Accountant Jailed For Fleecing Firm

A trusted accountant, who stole nearly £150,000 from a firm of chartered surveyors he "mercilessly exploited," was jailed of three years today.

Father-of-four Ian Lodwick, 55, of Station House, Askenham Road, Westcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire will now be pursued for the money he stole over four years under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He was employed by Isleworth firm Michael Richards & Co. from 2000 until he left amicably in January 2010, but financial discrepancies were discovered by a new firm of accountants when they carried out an audit.

"He has just spent two weeks accusing the partners of telling a pack of lies. There is no remorse or regret at all," said Isleworth Crown Court (pictured) Judge Robin Johnson.

"The kindest thing to say is that he is in a state of irrational denial.

"They treated him as a colleague and friend and when he was caught he threw it all back in their faces."

Lodwick told the jury the partners knew he took the money as a pay rise, but agreed with him to keep it secret from other members of staff.

He was in full control of the company's banks accounts, knew all the online passwords and kept the firm's chequebook in his desk.

"It is you who has placed your family in this terrible position," Judge Johnson told the first-time offender. "Over four years of dishonesty you took nearly one hundred and fifty thousand pounds as a minimum.

"The case against you was overwhelming and the two partners in the company had placed complete trust in you and you mercilessly exploited that trust.

"You did all you could to cover your offending. This was theft by a person in breach of a high degree of trust.

"You have brought catastrophe on your own family and prison is a disaster for them and you."

Michael Richards & Co also pursued a successful civil claim against Lodwick and a charge has been placed on the family home, which has equity of £100,000.

"The Crown will initiate confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act," prosecutor Mr. Tyrone Silcott told the court.

Lodwick's lawyer Mr. Andrew Morris said: "He knows he is facing custody, having lost his good character.

"Up until now his character has never been questioned. He will never be allowed to work again in the profession he has been employed in almost his entire working life.

"He had led a law-abiding life and the shock of the prison door closing behind him will be dramatic for him."

The defendant also has credit card debts of £25,000, run up to support his family while he was not working.

"He had been taking high doses of anti-depressants and sometimes was unable to move all day," added Mr. Morris. "The money cannot be paid back because he does not have it."

Accountants Glazers completed an audit after the defendant's departure and after discovering a £43,000 shortfall invited Lodwick in to explain.

"He said in that meeting he had received unauthorised payments and that his wife was spending a lot of money and was suffering post-natal depression," explained Mr. Silcott.

Lodwick was found guilty of stealing £43,023; £11,975; £24,505; £11,748; £30,676 and £13,777 on various dates between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2010.

He was also convicted of defrauding the company's partners out of fifteen cheques, totalling over £30,000 between April 1, 2006 and February 28, 2010.

Teen Stabbed One-Night-Stand To Death While On The Phone To His Ex

A merciless killer, who subjected a mum-of-three he picked-up in a pub to a “sustained and brutal attack” over five terrifying hours as she begged for her life, was caged today.

Reece Ludlow, 20, stabbed Louisa Brannan, 35, a total of twenty-five times with two kitchen knives and battered her about the head with a frying pan at his mother's flat.

Ludlow, of Oakwood Court, Benhill Wood Road, Sutton pleaded guilty halfway through his trial to murdering the Huddersfield woman, formerly of Water Street, Springwood.

Sentencing him to life imprisonment, with a 17-year minimum, Woolwich Crown Court Judge Nicholas Hilliard told the defendant: “Your victim was naked, defenceless and in unfamiliar surroundings when you made a sustained and brutal attack.

“She asked you to stop, but you did not. You cut her jugular vein with a knife and hit her with a frying pan.

“She did not die straight away and was at your mercy for five hours, naked and terrified, but you showed her no mercy.”

Ludlow, who was subject to a Youth Rehabilitation Order for two muggings and was 18 year-old at the time, claimed the victim insulted him, his family and ex-girlfriend in the bedroom, which “triggered” the attack.

However, this was rejected by the judge, who during the trial heard evidence from Ludlow's ex, Fon Promsan, 19, who was called several times by the defendant as Louisa was fighting for her life.

