Armoured Van Robber Gets 17 Years

An armed robber recruited by a notorious gang – who snatched £500,000 during a series of audacious nationwide raids – has been locked-up for seventeen years.

Jobless Ian Patrick Joseph, 38, (pictured) of Mayfly Gardens, Northolt, Middlesex was convicted of helping rob an armoured van delivering cash to LloydsTSB in Nacton Road, Ipswich, Suffolk on in September 2007.

He was recruited by a South London gang responsible for eighteen robberies and attempted robberies across southern England between April 2006 and September 2007.



They targeted cash-in-transit security vans and carried out raids from Bristol in the West to Ipswich in the East and were smashed when two robbers were shot dead by police in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire on September 17 2007.

Seven members of the gang were sentenced in November 2008.

Detective Inspector Terry Wilson of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Flying Squad, said:
”This investigation demonstrates the ability of the Flying Squad to convict those responsible for armed robberies through professional investigations.

“The results do not though overshadow the fact that during the commission of one offence two men were fatally shot by police officers.

“The death of any person as a result of police action is deeply regrettable.


“We are a bespoke unit targeting those who commit these types of crimes.

The fact we exist, along with today's sentences, should serve as a warning to all those who would consider committing such an offence.



“The fact that the majority of the offences have taken place outside of London did not limit our ability to investigate.

“Many of the defendants convicted had previously come to the attention of the Flying Squad and as a result chose to operate outside of London in an attempt to avoid attention. 



“We have excellent working relationships with other forces and this partnership allowed us to pursue the team across Southern England.

“The assistance of other constabularies, in particular Avon and Somerset and Hampshire, was essential in achieving success in this case.

“I would also like the public to note that although these offences may be seen as 'victimless crimes' the truth is far from it.

“These offences not only left many of the guards traumatised, but also would have an impact on the people whose homes were burgled to steal the cars the robbers used.”



The Flying Squad launched Operation Hurlock to smash the gang and carried out extensive surveillance to collect damning evidence.

Rot In Hell: Parents Worst Nightmare Caged

A predatory paedophile, who sexually assaulted two brothers aged seven and four as they used a McDonald’s toilet alone, has been caged.

The boys’ unsuspecting parents sat just yards away as 23 year-old Simon Archer (pictured) carried out the sickening attack.

Archer, of Belvedere, Kent – who will serve a minimum of seven years - had been paroled weeks earlier for another child sex offence and will not be released until the parole board are convinced it is safe to do so.

He was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of two counts of assault by penetration and one count of oral rape at the Welling McDonald’s on July 4, last year and will serve an indeterminate sentence for public protection.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for life and was also made subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).



At around 2:30pm the children left the table with their father’s permission to use the toilet facilities.



Whilst inside bare-chested Archer entered and sexually assaulted them both.



The children returned to their father and siblings without saying anything and the family left restaurant.



A few days later the mother of the children suggested they visit the restaurant for something to eat, but the boys became upset and refused to.

When pressed by their mother as to why they were upset, they told her what had happened.



Detectives from Sapphire launched a major manhunt to find the person responsible.



Uniformed officers from Bexley Borough flooded the streets for days and CCTV footage obtained from the restaurant showed the back of bare-chested man entering the restaurant at the time of the assault.



Detectives scoured hours of CCTV footage from the area to trace the route of the bare-chested man, his images were circulated amongst officers and a few days later Archer was arrested in Welling.



He was interviewed but denied being the man on the CCTV footage and refused to answer any further questions.



Detectives continued gathering evidence against Archer and presented extensive CCTV, mobile telephone and expert witness evidence during the trial, to prove he was the man who assaulted the children.



Acting Detective Inspector Jon Summers, Sapphire, said: “Simon Archer is a dangerous person who has previously committed sexual offences against strangers and I am pleased that he has been jailed today.



“We cannot rule out the possibility that he may have committed crimes against others and I would urge anyone who has been a victim of a sex crime to contact the police.

“This incident has had a devastating affect on his very young victims and their family who showed immense fortitude and courage in coming forward.”

"Good Shoeing" Police Sergeant Wins Assault Appeal

A decorated police sergeant - convicted of assaulting a violent gang-member prisoner who spat in his face - later boasting in the pub of giving him: "a good shoeing," has been cleared on appeal.

