added the prosecutor. “She threw a punch at P.S. Santi and struck him in the chest and also kicked him in the legs.”

“As the officer attempted to handcuff her she continued fighting and struggling, causing the handcuff’s to fall to the floor and continued the assault by kicking and punching.”

Throughout the incident Stranix hurled abuse, shouting ‘fuck’ several times, before more officers arrived to assist P.S. Santi.

The sergeant was left with cuts to his hands and bruising to his legs and elbows.

She was transported to nearby Bishopsgate Police Station. “At the station she continued with her aggressive behaviour. The defendant was crying and screaming for attention,” explained Mrs. Hayre.

“The defendant asked the jailer to call her father, but when told it was not possible without contact details she called the jailer a ‘fat cunt’ and a ‘fat shit’.”

Later the jailer gave Stranix a pen and paper to forward her father’s details, but the drunken defendant could not recall them.

The jailer later checked on Stranix’s welfare through the cell wicket door. “The defendant rushed the door and punched the jailer to the cheek and nose, causing Miss Omelia shock and alarm.

“She then spat at Miss Omelia through the open wicket. The spit landed on her cheek, leaving the victim appalled and disgusted.”

“She remembers nothing from dancing in the club slightly tipsy to waking up in the police cell,” said Miss Rogers. “She went from tipsy to drunk in a short time.”

Her mother had recently kicked Stranix out of the family home, but their dispute has been resolved, the court was told.

“One of the first things she said was how sorry she was and was shocked by her behaviour,” added the lawyer. “She knows she has a temper and on that night drank too much.

“This is incredibly out of character. In all aspects of her life, save some arguments with her mother, she is going to plan. She wishes to work with children with behaviour problems.

“She is mortified, ashamed and apologizes to the court and to the police."

The magistrates also ordered Stranix to pay £50 compensation to Miss Omelia and £50 costs.

Drink-Driver Mounts Kerb In Front Of Cops

A Polish drink driver, who mounted the kerb under the noses of eagle-eyed police near London Bridge, was fined and banned from the roads today (Tuesday).

Painter and decorator Aleksander Mikolaj Wasniewski, 52, of The Drive, Thornton Heath, Surrey, pleaded guilty to driving a Vauxhall Astra with excess alcohol on his breath in King William Street, Monument, on October 26.

City of London Magistrates' Court heard it was 1pm when officers spotted Wasniewski's mounting the kerb while driving the car.

He was pulled over and failed a roadside breath-test. At the police station his alcohol reading was 92 microgrammes - the legal limit is 35.

"I am sorry. It is not going to happen again," Wasniewski told the court through his interpreter. "I drank alcohol the day before. I did not realise the reading would be so high the following day."

JP's fined him £300, with £90 costs and disqualified him from driving for 18 months.

Business Student's Bungling Bank Bid

A business student, who clumsily forged a telephone bill in a bid to use it as authentic identity when opening a bank account in the heart of the U.K.’s financial district, has been fined.

Asif Ahmed Chowdhury, 26, of Westmeads Road, Whitstable, Kent, was arrested after suspicious bank staff in the City of London called police to the branch.

Chowdhury, also employed part-time at a Whitstable Indian Restaurant that provides his accommodation, pleaded guilty to possessing a counterfeit B.T. phone bill for use in the course of or in connection with fraud on August 24 at Halifax, Bishopsgate.

Prosecutor Mrs. Alexa Morgan told City of London Magistrates’ Court it was 5pm when Chowdhury offered the bill as proof of identity and residence at the busy branch (pictured).

Staff realized he had simply superimposed his own name and address on a photocopied bill and raised the alarm.

Chowdhury entered the U.K. in 2007 on a student visa to study for a degree in business administration.

The first-time offender was fined £150, with £90 costs.

Mycock's Manhood Costs Red-Faced Commuter £265

A lawyer called Mr. SENTENCE, prosecuted a tube-train passenger - caught urinating by transport cops - called Mr. MYCOCK, a court heard.

British Transport Police caught 33 year-old Simon Mycock in the act of spending a penny late last summer at Highbury and Islington Station, North London.

Mycock, of Newton Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was convicted at City of London Magistrates Court of behaving in a disorderly, indecent or offensive manner, contrary to the Railway Byelaws on August 2.

Prosecutor Mr. Joe Sentence told JP’s it was 10.10pm when officers spotted Mycock urinating in the left corner of the station (pictured) car park near the fire exit.

“He said he was trying to find somewhere subtle,” added Mr. Sentence.

“Well, that wasn’t very subtle,” joked the Bench Chairman, fining the absent Mycock £175, plus £90 costs.