Illegal Cabbie's Sex Attack On Female Passenger

An illegal mini-cab driver – who launched a late-night sex attack on a terrified lone female passenger who jumped into his car – has been locked up for four years.

Mitcham man Alfred Apicella, 54, walked free for seven months after fondling the 24 year-old victim until police eventually tracked him down.

He was convicted at Kingston Crown Court on two counts of sexual assault, plus one of digital penetration, after picking-up the woman in Tooting Broadway, South-West London, on November 2, last year.

Unlicensed Apicella (pictured), who worked as a courier and ice cream vendor during the day spent his evenings illegally touting for customers as he drove around his local area.

The victim, who had been drinking with friends in Wimbledon, agreed to pay Apicella for a lift home to her Wandsworth Common address at 3.40am and was persuaded to sit in the front.

He agreed she could pop indoors to get cash, but on arrival announced he would waive the fare in exchange for a kiss and cuddle.

He then sexually assaulted her, forcing a finger into her vagina, before she managed to elbow him aside and escape from the vehicle.

The victim made it safely into her home before contacting her partner and subsequently the police.

Seven months later, on May 27, police arrested Apicella at his home address and charged him with sexual assault later that day.

DCI Mark Cranwell from Wandsworth Borough said: "We cannot stress strongly enough, how important it is to ensure that you get home safely and are not drawn into using unlicensed cabs.

"This victim had a terrible ordeal after a night out with her friends and I would like to thank her for her bravery in coming forwards and helping police bring Apicella to justice.”

Happy Christmas To All Our Readers

Let me take this seasonal opportunity to express my thanks to our loyal readers who have visited Square Mile News during the past year.

Today is not an appropriate time to publish yet more news of violence and dishonesty etc., but to remind everybody to give thanks for making it through another twelve months, to remember those who unfortunately have not, and to appreciate the friends and family we have around us.

I hope you enjoy the photo of two fine City of London constables patrolling the Square Mile during the recent cold snap and yes they will be out there again today keeping the streets safe when we are opening gifts and tucking into turkey.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and may you all enjoy a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

Would-Be Shotgun Killer Faces Prison

This is the face of a gunman who pumped 50 shotgun pellets into his victim’s torso and is now facing a lengthy prison sentence when he returns to the Old Bailey.

Jobless Babar Ali Shah, 35, of Upton Heights, Upton Lane, Forest Gate, East London, also blew off the victim’s thumb when an argument broke out in a vehicle they were traveling in.

Shah was convicted of attempting to murder the 29 year-old driver, assaulting a passenger, 31, whose two front teeth he knocked out with the gun and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

All three men were traveling in a Cherokee Jeep in Old Ruislip Road, Northolt, on July 25, last year when an altercation broke out just after 10pm and Shah shot the driver and attacked his passenger.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jones, of Operation Trident, said: "Shah is a dangerous individual who was happy to use a gun at close range.

“I am pleased the court has found him guilty and I am sure it will be of a reassurance to his victims to know that he has been held to account for his actions."

He is due to be sentenced on January 27, next year.

'Suicidal' Heroin Smuggling Run Smashed

A gang of four heroin traffickers are either starting or facing huge prison sentences after a Channel Tunnel ‘suicide run’ when £30m worth of the drug stuffed into the back of a BMW was simply driven past Customs men.

The 356 kilos of heroin – packed into 13 cardboard boxes – was placed in the rear and piled on the back seats of the car, belonging to the smuggler’s elderly mother, and is believed to be the largest ever UK police seizure of its kind.

Unfortunately for the gang they were being monitored by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Central Task force and were arrested during a handover at a motorway service station.

They are: (l. to r.) Dutchman Patrick Kuster, 37, sentenced to 26 years; Harminder Chana, 32, of Upton Lane, East Ham; Atif Khan, 35, of Brixham Gardens, Ilford, Essex and businessman Abdul Matalib Shammin Rob, 30, of Cavendish Gardens, Ilford.

All either pleaded guilty or were convicted at Kingston Crown Court of conspiracy to supply heroin as a result of the Met’s Operation Frant.

Kuster was the courier who drove the uncut heroin from Holland – gambling he would not be stopped at checkpoints – even parking the car (pic. far r.) unattended outside a Calais B&B overnight.

On April 3, last year, Kuster met Chana off the M20 in Kent and police watched as three of the boxes – containing 50 kilos of heroin - were loaded into his Seat Leon.

