Legal Aid Fund Raided By Lawyer And Associates' Bogus Claims

A criminal defence solicitor and two legal associates plotted together to cheat the Legal Aid fund out of over £300,000 by ruthlessly inflating and forging every possible expense, a jury were told.

"These three defendants all had a financial incentive to maximise the claims and in a clearly fraudulent scheme they massaged and amended every category of expense claimable in their financial favour," prosecutor Mrs Janet Weeks told Croydon Crown Court.

Solicitor Reuben Ewujowoh, 44, of Blythe Vale, Catford,South-East London, boss of Rae and Co.(pictured) of Trinity Street, Southwark even claimed for 26 hours work in a single day and also forged travel expenses and other costs.

His two co-defendants are: legal executive Lloyd McDonald, 68, of Collins Avenue, Sutton In Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and costs draughtsman Robert Odong, 33, of Bevin Court, Cruickshank Street, Gray's Inn, Islington, North London.

All three have pleaded not guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation in relation to two criminal trials and Ewujowoh alone denies one alternative count of fraud in relation to the second trial.

It is alleged the three defendants plotted together between August 2 2007 and August 26 2008 to defraud Legal Aid in the case of Tsafack, which was heard at Leicester Crown Court and between July 30 2007 and August 26 2008 in the case of Rutayisere at Luton Crown Court.

The plot was exposed, the jury were told, by chance when the same Legal Aid determining officer happened to be working on claims for both trials.

"She immediately noticed in the case of Tsafack it was far in excess of claims by others solicitors who represented other defendants in the same case," said Mrs Weeks.

In fact, Ewujowoh claimed 111 hours more preparation time than any other solicitor instructed.

"There was, in her opinion, clear evidence of fraudulent claims. Much of which were false and forged."

McDonald brought the two cases with him when joining Rae and Co. and stood to receive 40%-50% of all fees paid by Legal Aid.

"He attended Leicester Crown court from his home in the Midlands, but they claimed as if he had commuted each day from London and submitted forged taxi receipts," explained Mrs Weeks.

Odong is a freelance costs draughtsman who stood to receive 5% of the Legal Aid payment, the court was told.

"He appears to be responsible for hand-written alterations to attendance notes and taxi receipts."

A total of £163,769 was claimed for the Tsafack case - more than double any other solicitor - even though Ewujowoh had been instructed for up to nine months less than the other lawyers.

All preparation work was charged at the Category A rate of £167.25 per hour and a 200% uplift was successfully claimed on further expenses due to the complexity of the work.

"Mr. Ewujowoh is claiming to work more than twenty-four hours in a twenty-four hour period, claiming twenty-six hours day after day after day," said Mrs Weeks.

"The Crown say they sought to get as much as they could, the maximum out of these cases, but what caught them out is that they have done it for two cases side by side and there are not enough hours in the day.

"This was systematic fraudulent claiming."

The trial continues.............

Plastic Surgeon Groped Jobseeker and Patient

A top plastic surgeon, whose clinic specialises in breast enlargements and liposuction, fondled a female job applicant and a patient during one-on-one meetings at his private surgery, a jury were told today.

Jahangir Taghipour, 61,(pictured) who founded Doctors Makeover in 2000 and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England repeatedly stroked the women and talked about his sex life.

Taghipour, of Uxbridge Road, Pinner, North-West London has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault on March 22 and September 21, last year at the clinic (pictured) in Marsh Road, Pinner.

Prosecutor Mr. Daniel Fugallo told Harrow Crown Court the first victim was a job applicant interviewed by married Dr. Taghipour.

"He stroked her arm, stroked her face, told her he was still sexually active and rubbed his crotch," said the prosecutor.

He also kissed the woman on the cheek leaving her "feeling shaken and very confused."

The victim drove home and called the police, but no further action was taken by officers.

The second victim, a regular patient, was receiving a chemical facial peel from the doctor.

"In the course of administering that treatment the defendant's behaviour was inappropriate," Mr. Fugallo told the jury.

"He stroked her arm and held her hand, rubbed her neck and told her she was beautiful and asked if she had a boyfriend."

The doctor then ordered the woman to remove her jumper.

"He moved his hand under the T-shirt to touch the area of her chest under her right arm.

"When the defendant started to stroke her inner thigh she protested and he claimed she misunderstood him and he was married."

