Sweeney Nails Robbery Gang

A gang of armoured car robbers – who targeted cash deliveries and collections to supermarkets, post offices and petrol stations during a year-long reign of terror - are now all behind bars after being hunted down by the elite Flying Squad.

The masked raiders would “rush” guards in the early hours of the morning – snatching cash boxes – and fleeing in a waiting getaway car.

The break-up of the gang dramatically slashed the number of armoured car robberies in north-east London and Essex and was a major coup for the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad, which specialises in capturing organised robbers.

They netted £300,000 from raids in Stratford, Canning Town, Ilford, Barking, Tottenham, Plaistow, Walthamstow, Chadwell Heath plus West London robberies in Hounslow and Richmond.

They are: Richard Agyemang, 21, (pic. top) of Alfred Road, Paddington who received seven years nine months.

Martin Danquah, 19, (pic. 2^nd top) of Woolwich Manor Way, North Woolwich who received six-and-a-half-years.

Nana Wallace, 20, (pic. 3^rd top) of Leamington Gardens, Ilford, Essex received seven years.

Muanza Da Silva, 22, (pic. bottom) of Tiptree Crescent, Ilford, Essex received seven-and-a-half years.

Agyemang, Danquah and Wallace all pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to conspiring to commit cash in transit robberies between August 2008 and July 2009.

Ringleader Agyemang admitted carrying-out a total of 23 robberies and Danquah and Wallace admitted involvment in 8.

Da Silva admitted his part in two of the robberies and was convicted of eight additional solo raids between October 20, and November 29, 2008.

Detective Inspector Ralf Kirchel said: "The arrest and conviction of these men has resulted in a reduction in cash in transit robberies in north east London.

“The investigation leading to their arrests was protracted requiring expertise, diligence and determination to prevent the spread of criminality to younger and more vulnerable members of the community."

Weapons were not seen or used during the robberies, but minor physical injuries were inflicted.

The suspects had access to firearms, which were recovered during the investigation.

Knife Thug's 'Tough-Guy' Revenge

A savage late-night teenage knifeman who stabbed a shopkeeper in the leg in an act of “macho street retaliation” after being challenged for stealing fruit has been caged for seven years.

Andre George, 19, of Crome Road, Harlesden, stabbed 37 year-old Ghazi Rahim at the ‘Way To Save’ shop, Harlesden High Street, on December 12, 2007.

He was found guilty by a Harrow Crown Court jury of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on Mr. Rahim, who was rushed to Northwick Park Hospital for major surgery.

Gorge and two associates were challenged by staff and chased away after helping themselves to fruit displayed outside the shop.

In what the prosecution claim was “a macho street retaliation for a minor loss of face" George returned minutes later threatening staff and customers with a knife.

Mr. Rahim, the store’s night manager, bravely grabbed George’s arm, but released him when the thug promised to go quietly. George then stabbed him in the leg and ran off.

Detective Constable George Smart of Brent Police CID said: "Mr. Rahim went through a number of operations the following year and is still affected both mentally and physically by this terrible crime.

"With the co-operation and above all the bravery of Mr. Rahim and his wife the police and courts have been able to get a successful prosecution, reassuring Brent residents that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and individuals involved will be brought to justice.

"Police in Brent are committed to fully supporting victims and witnesses of all crime and would like to thank all those who came forward to help us in our enquiries."

Ruthless Robbers Kill Home Invasion Target

Four ruthless thugs who left a victim dying from a stab wound to the heart following a violent late-night home invasion have been caged – one for murder – after a racially-charged trial.

Ian Jones, 41, (pic. l) was killed at his ground floor flat in Creeland Grove, Catford, South-East London, on May 18 last year when the gang tried to rob him of cash and valuables.

Derran Bailey, 19, (pic. 2^nd l.) of Elmington Road, Camberwell, was sentenced to life imprisonment – with a 22-year minimum – after being convicted at the Old Bailey of the murder and robbery, for which he received 7 years, 4 months.

Justin Barnett, 21, (pic. 3^rd l.) of Bargrove Crescent, Lewisham, received 11 years for robbery.

