Teen Bike Murder: £20,000 Reward Up For Grabs

Police have announced a £20,000 reward for information that nails the killers of a 16 year-old East London teenager - stabbed to death by a gang who snatched his bike in a brutal late-night attack.

Ailton Campos De Oliveria, 16, (pictured) suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest in Denbigh Road, East Ham at 1:10am on July 4.

He was rushed by ambulance to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, but died two days later on July 6.

Newham youth Ailton had been riding a distinctive bicycle (pic.bottom) when he was initially confronted by a group of youths in Boundary Lane East Ham.

They grabbed the teenager and stole the bike before chasing him into Denbigh Road where he was stabbed. 



The bike is a black 'Hardrock' model, with the brand 'Specialized' in red letters along the body.

It also features distinctive customised white front shock absorbers, which had been fitted by Ailton. 



Along with his bike, the suspects also stole Ailton's Blackberry 'Curve' mobile phone. 



The suspects are described as black and in their mid-to-late teens.

Detectives are unable to confirm a specific number, but are aware that some of the group were on bikes. 



Detective Chief Inspector Simon Moring, of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “We hope that this substantial reward will encourage anyone with information about Ailton's murder to come forward.

“A group of young people targeted Ailton, stole his bike and attacked him in the middle of the street.

“Despite the greatest efforts by medical staff Ailton died and his family and friends are left devastated.

“Someone knows the group responsible and we urge them to think about Ailton and his family and come forward to help us. 



DCI Moring added: “Previously we released CCTV images in the hope that further witnesses could be identified.

“We are also keen to trace Ailton's bike and mobile phone and ask for anyone who may have been offered these items to come forward."



Police have already arrested nearly twenty suspects and many of them are on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 4142.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knifeman Wanted For Eye-Watering Attack

Police are hunting this suspect after a man was stabbed between the legs during a late-night scuffle in a packed West London bar.

The 31 year-old victim was stabbed once through both testicles inside the Eclipse Bar, Walton Street, Chelsea around midnight on August 20.

He was drinking with friends when punched in the face by the suspect who was captured by the bar’s internal CCTV.

The victim was knocked to the floor and other customers had to stop the attack.

The suspect fled in the direction of Brompton Road and the victim felt pain and bleeding in his groin.

Bar staff tried to stem the bleeding before the victim was taken to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and treated for his injuries. 



Detective Constable Mike Jones from Notting Hill CID, said: “The victim and the other people involved in the incident in the club do not know the suspect and no one has come forward to identify him. 



“This was a nasty attack which we believe to be unprovoked.

“We need anyone who knows this man to contact police.”



If you recognise this man please contact DC Mike Jones on 0208 246 0172 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Figges Marsh Rape: CCTV Released

This is the rape suspect police are hunting after a 38 year-old woman was the victim of a late-night attack in well-known parkland.

Officers were called at 11:00pm on March 21 to Figges Marsh, London Road, Mitcham, South-West London after the woman raised the alarm.

The woman, who reported she was raped near the outdoor gym facilities, was treated by an ambulance crew and taken to hospital.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 25 - 30yrs of age, slim build with short dark hair. 



Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Sapphire team are investigating.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. 



Detective Inspector Sian Thomas said: “We would like to hear from anyone who thinks they may have seen or heard anything in relation to this incident.

“We have some forensic leads in this case but need to know who this man is and we think that someone out there knows who he is. 



“Please come forward and speak to us, so that we can bring the culprit to justice.”



If you know anything that could help police with their enquiries, please contact the Sapphire Enquiry Team on 020 8649 3105.

If you wish to remain anonymous, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

'Ponzi' Suspect Pruthi And Associates Keep Their Addresses Secret

Three men charged in relation to a £40m Ponzi-style investment scam were committed to stand trial today and quashed reporting of their addresses in a bid to dodge angry victims.

They were arrested after City of London Police investigated Business Consulting International (BCI) and seized a stable of eight prestige cars, worth £800,000 including a Lamborghini, two Ferraris and several Bentleys plus jewellery and watches and £250,000 in cash.

They are: BCI boss Indian-born Kautilya Nandan Pruthi, 40,(pic.top) investment consultant John Cecil Anderson, 45,(pic.bottom r.) and investment consultant Kenneth Alun Peacock, 41,(pic.bottom l.).