“You further indulged your feelings of pity in several phone conversations,” he added. “She was heard to scream and ask for help and you were heard to abuse her and tell her to get up.

“You had several hours to show her one ounce of compassion and you chose not to. You are extremely dangerous when thwarted.”

Louisa had just moved in with her father in Mitcham to support her dying sister, Kayleigh, 22, who had a brain tumour and met Ludlow for the first time at the local Kings Arms pub, on March 14, last year.

He was heard to describe her as “hot” and say: “I'd like to give her one.”

Louisa's eldest daughter Ebony, 16, suffered a stroke after hearing of her mother's murder and was confined to a wheelchair for some time, but struggled on crutches to give a tribute at the funeral.

She also leaves behind son Jack, 10, and a younger daughter Gemima.

“She was only thirty-five when she was unfortunate enough to cross your path and die at your hands,” Judge Hilliard told Ludlow, as over a dozen members's of Louisa's family packed the public gallery.

“She did not abuse your mother racially or otherwise or abuse your girlfriend. You invented that as something that could start to explain why you reacted with such extreme violence.

“You were an enthusiastic participant in sexual activity with Louisa Brennan,” added the judge. “You became angry when you did not receive the comfort from her that you sought.”

Louisa was later found by the emergency services dead in the bath of her date’s blood-splattered flat with multiple knife wounds.

Ludlow had originally denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but changed his plea after his psychiatrist decided he could no longer support such a defence.

He first called his ex, who had dumped him because of his violent tendencies, at 3am, confessing to the stabbing and saying: “She’s in the kitchen and there’s blood everywhere.”

Louisa was still fighting for her life during the phone calls and Ludlow’s ex heard her begging for help and saying: “I’m dying”.

There was blood all over the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and officers seized a frying pan – which Ludlow had struck the victim with – which had traces of blood and hair and a bloody knife was found in the kitchen and another blade on the floor.

A pathologist confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and found evidence of a blow on the side of Louisa’s head.

Ludlow was arrested six days later, drunk on a train at Victoria Station, but refused to answer questions when quizzed by police.

In a moving victim impact statement Louisa's mother, Anita Brannan, described her daughter as a “kind, generous, loving, person” whose death had “ripped the family apart.”

Louisa had spent her final days at her father Dave's home in Mitcham. “The pain, anger and sorrow are eating him up every day,” the court heard.

“Every minute of every day we have to live with the horrific final moments of Louisa's life,” added her mother.

Prosecutor Mr. Adrian Derbyshire QC said: “The aggravating feature here is there must have been mental or physical suffering inflicted on the victim prior to her death.”

Ludlow's lawyer Mr. James Scobie QC told the court his client had behavioural difficulties since the age of five and found himself living alone as a teenager, drinking heavily and cutting himself.

EastEnders' Star's Cocaine Shame

Former EastEnders star Leanne Lakey - who played Belinda Peacock in the BBC soap - tested positive for cocaine after she was arrested on suspicion of stealing £6,500 from the pub who took her on as a manageress.

This fact was kept from the jury who tried and acquitted her last week - after she told them the missing cash was due to the pub's shambolic accounting practises rather than any dishonesty by her.

"The reasonable inference is this defendant stole the money to finance an expensive habit," prosecutor Mr. Rupert Kent told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. "She tested positive at the police station after her arrest."

White powder was also found on an Oyster card and a CD case and Lakey's boyfriend was recently convicted of serious cocaine offences, but these facts were not revealed to the jury, along with her alleged confession to using the drug on the premises.

Lakey, 34, of Tindal Street, Chelmsford denied and was found not guilty of stealing the reduced figure of £3,894 from the Royal Standard pub, Ballantine Street, Wandsworth between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

"This defendant stole that amount of money," Mr. Kent told the jury. "However, you will be asked to consider whether this was through mismanagement.

"The prosecution case is the only conclusion is this defendant had her hand in the till. That is the explanation as to where all this money went."

Lakey, who was described by her boss Ian Harrison as a "resting actress" was given grace and favour accommodation above the pub, made a partner in the company and paid £250 per week wages.