Leo Jones, 18, (far r.) of Beechfield Road, Catford, received seven years, four months for robbery.

A 16-year old Sydenham youth, who cannot be identified, received seven years, four months for robbery.

Barnett, Jones and the 16-year old boy were found not guilty of murder.

All four went to Ian Jones’s flat determined to force their way in and during the struggle Mr. Jones was struck by a brick and beaten, with Bailey stabbing the victim through the heart.

The flat was ransacked and electrical goods taken by the gang.

Police were called in the early hours when neighbours heard a disturbance from inside the address and Mr. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination at Greenwich Mortuary confirmed that he had been assaulted, and gave cause of death as a single stab wound to the heart.

An Incident Room was opened at the Homicide and Serious Crime Command based at Sutton under DCI Amanda Hargreaves.

The following day Bailey, Jones and the 16-year old attended Lewisham police station where they admitted their involvement in a burglary "that had gone wrong".

All three were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Later that day, detectives were informed that the murder weapon had been buried in a garden and searches revealed a blue handled kitchen knife wrapped in cloth.

Further searches of residential addresses resulted in the discovery of property that had been stolen from Mr. Jones's home.

On June 2 detectives went to Barnett's home address where he was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to Sutton police station.

All four were charged with murder and robbery.

Pop Star Estelle's Cousin 'Fesses Up' To Cocaine And Ecstasy Stash

The criminal cousin of chart-topping Grammy-winning pop star ‘Estelle' has pleaded guilty to having £350 worth of party-drugs cocaine and ecstasy on him when stopped by armed police.

Jude Lebaga, 30, was originally charged with dealing after officers searched his former Barking home – seizing more cocaine and ecstasy, plus a set of scales – but those allegations were dropped.

Lebaga, of Bicknoller Road, Enfield, who grew up with Hammersmith-born Estelle Fanta Swaray, 29,(pictured) who had a No. 1 hit with American Boy pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs in Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith on January 23, last year.

The prosecution dropped charges of intending to supply those drugs plus possessing further quantities of cocaine and ecstasy at Chelmer Crescent, Barking, with intent to supply.

His arrest was a major embarrassment for the star who months earlier spearheaded the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Trident “Respect. You Don’t Need A Gun To Get It,” anti-black on black crime drive.

In fact it was reportedly Operation Trident officers who stopped Lebaga, who has criminal convictions and was once sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

“This was a relatively large quantity for simple personal use,” announced Recorder William Featherby QC at Kingston Crown Court. “But the concentration of cocaine was relatively low, 17-19%.

“Provided the probation service assess him suitable for an unpaid work requirement it would seem to break the back of this.

“Although he has a poor record in other ways doesn’t have a serious drug record,” added Recorder Featherby.

An order was made for forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

Lebaga was bailed to return for sentencing on condition he resides at his recorded address.

Estelle wrote the song 1980 about being raised in the same four-bed house as her cousins, uncles and aunts and brothers.

Some members were “in and out of prison daily,” she said.

Her Senegalese mother and Lebaga’s mother are sisters.

Camera-Shy G20 Stick-Man Caged For Two-And-A-Half Years

A G20 demonstrator, who struck at a police cameraman with a wooden stick during last years’ City of London protest, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

The square mile was brought to a standstill as demonstrators from all over the country descended on the UK’s financial centre, sparking a violent confrontation with police (pictured).

John Turner, 54, of Hallam Fields Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to violent disorder and possessing a police baton as an offensive weapon in Cornhill, on April 1.

“You were involved in a serious episode of public disorder in London, the G20 riots,” Judge Robin Johnson told him. “Those people were armed with sticks, some were throwing missiles at police and many were masked and you were wearing a pair of large sunglasses.

“You waved the stick in a hostile manner,” the Judge added. “The crowd was violent and provocative. The police response was measured, there was no charge.

“It was a major incident of public disorder and others were encouraged, no doubt, by your behaviour,” said Judge Johnson. The right to protest in public is the hallmark of a strong democracy and the police are there to keep order.”

