Wannabe Rapist Convicted

This is the face of a tube train sex predator, who attacked his 19 year-old victim on an underground platform, before trying to rape her outside another station in the early hours.

Stephen Edgeley, 46, of Despard Road, Upper Holloway, pounced as the girl waited for a train at Piccadilly Circus, subjecting her to a sexual assault, then took her on a train to Edgware Road.

He was convicted by a Southwark Crown Court jury of the double sex attack on April 10 and was remanded in custody for sentencing on February 5.

The victim was alone because she felt unwell after traveling to the West End with friends for a night out and decided to go home.

Two passers-by witnessed the attempted rape outside Edgware Road Underground Station and alerted police who arrested Edgeley nearby.

DC Katie Buchanan, the Investigating Officer, said: "Edgeley preyed on a young woman who was clearly vulnerable and the jury recognised this by finding him guilty on both counts.

"This verdict is a great relief to the victim, who has shown great courage since the night of the incident and throughout the trial and it means Edgeley will be unable to prey on other women in the same way."

Family Demand Knife Killing Sentence To Be More Than Doubled

A so-called tougher knife crime sentencing regime – which saw a 14 year-old caged for 6 years for killing his friend with a stab to the neck – was slammed by the victim’s family who want a heavier sentence.

Hackney youth Michael Ematuwo pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to the manslaughter of 17 year-old Jahmal Mason Blair (pictured) during a row with a third youngster over a bike.

The teenage victim, a promising footballer, of Colvestone Crescent, Dalston, suffered the fatal injury at 1 am on May 23 in nearby Amhurst Road, as he tried to break-up a fight between the defendant and 16 year-old.

Ematuwo was involved in an ongoing dispute with the 16-year-old over the ownership of a bicycle and pulled a knife when all three met at a pre-arranged location.

Jahmal’s sister Maria Mason told the BBC: “We are not very happy because six years is too lenient a sentence to be given.

“We feel that if you commit an adult crime then you need to do adult time.

“Everyone knows you don’t go around carrying knives in the first place. He did, so it doesn’t matter wether he intended to hurt Jahmal or not.

“I don’t think six years is a deterrent, I think the sentence needs to be longer. The government need to review their sentencing laws, especially for minors.

“I think fifteen years would be a good deterrent and that would send out a strong message to youngsters who carry knives.

“How many more lives are we going to lose before they realize that carrying a knife is not cool. It is not a cool accessory.”

Investigating officer DI Andy Yeats of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "This was a tragic incident which resulted in the unnecessary death of a young man who had so much to live for.

"There simply could not be a clearer example of the dangers of young people carrying knives.

"A dispute between two boys over a bicycle has cost the life of Jahmal, because in the heat of the moment a weapon was produced.

"If you carry a knife, regardless of your intentions, you are in possession of a lethal weapon.

I struggle to comprehend the stupidity of a small minority who continue to do so, despite regular incidents that result in the deaths and serious injury of young people.

"If you carry a knife, you are placing people's lives at risk, including your own. Learn the tragic lessons of this case and put them away now."

Train Fare-Dodger Ruins Life

An illegal Gambian overstayer destroyed his marriage and promising life in the U.K. after being caught dodging a cheap train fare.

Mustapha Jallow, 34, employed for the past four years by Somerfield Supermarkets, was confronted by rail revenue protection officers who called police at Tulse Hill Railway Station.

Jallow, described as “incredidibly stupid” by his lawyer at Southwark Crown Court is ironically married to a Dutch national and entitled to reside in the U.K., but never applied.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a counterfeit U.K. resident’s permit – which had been stamped into his genuine passport – and possessing a counterfeit U.K. driving licence and was jailed for six months.

The court heard Jallow – who escaped detection when prosecuted for dodging his rail fare once before – tried to use a “friend’s” bankcard to pay the £20 penalty fare, but had difficulty with the signature.

Police were called and he was arrested, triggering a search of his home which unearthed the counterfeit stamp and licence he had used to gain employment, earning several promotions after starting as a shelf-stacker.

Jallow, who entered the country legitimately in 2004, but simply never went home has been locked up for two months since his arrest and has now been served with deportation papers.

Party King Peer Remanded In Wandsworth Nick

A flamboyant peer – famous for hosting fabulous celebrity parties at his £30m West End mansion – appeared in the dock today (Thursday) accused of a £12m ‘advance fee fraud’ and £2.4m ‘price ramp fraud’.

