Law Firm Thief's Suicide Bid

A trusted legal executive, who tried to kill himself by slashing his throat and wrists in a hotel bathroom after stealing £645,000 from a top corporate solicitor's firm - blowing it all gambling online - was jailed for fifteen months yesterday.

Property investments administrator Alan Michael Clarke, 47, of Delamere Road, Ealing was employed by City firm MacFarlanes for twenty-four years and was in charge of their clients' commercial property portfolio.

He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to four counts of theft by an employee relating to sums of £13,906; £6,000; £16,382 and £18,488 on various dates between March 1, 2002 and July 10, 2006.

Clarke also pleaded guilty to six further counts of fraud by abuse of position in relation to £37,846; £61,207; £204,848; £200,290; £66,757 and £19,475 on various dates between January 15, 2007 and February 10, this year.

During a nine-year scam he forged multiple invoices for non-existent work on the properties - often asbestos removal - and diverted clients payments straight to his credit card, which was linked to a Paddy Power account.

However, after being caught and suspended by the partners on February 10 the married father-of-two wandered the streets of West London looking for a hotel room where he could kill himself.

"He lost over one million pounds to the bookmakers and the gambling was a secret from his wife and the credit card he used was set up at his parents address so she would not know," said Mr. Hugh Forgan, defending.

"The money was to feed his addiction and increased year on year, peaking at the time of his arrest at two hundred thousand a year."

Clarke removed his mobile's sim card so he could not be contacted, bought a knife and booked a room above a pub, where his unconscious blood-soaked body was found the next morning in the bathroom, jammed shut with a chair.

He had deep lacerations to his neck, both wrists and abdominal wall and spent a week in two different hospitals.

"He had severe damage to his tendons, arteries and the nerves in his wrists," added Mr. Forgan. "He has made a good recovery and on the mental health side a remarkably good recovery."

Prosecutor Mr. Philip McGhee told the court: "The defendant was a non-qualified legal executive on a salary of fifty-five thousand pounds a year.

"One feature of his duties was overseeing the expenditure in relation to these properties and he was also the company secretary to many of these corporate clients.

"What the defendant did was create false invoices for non-existent works on the properties, which purported to come from legitimate companies.

"The monies found their way into an account controlled by the defendant and he reserved the process of such invoices to himself, preventing other employees processing them.

"Some of the invoices also purported to be from an non-existent firm of chartered accountants called CJ Clarke, which the defendant controlled."

A total of £645,202 was stolen by Clarke, who has repaid the firm £477,304, by re-mortgaging his share of the marital home for £150,000; selling his Renault for £15,000; giving-up his £172,000 pension and raising further money when his parents re-mortgaged their home for £125,000.

The remainder was made up with his unclaimed wages, shares and savings, leaving him broke and claiming Jobseekers Allowance while living with his mum and dad.

"It came to light following suspicions aroused by some invoices, which triggered an internal investigation," explained Mr. McGhee.

His wife attended court, but now shares the matrimonial home with the couple's daughters aged 16 and 17, who are studying A levels.

The Recorder of London Peter Beaumont, impressed by Clarke re-qualifying as an electrician told him: "Your dishonesty was prolonged, it was in breach of trust and obtained by you to gamble huge sums of money.

"You have sorted yourself out physically and mentally and equipped yourself for a future. You have lost everything and done your best to find it again."

MacFarlanes, of Cursitor Street, Chancery Lane reportedly achieved total revenues of £92.4m last year and has been described as forming part of an elite London-based group of firms called the 'Silver Circle.'

Burglar Posed As City Worker In Audacious Raids

A prolific burglar, who donned a suit and carried a laptop bag as he raided offices all over the Square Mile, has been jailed for three years.

Londoner Delroy Martin, 44, (pictured) admitted a total of 31 burglaries and 5 thefts at twenty-nine offices in the City of London – targeting employees laptops and other personal belongings worth thousands of pounds.

He was a master of tricking his way into offices and passing himself off as just another employee.

