'Ronin' Gang Smashed

An armed gang, who planned to import £10 million worth of cocaine while also targeting security vans, was smashed after a huge joint-police undercover surveillance operation by the Serious and Organised Crime Command and Flying Squad.

The criminal network was suspected of plotting to rob armoured vans in Hertfordshire in November 2007 and it’s ringleader also began organizing the drugs run via a private yacht renamed ‘Ronin’.

All six members of the gang are either serving prison terms or facing sentencing on January 18, next year.

They are: (pictured from top to bottom) ringleader Patrick Walsh, 48, of Blairhead Drive, Watford, Hertfordshire, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to import 91.3 kilos of cocaine, possessing a handgun and ammunition with intent to commit an indictable offence (robbery) and conspiring to commit a cash in transit robbery.

John Dunlop, 52, of Silchester Road, St. Leonard’s-On-Sea, East Sussex, was jailed for eight years for possessing two firearms and 213 rounds of ammunition and will be sentenced for of conspiracy to commit robbery.

William Cannon, 49, of South End Road, Rainham, Essex, received five years possessing three firearms and 271 rounds of ammunition. 
He was cleared of conspiracy to import 91.3 kilos of cocaine.

Joseph Gorgin, 28, of Bohemia Road, St Leonard’s-on-Sea, East Sussex, received five years for possessing two firearms and 213 rounds of ammunition.

David Coxon, 53, of Middle Street, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import 91.3 kilos of cocaine and awaits sentencing.

Douglas Wood, 59, of Waldershare Avenue, Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent was found guilty of conspiracy to import 91.3 kilos of cocaine and awaits sentencing.

Walsh made repeated trips to Trinidad, Tobago, Barbados and Grenada using a false name – sometimes with Coxon – and Wood often joined them.

Walsh and Coxon checked-out a number of yachts in Trinidad, settling on the $40,500 ‘FiFi’, which they later renamed ‘Ronin’ after the legendary band of Samurai warriors.

They planned crimes at meeting spots such as a burger stall in Lakeside, Thurrock, Essex, at a garden centre in Goffs Oak, Waltham Forrest, and at the Doncaster services on the MI when they attempted to conduct anti-surveillance tactics.

On July 20, last year, Coxon and Wood set sail from Grenada, falsely telling customs they were heading to Brazil and headed for Bartica, Guyana where they picked up 91.3 kilos of high quality cocaine straight from the South American jungle.

Meanwhile police in the UK were watching other gang members and on August 21 Cannon met Gorgin and handed him a plastic bag containing two revolvers – one loaded with four bullets – plus 213 rounds of ammo.

Gorgin then met Dunlop in a café and armed police stopped the car in Barking Road, Plaistow, arresting the pair.

Walsh was arrested on September 5 at a Total petrol station in Denham, Hertfordshire, where a cash delivery was due.

As armed officers moved in and arrested him Walsh dropped an ammo magazine and rounds to the floor.

When searched a pistol was found in his pocket and a gun fell out of his trouser leg and inside Walsh’s van were two balaclavas, laundry bags, gloves and a large bottle of urine.

Later the same day police arrested Cannon and found his keys opened a lock up in Geoffrey Gardens, East Ham, where a black revolver in a holster was recovered along with 58 rounds of ammunition, a blank passport and other counterfeit documents.

Unsuspecting Coxon and Wood were now heading for Portsmouth and police called in the assistance of the UK Borders Agency and the Royal Navy to stop their boat 15 miles off the Devon and Cornwall coast in the early hours of September 12.

Searches of the yacht found 91.3 kilos of cocaine with a street value of £10 million.

Detective Superintendent Bob Cummings, from the Serious and Organised Crime Command, said: "This investigation shows how the Met will use all the opportunities open to us to ensure that no matter how many pies criminals try to have their fingers in then we will be there to ensure that guns are taken off the streets, drugs are stopped from reaching our shores and cash in transit deliveries can go about their lawful business without criminal threats.