Prosecutor Mr. Lyall Thompson told the court: “Officers were on duty for the large demonstration against the G20 conference and PC Daniel Shaw was a video cameraman gathering evidence for the Police Support Group.

At the junction of Queen Victoria Street and Cannon Street at 4pm the officer started filming the front line of “a crowd of hostile people.”

“A long stick is thrown by another person towards the police,” explained Mr. Thompson. “Mr. Turner is seen to bend down and pick up the piece of wood.”

It was described as three feet long and two inches wide.

“Without warning or provocation he raised the stick and moved towards PC Shaw wielding the stick overhead and bringing it down with force in the direction of PC Shaw.

“An officer with a shield moved in front of PC Shaw to prevent the stick hitting him,” added the prosecutor.

“Mr. Turner calmly moved back to the front of the crowd, holding the stick. He waved it in a provocative manner and there appears to be some taunting towards the officers.”

Afterwards the officer involved said he was “shocked and shaken up”.

The court viewed the CCTV footage in which Turner, wearing a tracksuit top, woolly hat and sunglasses is seen mocking officers by dancing with the stick and waving it in the air.

An hour and twenty minutes later suspicious officers near the Bank of England stopped Turner because he was hiding something under his jumper.

“He attempted to stop the officers. His arm had to be pulled away and they found a black police public order baton.”

When quizzed Turner told the officers: “I found it on the floor. I was going to keep it and take it home as a souvenir.”

Turner was questioned about the earlier stick incident. “He admitted picking up the stick and hitting out with it, but not that he hit anything and said he reacted that way because he did not like being filmed.”

His lawyer Miss Houzla Rawat told the court: “This was not pre-meditated. He had not arrived armed. He picked-up the stick moments before.

“He drove some friends down from Nottingham to London that day as the designated driver because he does not drink and decided to see what was going on and he got separated from his friends.”

Turner denies actually hitting a police officer. “He pulled back from hitting an officer. No injury was sustained and there was no damage to equipment.”

Turner’s previous convictions are for growing cannabis and possession of class ‘A’ drugs. He is currently attending ‘Ad Action’ in Derby for his heroin addiction.

Scooter Death: Deputy Headteacher Cleared

A deputy head teacher at an exclusive private school was cleared amid angry scenes of blame in the tragic road death of a popular ex-DJ killed when his scooter collided with a people-carrier.

Schoolteacher Carl Phillip Lander, 39, of The Moat, Toot Hill, Ongar, was found not guilty of causing the death, by careless driving, of 33 year-old father-of-two Shane Stanfield at the junction of Epping New Road and Woodford Green High Road on October 20, 2008.

Mr. Stanfield, (pic. top) of Rounton Road, Waltham Abbey, suffered multiple rib fractures and fatal internal injuries after colliding with a VW Caravelle – driven by Lander - which turned across his path.

He was rushed to Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Lander, (pic. bottom) head of Seniors at St. Aubyn’s prep school, in Bunces Lane, Woodford Green, did not give evidence during the four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, leaving bereaved relatives believing he was more concerned with saving his reputation than telling the truth.

Members of Mr. Stanfield’s family had attended every day trial at and shouts of abuse including “piece of shit” were directed towards Lander when the jury announced its verdict.

Outside, Mr. Stanfield’s mother, Betty Clarke, 56, of Holloway, North London said: “I am very disappointed. It is a complete farce.

“We are fifteen months down the line and we have not had any answers as to who killed my only son.

“My question now is who did kill Shane, because fifteen months later I am none the wiser.”

“A lot of what was said during the trial was character references about his career as a schoolteacher, but Shane had a job, he was on the way to work when this happened.

“The one thing he was protecting was his licence and his job,” added Mrs Clarke. “I am not happy with the outcome. Justice was not done.”

When police attended the tragedy Lander simply told officers he did not see Mr. Stanfield approaching on his scooter as he made a right turn.

The prosecution failed to convince the jury beyond all reasonable doubt that this manoeuvre was ‘careless’ or that not using his windscreen wipers in light rain was equally negligent.