Sergeant Adam Leak, 31, of Wood House, Gatliffe Road, Chelsea was originally convicted of assaulting Adam Summers, 27, at Fulham Police Station around midnight on January 31, last year and was reported by two fellow officers.

They claimed Leak, (pictured) the on-duty custody Sergeant, flew into a rage and swung the prisoner into the cell wall and repeatedly forced his head into the floor.

The officers, PC Charles Hayzeldon and WPC Angela Duffy, repeated their accounts during a two-day appeal at Southwark Crown Court, but a Judge ruled on Friday the force used was not unlawful.

Sergeant Leak, who received a commendation for successfully tackling a dangerous knifeman while unarmed, was described in court as 'first rate' and a 'leader' by senior officers.

He served nearly three years with the Territorial Support Group and suggested a rivalry between Shepherd's Bush and Fulham police officers in the borough contributed to the complaint.

Summers - who repeatedly chanted: "MDP (Murder Dem Pussies) all the way" - used the toilet to flood the cell, urinated on bedding and spat in Sergeant Leak's face.

"Those two officer will say Sergeant Leak over-reacted and acted out of anger, without regard for the detainee or officer safety," prosecutor Mr. Gavin Ludlow-Thompson told the court.

"Others heard Sergeant Leak at a social event in 'The Cock' public house say he gave the detainee a: 'Good shoeing.'

"We say that amounts to an admission that Sergeant Leak went into the cell with the intention to deliver some retribution."

Summers had been arrested for disorderly conduct and later pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage at the police station and refused to give evidence at the appeal.

"When Sergeant Leak went to the cell door wicket and told him he would be questioned in the morning Summers spat through the gate, hitting the officer in the face and some got in his eyes," explained Mr. Ludlow-Thompson.

The court was told Leak demanded the cell door keys while shouting: "He just fucking spat in my eyes."

Mr. Ludlow-Thompson added: "He is plainly acting out of anger at this stage.

"He grabs Summers, pulls him to his feet, and swings him into the wall. When the prisoner is on the floor Sergeant Leak pushes his head into the ground forcibly."

The other two officers report Leak for assault and a doctor finds Summers has reddening and scratching to his face.

The officer was placed on restrictive duties while the Independent Police Complaints Commission carried out an investigation and was suspended following his conviction.

City of Westminster Magistrates Court sentenced Leak to a community order, which included an electronically tagged night time two-month curfew and ordered him to pay £500 costs.

He told the court the force used on the violent and aggressive criminal - captured by the cell's CCTV and watched in court - was reasonable.

Sergeant Leak's account was backed by senior officers who insisted he acted correctly in taking the prisoner to the wall to restrict movement and then to the floor to secure leg restraints.

Booze Experiment Fails For Wannabe Scientist

A struggling medical graduate – caught by police “eratically” riding his scooter while nearly double the drinks limit and with a girl passenger on the back – has been fined and banned from the roads.

Edward James Marshall, 22, of Newbald Lodge Cottages, North Newbald, York pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court (pictured) to riding his Vespa with excess alcohol in his breath in Newgate Street on April 10.

The court heard police officers spotted first-time offender Marshall travelling along London Wall at 11pm and were concerned about the nature of his riding.

He was stopped and admitted he had consumed a few pints and officers noticed a smell of intoxicating liquor on his breath.

Marshall failed a roadside breath-test and was later found to have 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.

The defendant told the court: “I did not intend getting on my motorcycle that evening, but I was asked to give a friend a lift home.”

Marshall revealed his only income was gained from volunteering for drug trials approximately every six months.

“That is the way I support myself while looking for research posts in medical roles,” he told the court.

Marshall was disqualified from driving for seventeen months, fined £65, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Who's Laughing Now? Rapist Caught 22 Years On

A rapist who dodged justice for over twenty-two years – telling police who finally caught him: “You’re having a laugh” – has been caged after a DNA match.

Andrew Steven Riley, 39, of Drew Road, Stratford, East London was only 16 years-old when he and another unknown male attacked the French girl, aged 19, at knifepoint.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and one of sexual assault committed on September 19, 1988 in Stockwell, South London.

He was arrested by police from the Sapphire Cold Case Investigation Team after a review of the unsolved case identified a partial DNA profile that matched him.

The victim was persuaded to take a late-night lift with Riley and a second man, but they ignored her directions and took it in turns to rape her on the back seat, threatening her with a knife.