Detective Constable Sukina Turner said: “Martin was a career burglar who stole laptops and office workers’ personal belongings to fund his drug habit.

“He now faces three years behind bars, which should send out a clear message to burglars of the fate that awaits them.

“Martin’s crimes should also serve as a reminder to office security managers and workers not to presume that because someone is in a suit they have a right to be in your workplace and to check people have appropriate identity documents.”

Martin pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to nine burglaries and one theft and asked for another twenty-two burglaries and four thefts to be taken into consideration.

Fatal Stabbing Probe: Do You Know These Suspects?

Police have released these CCTV images of two young suspects they wish to quiz concerning the fatal stabbing of a teenager at an East London party.

Kelvin Chibueze, 17, was attending a private party near Fitness First gym, Ilford High Road, Ilford on August 15 and was fatally wounded at around 4.00am.

The first suspect was filmed inside a nearby Costcutters store and is described as black, around 20 years old, between 5ft8in and 5ft10in in height, of heavy build, with short dark hair.

He was smartly dressed in a blue jacket, tan-coloured trousers, blue jumper with white stripes and dark-coloured trainers with white edging.



The second man was captured outside the same Costcutter store and is described as black, aged in his early 20s, between 5ft8in and 5ft10in tall, of slim build with short dark hair.

He wore a grey hooded top with light-coloured trousers and trainers.



Kelvin was found collapsed at the scene having suffered stab wounds and was rushed to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, but died from his injuries later that day at 1:00pm.



A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.



Officers would now urge anyone who can identify the two men in the CCTV images to contact the Incident Room on 020 8345 3985.

Summer Riots: Arson Suspects Hunted By Police

Police are hunting these two arson suspects – wanted for questioning about a fire during last summer’s riots that destroyed a West London shop and the four residential flats above.

The CCTV images have been released in the hope the alleged rioters can be identified.

A store called The Ealing Green Local, The Green, Ealing was broken into and deliberately set ablaze at 11.00pm on August 8.

The building suffered severe fire damage along with the flats above and neighbouring properties also sustained significant water damage as the fire brigade tried to bring the flames under control.

The first man is described as white, wearing a distinctive hooded top with the letters GSRD across the front. 



The second man is described as black, wearing a black jacket with a grey hooded top underneath.



Detective Sergeant Ewan Robertson said: “This mindless act has ruined people’s livelihoods and homes, but it could easily have resulted in the loss of their lives.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the men in these CCTV images to speak to police or contact Crimestoppers in the strictest of confidence.”



Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8785 8580 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ex Scout Paedophile Jailed For Old Sex Abuse

An ex-Scout volunteer, whose sex attacks on young boys remained a secret for up to forty years, has been jailed after three victims eventually exposed his seedy past.

Keith David Cutler, 57, (pictured) of Knowles Close, West Drayton, Middlesex received four years at Harrow Crown Court and was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

He pleaded guilty to ten counts of indecent assault committed between 1971 and 1980 and two counts of possessing indecent photos of children, relating to stashes of 238 and 45 images.

Detective Constable David Gill of the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Command said: “This is a historic case going back thirty years.

“For a period of nine years, Keith Cutler used his position of trust to abuse vulnerable boys during their childhood and adolescence.



“The victims in this case have suffered unimaginably for many years. I would like to pay tribute to their immense courage in coming forward, and their overwhelming bravery throughout this investigation. 



“We take all allegations of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously regardless of the circumstances and how long ago the offences took place.

“I would also like take this opportunity to appeal to any further victims of Keith Cutler or any rape and sexual assault, to contact police.

“All calls will be treated confidentially. We will ensure that victims receive the maximum support possible and be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.”


On March 19, last year police were contacted by a man in his 40’s to report he had been sexually assaulted as a boy for five years by Cutler.

On one occasion, the victim had been sexually assaulted by Cutler whilst away on a Scouts camping trip.



The defendant was arrested on May 15 and interviewed by police, who also searched his home and found 238 child sex images.