She returned the following day because her face was discoloured. "The defendant gave her little reassurance.

"It culminated in the defendant losing his temper and telling her to get out."

The victim later received a threatening letter from Dr. Taghipour.

"He was critical of her conduct in the surgery and threatened to call the police if she returned."

Dr. Taghipour is a former employee of North West London Hospitals NHS Trust and is also a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and a member of the Panel of Intercollegiate Examiners at the Royal College of Surgeons.

Trial continues.......

Young Mum's Doorstep Killers Caged

A teenage hitman and his accomplice are starting life sentences for the shotgun killing a young mum on an East London doorstep – while the victim’s ex, who allegedly paid for the murder, walked free.

Gulistan Subasi, 26,(pic.top) was visiting her mother’s flat in Kingsmead Way, Hackney on March 22 last year when she innocently answered the door and was blasted by the schoolboy killer.

Gunman Santre Sanchez Gayle, 16,(pic.middle) of Crompton Road, Willesden, North-West London was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of murder and ordered to serve a minimum of twenty years.

Accomplice Isaak Billy, 25,(pic.bottom) of Oxford Gardens, North Kensington, West London was also convicted of murder and ordered to serve a twenty-two year minimum.

The prosecution claimed Gulistan’s ex – Serdar Ozbek, 28, of Westbeech Road, Wood Green, North London – paid Billy to kill her, but he and four other men were cleared of murder.

A CCTV camera captured the moment Gayle shot Gulistan just before 8:30pm, killing her instantly. The cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the chest.

The Homicide and Serious Crime Command’s
Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire, said: “This has been a particularly harrowing and difficult investigation.

“Firstly in terms of the way that Gulistan Subasi was so callously killed as she simply answered the front door.

“She had only been in the country for two days, visiting her family prior to her wedding. 



“The CCTV footage is truly frightening and shows the youth exhibiting no doubt or hesitation as he approached the flat, rang the bell and then shot Gulistan as she opened the door.

“Since his arrest he has shown no sign of remorse or comprehension for the devastation he has brought to the Subasi family.



“I would like to thank Gulistan's family for their support of the investigation and the dignity they have exhibited throughout the trial.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the witnesses from the community who bravely gave evidence.

“This has been a year of painstaking and complex enquiries, leading to today's convictions.”



Gulistan, who had a nine-year old son with Ozbek, lived in Turkey and was staying at her mother’s address and planned to visit her son for his birthday.

The prosecution claimed Ozbek ordered the hit because he feared eventually losing contact with his son.

The victim was enjoying a meal with her mother and a family friend when she answered a knock at the door.

There was a loud bang and she cried out “Mama”.



Her mother went to the head of the stairs where she saw her daughter lying inside the doorway bleeding from a fatal chest wound.



Gayle escaped in a taxi and was so calm the driver suspected nothing.

Billy is believed to have been paid "thousands" for his role and Gayle just £200.

Also cleared of murder were
Zeon Jackman, 22 of Craven Park Road, South Tottenham and a 16-year old boy from the same area; Paul Nicoloau, 29, of Weir Hall Road, Edmonton and homeless Leigh Bryan, 26. 


The victim’s mother Dondu Subasi, 44, said: “I was asked by the police what impact this incident has caused to my life. 



“Firstly I was heartbroken. Anyone who has not lost a child would not try to understand my feelings.

“I lost my child when she was very young. If you compare life with seasons then I lost her at the beginning of spring. 



“I was devastated when my daughter was killed in front my eyes and this took its toll on my life and health. I do not remember much regarding who came, who was there, who I spoke to one week to 10 days after the incident at all.



“After I lost my daughter I could not stay in the house where the incident took place. I was frightened to stay on my own, day or night-time, and I would panic.



“I do not feel that life is worth living anymore. Sometimes I do not know where I am going or what I am doing. I get lost then knock on the door and ask help from people not known to me or ring my husband or son.

“Sometimes at night I wake up and go and ring the door of a neighbour not known to me. I do not know where I am and then ring my son who comes and takes me back home.



“If I do not take a sleeping pill I have nightmares. The day of the incident especially never leaves me alone and is always before my eyes.



“The incident did not only cause me to lose my unique daughter but I also lost my grandson.

“My grandson's face is the same as Gulistan's. Unfortunately I cannot see my grandson at the moment, I can only look at my grandson's photos. This is a terrible pain for me.”