"She was carefully trained as to how to manage the public house," explained Mr. Kent.

On June 22, 2010 her two bosses realised something was wrong. "They were unable to contact the defendant at the pub and found a number of problems."

An audit revealed an initial shortfall of £6,500.

Lakey eventually sat down with her bosses on August 7. "This defendant failed to account for the six and a half thousand pounds of missing money and she was dismissed from her employment."

Three days later she was arrested by police and declined to answer any questions.

Once expenses incurred by Lakey were taken into account the shortfall was reduced to £3,894. "The Crown's case is that this defendant stole this money," added Mr. Kent.

Will Rookie Olympic Gun Cops Be Backed-Up By The French?

An experienced police firearms officer has revealed the two-week compulsory course, which all officers must complete, is being squeezed into two days due to Olympic pressures.

We also face the prospect of armed French police on the streets of the capital to make up the numbers of required firearms officers on duty during the games.

Authorised Firearms Officers must complete a basic two-week course in the Glock 17 self-loading pistol and the Heckler and Koch 9mm handgun.

"The public has been placed in a heightened state of danger," warned the Met PC. "I'd rather have the copper with the training and no gun than the gun and no training.

"If he has to draw that weapon there is the potential for innocent bystanders to be placed in greater danger."

So far the Metropolitan Police have failed to answer questions regarding firearms training for the Olympics and whether French police have been requested to cover the shortfall of qualified officers.

"Most of the officers on call are going to be ill-trained bobbies who know nothing about guns or the powers they have to use that weapon."

The two-week course involves exercises covering the use of firearms in simulated real-life situations and the appropriate use of force in challenging circumstances.

Also covered is the knowledge and extent of police powers and legislation.

"They did not have the time four years ago, because of the volume of officers they had to push through, to stick to the usual two-week course," added the officer.

"We are talking about being short by a thousand to cover this event. Remember, there are only five thousand Authorised Firearms Officers in the whole country.

Police officers have come under pressure to undertake armed Olympic duty.

"You cannot simply rely on volunteers for this, there would not be enough coming forward. A lot of officers do not want to carry guns, it is a big ask.

"This is all last minute, they are handing out guns like sweets and hoping to God nothing happens.

"It is a late dash to come up with the numbers and come the Olympics we are going to have French armed officers on the streets."

The two-day course is hopelessly inadequate to properly train the Olympic firearms team, added the PC.

"These guys are just going to be crowd-pleasers. They probably won't even be able to get the guns out of the holsters, they simply have not had the time to practise this."

Teen Facing Lengthy Sentence For Stabbing Man To Death

Hitchin teenager Jordan Kelly-Flattery was yesterday convicted of the manslaughter of a partially-sighted party guest and was told he faces a "substantial" custodial sentence.

The 19 year-old, of West Close was found not guilty of murdering Stondon man Graham 'Snowy' Snowden, 36, (pic.bottom) at a house in Milestone Road, Hitchin in the early hours of January 8.

However, the Croydon Crown Court jury found him guilty by a majority of 11-1 of unlawfully killing Mr. Snowden, who suffered a stab wound to his left and arm and a fatal wound to his chest, severing his aorta.

Kelly-Flattery, (pic.top) who has a previous conviction for carrying a knife, now faces a possible minimum mandatory sentence for public protection if he is deemed a dangerous offender.

"He tells me he does not want to adjourn for a pre-sentence report. He simply want to know his fate as soon as possible," said Mr. Alan Kent QC.

The Recorder of Croydon Warwick Mckinnon, disagreed, remanding Kelly-Flattery in custody until August 10 and announcing: "I think it is absolutely essential.

"I am particularly concerned about the previous carrying of a knife and the issue of dangerousness must be addressed by the probation service.

"An inevitable substantial custodial sentence is necessary."

The only emotions revealed in the packed courtroom were the odd sigh of relief from the defendant's family and friends as the not guilty verdict to murder was announced.

As the jury assembled the knife, which killed Mr. Snowden, was placed on a court bench directly in front of his family and had to be removed to spare further anguish.

It can now also be revealed for the first time that Kelly-Flattery's brother is serving a life sentence for murder.