"This was a complex international and UK operation that involved close working with a range of partner organisations.

“The Met is a specialist in this type of investigation and the successful conclusion today demonstrates how the UK will not tolerate criminals seeking to bring harm to our streets."

Killer Cabbie's Licence Bid

Convicted killer and wannabe black taxi driver Shamsul Haque began his appeal today against a “high level” decision to reverse granting him a mini cab licence, after nearly two years of driving unsuspecting passengers around London.

The 38 year-old paranoid schizophrenic, who strangled his wife nine years ago, had even begun learning ‘The Knowledge’ in a bid to earn a black cab licence.

He did not appear at City of London Magistrates’ Court, but was represented by a legal team challenging the Public Carriage Office’s (PCO) decision to withdraw his mini-cab licence.

The PCO publicly admitted during the hearing errors were made in their decision-making.

Haque pleaded guilty to manslaughter, of Asiya, 23, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and in January 2001 was sentenced at the Old Bailey to indefinite detention under the Mental Health Act.

He was released in 2003 and worked legally as a mini-cab driver for nearly two years after being granted a licence, which was later revoked.

“It’s a high-profile case involving a paranoid schizophrenic who killed his wife and was refused a licence,” Mr. Kevin Baumber, representing the PCO told the court.

“A decision was made and then reversed and there were some faults in the earlier decision that we will explain.”

The court heard Haque’s initial application and subsequent appeal for a mini-cab licence was refused, but an independent commission granted one.

“He was driving for two years and then it was taken away,” explained Mr. Baumber. “There was a review after a complaint was made.”

The case was adjourned for a two-day hearing beginning on April 26, next year when the Director of the PCO, John Mason, will give evidence.

“It seems sensible that the Director attends. A decision was made at a very high level,” said Haque’s lawyer Miss Amanda Jones.

There are concerns that Haque still poses a threat to women despite his protestations that his schizophrenia has been brought under control by drugs and he was cautioned by police in June for assaulting his daughter.

At least one woman examiner has refused to be in the same room as the convicted killer and the case has led to a row within Transport for London and the Public Carriage Office, which regulates the black cab trade.

A number of examiners at the PCO have said they were appalled when they learned of Haque's past.

Under offender rehabilitation laws his manslaughter conviction is now 'spent' and barring him could lead to a court action citing either restraint of trade or Human Rights Act violations.

His Old Bailey case was described as “tragic” by Judge Michael Coombe, who heard Haque told relatives after killing his wife: “I sent her to heaven because I love her so much.”

It is understood Haque unsuccessfully tried to sue Transport for London when he was originally refused a minicab licence.

However, that case took place within three years of his original release from detention in 2003 and the authority was then within its rights to reject his application.

In the past, Transport for London has successfully used the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act to block certain candidates wishing to drive a black cab.

Under the rules any conviction which earns a jail sentence of more than two and a half years can never be 'spent'.

Normally this would cover a conviction for manslaughter but detention under the Mental Health Act becomes 'spent' after five years.

Rapist Trapped By DNA Ten Years On

A rapist who repeatedly attacked a 19 year-old girl over ten years ago, after picking her up in the West End with an unknown accomplice, was trapped by DNA when police caught him drink-driving.

Polish-born Kazimierz Sadowski, 32, of Essex Road, Barking, Essex, fled to his homeland for two months when charged with the sex crime, but was arrested and returned, receiving an 8-year sentence.

The Southwark Crown Court jury rejected his claim of being the Polish victim’s boyfriend and the court heard he launched a campaign of threats and intimidation against her and her family in a bid to end the prosecution.

Her ordeal began on July 4, 1999 when enjoying a night out with three girl pals in Leicester Square.

As they strolled towards Piccadilly Circus to catch a bus home to Shepherds Bush, they accepted a lift from Sadowski (pictured) and his accomplice – believed to be a Polish gypsy - because one of the girls knew him.

After dropping off the other three women the two men - with Sadowski driving - headed towards the victim's home when the passenger turned around to her and said: "What would you do if we would rape you?"