Officers swooped and Kuster said: “My life is over,” when cautioned, with Chana claiming: “"Look officer I'm going to be honest with you, I've never done anything like this before but I'm trying to get back into work and I was getting paid to do it."

Later that day, detectives arrested Khan outside his home and he was found in possession of a set of keys for a 'safe house' in York Close, Beckton.

A search of this address uncovered a blue Ikea bag containing 20 kilos of cocaine bulking agent Mannitol.

A set of electronic scales, a metal press, a counterfeit money discriminator, numerous mobile phones, latex gloves and written correspondence were also found at the address.

He confessed he was expecting to receive the 50 kilos of heroin collected by Chana.

Rob was arrested at his home on November 11. He was responsible for arranging and financing three boxes of the imported heroin.

In April 2000, a Belgian court convicted Rob in his absence of a multi-million pound drugs supply and sentenced him to six years imprisonment.



On October 3, 2007, at Utrecht District Court, Holland, Kuster was acquitted of transporting heroin from Holland to the UK.

Detective Inspector Marion Ryan said; "This is the biggest heroin seizure we know of, by any UK police force.

“Today's result is testimony to how the Met has prevented the serious consequences this conspiracy could have had on people's lives.

“An average addict consumes 0.438 kilos of heroin in 12 months, so this seizure would be enough to keep more than 8,000 addicts in habit for a year.

"This gang had a flagrant disregard for law, blatantly transporting these dangerous drugs in the back of their cars.

“The Met will not tolerate the use and supply of class A drugs and we continue to tackle any organised criminal networks involved in this highly illegal activity."

The three UK-based gang members are due to be sentenced on 8 January.

DJ Nosweat Loses His Cool

A panic-stricken DJ, freaked-out by having to wait an hour for a train at busy Liverpool Street Station, lit up a joint to calm his nerves in front of watching police.

Rory Drew Anderson, 26, of Henham Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, had just completed a recording session in Central London and was on his way home.

Anderson – known as DJ-nosweat – pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court today to possessing a small amount of herbal cannabis on December 15.

“He was stressed-out after being left alone at Liverpool Street Station for an hour,” his lawyer Mr. Deepesh Pandit told the court. “He suffers panic attacks and smoked a little to calm his nerves.”

Prosecutor Mrs. Alexa Morgan said: “The defendant was seen by officers smoking a joint in public view and he was approached.

“He admitted smoking cannabis and admitted he had more in a grinder and tin for his own use.”

Mr. Pandit added: “He very rarely comes to London. He is a DJ and had travelled to work at a music studio.

“He was picked up at the station by a friend and they worked on some music and he was taken back to Liverpool Street and hour before the train was due to go back.”

The magistrates fined Anderson £66, with £90 costs and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis, grinder and tin.

Bloodbath At Gay Couple's Suburban Home

A vicious knifeman who attacked a gay couple in their home – plunging a blade into one victim’s heart as he lay defenceless on the floor and stabbing his partner repeatedly – has been caged for life.

David Kilcullen, 46, of The Avenue, Bromley, Kent, left a horrific bloodbath and one man dead, with his partner fighting for his life, following the frenzied attack.

He was ordered to serve a minimum of thirty-two years before he can be considered for parole after an Old Bailey jury convicted him of murdering Gerry Edwards, 59, (pic. centre) and attempting to murder 57 year-old Chris Bevan (pic l.).

The horror began during a torrential rainstorm on March 3, when Kilcullen (pic.r.) knocked on the couple’s front door in Page Heath Villas, Bromley, a quiet suburban home they had shared for eighteen years.

Gerry recognized the defendant as a local man he had chatted with in the past and allowed his killer into the house – unaware he was armed with a large kitchen knife.

Hospital care worker Chris was sleeping upstairs and woke to a "terrible shriek" coming from the kitchen.

He came down the stairs and was confronted by Kilcullen standing in the doorway. "He had a knife and was saying, lie down or I'll kill you," Chris later told detectives.

Kilcullen began stabbing them despite obeying his orders to lie on the kitchen floor with Gerry dying almost instantly from a massive wound to the heart.

Chris staggered to his feet in an effort to distract Kilcullen from continuing the onslaught on Gerry and as he did, he received several stab wounds to his back.

Chris got as far as the sitting room next door where he collapsed into an armchair and by now the knife Kilcullen had used now had a shattered handle and the blade was bent.

Pathology evidence showed it had been used with such force it penetrated the thickness of Gerry's breastbone.