The second victim came forward, resulting in Cutler’s arrest again and another search found 45 images.

He was charged and media publicity prompted the third victim to report Cutler’s abuse.

Cheeky Liar's $10,000 Lost Cash Claim

A fraudster has admitted trying to convince police over $10,000 cash found by a train cleaner was his.

Phillip Cragg, 30, of Kittiwake House, High Street, Slough was tipped-off to the potential claim by a First Great Western Railway employee, but his inconsistent account quickly alerted police.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to commit fraud by false representation, namely claiming the $10,300 cash was his at Paddington Station on June 16 and was bailed until November 14 for probation reports.

City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard a cleaner handed in the lost money, found on a stationary train, to a police community support officer at Paddington Station (pictured) on June 9.

British Transport Police (BTP) deposited the cash in a Barclays Bank lost property account.

On June 16 the defendant telephoned BTP in Birmingham, claiming he had left the cash behind on a Maidenhead to Paddington train.

“The operator advised him that he should contact Paddington Station lost property office and was told he would have to provide proof of ownership,” said prosecutor Miss Rav Chodha.

“The defendant then called back later, saying he had negative feedback from lost property, and arrangements were made to discuss matters with BTP at Paddington.

“The defendant attended to claim the money, but due to the large amount involved and inconsistencies in his account it was decided he should return the following day with proof of ownership.”

Cragg failed to attend the second meeting and was arrested during a dawn raid at his home on June 23.

“The defendant fully admitted the offence, saying he received a call from a friend who worked for First Great Western that ten thousand dollars had been found at Paddington Station,” added Miss Chodha.

“He admitted the conspired to unlawfully claim the lost money, which they planned to split fifty fifty.

“The defendant said he had to do it because his friend was a member of the railway staff.”

Bogus Marriage Mum-Of-Three Jailed

A Ghanaian student, jailed for a bogus marriage scam, will almost certainly be allowed to remain in the UK under the Human Rights Act after having three children with at least two different men.

Lawrencia Mintah, 32, of Dovehouse Mead, Barking, supported her fraudulent application with forged British Gas bills and wage slips, purporting to show she lived with her new husband.

She was jailed for nine months at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) on yesterday along with jobless security guard Joseph Brown, 30, of Powis Square, Notting Hill, who received the same sentence.

"She became desperate to stay in this country and she accepts this was a sham marriage," her lawyer Miss Tanya Murshed told the court.

"She did not know she has a good chance, based on her daughter being a British citizen, of regularising her stay and obtaining leave to remain.

"She has found the whole thing extremely traumatic and regrets her actions."

No deportation order has been served on Mintah, who was facing the prospect of a seven-year sentence. Brown could have received fourteen years.

Mintah pleaded guilty to obtaining leave to remain in the UK by deception and perjury, namely falsely naming her new husband as the father of her second child so the one year-old could get British citizenship.

Brown pleaded guilty to assisting unlawful immigration.

Prosecutor Miss Joanna Burdett said Mintah entered the UK on October 12, 2004 to study for a nursing diploma and successfully extended her visa in 2005 and 2007.

It was due to expire in May, 2008 and the defendants married on February 12 that year, with Mintah applying for leave to permanently remain based on her marriage to a British citizen.

Meanwhile, she was living with a fellow Ghanaian illegal immigrant and Brown with his girlfriend of ten years and their four year-old son.

On May 19, last year Mintah submitted five forged British Gas bills in support of her application, which falsely showed the couple living at the same address coupled with bogus wage slips from Brown's employer.

The UK Border Agency also discovered Mintah, on September 27, last year falsely named Brown as the father of her second child at Islington Registry Office.

She also had a six year-old daughter and five week-old son.

"Brown said he did it as a favour for Mintah and said there was no financial gain," explained Miss Burdett.

"Mintah claimed she fell in love with Brown and lied that he was the father so her daughter could have British citizenship."

