St. Paul's Boss Jailed For £58,000 eBay Stamp Fraud

The disgraced manageress of St. Paul’s Cathedral’s gift shop, who used the church’s funds to order over £58,000 worth of stamps, before selling them for half-price on eBay, was jailed for eight months yesterday (Thursday).

Alison Robinson, 43, of Wishings Road, Brixham, Devon, placed over thirty orders for a total of 56,500 Royal Mail Worldwide stamps and continued the fraud even though a £154,000 inheritance was looming.

“This was a deliberate course of dishonesty carefully planned and deceptively executed,” Southwark Crown Court Judge Martin Beddoe told the first-time offender. “You repeated it and repeated it some thirty-odd times over eighteen months until you decided to leave your employment and move to Devon.”

Robinson pleaded guilty to dishonestly obtaining Worldwide postage stamps, worth £58,289.15, from the Royal Mail with the intention of permanently depriving the Friends of St. Paul’s by deception by falsely representing she was entitled to order them between February 5 and May 22, 2007.

Prosecutor Miss Sarah Selby told the court Robinson left St. Paul’s (pictured) in June, 2007 following eighteen years unblemished service for the ‘Friends of St. Paul’s’ shop and the new manager, Duncan Smith, ordered a yearly stock take.

“He found various substantial discrepancies in the accounts,” she explained.

“Large amounts of the Worldwide stamps had been purchased by the shop and invoices signed by Mrs. Robinson,” said Miss Selby. “These stamps were ordered and paid for by the shop, but not sold in the shop.”

It was discovered Robinson had placed telephone orders for Worldwide stamps along with the shop’s usual order for postcard stamps and deliberately omitted the fact from internal paperwork.

“When they arrived she placed them in a safe and then took them away,” added the prosecutor. “She admits she noticed the stamps sold on eBay before that and banked the cash in her maiden name.”

St. Paul’s hired a retired senior Fraud Squad detective, Patrick Wilkins, to investigate and he quizzed Robinson on November 15, 2008 at the new Devon home she had bought for £158,000 cash and shared with her new husband – a former cathederal colleague.

“She briefly denied knowledge of the stamps, but in a matter of minutes admitted she had been responsible for the theft of stamps,” said Miss Selby.

“She claimed she sold them to friends, but then admitted she sold them on eBay for half of their value. She was clearly shocked and said half-price was a reasonable assessment.”

Robinson claimed she was kept a virtual “prisoner” for 20 years by her “domineering” wheelchair-bound mother who died in April, 2006, followed by her father six weeks later.

“She said she had spent the money on household items that had assisted the care of her parents, beds etc. and had funded the funeral costs and felt unsupported by her employers.”

Robinson recently sold her house for £122,000 so she can compensate St. Paul’s and immediately wrote a letter of apology to the Dean.

Her lawyer Miss Dafna Spiro told the court: “This is so out of character. She is a person who gave to others, but internalised everything, hence the binge eating.

“It became like a gambling addiction, a compulsion and was the only thing that took her mind off the awfulness that was around her.

“She suffered a miscarriage in 2003, that was the first trigger. That was her only experience of pregnancy and she is unlikely now to have children.

“Her mother was domineering and oppressive in the extreme. She was not allowed to move away for a job aged 20 and spent the next twenty years at home caring for her parents although they were difficult.

“She had to stay with her mother every night and was not allowed out and was kept a virtual prisoner in this home until her release.

“She spent the money to make her parents’ lives more comfortable in a parental feeling of obligation,” added miss Spiro.

“It is an aberration. Something she is mortified about. She explains it as the escape from the horrifickness of her life.”

Once her parents passed away Robinson was free to marry an older man, who they had disapproved of, quit St. Paul’s and start a new life in Devon.

Robinson, who is on anti-depressants, will struggle in prison, added Miss Spiro. “This woman will be traumatised by a custodial sentence.”

Judge Beddoe announced: “This was obtained by deception by her ordering them in the first place and then removing them from the premises. It’s not taking money out of the till, but setting up a process that allows her to take out of the till.

“She chose a product that she knew she could sell elsewhere and stole it,” added the Judge. “To the detriment of her employers’ she exploited that trust through dishonesty.”

The Judge rejected Robinson’s family background as an excuse. “You deliberately embarked on a system of dishonesty of your own design on a product of value,” he told her.

“Your position of trust allowed you to order matters not kept in stock which were then delivered to the premises where you got your hands on it and sold it on eBay for your own gain.

“I can’t see this offending was for anyone’s benefit, but your own.” Added Judge Beddoe.

Gunman Arrested After 'The Knock'

An armed villain who denied having a gun when gang-busting cops knocked on his door and politely asked if he had any firearms was locked-up for five years after officers found a revolver hidden in his bedroom.