During the two-week trial the court heard that Mr. Snowden, enjoying a rare night out, ended up at the address after his drinking-pal Shane Howard brought him there.

Mr. Snowden, who used a walking-stick after a serious car crash several years ago, had difficulty rising from the sofa and was twice pushed back down by the defendant, which sparked a row between the pair.

He was stabbed in the hallway by Kelly-Flattery, who told the jury he was acting in self-defence after Mr. Snowden pulled the knife from his waistband and it dropped to the floor.

The defendant fled via the living-room window, dumped the knife in a wheelie bin in Westmill Road, and with the help of a friend hid his clothing on the edge of Brocket Hall Golf Course.

Robbers Worked On Story After Victim's Train Death Jury Told

Two alleged phone muggers, accused of chasing their terrified victim into the path of a 100mph express train, conspired in the back of a police van to concoct a convincing story, a jury has been told.

Dominic Morris, 19,of Leavesden Road, Watford and a 16 year-old Harrow youth have pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of apprentice electrician Lewis Ghessen, 22, at Harrow & Wealdstone station on September 25, last year.

They also deny, at Isleworth Crown Court, to attempting to rob the Paddington man of an iPhone and Blackberry.

First the jury were given more details of Mr. Ghessen's (pictured) desperate final 999 call as he dashed along the platform and jumped onto the live tracks.

"I'm getting chased, I'm getting chased," he told the operator. "I'm being chased down the railway tracks. I'm at Harrow and Wealdstone, I'm fucked, I think they will fuck me up.

"I'm being chased by fucking mad guys. I don't want to lose my fucking life. I'm walking on the tracks so I don't get robbed.

"I told them on the bus I support Tottenham and they told me they supported Arsenal and said: 'We're going to fuck you up.'

"My God, there's a train coming. Oh my God, oh my God.

"I nearly got hit by a train, my mother's life.

"I don't want to get robbed, this is dangerous. They don't dare come on the tracks. I can hear them coming after me."

Mr. Ghessen was then fatally struck as he called a friend by a Virgin express train travelling from Euston to Preston, Lancashire.

Both defendants were identified on CCTV and arrested at their respective homes on October 11, with the youth asking police: "What evidence have you got on me?"

They refused to answer questions during interviews, but were recorded in the rear of a police van.

"They made a number of significant comments," said Prosecutor Mr. Julian Evans. "The prosecution say, in effect, they were talking about presenting an account denying they even went into the railway station.

"There were discussions about the man being drunk and that they heard him say he was going to commit suicide.

One recorded comment was: "We want to make sure the story is one hundred per cent perfect."

Trial continues………

Young Date Stabs Mum-Of-Three To Death

A Huddersfield mother-of-three, who tried to re-start her life in London, was viciously stabbed to death by a teenager she met in a local pub, a jury has heard.

Louisa Brannan, 35, formerly of Water Street, Springwood was found dead in the bath of her date’s blood-splattered flat with multiple knife wounds.

Reece Ludlow, 20, of Oakwood Court, Benhill Wood Road, Sutton has pleaded not guilty to murdering Louisa at the address on March 14, last year on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Woolwich Crown Court heard Louisa and Ludlow had met for the first time the night before at the Kings Arms pub, Mitcham and returned to his flat.

Prosecutor Mr. Adrian Derbyshire told the jury: “Once they were at the flat there was some kind of sexual contact between them and not long after she was subjected to a brutal attack that led to her death in the flat.”

The defendant called his ex-girlfriend at around 3am, confessing to the stabbing, the court heard.

“He said he had stabbed her with a little black knife and said she was bleeding from the neck, back, arms and legs,” explained Mr. Derbyshire.

“He said: ‘She’s in the kitchen and there’s blood everywhere’.”

Louisa was still fighting for her life during the phone calls and Ludlow’s ex heard her begging for help and saying: ‘I’m dying’.”

The defendant also called his mother, who tipped-off the police, but he had vanished by the time the emergency services arrived at the flat.

There was blood all over the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, where Louisa’s naked body was found in the tub.