Pruthi faces twenty-two charges that trading as BCI he dishonestly obtained money transfers, by deception, by falsely representing monies would be invested as high-interest short-term loans and that he intended and was able to repay the capital with interest on various dates between February 4, 2007 and August 2, 2008, contrary to the Fraud Act.

He also faces five charges of dishonestly obtaining money transfers, by deception, by falsely representing monies would be invested as high-interest short-term loans and that he intended and was able to repay the capital with interest on various dates between March 31, 2006 and August 22, 2008, contrary to the Theft Act.

Pruthi is additionally charged that on June 10, 2009 he concealed or disguised criminal property, namely the sale of a Maserati Gran Turismo, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He is further charged that between January 15, 2007 and November 26, 2008 he was knowingly party to running Business Consulting International for a fraudulent purpose, namely misusing investors' money for his own purpose, contrary to the Fraud Act.

Anderson and Peacock are both charged with carrying on an unauthorised regulated activity, contrary to section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, between March 31, 2007 and November 26, 2008 in relation to Anderson and between September 14, 2007 and November 26, 2008 in relation to Peacock.

There are twenty-seven individually named investor victims on the charges.

BCI was run from a rented Knightsbridge office at 1 Relton Mews.

City of London Magistrates' Court committed all three defendants to appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on January 21.

The defendants were bailed on condition they surrender their passports, reside at their recorded addresses and not apply for travel documents.

Pruthi was additionally ordered to report to police twice a week and Anderson to report weekly.

They successfully applied for a Section 11 Contempt of Court Act order prohibiting publication of their addresses.

Brutal 4-On-1 Street Attack: CCTV Released

Police investigating a late-night gang attack, which left a 48 year-old man lying unconscious in the street with serious head injuries, have released these CCTV images of four suspects.

The victim was set upon in Castlehaven Road, Camden, North London at 3:15am on October 1 and the assailants fled on foot.

The man was rushed to hospital where his condition was described as serious, but stable.

Detective Constable Andrew Lock of Camden's Serious Violence Unit, states: “We have released CCTV images of four males and are urgently seeking their identities.

“I would urge anyone who recognises them to please come forward, and remember that all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

Camden Police can be contacted on 0300 123 1212.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Luck Runs Out For Greedy Roulette Cheat

A notorious “brazen and determined” casino cheat – who specialised in switching and stealing roulette chips – has been jailed for using a string of false id’s to beat a nationwide ban and continuing his audacious crime spree.

Iran-born Bahram Sahami, 37, (pictured) of Coltman Street, Middlesbrough is an expert in using slight-of-hand to place bets after the ball had dropped and steal other gamblers’ chips.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to three counts of fraud, three of cheating at gambling and two theft charges and was sentenced to 46 weeks’ imprisonment.

Between March and July, last year Sahami – using identity cards and driver’s licences in false names – targeted London casinos and was caught on CCTV cheating at a Gala Coral Group casino.

Police believe the defendant made between £25 and £130 per cheat or theft and committed multiple offences per night.

Detective Inspector Ann-Marie Waller, of the Metropolitan Police Service's Human Exploitation and Organised Crime Command, said: “Sahami was a brazen and determined fraudster who cheated not only the casinos but fellow punters out of hundreds of pounds a time.

“The fact that he has pleaded guilty to theft and cheating at the roulette table is unusual as these offences are difficult to prove to the standards required for criminal court.”

Since the Gambling Act 2005 came into force on 1 September 2007 there have only been two other cases where cheating has been successfully prosecuted; one in Swansea and one in London.

Big Brother Star Denies Punching Two Men

Big Brother star Victor Ebuwa appeared at City of London Magistrates' Court today accused of attacking two men in the street.

The 29 year-old, of Field Road, Forest Gate, East London, who appeared in BB5 and returned for this year's Ultimate Big Brother, denies the charges.

Ebuwa (pictured leaving the courthouse) pleaded not guilty to assaulting Nick Sherrell and Anthony Tomlin by beating in the Minories, Moorgate on October 15.

He will return for a two-day trial next year and was released on unconditional bail.