Super-Scalper Cut Down By Champions League Final Ticket Team

An International ticket tout – arrested at Heathrow Airport with 60 Champions League final tickets he illegally sold – has been fined £1,000.

Police from the Met’s Operation Podium team were waiting for Sanjas Malhorta, 44, when he stepped off a plane from Oslo, Norway on May 23 and he was immediately held in custody.

He was delivering pre-sold UEFA tickets to his customers who then missed the game because they bought via an unauthorised source.

At Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court the next day Malhorta pleaded guilty to selling tickets to a designated football match without authority and was fined and the tickets confiscated.

The Operation Podium Team is the dedicated unit set up to tackle serious and organised crime affecting the Olympic economy.

The investigation is part of activity to target and disrupt ticketing crime ahead of the Games.



Detective Chief Inspector Nick Downing, leading Operation Podium said: “Malhortra has taken large sums of money for tickets that he was not entitled to sell, resulting in fans who will now be denied the opportunity to see the game on Saturday. 



“Ticket touting is an illegal business run by people to gain financially through the exploitation of clubs and genuine fans.

“As soon as people buy from an unofficial source - whether a tout or an unofficial website - they run the risk of paying over the odds for a ticket that they may not receive, not get to see the event that they had paid for, or even risk having their personal details stolen for use in other crimes.

“Don't let this happen to you. Only visit official sites for a list of genuine sellers who are authorised to sell legitimate tickets.”

Bus Passenger Headbutted: Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this violent suspect who headbutted a 65 year-old bus passenger in South London after trying to blag a free ride with an invalid pass.

The young black male (pictured) boarded a southbound 249 double-decker in Tooting Bec (pictured) just before midnight on Friday April 8, but was challenged by the driver.

The suspect threatened the driver and two other passengers before headbutting and punching the elderly victim, who was rushed by ambulance to nearby St. George’s Hospital.

This CCTV image has been released by the Metropolitan Police and the Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Detective Constable Tony Barun on 020 3054 5478 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Theatreland Armed Robber Wanted

Police are hunting this violent armed robber who donned a latex ‘old man’ mask and threatened staff at a Theatreland dance clothing shop with a gun.

The suspect burst into Dancia International, Drury Lane, Covent Garden shortly before 5:00pm on April 30 demanding the till be opened while shouting: “I’ll cut you if you don’t.”

He also punched one of the all-female staff members in the head, causing minor injuries.

Officers from Finchley’s Flying Squad – which specialises in investigating commercial robberies – have released this CCTV image captured outside the shop.

The robber was also wearing a white builder’s helmet, reflective jacket and see-through plastic gloves.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant O’Shaughnessy on 020 8358 1751 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Serial Rape Duo Convicted

Two rapists who carried out "horrendous sexual attacks" while allegedly encouraged to humiliate one terrified victim by a young woman who filmed the ordeal on her mobile phone, are facing lengthy prison sentences after being convicted.

Jermaine Kraftner, 27,(pic.top) of Berkley Manor, 317 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole and his cousin Corrie Pinney, 35,(pic.middle) of Yardbridge Close, Sutton, South-West London were found guilty of multiple counts relating to two separate victims and will be sentenced on August 1.

Cassie Webb, 20,(pic.bottom) may be retried on a charge of aiding and abetting rape, in relation to the second victim after the jury failed to agree a verdict.

"Kraftner and Pinney launched a series of horrendous sexual attacks on both victims at Yardbridge Close," prosecutor Miss Hannah Llewellyn-Waters told the Croydon Crown Court jury.

"The attacks were designed to degrade and instil terror in both women for the defendants sense of power and self-gratification."

The second victim - a 21 year-old mini-cab controller - had arrived at the address on April 20, last year for an alcohol and cannabis party and was introduced by the defendants to Webb, who is known as 'Mercy'.

"She was sexually and physically attacked and vaginally and orally raped and Cassie Webb encouraged the male defendants," explained Miss Llewellyn-Waters.

"She was subjected to prolonged violence and sadistic behaviour designed to humiliate, punish and petrify."

The victim was beaten with a belt and repeatedly punched in the face and head after Kraftner had accused her of "disrespect."

"Cassie Webb began to fan the flames by saying the victim was bringing bad vibes into the flat," added the prosecutor.