The victim repeatedly made bids for freedom, but the passenger prevented her and despite her protests, screams and struggle they then took turns in raping her repeatedly.

She reported the rapes to police two days later and a full DNA profile was obtained, but no matches found on the national database.

On March 23, 2008, Sadowski was arrested for drink-driving and a 1 in 1 billion match came up on the DNA database, after a routine mouth swab.

Charged with three rapes and two indecent assaults Sadowski was bailed on December 4 by City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court and quickly fled to Poland.

A European arrest warrant was issued and he was picked up by Polish police on January 30, this year.

On his return to the UK he instigated a campaign of intimidation against the victim and her family to try and force her to drop the case.

The victim refused and the trial went ahead with the woman bravely recalling her ordeal to a jury which convicted Sadowski.

DC Claire Watts, from the Metropolitan Police Cold Case Sapphire Investigation Team, said: "Kazimierz Sadowski subjected this woman to a lengthy, terrifying and violent attack.

“The jury rightly saw through his lies and upheld the victim's account of being repeatedly raped and indecently assaulted.

"Today's sentencing reflects the seriousness with which all sexual assaults will be dealt with and is some recognition of the bravery of the victim in continuing to support the prosecution despite the intimidation she and her family were subjected to.

I hope that this acts as a reassurance to any other victim that the Met will do everything we can to support victims in seeking justice."

Mugger Who Targeted Rich Women Caged

A ruthless ‘Quality Street’ mugger who targeted affluent female victims in London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods – netting £150,000 in cash and jewellery – has been locked up for seven years.

Victims were strangled, one was knocked unconscious, one had a finger broken, a baby was threatened with violence and there were threats of fingers being cut off for rings.

Jobless Thomas Pulhofer, 21, even robbed two armoured security vans – ramming a police car and injuring an officer during his escape bid – during his gang's reign of terror.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to robbing women in Dawson Place, Bayswater, on May 12; Frognall, Hampstead, on May 15 and Maygrove Road, West Hampstead, on May 16.

Pulhofer (pic l.) also admitted robbing an armoured van in Queensway, Paddington, on December 5, last year and in Cricklewood Broadway, Swiss Cottage, on December 17.

Affluent-looking women were targeted in the driveway of their homes or on the street near their addresses with Pulhofer and gang members strangling them and forcibly ripping off rings, earrings and other items.

The first victim was walking with her baby when a washing up liquid-type substance was squirted over her and the baby’s pram before her jewellery and bag were forcibly removed.

The next victim was pounced upon as she was getting out of her car in her driveway, with Pulhofer ripping off her jewellery, breaking her finger.

Thomas Knapper, 22, of Maida Vale, (pic r.) was sentenced to 27 months and three weeks for handling a stolen vehicle in relation to this incident. 


The next day, two women were walking together when Pulhofer, wielding a hammer, threatened them before robbing them of their jewellery.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thompson, of the London Crime Squad, who led the investigation into the strangulation robberies said: 
"Pulhofer is a dangerous individual and deserves a lengthy period of imprisonment.

“I would like to praise the victims for their resoluteness and the sterling work of all officers in their detective ability to gather sufficient evidence in this case."

Pulhofer evaded police capture after robbing a security van on December 17 when shots were fired at pursuing officers

Police spotted a stolen silver Audi in First Avenue, North Kensington, and stopped it in nearby Herries Street.

One member of the gang - later jailed for 17 years - aimed a handgun at a female officer and was seen to pull the trigger at least twice.

The Audi sped off pursued by police until it slowed down in Elkstone Road, where at least two further shots were fired at the officers.

As other police cars joined the pursuit the Audi collided with one of the vehicles at the junction of Alfred Road and Harrow Road, injuring the officers inside.

Following the collision, the suspects ran from the Audi and it is believed further shots were fired.

Despite this, the unarmed officers pursued the four suspects and arrested two of them, pulling one out of the Grand Union Canal, where he had jumped in a bid to escape.