Multi-millionaire party king Edward Davenport, 43, Lord of Giffords, who owns 33 Portland Place, Marylebone and a Monaco apartment, was remanded in custody to Wandsworth Prison.

Founder of the legendary Gatecrasher Balls, Davenport (pictured with Keira Knightly) inherited his title aged 28, and went on to make millions, hosting the likes of Cher, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss at legendary parties at 33 Portland Place.

He appeared alongside a solicitor and businessman at City of London Magistrates Court, following his arrest and search of his home yesterday (Wednesday) by the Serious Fraud Office.

They are: Solicitor David Horsfall, 54, of Deanery Road, Godalming, Surrey and Company Director Peter Reilly, 62, of The Old Bakery, The Galleries, Warley, Brentwood, Essex.

All three are charged that between May 27, 2005 and December 3, 2009 they conspired to obtain money by deception by dishonestly offering loans for the purpose of obtaining payments for the service.

They are also charged that between November 29, 2007 and June 21, 2008 they conspired to commit fraud by falsely representing 80 Paul Street, Marylebone, had a lease with Paul Street Media Ltd.

All three are charged with laundering the proceeds of criminal property between May 27, 2005 and December 3, 2009 and Horsfall alone faces an additional charge of laundering criminal property through his company accounts between the same dates.

Davenport spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the two-hour hearing, also attended by his elderly mother who offered to be a £100,000 surety.

The SFO claim all three were involved with Gresham Ltd. which charged a 10% security deposit to clients, including the rich and famous, who were then left without the loan they applied for or a refund.

It is also alleged the property at 80 Paul Street was auctioned for £2.4m - £700,000 over market value – based on a fraudulent claim a company, Paul Street Media Ltd., had a 15 year £187,000 pa lease.

The case was transferred to Southwark Crown Court and Davenport and Reilly were remanded in custody to appear there on February 2.

The magistrates granted Horsfall bail on condition he resides at his recorded address, surrenders his passport and does not contact prosecution witnesses.

Airport Baggage Firm Admits Guilt After Worker's Death

A Newcastle airport services company face a date with the Old Bailey, after admitting Health and Safety breaches at Heathrow, where one of their employees was killed in a tragic incident.

Aviance UK Ltd., of 3^rd Floor, 41-51 Grey Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, a huge company that provides baggage and cargo handling for airports all over the country, will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.

At City of London Magistrates’ Court they admitted failing to ensure, as far as was reasonably practicable, the safety at work of employees Mohammed Taj and Richard Reilly, near Terminal 1 on or before March 25.

Mr. Taj tragically died from injuries he received while repairing the underside of a baggage tug, which was inadequately supported.

The firm’s spokesman Colin Higgins said afterwards: “Aviance UK would like to place on record their sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Taj following this tragic accident.

The technical and administrative breach of HSE regulations has been accepted by the company and steps have been taken to ensure that this situation cannot be repeated.”

Racist Hospital Brute Caged

A notorious race-hate thug clocked-up his NINTEENTH racially aggravated offence when chasing an Asian casualty doctor around his desk and smashing valuable medical equipment.

William Lander, 39, of Fairlop Road, Leytonstone, who has now been convicted of 273 offences, dodged a potential 14-year jail term when locked up for eight months.

He pleaded guilty to racially aggravated common assault on the doctor at Newham General Hospital (pictured) and racially aggravated criminal damage to a £3,000 ECG machine, on November 13.

Inner London Crown Court heard Lander, prescribed powerful opiate-based painkillers following a motorcycle accident 14 months ago, turned up at 5am looking for more drugs.

Lander complained staff were sitting around and on their laptops instead of taking care of him and shouted: “You fucking cunts. You’re playing games.”

Prosecutor Mr. Hugh Griffiths said Lander approached the doctor’s office. “He continued to shout and insult the doctor and his staff.”

The doctor put his hands up to calm the defendant down, but Lander simply punched his palm.

“Lander then chased the doctor around his desk four or five times and grabbed the ECG machine, one of only three in the hospital, and pushed it towards the doctor, causing it to topple over.

“He was shouting ‘go home’ and ‘paki’ and ‘this is my country’,” added Mr. Griffiths, explaining Lander was arrested after a short struggle with police.

Lander’s lawyer Miss Sarah Clark told the court: “He became livid when as he puts it the doctor ‘tried to palm me off’ with paracetamol.