Officers seized a frying pan – which Ludlow had probably struck the victim with – which had traces of blood and hair and a bloody knife was found in the kitchen and another blade on the floor.

A pathologist confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and found evidence of a blow on the side of Louisa’s head.

Ludlow was arrested six days later, drunk on a train at Victoria Station, but refused to answer questions when quizzed by police.

Trial continues……….

Fleeing Robbery Victim Killed By Express Train

A terrified young man - desperately trying to flee two teenage mobile phone muggers - was chased onto railway tracks as he dialled 999 and struck by a 100mph express train, a jury were told today.

Apprentice electrician Lewis Ghessen, 22, had run into Harrow and Wealdstone station at 8.40pm and sprinted along the platform, telling the operator he feared for his life and was being pursued by "mad guys," Isleworth Crown Court was told.

Dominic Morris, 19, of Leavesden Road, Watford and a 16 year-old Harrow youth have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and attempting to rob Mr. Ghessen on September 25, last year.

"He ran onto the tracks because he was trying to escape these two defendants, because they were trying to rob him," said prosecutor Mr. Julian Evans.

Mr. Ghessen, from Paddington, (pictured) was already celebrating his twenty-third birthday, which was the next day, and had been drinking and smoking cannabis and had taken ecstasy and amphetamine in the hours before his death.

After celebrating a christening at the Royal British Legion Club, Queens Park, Mr. Ghessen took a rail replacement bus to the station, and during the journey hugged fellow-passengers, tried to kiss girls, talked football with strangers and revealed he had a wrap of white powder.

After leaving the bus he went to a chicken takeaway shop in the nearby high street.

"These defendants had seen the victim in the high street and he was in possession of two mobile phones," explained Mr. Evans. "Having seen these two phones these defendants targeted him and planned to rob him.

"They approached him in the high street and there was some sort of confrontation when they tried to rob him. The victim ran to the station to try and get away and he tried to get into a car stationary at traffic lights.

"He went into the station to avoid getting robbed and these defendants pursued Mr. Ghessen to rob him.

"Mr. Ghessen crawled beneath the ticket barrier that guards access to the station platform and went into the station itself and ran up the stairs to the bridge that provides access to the platforms.

"As he went up the stairs at speed he appears to have stumbled and dropped one of those phones, picked it up, and continued up the stairs and then down to platform six," added Mr. Evans.

"These two defendants went into the same entrance and pursued, followed Mr. Ghessen into the station, not out of concern for his welfare, but because they were trying to rob him.

"These two defendants were acting together, supporting each other. They entered the station thirty seconds after the victim and they both ran up the same stairs Mr. Ghessen had run up, now a little closer behind.

"They looked out of the window that provides a view to the tracks below and having seen him running down platform six they continued their pursuit and ran down the same stairs and platform Mr. Ghessen had been fleeing along."

By now terrified Mr. Ghessen called 999. "During that call he told the operator he was being chased by 'mad guys' and said he did not want to lose his life.

"He said several times he did not want to get robbed and told the operator he nearly got hit by a train and was now on the tracks.

"He called a friend, but this call ended abruptly because he was hit and killed by an express train travelling at approximately one hundred miles per hour.

"That caused the victim severe and serious injuries consistent with a high velocity impact, a glancing blow.

"The prosecution case is that the victim ran onto the railway tracks because he was trying to avoid these two defendants who were trying to rob him, having pursued him up those stairs," added Mr. Evans.

Trial continues……….

"I Did Not Want Any Trouble" Claims Teen Accused Of Murder

A teenager, accused of murdering a partially-sighted car crash victim who was stabbed to death during a late-night row, has told a jury the knife belonged to the deceased, who was the aggressor.

Jordan Kelly-Flattery, 19, of West Close, Hitchin admits stabbing 36 year-old Stondon man Graham 'Snowy' Snowden (pic.bottom) at the house in Milestone Road in the early hours of January 8, but denies murder.

He told Croydon Crown Court a group, including the deceased and his drinking-pal Shane Howard, had gathered at the house.

"It was alright at first. We were all laughing and joking and listening to music," said Kelly-Flattery (pic.top).