The attackers drove the stolen red Vauxhall out to Banstead, Surrey, where the victim persuaded them to let her out of the car and she raised the alarm at a nearby house.

When Riley was arrested on June 3, last year he told police: “What! In 1988? You’re having a laugh.”

The victim, now aged 41 and living in her native France, has been informed and provided further evidence.

Detective Constable Claire Watts said: “As a result advances in DNA technology, it has been possible to secure a conviction despite the passage of more than 20 years, enabling justice for the victim who has had to re-live the ordeal she was made to suffer at the hands of these two men.

“Our inquiries continue to trace the outstanding suspect and I would ask anyone who believes they may have any information which could assist our investigation to contact the Sapphire Cold Case Investigation Team on 020 7161 1036 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

'Suicide-Bomber' Robber Jailed For Bank Raids

A serial bomb-hoax robber – who claimed explosives were strapped to his body during a series of terrifying raids, which netted thousands – has been jailed for four years.

Faisle Nasim, 35, of High Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, targeted banks, a bureau de change and a box office, threatening to blow up staff and himself if cash was not handed over.

He pocketed over £7,500 during the 10-day spree, which took him all over London and Essex.

The Old Bailey heard how Nasim passed a note to staff at Santander, North End, Croydon on November 23, last year which read: “I have a bomb strapped to my body give me the cash or I will blow everyone up.”

His plastic bag was filled with £3,500 cash despite staff attempts to activate the security screen.

Two days later Nasim (pictured) produced a similar note at Lloyds TSB, The Broadway, Loughton, Essex, but fled empty-handed when staff activated the panic alarm.

Ten minutes later Nasim tried again at the nearby Santander, High Road, Loughton, giving a cashier a note which read: ”Stay quiet, give me money, I have a bomb strapped to me and if you don't then you will die.

“I like to die - first 50's, then 20's and then 10's. Don't slow down, if you do everyone will be dead.”

The security screen was activated and the defendant fled empty-handed.

Determined Nasim was eventually successful shortly afterwards at the Nat West, George Lane, South Woodford, where the cashier handed over £3,100.

He produced a note, which read: ”I have a bomb and will blow up the bank if you don't hand over money, don't put your hands anywhere other than the till.”

Four days later on November 29 at Halifax, North End, Croydon, he handed a similar note to the cashier, but was thwarted by the security screen.

The next day at the Leicester Square Ticket Box Office, Cranbourne Street Nasim gave the cashier another bomb-threat note.

When they tried to press the panic alarm the defendant said: “Don't you dare or I will explode,” and fled with £969.

On December 2 at Eurochange, Charing Cross Road, Nasim produced a similar note, but fled when told the police would be called.

He was identified and arrested the next day by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Corner said: “This man thought nothing of using the threat of detonating a bomb to influence his demands, and terrify people in their workplace.

“Although Nasim never actually had a bomb during the robberies the threat and fear would have been very real for the people working in the banks. 



“I would like to thank all the victims and witnesses who have assisted us in our investigation and have helped us to secure a conviction against Nasim. 



“I would also like to commend the work of my officers. They provided a measured professional response and as a consequence of this no one was hurt.”

Nasim will be released after he serves two years.

Boozy Bubbly Bucket Beating

The cool laid-back atmosphere of Chelsea’s Embargo 59 club – the favourite playground of the exquisites of SW10 – was shattered by a champagne bucket attack on a reveler.

The “legendary” Kings Road nightspot – which has adopted a luxurious Cuban theme – was the scene of this ugly incident, resulting in a police manhunt.

The club describes itself as: “An institution amongst Chelsea's elite clubbers, Embargo 59 boasts a unique and heady cocktail of glamour, serious partying and an inimitable, effortless style.

“Wearing its Cuban influence on its sleeve, the Embargo 59 experience basks in unashamedly opulent surroundings, from the dazzling club to the laid-back vibe of the roof top terrace and the elegant sophistication of the Gold Room, complete with humidor and the finest selection of cigars this side of Havana.”

Detectives from Notting Hill police station are appealing for witnesses to come forward and have released this CCTV image of the champagne bucket suspect.

He was sharing a table with three women in the early hours of March 6 when a row broke out with the 25 year-old Lambeth victim sitting nearby.

He struck the victim with the ice bucket and as the man tried to flee, pursued and kept striking him.

The victim was rushed to hospital by ambulance for treatment to his injuries and he was discharged later that day.