Jobless Parminder Sidhu, 29, of Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, was targeted by the Metropolitan Police’s elite Serious and Organised Crime Command, dedicated to smashing violent gun and drug gangs.

Sidhu was convicted at Kingston Crown Court of possessing the converted Brocock handgun (pictured) on April 8, last year.

Police had knocked on his front door and Sidhu and another man denied having any guns, drugs or large amounts of cash in the premises.

A specialist sniffer-dog helped officers search the address and in the upstairs rear bedroom the gun was found hidden in a carrier bag stuffed inside a drawer under the bed.

When quizzed Sidhu claimed: "Yes. It's a toy, I was given it to keep an eye on."

He insisted having the gun "a week or two" and said his friend had got it "from an army shop."

Detective Inspector Steve Ellen from the Serious and Organised Crime Command said: "Possession of a gun carries a minimum term of five years.

“This case is testament to the fact that ignorance is no defence.

“This was clearly a dangerous weapon and not a toy. The Met police are committed to targeting anyone believed to be in possession of a lethal weapon."

Dope-Head Caught By Extra Security

A Swindon cannabis smoker was caught out by the City of London’s ‘ring of steel’ security measure enforced by police to protect the Square Mile when officers detected the telltale smell of the drug.

Ali Sari, 29, of Shrewton Walk, pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to possessing a small quantity of the drug in Bishopsgate (pictured) on February 8.

The court heard it was 3.40pm when Sari was pulled over by police in one of the most security-sensitive parts of the country and subjected to a Section One search for weapons and stolen property.

Police smelled cannabis inside his car and Sari confessed to having a half-smoked joint inside a packet of cigarettes stashed inside the passenger-side door.

Sari, who was fined for an identical offence in November last year admitted the cannabis was for his own personal use.

“I am sorry to be here. I have smoked for eleven years. I would like to stop, but I don’t know how,” Sari told the court.

“I have now cut down to three or four a day. I tried to stop, but it is difficult. I use to smoke twenty a day.”

Sari was fined £350, with £90 costs.

Teen Drink-Driver Caught In Early Hours

A teenage drink-driver's budding mechanic's career may be over before it has started after police caught him over the limit while speeding through the City of London in the middle of the night.

Jobless Dorian Brown, 18, of St. George's Close, South Lambeth, was slapped with a one-year road ban, preventing him getting behind the wheel of a car for the next 12 months and fined him £100, with £90 costs.

He pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates' Court (pictured) to driving his silver Peugeot 206 with excess alcohol in his breath in Old Broad Street on February 7.

The court heard it was 3.55am when police spotted Brown driving at "excessive speed" and pulled him over.

They smelled alcohol on him and he failed a roadside breath test.

At Bishopsgate Police Station he gave an alcohol reading of 55. The legal limit is 35.

"I'm really sorry. I was going to do an apprenticeship in motor vehicle mechanics," Brown told the court.

Racist Robber's Gang Shoots Black Victim

A racist gunman, who with two armed white accomplices shot a random black victim while robbing him of a £5 mobile phone, has been locked-up for a 12-year minimum prison term.

Jobless Jamie Bunter, 20, was caught after the 30 year-old victim bravely fought back when a gun was put to his head and shot the assailant in the leg with his own weapon.

Bunter (pictured) of Ramillies Close, Brixton, was convicted of attempting to murder Nicholas Dwebeng, robbery and firearms charges following the early hours ambush in Chestnut Grove, Mitcham, Surrey, on June 14, last year.

He was given an indefinite sentence as a ‘public danger’ after an Operation Trident – which usually probes black-on-black gun crime - investigation brought him to the Old Bailey.

Bunter, armed with a shotgun, and two unknown assailants still being hunted by police, approached Mr. Dwebeng who was strolling with his girlfriend and made racially offensive comments as they robbed him at gunpoint.

An accomplice brandished a handgun while Bunter rifled the victim’s pockets – helping himself to the cheap phone.

Mr. Dwebeng grabbed the shotgun, striking Bunter over the head with it, but was shot in the stomach and later underwent emergency surgery to remove a large part of his bowel and repair a fractured pelvis.

He shot at the trio in a desperate bid to protect himself as they talked about using a knife on him and the gang fled.

At 3am an injured Bunter limped into St. Thomas’s Hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg after being struck by a ricochet and was arrested by police.

Detective Sergeant Paul Davis from Trident said: “Jamie Bunter attempted to murder this man for the sake of an old mobile phone and had Nicholas Dwebeng not intervened he may well have lost his life.

“This is a highly unusual case and whilst I would always encourage people to dial 999 and seek police help as soon as possible, I applaud the bravery of this man who sought to protect himself and his girlfriend from further serious attack.”

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.