Brown's lawyer Mr. James Murray-Smith said: "He was asked to do this, knowing her for six months, feeling he was being helpful to someone who needed assistance.

"There was no financial gain and after turning up and getting married he returned to his family. At the time he did not think he was doing anything wrong."

Judge Ruth Downing told the pair: "You have sought to undermine, subvert and avoid legitimate controls in this country. To enter into a sham marriage is a most serious offence.

"You, Brown, willingly went to the registry office and pretended to be entering into a legitimate marriage.

"You, Mintah, obtained false documentation to show you lived with Brown and maintained that fictitious account when interviewed."

Ex Slapped During Violent Domestic

A violent ex, who slapped the mother of his ten year-old son while the boy was in the flat, will learn his fate on November 14 after magistrates bailed him for probation reports.

Roger Robinson, 31, of Tortington House, Friary Estate, Peckham pleaded guilty to assaulting Tizita Getachew at her home in Fermoy Road, Maida Vale (pictured) on September 27.

Prosecutor Miss Rav Chodha told City of Westminster Magistrates' Court Robinson had just collected the boy from his school, but refused to leave his ex-girlfriend's flat after dropping him off.

The row escalated and was so loud a neighbour started shouting through the front door they would call the police and the victim also tried to call 999 on her mobile.

"With his open palm he struck Miss Getachew on the cheek and she later described it as feeling as if her face was burning and was in great pain," explained Miss Chodha.

Robinson, who was shouting and swearing throughout the attack, eventually fled after learning the police were coming and his ex noticed two of her mobile phones were missing.

The couple had only stayed together for a month after the birth of their son.

The defendant admits he lost his temper, claiming he was struck on the back first.

Jewellery Thief's Wife Tried To Flush Away Valuables

A thieving courier driver's wife tried to flush valuable jewellery he stole down the toilet during a surprise police raid.

Driver Yousef Tanout, 38, of Rattray Road, Brixton helped himself to the jewellery when returning it to the supplier from a magazine.

He pleaded guilty at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court to stealing £1,245 worth of jewellery from Pandora on June 21.

Prosecutor Miss Rav Chodha told the court City Sprint courier Tanout found the offices of Pandora were closed at 6.10pm when delivering the jewellery from National Magazine.

The valuables were stored overnight in a supervisor's desk at the magazine, but when checked the following day it was clear jewellery had been stolen.

On October 14 police raided the defendant's home and caught his wife in the bathroom trying to flush jewellery down the toilet.

A stolen necklace and two rings were found in the bedroom.

Tanout was bailed until November 3 for probation reports.

Child Pervert's Sick Internet Hoard

A convicted child sex offender, who was caught driving an under-age boy home from a skate park in the middle of the night, had up to 1.5 million indecent images on his computer when police searched his home.

Paedophile Paul Pelletier, 64, of Stanhope Road, Beckenham breached his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) by having unsupervised contact with the youngster and was jailed for nine months.

At Croydon Crown Court (pictured) last Friday Pelletier, since freed from that sentence, was given a twelve-month community order after pleading guilty to twelve counts of possessing indecent images.

The court heard police seized a computer tower and separate hard drive from his address and after identifying 46,772 child sex images decided not to investigate the remaining files.

“The hard drive had significantly more images on it and the total number of files was one –and-a-half million, but only some were examined,” said prosecutor Mr. Frederick Ferguson.

The twelve sample counts Pelletier admitted included boys under ten years old engaging in oral and anal sex, plus mutual masturbation.

One scene involved a five year-old boy with an adult male and other images included boys aged approximately fourteen to seventeen engaged in a variety of sexual activity.

A total of fifty moving images were found and the remainder were still images, with 355 of them at Level Four – the second highest category of obscenity.

In February 2005 Pelletier was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment for similar offences and made subject to the SOPO, which he breached when driving the young boy to the skate park and back home again to his mother.

Judge Ruth Downing told the online music memorabilia trader: “You pleaded guilty to looking at indecent images of young boys participating in sexual activity amongst themselves and to some extent with adults.