Gun Teen Behind Bars

A teenager, who hid a loaded handgun in his family’s garden shed, has been locked-up for seven years after being arrested in a sudden police raid.

Samuel Ridgway, 19, (pictured) of Keedonwood Road, Bromley, South-East London claimed mystery men hid the lethal gun, but DNA linked him to the weapon.

He was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of possessing the converted automatic pistol, plus 85 live shotgun cartridges on November 18, last year.

Officers acting on intelligence executed a search warrant at the address and stuffed inside a holdall in the garden shed they discovered the gun, which contained one live round.

When quizzed by police Ridgway claimed the gun must have belonged to unknown men he once spotted in the garden, but his DNA was found on the gun and holdall.

Detective Constable Dan Rankine of Lewisham Police said: “I am pleased with the sentence and hope that it sends a clear and strong message to the small minority of individuals who are involved in gun crime, that officers from Lewisham are one step ahead and will ensure that they are arrested and brought to justice.

“In this case we responded to fast time intelligence, quickly obtaining a search warrant and removing a loaded firearm from the street and in doing so, continuing to keep the public safe.”

Tube Commuter A Victim Of Violent 'Ipod Rage' Attack

A “shocked” Monday morning tube commuter was the victim of ‘ipod rage’ when repeatedly hit by a flurry of punches after politely asking a fellow-passenger to turn his loud music down.

Passengers were visibly upset by the loud relentless beat enjoyed by 33 year-old Troy Okwuosa, who flipped when tapped on the shoulder by product marketing manager Trevor Holt, 47.

Okwuosa, (pic.l.) of Devonport Road, Hammersmith, West London was convicted of assaulting Mr. Holt on the packed Circle Line train between Baker Street and Great Portland Street stations on December 7, last year.

“I was shocked, flabbergasted that a polite request to turn down loud and excessive music was met with such a reaction,” Mr. Holt (pic.r.) told City of London Magistrates’ Court.

“I took it on myself to tap the man on the shoulder,” said Mr. Holt, employed by ViewSonic Europe Ltd. at the City’s Tower 42.

“He took his earphone out of his ear, sneered at me and muttered: ‘Do you want to touch me again?’

“When I touched him on the shoulder the second time he exploded in rage and punched me five times, knocking my glasses off with the first punch.

“The force he was using to punch me was considerable,” added Berkshire commuter Mr. Holt who was left with bruising to his face and back.

“The carriage was full of passengers, we were shoulder to shoulder and the man asked: ‘Do you want some more?’

“It was overwhelming and I was surprised that I was being attacked on my Monday morning commute to work.”

Fellow-passenger engineer Geoffrey Hardwick, 54 agreed the noise was annoying. “There was loud music, very loud music from an ipod. It was one of those beats that gets on your nerves. It was so loud

“I think people are frightened to touch people to turn their music down, but I was thinking if I should ask the assailant to turn the noise down because it was bothering everyone.

“The assailant started to attack, flailing punches and the victim tried to defend himself by cowing down and was caught in the face.

“He said: ‘That’s what you get if you touch me. Do you want some more?”

“The punches were totally out of control, just flailing in. I was shocked and surprised,” added Mr. Hardwick. “He was throwing his whole weight into the guy.

“It was frightening because now you don’t feel confident asking someone to turn their music down.

“If the other passenger had not stopped the fight the victim would have been very badly hurt. He wanted to go back and do some more.”

T.V. editor James Caldwell, who jumped between the defendant and victim said: “The punches were very strong, they would hurt and they were to the head and body.”

Okwuosa was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, including 100 hours community service work and was ordered to pay £200 costs and £140 compensation to Mr. Holt.

Dr. Farooq Political Assassination: E-fit Released

Detectives hunting the killers of an exiled Pakistani politician repeatedly stabbed with a kitchen knife and battered with a brick outside his North London home have released an E-fit of the chief suspect.

Dr. Imran Farooq, 50, (pic.top) was attacked in Green Lane, Edgware on September 16 after returning home from work just before 5:30pm and police are assuming a political motive.

He sought asylum in the U.K. in 1999 and was a senior member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which has a power-base in Karachi – Pakistan’s largest city.

The murder probe has now been taken over by SO15 – Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command.