Area searches by officers led to the recovery of dye stained gloves and a loaded 9mm Baikal handgun, and traces of ultra violet security dye were found on one of the suspect's hands' and clothing.

A quantity of coins found in the Audi were traced back to the Cricklewood robbery and other notes found in the suspects' possession were found to have traces of UV dye from the Queensway robbery.

Detective Chief Inspector Pam Mace of Barnes Flying Squad, who led the investigation into the cash-in-transit offences said: "Pulhofer is a dangerous man who was prepared to go to any lengths in order to escape arrest.

“His actions in 2008 resulted in an officer being treated for a head injury which could easily have been more serious.

"I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the officers who were on duty in Westminster that day.

“Despite the knowledge they were dealing with an armed suspect in the car who was prepared to use a firearm, they chose to continue the pursuit to stop them.

“This led not only to the arrest and conviction of two of the suspects but also secured vital evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of Pulhofer."

Detective Superintendent Nev Nolan, of the London Crime Squad, said: "This result was achieved due the combined efforts of borough officers, the Flying Squad, and the London Crime Squad."

Teenage Mum-To-Be Is Target Of Ex's Murder Plot

Two callous would-be killers – one an expectant father - who plotted to murder a pregnant 15 year-old girl, dramatically rescued from a murky canal which was destined to be her watery grave, have been locked up.

Student and music producer Brandon Jolie, 19, feared fatherhood would destroy his promising career and hatched a chilling plan with student pal Kingsley Ogundele, 19, who smashed the victim over the head and held her underwater.

Jolie (pic l.) of Bute Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, was jailed for 14 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to murder and Ogundele (pic r.) of Retford Road, Romford, Essex, convicted by a jury of the charge, received 18 years.

Jolie, who produced an album for 'grime' rapper Tinchy Stryder, had his music used in a Nike advert and the Brit-flick Adulthood.

The Old Bailey heard the girl, who was 5 1/2 months pregnant, was lured to the Regent’s Canal, Islington, on November 12 by Jolie, where Ogundele pounced in the darkness, hitting her over the back of the head with a metal pole.

She fell to the ground and was punched and pushed into the canal by Ogundele, who held her underwater, until a startled passer-by – alerted by the girl’s screams – rushed to her aid.

Tour guide Andrew Hall pulled the victim out of the water and she was taken to a north London hospital suffering minor head injuries.

Fortunately, her unborn child was unharmed and the victim was discharged soon afterwards.

Officers from the Islington Police Community Safety Unit led by DI Helen Williams launched an investigation, involving liaison with computer experts.

On Ogundele's computer detectives disovered email chat between the defendants during which they calmly plotted to kill the victim whilst having a light-hearted conversation about popular TV shows and music.

Judge Paul Worsley QC told the pair: "You intended that not only would she die but her unborn baby would die too.

“The best years of your life are to be spent behind bars. This offence is not only a tragedy for the victim and her family but for your families too."

Detective Inspector Helen Williams from the Islington Police Community Safety Unit said: "Today's sentencing result reflects the severity of their crime.

“If it wasn't for the courageous intervention of a passer-by I strongly believe this would have been a murder investigation.

"The impact of this crime is immense. The victim was left extremely traumatised and there is also her child to consider.

“The offenders, particularly Jolie, had bright futures ahead of them which they have themselves destroyed.

"It's hard to comprehend the casual way in which Ogundele and Jolie callously plotted to kill the victim - all because they didn't want Jolie's aspirations of fame to be affected.

"That both Ogundele and Jolie have been convicted and jailed for a long time is testament to the police investigation - in particular the professionalism and dedication of our officers and the experts who assisted us."

Raider Jailed For Bank Robbery Spree

This is the face of serial bank robber Paul Malina, caught on CCTV entering yet another branch where terrified staff were told they would be shot if they did not comply with his greedy demands for cash.

The 49 year-old, arrested in a late-night swoop by elite Flying Squad detectives, was caged for eight years for targeting nine Central London banks during a one-month spree.

He pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court to six robberies and three attempted robberies between July 22 and August 20.

His campaign began on at the Lloyds TSB, Southampton Street, Holborn, where he calmly joined the queue and passed a menacing note to the cashier, threatening to shoot them if cash was not quickly handed over.

The CCTV still captures Malina at a bank in Edgware Road, Bayswater, on August 10.

He was arrested thirteen days later at 10.30 pm when armed police swooped on his Earl’s Court hotel room.

DS Steve Kiely, who headed the investigation said: "During the offences Paul Malina intimated he was in possession of a firearm.

“He was intimidating to bank staff because of his stature and threatening words."

Martial Arts Cop Throttles Off-Duty WPC At Soho's G.A.Y.

An off-duty WPC feared she was going to die at the hands of a fellow officer – a martial arts expert – who repeatedly throttled her during a midnight attack in front of stunned customers at a packed Soho club.

Special Constable David Thomas Stevens, 38, of Slade Walk, Walworth, had downed at least eight pints at G.A.Y, Old Compton Street, (pictured) when he launched the drunken assault on the officer.

He dodged jail with a suspended prison sentence and is banned from pubs and clubs for twelve months.

“I feared for my life, I thought he was going to strangle me. I could not get a breath,” WPC Alexandra Kunicki, 32, told Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

“I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to suffocate,” added the Southall officer.

Stevens, a warrant-card carrying part-time bobby, who also teaches martial arts, denied, but was convicted of assaulting WPC Kunicki, by beating, on March 15.

He is currently suspended from duty and the conviction will end his career as a Special Constable.

“There are two aggravating factors,” announced District Judge Quentin Purdy. “Firstly the attempted strangulation and secondly the sustained nature of the assault.

“He seems to know he is making up his evidence to make the facts fit as he sees them, but in reality he was so drunk he could not remember the incident fifteen hours later.”

Stevens was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, ordered to pay £350 compensation to the victim, plus £450 costs.

He was also disqualified from consuming alcohol in a public place and entering a public house or club during the period of the suspension.

The victim told the court she was waiting for a male friend at the club and had drank a couple of pints before approaching the bar for a third, tapping the defendant on the shoulder to get past.

“He turned around and grabbed my throat and pushed me back towards a pillar, it kind of shocked me.

“I reacted by pushing him back, but he responded by coming at me with both hands, grabbing my neck tighter than on the first occasion.

“I lost breath for a few seconds, making me a bit panicky and grabbed his arm at the pressure points,” explained WPC Kunicki. “That made him a bit more aggressive and he came at me a third time.

“I was panicked. I was pushed against a pillar by a man with his hands around my throat towering over me.

“People were stunned. I could feel the energy in the room. I think people got afraid,” she added.

“I was left with finger marks on my throat, grazes to my hand, bruising on my arms and a bump on my head.”

Security staff split the pair and were amused to discover they were both police officers.

WPC Kunicki identified herself as a policewoman to Stevens. “He said: ‘I am a police officer as well’ and showed me his warrant card.

“It shocked me as police officers should not behave the way he did,” she added.

Outside Stevens’ drinking-buddy, publican Lee Hubbard tried chatting the WPC up. “He winked at me and said: ‘I really like girls who can defend themselves’ and asked me for my phone number.”

Stevens, who spent over fifteen hours locked-up at Charing Cross Police Station and was on suicide watch, admitted he consumed 8 – 11 pints. “I was drunk towards the end.”

He claimed WPC Kunicki was the aggressor. “She was trying to claw at me and grab at me. My hands were at shoulder height. I was keeping her at arms length from me.

“Each time I pushed her away she grabbed hold of me and tried to get close,” explained Stevens, denying he used his martial arts skills on her. “To me it was like a playground scuffle. It didn’t seem particularly serious.”

Mr. Hubbard claimed the WPC flirted with him earlier at the bar, inviting him to pat her rear twice, but was the aggressor later on.