"I saw Shane get out a wrap of white powder and the man he was with, Graham, got out a card and they both sniffed it.

"This man, Graham, then tried to stand up and it looked like he was going to fall over so I pushed him back down and said: 'Relax. You're going to fall over'.

"He tried to get up again and I pushed him down again and said: 'You're going to hurt yourself, you're drunk.'

"They both stunk of alcohol and were still drinking.

"He got up, wobbled a bit, and got in my face and said: 'I'm a big man, you can't push me down' and slapped me in the face.

"I was a bit shocked and in fear. I did not want any trouble," explained Jordan-Flattery.

"Shane walked out of the front door and I was pulled into the corridor by Graham. He put his hand out and twice said: 'Are we cool?'

"I put my hand on his hand and said: 'Yes' and as soon as I put my hand on his he punched me to the side of the face and to my stomach, which winded me and I fell to my knees.

"He tried to swing his foot towards me, like a kick, and was struggling to pull something out of his waistband.

"As he did it dropped to the floor and at that point I was scared for my life because I noticed it was kitchen knife.

"The man went for the knife, but I was trying to go for the knife as well because I had a feeling I was going to be stabbed.

"I managed to get my hand on the knife and he came and attacked me again and I pushed him.

"He swung a punch at me and I pushed him again and he fell against the bannister of the stairs.

"I looked at my hand and saw there was blood on it and realised what I had done," added the defendant. "I said: 'I've stabbed him'."

Trial continues………….

Accountant Accused Of Stealing £166K To Bankroll Spendy Wife

An trusted accountant "systematically stole" £166,000 from his employers, claiming he needed the money to fund his post-natal depressed wife's feel-good spending spree, a jury has been told.

Ian Lodwick, 55, of Station House, Askenham Road, Westcott, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire was in full control of the company's banks accounts, knew all the online passwords and kept the firm's chequebook in his desk.

He was employed by Isleworth chartered surveyors Michael Richards & Co. from 2000 until he left amicably in January 2010, but financial discrepancies were discovered by a new firm of accountants when they carried out an audit.

"The Crown say Mr. Lodwick was stealing from his employers, transferring money he was not entitled to to his account and misled the partners of the firm into writing him cheques he was not entitled to," prosecutor Mr. Tyrone Silcott told Isleworth Crown Court (pictured).

"It all went into Mr. Lodwick's or his wife's bank account."

Accountants Glazers completed an audit after the defendant's departure and after discovering a £43,000 shortfall invited Lodwick in to explain.

"He said in that meeting he had received unauthorised payments and that his wife was spending a lot of money and was suffering post-natal depression."

Lodwick denied taking any more, but a probe revealed £166,642 missing from the company's bank account.

"During his time as an accountant with the company Mr. Lodwick was the only person with access to the partnership's number two bank account," explained Mr. Silcott.

"He was the only person who knew the online passwords and money was transferred electronically to other accounts held by himself and his wife.

"It is no more complicated than somebody having their hand in the till."

The jury were told the defendant also tricked the company's two partners into signing cheques payable to himself.

"The allegation is he systematically stole from the company and concealed this by making false entries on the account ledgers and moved money between the ledgers to make it more difficult to trace."

Lodwick had pleaded not guilty to stealing £43,023; £11,975; £24,505; £11,748; £30,676 and £13,777 on various dates between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2010.

He has also pleaded not guilty to defrauding the company's partners out of fifteen cheques, totalling over £30,000 between April 1, 2006 and February 28, 2010.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Dentist Acquitted Of Beating Wife

A dentist, accused of domestic violence, has been found not guilty by a jury of three attacks on his ex-wife - including one, which broke her jaw.

Described as a physically abusive "caveman" during the week-long trial Khalid Faiz, 47, of South Eden Park Road, Beckenham can now put the case behind him.

As well as a criminal conviction he faced being struck off by his profession if found guilty.

The court heard evidence from 44 year-old Hina Yakub, a cargo executive with the Emirates airline, who was screened from the defendant that she was a battered wife who kept up the pretence of a happy marriage, despite the violence inside their suburban home.

Faiz, however, described her to police as "violent and emotionally unstable."