Kilcullen followed him into the sitting room and having discarded the knife began hitting him with bottles kept on a shelf near the armchair.

When the bottles broke he used the broken ends as stabbing weapons causing cutting and slashing injuries to Chris's face and head.

He had a number of deep lacerations to his scalp, forehead and left side of his face.

His lip was ripped and the top of his left ear was severed.

Despite this onslaught, Chris managed to make his way in the torrential rain to his neighbour's door and police and ambulance services, including the helicopter emergency service, arrived a few minutes later.

Chris had lost huge amounts of blood and went into cardiac arrest.

Paramedics carried out emergency life heart massage on Chris in the ambulance and technically, he died for several minutes.

He was taken to Kings College Hospital suffering from wounds to his torso, left arm and right hand.

The stab wounds into his back had punctured both lungs.

The post mortem examination revealed that the fatal wound to Gerry was a deep stab wound delivered with such force that it went straight through his breastbone which struck the pericardial sac that contains the heart and punctured his aorta.

Kilcullen inflicted two further stab wounds to the Gerry Edwards' chest plus a further stab wound that went straight through his left arm, partially penetrating his chest in the vicinity of his left armpit.

The killer spent the rest of the night boozing with a drinking buddy, confessing to his pal he went to the house to take the couple’s car.

Kilcullen called the police on March 4 claiming to be the murderer.

DCI Chris Lyons said: "He gave a twisted account of what had occurred. He sounded very intoxicated and unfortunately, it is not unknown for people to call police in this way to confess to major incidents.

"The telephone operator informed the murder team and we immediately went to Kilcullen's bedsit where a knife was found with the same handle and design as the murder weapon left at the scene, in the kitchen sink of Kilcullen's home.

"Further investigation established the link between the knives and although Kilcullen initially denied it, at his trial he admitted it was his and that he had taken it to the scene with socks on his hands to avoid leaving forensic evidence.

"He left one sock at the scene when it fell from his hand in the frenzied attack and as well as DNA profile from the sock, we recovered CCTV images of him with his friend in Petts Wood, a little over two miles away where he disposed of his bloodstained clothing in a large refuse container.

"In court, Kilcullen made an incredible claim that he was acting in self defence as both men were sexually assaulting him. He never said that to police in interview.

"Chris Bevan told us that he met Kilcullen once when he came to the flat and made homophobic comments about his relationship with Gerry.

“He has no idea why Kilcullen carried out this premeditated and frenzied attack on them - a quiet couple who had never harmed him in any way.

"If Chris had not escaped from the flat to raise the alarm, or if the medics had not brought him back to life on the way to the hospital, it is likely we would be looking at a double murder case.

“Kilcullen did not intend either man to survive and identify him as their attacker. He has never displayed any remorse for what he did.

"By cheating death in this way and by overcoming his physical problems to give evidence at court, Chris Bevan has seen Kilcullen brought to justice.

“Sadly the injuries caused to Chris that day are life changing and will serve along with the other mental scars to remind him forever of Kilcullen's monstrous actions."

Gerald’s sister Brenda Hayes said: "My dear brother Gerald was a kind, caring and generous man with a wonderful sense of humour.

"He was a free spirit who had a zest for life and loved to travel in his motorhome, especially to Wales and Scotland.

“He also made several trips to Canada, a country and people he fell in love with.

"Our whole family, including his niece and nephews, of which there are nine, his sisters, brother in law and all his friends and neighbours who knew, loved and respected Gerald, miss him greatly and feel heartbroken that his life was taken far too soon and in such a tragic and violent way.

"He surely did not deserve to die in that way and we will forever wonder why."

Judge Brian Barker told Kilcullen: "You showed no mercy to your victims, and your actions defy belief. You were aggressive, violent and overpowering with a high level of dangerousness.

"The victims were no match for you It was an arrogant and unfeeling attack. You have shown little regret or concern for what you did."

'Smash And Grab' Rookies Captured

A young gang of wannabe ‘smash and grab’ raiders – armed with an axe and sledgehammer - fled a jewellery store empty handed and are now beginning lengthy custodial sentences.

They roared up on three motorbikes to V Jeweller’s, Heddon Court Parade, Cockfosters Road, Barnet, on June 18 and smashed the store’s door and windows in determined bid to grab valuables.

Quick-thinking staff activated security measures – filling the shop with smoke – and the gang left with nothing and were arrested by police at their base, a lock-up garage.