“He attributes his loss of temper at being in excruciating pain and being kept waiting for so long. He admits that because of the pain he was in he lost his temper.”

Lander was sentenced to five months imprisonment for assault plus three months for criminal damage – which carries a fourteen-year maximum.

Sex Predator Pounces Outside 02 Arena

A predatory rapist, who targeted his young white victim amongst crowds of people leaving the landmark O2 Arena, was caged for six years after leading his terrified victim to nearby waste ground and attacking her.

Kwaku Acheampong, 26, of Burrage Road, Plumstead, was captured on CCTV prowling the huge venue’s main exit in search of a woman to rape.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to raping the 21 year-old woman in the early hours of April 26 near North Greenwich Underground Station.

An investigation was launched by Greenwich Sapphire Unit – which specializes in sex crime – and Acheampong was arrested on May 6, with forensic evidence proving he was the rapist.

Detective Constable James Coldham of Greenwich Sapphire Unit said: "This was a very calculated offence.

“Acheampong was a predatory rapist. I have no doubt that he planned to arrive at closing time when he knew there would be lots of women leaving the venue.

"He waited until he spotted a victim, someone on her own who was trying to contact her friends.

“The CCTV footage completely disproved Acheampong's account of events. On the footage, we can see him arriving and hanging around, looking for a woman on her own.

Initially Acheampong said he went to a party inside the 02 and met the victim there and she consented to a sexual encounter.

"However, thanks to CCTV footage taken from outside the venue and from buses, officers were able to trace every move from the time he arrived at the venue to his return home.

“When he realised the evidence against him, Acheampong changed his plea to guilty. 


"There may be other women who have not yet found the courage to contact police to report similar offences. I would encourage them to come to police and reassure them that they will receive full support from dedicated Sapphire officers."

Pub Killers: Like Father Like Son

A father and son from hell, who stabbed to death a regular at their local pub, leaving a knife embedded in the victim’s chest two weeks after a copycat attack in another bar have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Jason Michael, 39, and Harry Farrant, 14, of Hewetts Quay, Barking, Essex, terrorized the Victoria Pub, Axe Street and Captain Cook Pub, Broadway.

After a three-week Old Bailey trial they were convicted of murdering 45 year-old amateur boxer Daniel Leahy on April 13 at the Victoria Pub and inflicting grievous bodily harm on David Murphy, 49, who was stabbed in the back of the head.

Michael (pictured) was ordered to serve a minimum of 19 years and Farrant at least 14 years before either can be considered for parole.

Police were already investigating a similar knife attack on Lee Lumb, 29, son of the nearby Captain Cook Pub’s landlady, who was stabbed four times in the neck by the pair, and they were convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

They were armed with a knife and bayonet at the Victoria Pub when they provoked a fight with Mr. Leahy, who punched Michael to the floor.

The father and son responded by attacking Mr. Leahy with their weapons, with Farrant striking the fatal blow. Mr. Leahy was later pronounced dead at the scene.

They had moved to the area from Notting Hill, West London, in late 2007 and became regulars at several Barking pubs.

On February 14 – Valentine’s Day – Michael was not in loving mood when he demanded to ‘have a word’ with Mr. Lumb, son of landlady Lita Roberts who he’d had an argument with.

A fight broke out and son Harry – captured on CCTV - joined in with both pulling knives and stabbing Mr. Lumb repeatedly.

Judge Brian Barker QC told Michael: “Your behaviour on these occasions was an unjustifiable example of recklessness and risk taking behaviour.

“It is the conclusion of the Probation Officer that you are a dangerous person.”

He told Farrant, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, “You show little remorse for your actions and attempt to justify you and your father's behaviour.”

Knife Killer Faces Jail

A killer who plunged a knife into an acquaintance’s stomach was cleared of murder at the Old Bailey, but still faces jail for manslaughter when he returns for sentencing on December 23.

Homeless Andrew Winter, 37, killed 32 year-old Daniel Myrie at a residential address in Canada Gardens, Lewisham, during a row on December 3, last year.

The victim resided with his 52 year-old mother and brother Aaron at the address, but suffered the fatal injury at the hands of Winter – who was known to the family – and pronounced dead at Lewisham Hospital.

A post mortem at Greenwich Mortuary on December 4 at gave cause of death as a stab wounds to the abdomen.