The suspect is a white male of athletic build. He had short dark hair and was unshaven, wearing a light-coloured shirt with a light-coloured tie and dark jeans.



Detective Sergeant Steve Elliott said: “The suspect and victim were not known to each other and this is believed to be an unprovoked attack.

“The victim has suffered serious injuries and required stitches.

“We believe the suspect may have been involved in a previous altercation that night in the club.

“If you were present in the club and remember either of the incidents or if you recognise the suspect from the CCTV images please contact us.”

Anyone with any information should contact DS Steve Elliott at Notting Hill CID on 020 8246 0203 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Elusive Swindler Behind Bars

A notorious conman, who cheated innocent victims out of over £750,000 - even appearing in a Crimewatch appeal for defrauding a businessman while on the run from police - has been jailed for nine years.

Amir Akhalaghi, 43, (pictured) of Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood specialised in selling non-existent cars and other hi-value property.

He was originally charged with fraud in March 2007, but jumped bail and three years later was the subject of a BBC TV Crimewatch appeal for a £50,000 swindle.

Akhalaghi was eventually arrested on September 22, last year and charged with fifteen counts of theft and fraud.

Police believe his crime wave was nationwide and international and police have appealed for more victims to come forward.

They may know the defendant by one of his many aliases, which include

Amir Ali Akhlaghi; Reza Akhlaghi; Emir Ahmed Behrouzan; Emir Ahmed Behrouzan; Ibrahim Ahmet; Desmond James Mabbutt; Gulam Kiatavoosi and Ghulam Kiatavoosi.

Detective Constable Karl Lewis the Metropolitan Police’s Serious Violence Team said: “We are really pleased this sentence has been handed down to this individual who stole money from many victims over a period of over at least a year.

“We believe he has committed further offences up and down the country.

“If you believe you have been a victim of a related crime or have any information relating to this man, please contact us.”

Anyone with information can contact the team on 0207 321 9374 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Satellite Dish Engineer's Roof Tragedy: Company Prosecuted

A Brentwood satellite TV maintenance company, prosecuted after an employee plunged to his death from the roof of a four-storey house, were committed to stand trial at the Old Bailey yesterday.

Foxtel Ltd. of Unit 6, Wates Way have pleaded not guilty to a summons brought by the Health and Safety Executive that they failed to ensure the health and safety of an employee.

Satellite engineer Noel Sahnae Corbin, 29,(pictured) was tragically killed on February 3, 2008 by a 44 foot fall from the roof of 54 Belsize Park Gardens, (pictured) Hampstead, North London.

Foxtel Ltd. – which has ceased trading and claims to be in debt – were subcontracted by AVC who have a BSKYB maintenance contract.

They claim Mr. Corbin had finished working on the two Sky dishes he was contracted to maintain and fell when returning to the roof a second time to work on a flat owner’s private dish.

The Health and Safety Executive claim Foxtel failed to properly equip, train and monitor Mt. Corbin.

Foxtel Ltd. will appear at the Central Criminal Court on May 19.

An inquest in March, 2009 recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Mum-Of-Three Stabbed To Death: Teen Charged

A teenager hunted for stabbing a mother-of-three to death at a flat in suburban South-West London has been captured by police and charged.

Reece Ludlow, 18, (pic.bottom) of Oakwood Court, Sutton is charged with murdering Yorkshire lass Louisa Jane Brannan, 35, (pic.top) on March 14.

He has appeared before Camberwell Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on June 27.

Police were called at 6:45am on March 14 to a body found at a flat in Oakwood Court, Sutton, later identified as ex-heroin addict Louisa, originally from Huddersfield.


A post-mortem examination at nearby St. Hellier Hospital on March 16 confirmed the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds.

The Homicide & Serious Crime Command circulated that Ludlow was wanted in connection with the murder and a £5,000 reward was offered for information leading to his capture.

Louisa’s parents said in a statement: “The death of our lovely daughter Louisa has come as a terrible shock. We are all devastated and we will miss her terribly.”

Louisa Brannan lived in Water Street, Springwood until she was jailed for robbery in 2009 and she had previously lived in Bradley Mills.

A friend revealed she had been clean from heroin for over two years adding: “She was very remorseful and sorry for her crime. Her children love her and are so proud of her, so are we. She was off drugs and doing so well.”

Somalian Gang Murder On Streets Of London

A murderer involved in bloody Somalian gang warfare on the streets of North London – leaving a fellow-countryman dying from multiple stab wounds – has been caged for life.