“The woman was trying to grab hold of him and he was trying to control her arms,” he told the court. “She was getting more agitated because she was not able to do what she wanted, take him down or whatever.

“Security thought it was amusing. This police officer and a special constable having a ding-dong.”

Blood Brothers Caged For Gang Murder Bid

Two brothers who tried to kill a pair of teenagers – leaving one in a permanent coma – after running them over during a violent street battle, have been locked-up for 35 years each.

Police were called to Sanford Street, New Cross, on April 21, after a violent confrontation between two groups during which a pump action shotgun was fired.

The victims, aged 17 and 19, fled, but were pursued in a white Fiat Ducato van by the defendants who ran them over.

They are: Dwight Callender, 23, of Rollinson House, Mercator Road, Lewisham and Darrell Callender, 20, of Leybridge Court, Eltham Road, Lee Green.

Operation Trident detectives – who investigate violent black on black crime – discovered Dwight (pic. l) was at the wheel of the van and Darrell (pic. r) an eager accomplice in the passenger’s seat.

The 17 year-old was deliberately crushed against railings, causing serious head injuries, then shot in the chest and stabbed in the neck as he lay bleeding in the street.

The van was used again to again intentionally run over the 19 year-old victim, who sustained only minor injuries.

The 17 year-old remains in an unconscious state and is unlikely to ever recover from his injuries.

The brothers were found guilty by an Old Bailey jury on two counts of attempted murder.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Paul Davis said, "This was a particularly tragic case. One victim has sustained injuries from which he is unlikely ever to recover.

This act was carried out in an organised and brutal manner against a background of gang conflict. The defendants have shown no remorse for their actions.

This conviction was achieved with the assistance of the local community and the sentence imposed should act as a deterrent for those who may be involved in gang related offending.

Operation Trident is committed to working together with local communities to detect and prevent offences of this nature".

City Girl's Train Ticket Race Rant

A PA with the Newspaper Society punched a ticket inspector in the face and racially abused another in a foul-mouthed tirade, following a night’s drinking, when challenged at Liverpool Street Underground Station.

Chloe Flynn, 21, of The Bramblings, Chingford, was drowning her sorrows following the end of a two-year relationship with a boyfriend and flew into a rage as she traveled home with a girl pal.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting Stephen Aquino by beating on October 1 and using racially aggravated threatening behaviour at the station (pictured).

City of London Magistrates’ Court heard it was 10.30 pm when Flynn used her ticket to pass through a ticket barrier at the station, followed by her friend.

Staff asked to see her friend’s ticket, explained prosecutor Mr. Joe Sentence. “That seemed to inflame the situation and there was an accusation staff stole the ticket.

“Miss Flynn punched the ticket inspector on the nose and called another member of staff ‘a chinky little cunt’.”

The court heard Miss Flynn, employed at their High Holborn head office by the world’s oldest publishers’ association, which represents local and regional newpapers, has never been in trouble with the police before.

She was fined £250, with £90 costs, and ordered to pay the victim £50 compensation.

Thief Dodges Jail To Care For Terminal Mum

A shoplifter will be able to continue caring for his cancer-stricken mother, who only has weeks to live, after dodging jail with a suspended sentence when caught red-handed helping himself to five Marks and Spencer’s ladies scarves.

Edward Adam Oxley, 47, of Inskip Crescent, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, who receives carers allowance and income support was jailed for shoplifting in April and has over forty theft convictions.

He pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court the stealing five Rose Square scarves, worth £97, from the store’s Fenchurch Street branch on November 26.

Prosecutor Mr. Joe Sentence told the court Oxley was caught on CCTV and stopped by security staff.

“He said her was doing it for his mother who was over eighty years old and was going to sell the scarves for money because his benefit had not come through for a few weeks,” added Mr. Sentence.

Oxley, who told the magistrates he was ashamed and felt he had left his mother down, was sentenced to two months imprisonment, suspended for eight months, and ordered to reside at his home address for the duration of the suspension.

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."