Winter (pictured) was arrested on suspicion of murder after attending a local a police station and was rushed to King’s College Hospital, Camberwell, for treatment to a head injury.

Detective Inspector Dean Johnson, from the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime command said: "This incident escalated into a violent attack and the tragic death of Daniel.

“Today's verdict will perhaps bring some long awaited peace to a family who have lost a son and a brother as the result of a row that sadly got out of control.

“We will continue to bring those who use violence to prosecution and today Andrew Winter has learnt what the consequences of his violent actions are."

Eastend Family Feud Frightens Commuters

Shocked early-morning commuters got caught up in a family feud, when an angry Plaistow man attacked his estranged stepfather with a bunch of keys, on the platform of West Ham Underground Station.

The 50 year-old victim was rushed to casualty with what were initially feared life-threatening puncture injuries to his neck and head after the chance meeting on the Jubilee Line platform (pictured).

Stevie Ryan, 29, of Victoria Road, pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to wounding John Prior, causing him grievous bodily harm, on March 3.

Prosecutor Miss Rebecca Foulkes told the court a troubled family history left bad blood between the defendant and his step-dad, which spilled over when Ryan spotted him while traveling to work at Canary Wharf.

“As the train came into the platform Mr. Prior says he felt an ‘almighty thud’ to the side of his head and felt close to losing consciousness.

“There was some grappling and Ryan dropped a bunch of keys which he picked up and continued to lash out at Mr. Prior with the keys in his hand.

“Ryan continued to hit Mr. Prior who had blood coming out of his head and neck,” added Miss Foulkes, explaining startled commuters attempted to pull the pair apart.

The victim was rushed to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel. “His injuries were deemed life threatening.”

Doctors discovered a puncture wound to Mr. Prior’s neck and back, plus lacerations to the back of his head.

Ryan’s lawyer Mr. Jeremy Jones told the court: “Mr. Prior was a man he saw as his father and role model.

“This was a chance meeting and he could not resist the opportunity to inflict violence on Mr. Prior who he had not seen for four years.”

Sentencing Ryan to eight months imprisonment, suspended for a year, Judge Robert Fraser told him: “You were driven by considerable ill-feeling.

“You clearly lost control, put him in a headlock and punched him around the head. The majority of the wounds were caused by the keys that were in your fist.”

He also ordered Ryan to complete 240 hours unpaid community service work, remain under probation supervision for twelve months and obey a year-long prohibition order not to contact Mr. Prior.

Charity Boss Rips Off His Own

A Congo-born charity boss, who pocketed over £20,000 donated to black Sickle-Cell sufferers - while also claiming state handouts - has been locked up for 18 months.

Ngoy Bin Ngoy, 39, of Rowley Gardens, Finsbury Park, founder and chairman of the Sickle-Cell Advice Bureau (SCAB), ripped off the National Lottery, the Home Office and the Scarman Trust, plus other charitable institutions.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to stealing £22,249 from the charity, based in the Lea Valley Industrial Estate, Edmonton, between January 2003 and December 2004.

Instead of funds being paid into the ‘drop-in’ service for Sickle-Cell sufferers he claimed to run, Ngoy used the cash to supplement the benefits he was claiming.

He was arrested in March 2005 and later charged with a string of offences after an investigation by officers from the Economic and Specialist Crime Command.

"There can be no doubt that this is a case which attracts a custodial sentence,” Judge Peter Testar told Ngoy.

"It is important when money is obtained by way of grants for charitable purposes that the public has confidence that the money thereby obtained is not used dishonestly.

"These grants are of great public usefulness and in the right hands can alleviate much suffering."

DC Boydell-Smith said afterwards: "This individual cynically betrayed his position of trust by systematically stealing charitable funds raised in good faith by members of the public.

"Money that should have helped those in need was used instead to fund his own lifestyle.

“Today's sentence sends a strong message to those intent on defrauding charities that they will be unequivocally held to account for their actions."

Glamour Girl's Cellphone Story

A wannabe model caught with two stolen mobile phones - snatched during a brutal mugging while the victim was traveling to meet her - dodged jail today, after claiming she was not part of a ‘set up.’

Londoner Annie Esen, 20, who was convicted of conspiracy to rob as a mere 13 year-old, and is now the mother of an 18 month-old son was given a six-month Community Order.