All six pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to conspiracy to commit robbery between May 1 and June 19

The gang (pictured from l. to r.) are: Nathan Hines, 22, of Berkeley Gardens, Enfield, (4yrs. 8m.) Charlie Kavanagh, 19, of Inworth Walk, Islington, (3yrs. 10m.) Brett Bradley, 20, (3yrs. 4m.).

Jamies Rainsford, 20, of Belgon Close, Islington, (3yrs. 9m.) Alex Moriarty, 23, of Upper Caldy, Islington, (3yrs. 8m.) and Ryan Griffin, 20, of Hartland Close, Winchmore Hill, (3 yrs. 4m.).

Three of the gang – all wearing dark clothing and crash helmets - acted as getaway riders and the other three jumped off the motorbikes and began smashing their way into the shop until enveloped by smoke.

One member of staff was taken to hospital and treated for minor shock and later discharged.

The gang returned to an area of wasteland in front of garages in Ladbroke Road, Enfield, and were arrested.

Police seized several items of stolen property, including a sledgehammer, four motorbikes, and motorbike paraphernalia. A vehicle was also seized.

Detective Sergeant Richard Baker of Westminster Crime Squad, said: “The sentencing today forms part of the ongoing response by Westminster Crime Squad to 'smash and grab' type offences.

“I hope that this result sends a message to those contemplating committing such offences that the police, the CPS and our partners in the business community will continue to pursue and prosecute those individuals in a robust manner.”

Detective Inspector Frank McGowan, of Westminster Police, said: 'For the past year the Westminster Crime Squad with support of key partners have concentrated their efforts towards identifying and arresting those individuals who work within organised criminal networks in committing offences of smash and grab within the retail community.

Offences of this type have cost the business community millions of pounds over the past few years in and around London and resulting in a significant increase in offences.

“We have steadily identified and arrested those responsible and as well as being a clear deterrent to others who commit these type of offences, London has now seen a considerable decrease in the number of offences.”

Bank Robber Hunted By Sweeney

This is the bank robber being hunted by specialist Flying Squad detectives for hitting seven high street branches in an 11-week blagging blitz – telling staff he is armed – and fleeing with cash.

The North East branch of the squad have revealed that on each occasion the male suspect enters the bank, approaches the front counter and tells staff he is in possession of a firearm, before demanding money.

Staff members hand an amount of money over to him and he leaves the premises. No weapon has ever been seen.

He often wears dark sunglasses and a fisherman-style hat.

Banks robbed are: Barclays, High Street, Wanstead, East London, on September 16; Barclays, Loughton, Essex, on October 13; HSBC, Waltham Abbey, Essex, on October 22; Barclays, Lancaster Road, Enfield, on November 2; Barclays, Hertford Road, Enfield, on November 10; Barclays, Lordship Lane, Wood Green, on November 20 and Barclays Islington Green, Islington, on December 4.

Probation Officer's Career In Ruins After Illegally Pocketing Benefits

A trainee probation officer – studying for a criminal justice degree – continued illegally claiming £3,957 housing benefit despite landing the £17,000 a year job dealing with offenders.

Mother-of-three Adenike Adegbamiye, 41, of Pearce Court, Harmony Place, Southwark, lost her job and now claims £1,000 a month family tax credit plus child benefit coupled with her husband’s modest income.

After the family moved from Italy in 2005 – where they were also claiming benefits – they were given temporary council accommodation and awarded housing benefit.

However, after landing the job three years later she failed to tell the council, also omitting to mention receiving thousands of pounds in student loans and grants for another degree course.

She pleaded guilty today at City of London Magistrates’ Court (pictured) that between October 6, 2008 and January 18, this year, in relation to a housing benefit application, failed to notify the London Borough of Southwark she commenced salaried employment on October 6 with the National Probation Service.

Southwark Council withdrew charges that between October 1, 2007 and January 18, 2009, in relation to a housing benefit application she failed to notify a change of circumstances, namely receipt of a £5,585 student loan and £3,162.75 defendant’s grants for year one of a London Southwark University undergraduate course.

They also withdrew a charge that between January 12 and 18, this year, in relation to housing benefit, she failed to notify the opening of a Barclays Tax Haven ISA account on January 12, with £1,300.

Adegbamiye, who like her husband – an Italian passport holder - is of West African origin, even sat as a panel member on her local Community Youth Offending Team and will now be forced to resign.

“She is ashamed and embarrassed to appear in court as somebody hoping for a career in the probation service,” her lawyer Mr. Andrew Hope told the court.