The suspect (pic.bottom) is of Pakistani appearance, aged in his late 20s-early 30s, 5ft 4ins - 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, with piercing eyes, a pointed, pale-skinned face, short black/dark coloured hair, and a goatee-style beard. 



He was wearing a dark coloured baseball-style cap. 



Police also want to trace a second of similar race man in connection with the attack.

He is aged in his 30s, of stocky build, 5ft 9ins - 5ft 11ins tall, with short black hair.

Dr. Farooq was found suffering from stab wounds and head injuries. 



A post mortem examination gave cause of death as multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma to the head. 



Police recovered a five and a half inch bladed kitchen knife and a house brick, which were used in the attack on Dr. Farooq. 


Police have carried out house-to-house inquiries and spoken to a number of witnesses, but they believe there are other people who may hold vital information about the incident and officers continue to urge them to come forward. 



It is vitally important that anyone with information should contact the police incident room on 020 8721 3784 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 



Dr. Farooq's widow Shumaila Imran has previously made a personal appeal for help in catching those responsible for the attack. 



She said: “I want to make my own personal appeal for help in catching the people who killed my husband Dr. Imran Farooq. 



“Dr. Imran Farooq was a dedicated family man, a loving father and loving husband. 



“His murder a week ago has devastated me and left our family in a state of shock and disbelief. 



“My husband was on his way home from work when he was set upon and attacked. 



“I want to appeal today for anyone who has any information about the attack on Imran to come forward and tell the police what they know. 



“Someone, somewhere knows something about my husband's murder. 



“It doesn't matter how insignificant this information may seem to you - it could be absolutely vital to the police investigation. 



“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and my family and sent us their best wishes and condolences. 



“I would also like to thank the police for their help and support during this very difficult time.”

Life For Escaped Muderer After 15 Year Rape Rampage

Justice has finally caught up with a dangerous predator who killed his girlfriend 15 years ago and raped two women while on the run.

Angolan-born Miguel Da Silva, 40, (pictured) escaped from a secure psychiatric hospital during a fire alarm in 1994 after confessing he strangled 44 year-old Susan Martin.

He fled to Spain under a false name where he raped one woman, then a second shortly after his release from prison and is still serving that sentence.

Da Silva was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of murdering mother-of-two Susan, who he throttled with a T-shirt at her flat in Aldridge Road Villas, Notting Hill, West London on September 24, 1994.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation he serve a 16-year minimum.

The day after the murder – triggered by Susan’s vow to leave him - Da Silva walked into Paddington Green Police station with blood on his hand.

He confessed he "had a fight with Suzie" and had "beat her up."

Da Silva was arrested and remanded to a secure medical facility at what is now the New Ealing Hospital, West London.

However, when patients were evacuated outside during a fire alarm on March 17, 1995 Da Silva scaled a high wall and escaped.

A case review circulated his details and fingerprints in Portugal and Spain and he was traced to a Spanish prison and extradited to the UK.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command, based at Belgravia, said: “On the 25th of September 1994 Miguel Da Silva needlessly and callously took the life of Susan Martin.

“Following his arrest and charge, he escaped from hospital and had been on the run from the UK for fifteen years until we tracked him down to Spain.

“Sarah, Susan's daughter, bravely articulated in her 'impact statement' to court how the death of her mother has devastated the family. 



“I pay tribute to the family's courage and sincerely hope that the conviction today brings some solace and the beginnings of some closure for them. 



“No murder investigation is ever over until the person or persons responsible are brought to justice.

“This case demonstrates that, despite the passage of time, Da Silva was hunted down and has been held to account for his actions, thanks to the determination of the police.” 



Sarah Martin, daughter of Susan Martin, said: “I have been in limbo for the past sixteen years.

“It still feels like it happened yesterday and I feel the same rawness as I felt then.

“It is fair to say that when my mother was killed, our family fell apart.”


Sarah paid tribute to Susan, saying: “She was the best Mum a child could wish for. She was brilliant in every way.” 



She stressed that the murder had a devastating effect on the wider family, her uncles - Susan's brothers - Peter, John, Steven and Tommy Dutton - and also her brother Thomas, who was seventeen at the time of Susan's death. 