Esen (pictured) pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to dishonestly receiving stolen goods, namely the phones between April 15 and 24, last year.

The prosecution accepted her claim that she did not know the phones were the proceeds of a robbery.

“These phones were taken during a pretty nasty robbery while the victim was on the way to see you to discuss the sale of mobile phones,” Judge Robert Fraser told Esen.

Race-Hate American's U.K. Nightmare Ends

A globetrotting Beverly Hills financial guru – in London for a consultancy contract – was arrested for a vicious race-hate attack on an Indian mobile phone shop worker and sentenced at the Old Bailey today (Tuesday).

Consultant Roger Robinson, 39, of Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, had to be pulled off the victim by customers, after beating the victim to the floor while delivering a tirade of racist abuse.

A second consultancy position in Moscow, due to have begun this month, is in ruins after City of London Magistrates’ Court decision to remanded Robinson in custody to the highest criminal court in the land.

He spent over a week on remand at tough Wandsworth Prison - which also houses killers and rapists - before getting bail.

Robinson, staying at the Clink Hotel, King’s Cross Road, Clerkenwell, was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim, plus £75 costs.

Robinson, who arrived in London on September 2, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault on Viraj Raval, by beating, at St. Pancras International Station, (pictured) King’s Cross, on Sunday, October 25.

He also pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards a total of five people, including the assault victim, at the same time and place.

The court heard Mr. Raval, a part-time worker at the Vodaphone shop in the station, angered the defendant when he began chatting with the sales assistant selling Robinson a mobile phone charger.

The defendant asked why he was talking to his colleague and when Mr. Raval began chatting again the defendant said: “Why don’t you fuck him in the ass then.”

Robinson stood and stared at Mr. Raval in an intimidating manner then rounded the counter shouting: “Make me leave the store.”

The victim admits he told Robinson to “fuck off” twice before the attack began.

“He swung a punch at me, striking me on the right cheek, causing my glasses to fly off,” Mr. Raval told police.

A flurry of punches followed, with Robinson throwing the victim to the floor while hurling abuse.

Witnesses heard Robinson shout: “You sand nigger,” at Mr. Raval, adding: “I would stamp on you if these people were not here. I would kill you.”

He also called the victim a “Middle-Eastern fuck” and repeatedly screamed “Nigger” also shouting: “Go back to your own country.”

Security staff eventually escorted Robinson out of the shop and British Transport Police arrested him.

Robinson, who graduated in Southern California has a diploma and MBA in finance and owns his own consultancy firm.

He was due to begin a 6-9 month Moscow contract this month.

Japanese Businessman Loses £17m In 'Ponzi' Fraud, Jury Told

Two businessmen, accused of masterminding a £250 million-plus international ‘Ponzi’ fraud, obtained £17m from their largest single investor just three months before their company directorship disqualifications, a court heard today (Monday).

Imperial Consolidated, based at former RAF Binbrook, Market Rasen, which boasted ten overseas offices and 350 employees, collapsed in June 2002, owing £150m.

Lincoln Julian Fraser, 38, (pic l.)of Orford Hall, Brookenby, Binbrook, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire and Jared Bentley Brook, 39, (pic r.) of Sefton Drive, Worseley, Manchester, attracted 3,000 clients from all over the world.

One of them, successful Japanese financier Yuichi Yoshida, managing director of Ueda Tanshi, a respected company that works with banks, told Blackfriars Crown Court he was assured of a safe 7.5% return on his 3 billion yen investment.

He signed off the money on April 4, 2001, but in July received an insolvency service press notice that both Fraser and Brook had been disqualified from being directors of U.K. companies.

In 2000 Mr. Yoshida had made two investments of at least £6m in Imperial Consolidated.

His confidence grew after making a quick profit on both occasions, receiving his investment back in full – plus interest – at healthy rates of 4.5% and 5%.

“It says the investment is 100% protected so I did believe that,” he told the jury. “This was absolutely necessary. It was company money, not personal money so we could not afford to lose it.”

Mr. Yoshida was sold the investments by Masao Imadzu – Imperial Consolidated’s Asia representative.

“If we had looked very thoroughly in the market we may have found something as good, but we trusted Mr. Imadzu.”

Imperial Consolidated’s brochure promised investments were protected by Lloyds of London, the court heard, and boasted of Fraser’s “entrepreneurial flair.”