Webb remained as the defendants demanded the victim strip naked and was beaten when she initially refused.

She also watched as the victim was ordered to insert a broomstick into her vagina.

"Casie Webb was watching and filming the attack at this time on her mobile phone," added the prosecutor.

The female defendant egged on the attack as Pinney raped the victim, the jury were told.

"She was told if she was sick they would kill her and Kraftner was laughing," said Miss Llewellyn-Waters.

Webb then left the room as both Pinney and Kraftner raped the victim, who was left with black eyes and bruising to her chest and arms.

Both men also denied, but were convicted of an earlier rape on a 17 year-old girl at the address on July 29, 2009.

"On that occasion Pinney and Kraftner simultaneously engaged in oral and vaginal rape."

Webb pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting rape; two counts of aiding and abetting sexual activity and aiding and abetting false imprisonment.

Both male defendants were convicted of raping both women plus charges of sexual activity and false imprisonment.

Police Hope 20K Reward Will Solve Murder Mystery

Police have offered a £20,000 reward in a bid to solve the murder riddle of a South Lambeth man whose flat was set on fire after he was battered to death.

Leroy Burnett, 47, (pictured) of Crichton Street was discovered in his maisonette in the early hours of November 13, last year after the London Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze.

A post-mortem gave the cause of his death as head injuries.

Mr. Burnett was last seen on November 12 at around 8:00pm walking his brown Staffordshire terrier dog in nearby Wandsworth Road.

Detective Inspector Gary Arthur of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “We believe the area in and around Mr Burnett’s flat was quite busy with people coming and going, late into Friday evening and in to the early hours of Saturday.

“It was also fairly noisy with reports of fireworks being let-off in the immediate area.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious from the premises, as they may hold vital information that could assist the investigation.”

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On November 19 police arrested a 37 year-old man and later a 23 year-old man who remain on bail.

"Fat Slag" Insult Ends In Knife Murder

Two men have been locked-up for killing a drinking-acquaintance when an all-day session turned ugly after one of them insulted the other’s girlfriend.

Victim Stephen Ramsey, 33, (pic.top) suffered fatal multiple stab wounds after agreeing to back-up his aggrieved friend at a clear-the-air meeting arranged after the row.

Ricky Fogden, 28, (pic.middle) of The Vale, Acton, West London received a life sentence – with a 24-year minimum – after he was convicted of murder and grievous bodily harm.

Paul Moles, 32, (pic.bottom) of Layton road, Brentford received nine years for manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

The victim was stabbed on November 28, last year in Brook Lane North, Brentford along with his friend Scott Jennings, 31, who was upset about Fogden calling his girlfriend a "fat slag."

Initially Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Jennings – who suffered wounds to his back - did not realise they had been stabbed during the midnight showdown and walked a short distance before calling 999.

Mr. Ramsey died at the scene and Mr. Jennings received treatment for his injuries in hospital and was discharged.

Earlier in the day all four men were drinking in the Princess Royal pub, Brentford when Forgden insulted Mr. Jennings’ girlfriend and he phoned the defendants later to sort things out.

Fogden and Moles arrived armed with knives and stabbed both victims.

A few hours after the killing Paul Moles gave himself up at Hounslow police station and was arrested.

He made no comment in interview but later claimed to have acted as peacemaker.

Detective Inspector John McQuade of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “The two defendants went to this meeting armed with weapons and with the joint intention of using violence to sort out a problem.

“This case demonstrates that nobody wins in this situation, and, that with the dedication and skills of specially trained detectives, you will get caught.”

Where Are Yao?

Police are hunting this suspect who they say launched a sex attack on a 16 year-old girl as she slept at a home in South-West London seven months ago.

The Ghanaian man – known only as ‘Yao’ – had already fled his address without forwarding details when the girl reported the offence, which occurred in Manor Road, Mitcham.

He may be in the country illegally, but police believe he may still have family and friends in the local area, who may have information as to his whereabouts.

He is described as a black man, approx 5’ 4", with short afro hair.

Police have information that he may have been seen in the Thornton Heath, Croydon area in December and January but have no reported sightings since.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who has information.

Detective Constable David Gadsby of Sapphire Command, said: “It is really important that we find out where this man is and who he is.

“We urgently need to speak to him regarding this allegation and we want to ensure that no other young women are vulnerable to attacks.