“I would hesitate to venture an opinion as to whether that means you wish to have sex with young boys or by looking at photos you somehow deal with that desire.

“There is not a shred of evidence you have approached young boys for sex, but that does not mean I do not understand the genuine fears there are that people can worm their way into other peoples families.

“You did take a young lad off to a skateboard park in the middle of the night and that was a foolish thing to do, but there is no evidence of any sexual motivation at that time.”

As a condition of his community order Pelletier was ordered to attend a community sex offenders group work programme and he must sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

A new five-year SOPO was made prohibiting the defendant from communicating with a child aged under sixteen via the internet or telephone; ordering him to notify the police of his vehicle’s registration and only use the internet for lawful recreation.

Cancer Patient's Cannabis Conviction

A Slough cancer survivor who claims his cannabis smoking is beneficial to his health and “doesn’t hurt anyone” was fined £50, with £100 costs yesterday.

Terry Anthony Munt, 26, of Wavell Gardens, who currently lives with his parents and receives £105 per week incapacity benefit, was arrested during a night out in London’s West End.

He pleaded guilty at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court to possessing a small quantity of herbal cannabis in Edgware Road (pictured) on October 14.

The court heard it was 9:15pm when officers stopped a Peugeot car and searched Munt, who was a front-seat passenger.

Nothing was found on him, but under his seat officers found a small black wrap of herbal cannabis on a small tray, which the defendant admitted buying for £10 for his personal use.

“I take it for my health. I do it now and again,” Munt told the court. “It doesn’t hurt anyone.

“I had testicular cancer and now I am in remission.”

Arms Dealer Continues Extradition Battle

An Eastcote arms dealer, wanted in the United States for smuggling weapons, told an extradition hearing on today: “I am a human being and do not deserve to be torn away from my family to some federal penitentiary for the rest of my life.”

Father-of-two Guy Denon Savage, 42, of Daymer Gardens, told District Judge Nicholas Evans at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “The court should show the same deference and dignity for my life as you hold your own.

“What is the point in human rights if they cannot be exercised.”

Savage – ex-boss of Northolt weapons manufacturer Sabre Defence Industries – is accused of breaching licence restrictions placed upon the export of weapons including M16 assault rifles and gun paraphernalia.

The United States government are seeking to extradite Savage for trial and he will learn his fate on November 30 when District Judge Evans will give his written ruling.

Representing himself during the all-day hearing Savage challenged the extradition on multiple grounds including medical, lawfulness and that it was a breach of his human rights, including the right to family life.

“The United States have failed to show there is a case and if there is no case in the USA there is no case for extradition,” added Savage, who failed to have the entire hearing adjourned to pursue a High Court appeal.

“I have been denied every opportunity for fairness in these proceedings,” he added.

“I have not been asked a single question about the indictment except after I had been shot at, beaten up, had the stuffing knocked out of me and asked if I consented to these proceedings. My answer was: ‘No’.”

Savage constantly clashed with District Judge Evans after his request for another adjournment was refused.

“You are very nearly in contempt of court. Please move on,” asked the judge. “I have made the ruling you can appeal it later.”

When asked by the defendant if he stood by his oath of office District Judge Evans told Savage: “I find the question impertinent. Let’s move on.”

Savage has made a Habeus Corpus application in the USA and served a writ on the US government, but the court refused to hear further details.

Savage complained: “You will not allow me to proceed properly. These matters will be passed to the High Court. All I have asked is for the court to recognises statutes it is obliged to under law.”

He also complained about the costs of bringing professional witnesses to give evidence on his behalf. “Justice is only available in the court if I am able to pay for it.

“I am not a lawyer, I am a free man trying to exercise my rights here,” added Savage. “This is a vindictive prosecution on behalf of the US authorities.

“They want to prosecute me because it is in their financial interests to do so.”

He told the court the two things that stopped him committing suicide after his arrest was the fact it was his father’s birthday and the prospect of leaving his two daughters fatherless.