Sarah also told the court how her sorrow had been intensified by the fact that her mother never got the chance to meet her three grandchildren - Sarah has one daughter, and Thomas has two sons.

Six Years For Baseball Bat Bully-Boy

A baseball bat thug – who left his park bench victim with a busted nose and broken and chipped teeth – has been locked-up for six years.

Bobby Mehmet, 21, of Hazel Grove, Sydenham, South-East London (pic.top) knocked the victim out after confronting him in a local park.

Mehmet was convicted of the attack in Mayow Park, Sydenham (pic.bottom) on June 28, following a week-long trial at Croydon Crown Court.

The court heard the aggressive defendant and three others approached the 29-year-old victim, who was sitting with friends.

Mehmet accused the victim - who was vaguely known to him from the local area - of spreading rumours about him and without warning he struck the man in his face.

The defendant’s group fled the scene in a van and the victim was taken to hospital where was treated for a broken nose, broken and chipped teeth and various cuts to his nose and lips.



Police officers from Lewisham attended Mehmet’s home address and arrested him shortly after the assault. 



At the address they found the clothing he was wearing during the assault had recently been washed and a van matching the description of the van he left the park in was outside his address.



Detective Constable Robert Belcher of Lewisham Borough CID, said: “This was a vicious assault by a man with a minor gripe who thought nothing of arming himself with a baseball bat and assaulting another person.



“Officers from Lewisham acted quickly to identify and arrest Mehmet and we are delighted with the sentence he has received.



“Police officers in Lewisham will work tirelessly to arrest and bring to justice those who think it is acceptable to commit violence - it is not.

“It is destructive to the community and ruins lives.”

Predatory Rapist Trapped By Hair

This is the face of a rapist who broke into a 37 year-old woman’s home and is now beginning an eight-year prison sentence after being trapped by a hair left on the victim’s dressing gown.

Michael Chukwudi Anigbugu, 34, was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court on two counts of rape and sexual assault at the address in Edmonton, North London on October 10, last year.

Anigbugu broke into the woman's home between 2:00am and 03:00am and attacked the terrified victim.

He was arrested on March 12 and his DNA profile matched the hair he left at the scene.

Detective Inspector Daniel Smith of the Metropolitan Police Sapphire Unit said: “This type of attack is rare.

“Anigbugu was successfully convicted thanks to the victim's courage, the good work of forensic scientists and the dedication and skill of the officers involved in the investigation. 



“I would like to pay tribute to the victim who despite suffering such a terrible ordeal has demonstrated remarkable courage.

“I hope she is able to find some comfort knowing she has assisted in taking a dangerous individual off our streets.



“The Metropolitan Police takes all allegations of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and we will investigate thoroughly.

“We encourage any victims of this crime to report it to police. Be assured every assistance and support will be offered.”

Bank-Snatch Teen Getaway Driver Behind Bars

A teenage getaway driver, who leapt from his moving van during a dramatic police chase after a violent £25,000 bank cash snatch, was locked-up for two years yesterday.

Osei Sarpong, 19, of Barlborough Street, New Cross pleaded guilty to robbery outside LloydsTSB, Crescent Arcade, Greenwich, South-East London (pictured) on June 17.

Prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Turner told Woolwich Crown Court a security van was delivering cash boxes to the bank at 11.30am.

“As one security guard carried the boxes to the bank the second guard inside the van noticed a young man at a nearby bus stop staring at the van.

“On the seventh cash box trip the man ran at the guard and tried to grab the container, which was thrown by the guard into the back of the van.

“The pair struggled and there was kicking by the suspect who managed to grab the container and escape in a white transit van.”

The alarm was raised and police quickly identified the getaway van and gave chase.

“The driver, this defendant, failed to stop and kept going and jumped from the vehicle while it was still moving,” added Mr. Turner.

Police then quickly caught up with Sarpong and arrested him and his accomplice.

“Robbery is a serious offence, not only in terms of the amount of money you stole, but also the trauma that is suffered by the people guarding that money,” Judge Peter Murphy told the defendant.

“This could only have been committed with a certain amount of planning and it was executed with some skill.”

Sarpong was sentenced to two years detention in a young offenders institution.