Ahmed Farah, 25, (pic.top) is the fifteenth person convicted in relation to the murder of 18 year-old Mahir 'Smiley' Osman (pic.bottom) who was attacked at a bus stop in Camden Road on January 28, 2006.

After Farah – who tried to flee to Canada – was ordered to serve a sixteen-year minimum Detective Chief Insepctor Steven Lawrence of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said:
”This is the 15th conviction in connection with the murder of Mahir in 2006.

“I hope it sends out a clear message to all those intent on violence that they will be held to account, no matter how long it takes to identify and capture those responsible.

“Farah was part of a group of men who went to Camden with the sole intention of attacking anyone belonging to an opposing rival group.

“It was a premeditated attack using a level of violence I have rarely seen.”



He is the fourth defendant to be convicted of murder.

Police were called after mechanical engineering student Osman, of Adelaide Road, Hampstead, was attacked at 10:40pm by up to forty suspects. He was pronounced dead four hours later.

Nineteen stab wounds punctured the back of his body alone, which ultimately proved fatal, and the gang were heard shouting: “Stab him through the heart, stab him dead through the heart.”



The group was seen earlier that evening arming themselves with bottles, knives, hammers and pieces of wood and were determined to settle a score with a rival Somalian group.

Osman was singled out because of his association with that group - Chalk Farm's Centric Boys - with his attackers made up of Tottenham-based North London Somalis (NLS).

He was present during a fight in the Eros nightclub, Edmonton six weeks earlier and a serious assault two days later, resulting in a friend’s arrest.

Thirty attackers piled onto a number 253 double-decker bus in a bid to escape, but were stopped by police.

Weapons – mostly kitchen knives – rained down from the open top-deck windows along with bottles as they tried to dump evidence.

Farah was eventually arrested at Heathrow Airport on July 20, last year, attempting to board a flight to Canada.

His fingerprints had been found on three knives seized form the bus and CCTV showed him armed with a large kitchen knife, striking out at the victim.

Chief Inspector Louis Smith, of Camden Borough said:
”Since Mahir's murder, our work in preventing and reducing levels of youth violence has increased significantly, as have the efforts of partners, notably Camden Council.



”The Youth Engagement Team has been a key part of that work, as has the use of anti-social behaviour legislation led by the ASB team.

“Youth Disorder Engagement Workers from the Council work hand in glove with police officers, conducting home visits, engaging in diversionary work, including the whole family of some troubled young people in finding ways out of seemingly impossible situations.



“Along with the engagement has been enforcement, policing youth violence off the streets, targeting drug dealing which supports gang activity and progressing offences through CCTV evidence whether anyone has come forward as a victim or not.

“We will help those involved to get out of this cycle of youth crime and disorder and keep trying to help, but if that help is disregarded, we will do whatever we can to end the violence.”

Do You Know These Ug Mugs?

Police are hunting these three suspects after a string of phone thefts on late-night buses – in which often lone victims were targeted – and their mobiles snatched.

Officers have recorded at least fourteen incidents in the first seven weeks of this year, with the gang favouring Camden, Islington and the City of London.

All the thefts were committed late at night or in the early hours of the morning on night buses between December 29, last year and February 16.

Typically, the suspects board a bus and snatch phones from usually lone victims who are on their mobiles, while their accomplices crowd the automatic doors to assist escape.

Two victims received minor injuries as they tried to snatch back their stolen phone.

Suspect 1 is described as a black man, stocky build with a scar on the right cheek, who often wears a hat.



Suspect 2 is described as a white man with a large nose, slim build, who often wears a hat.



Suspect 3 is described as a tall black or Asian man, who often wears a dark jacket and hat.



Anyone with information is asked to contact the Camden Robbery Squad on 020 8733 6963 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detective Sergeant Chris Minnighan, leading the investigation, said: “We are doing everything we can to find those responsible for these incidents and we are asking people to remain vigilant and discreet with their belongings.

“The Camden Safer Transport Team are increasing their patrols and Camden Robbery Squad are carrying out extra patrols at night.

“If you see anyone suspicious please do contact police.”



Steve Burton, Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing at Transport for London, said: “Although London's bus network is a low crime environment, with only 11 crimes per million passenger journeys, we will be working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that criminal activity and anti-social behaviour remains at a minimum.”