He was found not guilty on two counts of causing actual bodily harm to Hina on March 13 and June 29, 2010 and causing her grievous bodily harm on July 23.

Prodigal Son Returns And Raids Disabled Dad's Accounts

An ex-publishing executive, who ended up back at the family home after his career and relationship fell apart, has been jailed for raiding his disabled pensioner father's bank accounts of £66,000 and similarly taking £1,600 from his new girlfriend.

Andrew David Metcalfe Mitchell, 42, even intercepted his father's bank statements as he recovered from a stroke and hip fracture - scanned, forged and printed them - successfully covering up his year-long theft spree.

The first-time offender, of Kendra Hall Road, South Croydon pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation between October 1, 2009 and November 21, last year, namely using his 69 year-old father Martin Mitchell's bank accounts for his own purpose.

Mitchell (pictured) similarly pleaded guilty to fraud between May 21 and November 21, last year, namely falsely representing he was entitled to make debits to girlfriend Susan Lamey's bank accounts.

Croydon Crown Court heard yesterday that Mitchell, who has a seven year-old daughter, moved back in with his dad at Chestnut Court, Wallington as his "unofficial carer."

On November 20, last year his local HSBC branch contacted Mr. Mitchell snr.

"His account was now emptied and so were his other accounts with the Nationwide and Santander," said prosecutor Mr. Andrew Ramsubhag. "His entire savings of sixty-six thousand pounds had been withdrawn over the course of a year.

"Mr. Mitchell junior had been intercepting his father's bank statements, scanning them into his computer, and altering them to show he was in funds when in fact he was pilfering from them.

"He was making cash withdrawals at ATM's, using his father's cards, and it started as soon as he began living with his father.

"The defendant's girlfriend contacted police and told them she had her cards stolen by the defendant, which were then used to withdraw from her account and purchase a ticket to leave the country and flee to France."

Mitchell was persuaded to return to the UK and gave himself up at Wallington Police Station on November 21, last year.

"He told police he was in debt up to twenty-five thousand pounds, which was a long-term drugs debt to a dealer who had been in prison and then released," explained Mr. Ramsubhag. "The rest was living expenses and buying gifts for his daughter online."

Mitchell's lawyer Mr. Robert Conway told the court: "These offences were truly shameful and disgraceful and nobody knows that more than Mr. Mitchell himself. This is someone who had monetary pressures and took it upon himself to commit this fraud.

"He moved back to provide full care to his father and is somebody who has gone from a successful publishing career to being unemployed."

The court was told recreational drug debts from raves fifteen years earlier were demanded by old acquaintances, resulting in Mitchell also turning to drink.

"This is someone whose life imploded around him and was under increasingly huge financial pressures," said Mr. Conway.

"He has suffered the guilt and shame of this and knows it will hang over him for the rest of his life.

"He has seen these relationships with those closest to him, his father, sister and girlfriend, utterly destroyed.

"He attempted to take his own life. This once successful family man took an overdose and slashed his wrists in December, last year."

Recorder Mukul Chawla QC jailed Mitchell for twelve months, telling him: "You have lost your good character, but more importantly the trust of those that are closest to you and I expect that is a shame that will never leave you.

"You abused the position of trust you had taken on in relation to your father. He was reliant on you to look after him.

"Worse than that is you not only abused that position, but you compounded what you did by falsifying bank statements, which must have left your father with a further sense of betrayal."

Photographer-To-The-Stars Cleared Of Race Assault

A National Portrait Gallery photographer - who has worked with a string of famous politicians and celebrities - was acquitted yesterday of a race-hate attack on a pregnant hajib-wearing mum during a supermarket check-out row.

Celebrated portrait photographer Cinnamon Heathcote Drury, 41, of Holland Road, West Kensington pleaded not guilty to the racially aggravated assault of Mounia Hamoumi in Tesco's, Warwick Road, on November 30, last year.

It took the Isleworth Crown Court jury only fifteen minutes to unanimously find her not guilty after a four-day trial.

Hathcote Drury told the court she was the victim of an assault by the alleged victim and sustained injuries to her shins and the side of her face.