Businessman Benefits Cheat Ordered To Repay Fraction Of Swindled Money

A partially-sighted escort agency boss, who illegally pocketed almost £176,000 in benefits - including a massive claim for approximately 60,000 miles in non-existent taxi rides - has been ordered to repay 7.5% of the money.

Under a government disability scheme businessman Andrew Pishides, 39, billed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for daily 100 mile round-trip £180 fares for four years - supporting the claims with forged receipts.

After Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings Harrow Crown Court ordered him to pay £13,190 to the DWP within six months or serve twelve months imprisonment.

"You must have lived very well for those four years," sentencing Judge Jeremy Donne QC told Pishides, who ran 'Escort Emporium', 'Escort Solutions' and a letting agency for parking spaces called 'Park Let'.

"These offences reflect a moderately sophisticated and extremely persistent fraud that garnered you just shy of one hundred and eighty thousand pounds.

"The benefits represented an income of over forty thousand a year and in addition you had legitimate sources of twenty thousand a year, which would have been equivalent to a six-figure salary before tax."

Pishides, of Alexander House, Broadfields Way, Neasden was originally sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for two years, placed on a twelve month supervision order with a three-month electronically-tagged evening curfew.

"Is it right that you should go to prison for four-and-a-half months? I confess I find this difficult," announced the judge. "I have a clear public duty to deal with people who commit offences like these, but on balance i am persuaded a prison sentence can be suspended."

Pishides pleaded guilty to three counts of obtaining money transfers by deception, namely £106,000 in access to work payments; £37,328 in housing benefit; £28, 637 in income support and evading a liability by deception, namely £3,874 in council tax.

DWP investigators mounted a surveillance operation, which confirmed their suspicions that Pishides did not travel from his home in north-west London to Wrotham in rural Kent three times a week to work as a software salesman.

The access to work scheme offers financial assistance with travel costs to those with disabilities.

He also failed to declare all of his bank accounts, his business income and part-ownership of a mortgage-free Lewisham flat.

Investigators discovered hundreds of pounds a week were being paid into Pishides' bank account from a large number of women who had signed-up to be his escorts.

The DWP are pursuing compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act and are currently deducting £100 per month from Pishides' disability living allowance payments.

Pishides' lawyer Mr. James Maloney told the court: "The risk of re-conviction is low, the public is not at risk from the defendant. 

"His disability would make imprisonment more stressful and difficult than able-bodied defendants and he would be vulnerable to those in the system with more know-how than him."

Pishides suffers from a genetic eye condition, which restricts his field of vision to only 10% and he needs times four magnification in his right eye - his best - to see normally.

"He lost a lot of his life skills, his confidence, his self-esteem and did fall into some form of depression," added Mr. Maloney. "He is genuinely resourceful about this."

Judge Donne added: "He was pretty well off compared to a lot of people and it must have been apparent to him that what he was doing was quite egregious.

"What is the court to do with someone who commits offences on this scale for this period of time?

"However, it is a simple fact prison would be more difficult for someone with his difficulties and I have wrestled in my mind as to the correct sentence in this case."

Teenage Student Gang-Raped By Trio

A rapist who participated in a gang attack on a teenage girl is starting a 7-year sentence while his two accomplices remain on the run.

Sadiq Ali, 23, (pic.top) of Blyth Road, Hayes was jailed at Isleworth Crown Court and 22 year-old Mohamed Abdihakim, (pic.bottom) of Mackay House, White City Estate, Shepherds Bush continues to evade justice.

Both were convicted of the rape and false imprisonment of the 19 year-old student, who was held against her will after visiting Ali's flat in Hayes, Middlesex on May 26, last year.

At 4.30am she was raped by both defendants and a third man, who absconded before the trial began.

Detective Constable Adam Lewis, said: "This was a horrific attack by three males on a lone female victim.


"The sentence reflects the severity of the ordeal the victim was put through.

“Police are still actively pursuing the two outstanding suspects in this case.

“The Metropolitan Police Service are committed to pursuing any allegations made to them of a sexual nature.



"If anyone knows the whereabouts of Mohamed Abdihakim please contact the Sapphire Unit on 020 8247 6520 or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." 

Albanian Car Wash Wars Spark Triple Murder Bid

An Albanian, who armed himself with a loaded gun when attending a late-night business deal, is starting a 23-year sentence after shooting at three men in a horrific triple murder bid.