“We appeal to the local and Ghanaian community to give us information, or for this man to come forward and talk to us.”

If you have information please call the Sapphire incident room on 020 8649 4009 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Prostitute's Remains Buried In Allotment: Ex Charged

A man has been charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend – prostitute Julie Dorsett, 33 – whose remains were found buried in an allotment nearly three years ago, following a six-year search.

Sinclair Lewis, 54, was arrested in Teignmouth, Devon on May 17, appeared at Hendon Magistrates’ Court the next day and will appear at the Old Bailey on August 24.

Julie,(pictured) of Wren Park House, Warwick Grove, Clapton, East London was last seen at a family friend’s home in Benthal Road, Stoke Newington on October 3, 2002.

Police were called to reports of human remains found at Lower Hall Allotments, Bridge Road, Walthamstow on August 28, 2008 and recovered a large quantity of bones from the upper body, including the skull, wrapped in a duvet.

Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, the remains were identified as Julie’s.

A post-mortem examination at East Ham Mortuary on September 12, 2008 failed to confirm the cause of death.

Her disappearance had previously been treated as suspicious and unexplained and following extensive enquiries and forensic examination, the case was declared a murder investigation.

Black Race-Hate Killer Gets Joke Sentence

A vicious race-hate knifeman, who killed a teenage Pole as he celebrated his girlfriend’s eighteenth birthday with a group of pals, could be back on the streets in just four years.

Dutch-born Alphonse Serges Kruizinga, 34,(pic.top) who lived in a squat in Clapton, East London plunged a blade into 19 year-old Marcin Belaszweski’s back after threatening the group on a bus.

He screamed: “Hitler should have killed more Polish people” before stabbing the victim outside Finsbury Park Underground Station, North London on May 8, last year.

Kruizinga was cleared of murder by an Old Bailey jury and given an indeterminate sentence for manslaughter – with a five-year minimum.

The year he has already spent on remand awaiting trial will be deducted.

Kruizinga had rowed outside his squat with friends of Marcin and followed the twenty-strong group on a bus – armed with a kitchen knife up his sleeve - goading them into a confrontation.

He followed them off the bus despite their requests to leave them alone and when Marcin’s girlfriend stepped forward to stop him he punched her in the face.

Construction worker Marcin – who lived with his family in Stamford Hill since moving to the UK five years ago - jumped in to protect the girl and was fatally stabbed by Kruizinga.

When arrested several days later he had a knife hidden up each sleeve and received a concurrent thirty-six month sentence, which will not add any additional custody time.

'Pushchair Rage' Duo Sentenced For Frenzied Bus Attack

A couple who violently attacked a mum-of-two when their pushchairs bumped on a North London bus – throwing the terrified passenger off the vehicle by her hair – have been sentenced.

The victim was sworn at, spat at and her head was banged against metal bars, leaving her with a cut ear, a bloodshot eye and soreness and bruising all over her body.

Nathaniel Pope, 21,(pic.top) of Derwent Rise, Kingsbury received four months imprisonment for the assault on the number 83 bus in Vivian Avenue, Hendon on January 17.

Amy Boyle, 19,(pic.middle) of Wynford Avenue, Islington received three months imprisonment, suspended for a year, was ordered to perform 100 hours community service, attend a women’s centre for 36 hours and banned from the number 83 bus route for twelve months.

After the pushchairs collided Boyle spat at the victim and Pope threw her around the packed bus, struck her head repeatedly against the bars, dragged her by the hair to the doors and threw her off.

She was thrown off a second time when she tried to rescue her two children who were still on board.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV both inside and outside (pic.bottom) the bus and show the victim being hit as well as recoiling in horror from being spat at.

After the attack she also felt nauseous, had disturbed vision and a headache and was unable to raise her arm or stand for long without feeling tired.

The oldest daughter who witnessed the attack also suffered from nightmares.



After a public appeal Pope and Boyle were charged on April 12.

Following the hearing at Hendon Magistrates Court Detective Sergeant Brad Crossley from the Barnet Beat Crimes Unit said: “I think this sentence is well merited as it was a sickening attack on a lone woman with children.

“Neither of the convicted showed any remorse for their actions either in interview or in court.



“The CCTV on the bus provided compelling evidence of the despicable nature of this attack.

“In cases like this is important that a strong message is sent that this sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable and the consequences will be a prison sentence.”