Prosecutor Mr. David Tomlinson had told jurors at the start of the trial: “The defendant did tell police he had not had his windscreen wipers on. It is the sort of thing that may have contributed to him not seeing this scooter coming towards him which he should have done.”

“We are talking here about a case where somebody lost his life,” Mr. Tomlinson told the court, explaining there is no reasonable excuse for Lander not spotting the Yamaha scooter rider as he turned right.

It was 6.25pm when the tragedy occurred, the jury heard. “There is no doubt these two vehicles were driving towards each other as the defendant wished to make a right turn putting him in the path of the oncoming traffic. He had a clear duty to wait.

“Unhappily here he executed the right turn at the same time Mr. Stanfield’s little scooter got too close to him,” explained Mr. Tomlinson. “He drove across the path of the scooter and it was not possible for Mr. Stanfield to stop in time.

“Mr. Stanfield braked, locking his front wheel, and the scooter went down on its side and started to slide.

“Mr. Stanfield got separated from the scooter and they were carried into the near-side of the defendant’s vehicle.

“He suffered multiple fractures to his ribs and died a short time afterwards of internal injuries.

“The death of this man was caused, of course, by this man’s driving,” added Mr. Tomlinson.

“What happened here was over in a split-second or a second or two at the most, but of course it was a life-changing event.”

Investigating officers later quizzed Lander. “He told the police he did not see Mr. Stanfield’s scooter coming towards him.

“The scooter was available to be seen,” said Mr. Tomlinson. “It is the prosecution case it could not have been missed by a competent and careful driver at the time.”

Mr. Stanfield had just overtaken a white Ford Transit van driven by eyewitness Alan Gibson who told police the rider may have been exceeding the 30 mph speed limit.

“The rider may have been doing more than 30 mph, but nothing like enough to explain the misjudgement of this defendant,” added Mr. Tomlinson.

At the time of his death Mr. Stanfield left behind partner Kelly and sons Connor, 7 and Ronnie aged 11 months.

'Friendly' Neighbour's Home Invasion Trick

A “smiling” midnight home-raider, who tricked his trusting neighbour into allowing three masked violent armed burglars into his flat, leaving the victim covered in blood after a forty-minute ordeal, has been caged for fourteen months.

The victim, who received a serious stab wound to his hand and was punched in the face by the unknown trio – armed with a gun and knives – leapt to a neighbour’s balcony below in a desperate bid to raise the alarm.

Brian Coleman, 20, of Cordwainer House, Mare Street, Hackney, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court (pictured) to burgling the nearby flat on August 23, last year, stealing two mobile phones, two sets of keys and a house phone.

Specialist armed response police officers rushed to the scene, but the three young black suspects, who had demanded cash and drugs throughout the raid escaped.

Prosecutor Miss Mandy McLean told the court it was nearly midnight when the victim, Adil Lakhar, heard his doorbell and kicking at his front door.

“He looked through the spy-hole and saw his neighbour Brian Coleman. He noticed he was smiling and opened the door.

“The three black suspects ran into the flat shouting aggressively. One had a gun and the other two had knives.

“They were shouting: ‘Where’s the drugs? Where’s the money? Where’s the safe?’ explained Miss McLean. “The males made Mr. Lakhar open his empty safe, but continued shouting: ‘Where’s the stuff?”

Somehow Mr. Lakhar managed to escape, but was forced back up to his flat by one of the intruders and noticed for the first time he had been stabbed and was then punched in the face.

The three eventually left and Mr. Lakhar raised the alarm with his startled neighbour noticing his head and face were covered in blood.

When questioned by police Coleman initially claimed he knew nothing about the planned raid, but later said he was threatened by the gang to get Mr. Lakhar’s front door open.

A 16 year-old girl witness later told police she heard Coleman discussing the “safe” in the flat with the three suspects.

Judge Nicholas Huskinson told Coleman: “You knew these premises were being targeted by these three men and were going to enter against the occupant’s will.

“I accept there was some pressure placed upon you, but this case is so serious it demands an immediate custodial sentence.”