At least seven shots were fired by Admir Bregaj, 26, (pictured) who repeatedly tried to kill the trio as they desperately attempted to flee in their car.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted murder at a petrol station in Chase Side, Enfield on September 7 and one count of illegally possessing a firearm.

The Old Bailey heard the three victims had attended at 10:20pm to discuss a car-washing business venture when a row broke out between them and two other men.

Bregaj approached and pulled a gun from the front of his trousers, which was initially hidden by his black leather jacket.

The defendant fired the gun and one of the victims, who avoided being shot, jumped into his car in an effort to escape.

Bregaj kept firing bullets causing damage to the vehicle.



The second victim tried to get into the same car, but Bregaj saw him and chased him around the vehicle, continuing to fire shots at him, wounding him in the buttock.

A third man tried to disarm Bregaj, but he shot him in the pelvis.

Bregaj fired another shot that hit the floor and rebounded - hitting the same victim in the ankle.

Bregaj then ran off. 



He was arrested on the October 8 by Operation Trident officers and subsequently charged and remanded in custody.



Detective Inspector Glenn Butler of Trident Gang Crime Command said: "This significant sentence reflects the serious nature of this offence.

“Bregaj fired numerous shots in a public area over a seemingly trivial argument about a business venture.

“This would have been a terrifying experience for the victims, who thankfully have now made a full recovery from their injuries. 



"I hope this result sends a clear message that Trident officers will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those individuals who bring harm to their communities through acts of violence, gun and gang criminality. 



“If you have any information on gun and gang crime please do not hesitate in contacting the police."

Night Bus Sex Attacker Wanted: Do You Recognise Him?

Police are hunting this pervert, who followed a young woman in the early hours after she got off a night bus.

Officers from Harrow CID have released an image of the suspect in a bid to catch and arrest him.

He followed the 21 year-old victim in St. Kildas Road, Harrow at 2:00am on November 21 after she got off the N18 bus at the nearby garage.

She was approached from behind and sexually assaulted and her attacker also snatched her mobile phone.

The suspect is black, approx 30-35 years old, approx 5' 10" tall and spoke with an English accent.

He wore a black beanie hat, a black woollen jacket and blue jeans.



Detective Constable Janine Stevenson from Harrow CID said: “I would like to speak to the man in the photograph in connection with this matter.

“It is believed he was travelling on the same bus as the victim.

“I am appealing to anyone who may know him or know of his whereabouts or has any information to call police on 101, alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” 

Bus Death Tragedy: Did You See Anything?

Police are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was struck and killed by a bus outside Tooting Broadway Underground Station.

Local man Dennis McGoldrick, 69, suffered fatal multiple injuries on December 16 and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the route 131 bus was stopped after the 6:15pm incident, but not arrested.

Anyone who witnesses the incident should call the Road Death Investigation Unit at Hampton Traffic Garage on 020 8941 9011. 

Happy Christmas To All Our Readers

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year from everybody here at Square Mile News.

We hope you are all safe and well and are enjoying a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones.

This last year has been the most prolific in terms of breaking news stories for Square Mile News and our Christmas wish is to continue to be even more successful in the coming twelve months.

Hit-And-Run Driver Admits Killing Policeman In 80mph Tragedy

An unlicensed and uninsured killer hit-and-run driver, who mowed down a police officer signalling him to stop at a speed trap, will be sentenced next year.

PC Andrew Duncan, 47, (pic.top) was flung thirty metres, sustaining fatal injuries, when struck by Gary Bromige, 25, (pic.bottom) who was driving a black VW Golf at over 80mph.

Bromige, of Holland Road, South Norwood pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving; death while unlicensed and uninsured; failing to stop at an accident and failing to report an accident.

He was remanded in custody until February 7.

Officers were deployed in Reigate Avenue, Rosehill in the early hours of September 20 on a speed enforcement operation when PC Duncan signalled for Bromige to pull over.

However, the defendant ignored this request and drove the vehicle into the officer, abandoning it a short distance later.

Father-of-two PC Duncan, who had served twenty-three years, had sustained multiple injuries and died in the early hours of September 22.

Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane, said: “On the night of September 20 Bromige who was not legally permitted to drive, was doing so dangerously, recklessly and his actions led to the tragic death of PC Andy Duncan.



“He callously failed to stop leaving a critically injured officer at the scene. 