Adegbamiye lost her job with the Probation Service on December 9, this year, after failing part of her Criminal Justice degree, which she was studying at the University of Hertfordshire.

Mr. Joel Smith, representing Southwark Council, said the couple both signed the original application and passed reviews in September, 2006 and July, 2007.

She was obliged to notify the council of any change in her finances. “She started employment with the Probation Service on October 6, 2008 and did not declare that change of circumstances.

The council ordered Adegbamiye to attend an interview on February 19, this year over concerns of “non declaration” and she arrived with a change of circumstances form already completed after taking legal advice.

“All the monies owing have been paid back in full,” explained Mr. Hope, claiming his client thought she had to wait until the end of the financial year to declare earnings to the council.

The magistrates fined Adegbamiye £270, with £2,515 costs, after Mr. Hope successfully persuaded them to slash their original £3,415 costs award to Southwark Council.

“Forgive me for saying this, but it’s a crippling order for costs. It will sentence the family to a financial burden for years to come,” he submitted.

“It puts them in a situation that is often a catalyst for these sorts of offences in the first place,” said Mr. Hope.

Adegbamiye was ordered to pay £50 immediately and the balance at £100 per month. It will take over 27 months to pay.

Fraudster Wanted To Be The New Simon Cowell

A wannabe pop mogul, who ended up spinning discs at a budget holiday resort after blowing over £6 million of investors cash in ill-conceived ventures – including an X-Factor star’s band – has been jailed for seven years.

Chartered accountant Andrew Papadopoulos, 40, of Addison Road, Wanstead, East London, fled to Corfu after 325 investors –some who handed over up to £250,000 – lost out to his unauthorized high-yield investment fraud.

He used their cash to buy an Elvis Presley 1967 marriage certificate for £27,458, a Beatles signed "Help" album for £10,558, a
Charles Dickens signed cheque for £6,013, a Marilyn Monroe signed legal documents for £1,113, a
 David Beckham-signed Man Utd shirt for £293, and a Diego Maradonna testimonial shirt for £243.

He even backed X Factor star Danyl Johnson’s old band ‘Upfrunt’ with a £10,000 cash injection, but they never played a gig.

Papadopoulos – a former BBC employee - was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on 18 counts of theft and deception.

He fled to the Pink Palace resort, Corfu, and was employed as a DJ when officers – armed with a European Arrest Warrant – nabbed him on July 27.

The charges relate to a fraud investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Service's Economic and Specialist Crime Command, SCD6.

The jury heard how between 2003 and 2005 Papadopoulos ran an unauthorised investment scheme called "Multi Investments" or "Multi Ventures" guaranteeing private investors a 17.5 per cent on their money every 12 weeks.

The investment business was funded by money he had acquired from friends, acquaintances and, as word of his so-called "success" spread, from strangers.

Initially, Papadopoulos invested money in a multitude of interests including sports and pop memorabilia, plus spread and online betting.

All of his investments were disastrous, losing £2.4 million in one spread bet account alone.

After June 2004 Papadopoulos continued to sell "investments" but, instead of investing the money he received, the smooth-talking conman used it to repay previous investors.

One man, who with his partner invested £235,000, told the court how he had been drawn in by the promise of lucrative returns.

He said: "A very good accountant friend of mine, who is reliable and meticulous, passed on the details of the scheme to me. It did seem too good to be true but I trusted my friend's judgment.

"I met Papadopoulos once and we got on well, he was very personable, he answered my questions constructively and I was satisfied with what he had to say.

"As far as I was aware, everything was going very well and I got money back from time to time, but overall I lost more than £180,000.

“In addition to this loss I will also be recompensing the loss to my children whom I introduced to Papadopoulos.

“Together they lost £17,500. I am mad at Papadopoulos and I am mad at myself."

Another, who lost around £60,000, said: "At least, being single, I have nobody to account to, but there were some investors with families to support. How do you tell your children that Daddy is suddenly very poor and that he needs to sell the house?

"The lesson is that if it seems like too good a deal then it is too good a deal."

Investigating detective DS Richard Ward, said: "This man caused untold personal and financial misery to hundreds of investors who lost life savings, inheritance and pensions.

“Many were forced into selling homes, many of their lives have been ruined."

"People invested because of the high-yields promised and because of the glamour of spread-betting, sports and pop memorabilia and the music industry, but Papadopoulos's venture was as ill-fated as the boy band he invested in."

'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."