Savage handed in a 140-page and 70-page argument objecting to his extradition to the court along with a confidential medical report by Dr. Susan Thompson on mental health grounds.

Mr. Peter Caldwell, representing the US government, challenged Savage’s application on medical grounds.

“The government’s view of that report is that it’s conclusion is not one that the government readily accepts.”

Steel Pipe Sales Boss Dodges Jail For £640K VAT Scam

A sales manager with a steel pipe company - who cheated the taxman out of £640,000 by smuggling cheap Chinese-manufactured parts - has dodged prison with a suspended sentence.

Michael Kirk, 42, of Middlecot Close, Orrell, Wigan played a key role in providing paperwork, which supported the scam, masterminded by his ex-boss who has fled the country.

"You were very much the first port of call for the dishonest information provided to Customs and Excise," Croydon Crown Court Recorder Phillip Sapsford QC told first-time offender Kirk.

"Your firm gained an unfair advantage over those who complied with the rules," he added, sentencing the defendant to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for a year, and ordering him to perform 100 hours community service.

Kirk pleaded guilty to being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of duty payable on goods said to be from Japan between January 1, 2003 and July 31, 2006 and goods said to be from India between February 1, 2006 and January 31, 2008.

The parts were subject to a 58.6% tax - nicknamed 'anti-dumping duty' - imposed to thwart importers unfairly undercutting rivals within the EU.

The company, Ashby Scott Ltd. of Unit A, Shell Green Estate, Gorsey Industrial Estate, Widnes was convicted on the same two counts.

Company director John Sutton, 64, of Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton, Devon and Park Farm House, Newton St. Margarets, Hereford was also found guilty in his absence.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest and he is believed to be hiding somewhere in Canada.

Kirk's lawyer Mr. Graham Robinson told the court: "He is a hardworking man and before he foolishly got himself involved in this, a thoroughly decent man."

Kirk is now a 25% shareholder in Ashby Scott Manufacturing Ltd. - netting £2,300 per month and with £2,200 monthly out-goings.

His only real asset is the family home he shares with his wife and 15 year-old daughter.

"Mr. Kirk as an employee received no direct benefit," added Mr. Robinson. "He was persuaded by Mr. Sutton that the tax would be paid.

"Unfortunately there were problems in Mr. Sutton's markets, particularly Iran, that resulted in the disappearance of his markets. Everybody's understanding was that Mr, Sutton, through his companies, was going to pay."

A total of £175,000 tax has now been paid.

"It was as a result of your information that the customs tariffs were completed and the duty evaded," Recorder Sapsford told Kirk.

"However, in certain circumstances you always deferred to Mr. Sutton and you were let down by the company and Mr. Sutton."

Kirk was also fined £10,000 with the alternative of six months' imprisonment and was ordered to pay £10,000 costs within three years.

The sentencing of Sutton and the company was adjourned until December 12.

At the start of the trial prosecutor Mr. Julian Christopher QC told the jury: "It's about smuggling. Smuggling comes in all shapes and sizes and one type is the smuggling of Chinese pipe fittings."

To protect European manufacturers the European Commission agreed to impose the tax on carbon steel imports from China.

"The country outside the EU is dumping its products at an artificial price into the EU," said the QC.

The court was told between 2003 and 2008 Ashby Scott Ltd. avoided over £640,000 duty in relation to thirty-one importation's the defendants claimed had come from Japan and India.

"None of that was paid because the pipe fittings were not sent directly from China, but from Japan and later from India," added Mr. Christopher. "The anti-dumping duty ought to have been paid.

The parts were bought from APCO a Chinese/British venture involving a UK company called TFF International - of which Sutton was the managing director and nominated legal representative.

His company had invested $150,000 US into APCO and the Chinese $350,000 US and TFF agreed to handle all the marketing and imports and exports.

The parts were shipped from Dalian, China to Osaka, Japan then immediately re-shipped to Felixstowe and delivered to Ashby Scott Ltd.