“My understanding was this Imperial Consolidated fund had sufficient returns and no risk,” added Mr. Yoshida, who the prosecution say lost every penny of his £17m.

In Spring, 2001, he was invited to invest for a third time in an Alpha 2 fund and was flown on an Imperial Consolidated private jet from London to RAF Binbrook on March 19.

Following a meeting with Brook Mr. Yoshida agreed the investment. “Mr. Brook was very confident in himself and spoke very fluently.”

Both men have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to defraud investors in investment schemes between January 1, 1998 and June 30, 2002 and fraudulent trading, knowing it was for a fraudulent purpose between May 1, 2000 and June 30, 2002.

The court was told £253.9 million was invested in Imperial Consolidated over four-and-a-half years and over £150 million has vanished, despite investors being convinced by the pair their savings were safe.

The jury was told neither Fraser nor Brook, who lived in Beacon Lodge, near Louth during the fraud, have any accountancy or formal financial qualifications.

They were banned from being company directors after a previous venture – Progressive Leisure – which ran the Midland Hotel, Morecambe, Lancashire, ceased trading, leaving a string of unhappy creditors.

Scaffold Boss Fined For Skylight Plunge

The boss of a Hemel Hempstead scaffolding firm was fined £5,000 after an employee crashed 10m through a Mothercare skylight – shattering his leg on the shop floor below.

Mark Wilson, owner of MWS Scaffolding Services, of Barberry Road, appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court on a summons brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

Scaffolder Russell Cope was off work for three months and still suffers pain following the incident at The Mothercare World Store, Argon Road, Edmonton, on November 21, last year.

Wilson admitted failing to ensure the safety at work of all his employees during work near unprotected fragile skylights and was also ordered to pay £2,581 costs.

Mr. Dominic Elliss, representing the Executive told the court MWS Scaffolding Services was sub-contracted by a roofing firm working at the superstore.

Wilson himself was on-site with two scaffolders, one of which was Mr. Cope, who was asked to secure the final tube to an A-frame on the roof.

Wilson claims he believed Mr. Cope would perform the task from a safer inside area, but on the exposed roof he stepped onto a flimsy plastic skylight and plunged to the shop floor below.

Jilted Ex Turns Stalker

A jilted lover bombarded his ex with phone calls and text messages, stalked her at work and spied on her home, threatening to kill himself if she refused to have him back, a court heard.

Following a three-year romance 35 year-old insurance executive Andrew David Paine, of Pettys Close, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, refused to accept it was over, accusing his ex of seeing another man.

Now his career hangs in the balance after being locked up for two weeks by City of London Magistrates’ Court where he was eventually sentenced to an eighteen-month community order, including twelve months probation supervision.

Father-of-one Paine pleaded guilty to harassing ex-girlfriend Julie Turner between October 30 and November 1, contrary to the Protection from Harassment Act and was also slapped with a five-year restraining order.

Prosecutor Mrs. Varinder Hayre told the court Paine sent 55 text messages between the two dates, starting in the early hours of the morning until late at night.

“Some of the messages were very distressing and the victim says the harassment is freaking her out,” explained Mrs. Hayre. “She says she is constantly frightened and worried, always on edge and anxious.”

On October 30, following a day of texts and calls Paine, employed by a Central London company, confronted Miss Turner outside her work.

“She asked him to leave her alone and told him the relationship was over. The defendant was begging her to go back with him and was crying,” Mrs. Hayre told the court.

“She threatened to call the police and the defendant walked away.”

However Paine followed his ex to Victoria Station. “She felt someone behind her, saw the defendant and he asked her if she was going on a date.

“He threatened to kill himself if she did not go back with him and started to cry,” added the prosecutor.

On November 1 Miss Turner was home alone when she received more texts from Paine.

“He said he could see her lights on and she saw the defendant sitting in his car outside her house before he sped off up the road. She was very frightened and checked her doors and windows.

“He had previously threatened to kill her if she would see anyone else,” added Mrs. Hayre. “She says she is also suffering anxiety attacks as a result and is on medication.”

Paine’s lawyer Miss Hannah Sampson told the court: “He is horrified and humiliated to find himself here. The two weeks he has spent in Wandsworth Prison were frightening.”

The lawyer explained her client’s two-week absence from his job of five years has put his employment in jeopardy.

“He is now aware this relationship is over,” said Miss Sampson. “He has more than learned his lesson.”

Paine was also ordered to pay £75 costs.

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.