“Andy’s death has had a profound effect on his family, friends and colleagues and Bromige now faces a jail sentence to reflect on the devastation that he has caused.”

Graveyard Rapist Convicted Of Copycat Sex Attacks

A double rapist, who pounced on a second victim in a copycat attack while on bail for the first offence, is facing years behind bars.

James Isted, 27, (pictured) of Tintagel Road, Orpington stalked his victims, aged 17 and 27 year-old from behind – hitting the first over the head and threatening the second with a knife.

Both attacks ocurred in Church Hill, Orpington on September 30, 2011 and May 7, last year respectively.

Isted was convicted of two counts of rape and robbery against the women and assaulting a police officer on May 7 and will be sentenced on February 7.

Croydon Crown Court heard the first rape ocurred at 2.40am when the defendant struck the teenage girl from behind and dragged her into the graveyard of All Saints Church.

She was subjected to a harrowing and lengthy ordeal and Isted left with her handbag, which contained a mobile phone and other personal items.

Isted was arrested a few days later on October 4 and was on bail pending further enquiries when he struck again.

This time he approached the victim from behind at 1.30pm – threatened her with a knife – and raped her in the graveyard.

This time a witness reported the daylight attack and Isted was arrested by police after a short chase in possession of the victim's bank card and jewellery, including her engagement ring.

Detective Inspector Faye Churchyard, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Isted has shown a total disregard for both victims in this case, forcing them to re-live their ordeal by pleading not guilty to the offences.

“Both victims have shown immense courage in attending court and facing their attacker.

“I hope their determination and success in seeing him convicted will go some way in providing them with some closure.

“I believe there may be other victims who have not come forward and I urge them or any victim of rape to tell the police what happened to them.

“Specially trained officers together with our partners are here to support you throughout the process."



Anyone with information they believe may assist police is asked to call 020 8721 4614. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knife And Baseball Bat Thugs Jailed For Settling Feud

A odd pair of thugs – armed with a knife and baseball bat – settled a local feud in a betting shop, leaving their victim needing 14 stitches and treatment for bumps and bruises.

Perry Young, 30, (pic.top) and James Sullivan, 58, (pic.bottom) were each jailed for two-and-a-half years for inflicting grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Inner London Crown Court heard Young, of Barkworth Road, South Bermondsey and Sullivan, of nearby Acanthus Drive had threatened their victim during an ongoing dispute.

In May they pounced on him inside a Rotherhithe William Hill betting shop – attacking him in front of shocked memebers of the public.

Witnesses said they entered the betting shop brandishing the weapons, shouting and swearing aggressively.

The victim was chased around the shop and pushed into the glass front door, causing it to crack.

They pursued the victim outside and continued to hit him as he lay on ground. 



When police arrived they found the victim suffering bruises and bumps to the head and a puncture wound in his back that required 14 stitches.

He was taken to hospital and is still receiving treatment to this day.



Detective Constable Marlon Guthrie of Southwark CID said: "I am pleased with the result and hope it acts as a deterrent to others.

“They gave little consideration to the frightened staff at the bookmakers and members of the public, who genuinely feared for their safety as Sullivan and Young violently assaulted the victim." 



Detective Sergeant Iain Duncan Smith, of Southwark CID, said: "This was a difficult investigation to bring to conclusion due to fear within the community of reprisals.

“Had it not been for the intervention of the Police and in particular Detective Constable Marlon Guthrie's tenacity throughout the investigation these individuals would have most likely not been brought to justice.

“I would like to thank my team of officers who have worked tirelessly in bringing all of those involved before the courts.” 

Money Laundering Trio Facing Jail For £200K Plot

Money Launderer: John Walker

A Northern Ireland lorry driver, caught transporting criminal money to the continent, was told yesterday to expect a “significant” prison sentence for the £200,000-plus plot.

Anthony Robert McDermott, 50, of Knockadore, Newtownbutler, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and his two co-conspirators were under police observation as they laundered cash from various criminal sources.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to conspiring to transfer criminal property, namely £17,490 and €116,000, between August 31 and October 28, last year.

Sean Michael Tossell, 46, of Elm House, 50 Holmesdale Road, Teddington, Middlesex and Hayden John Walker, 42, of Queenswood Avenue, Wallington, Croydon also admitted the same count.

McDermott alone also pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property, namely £100,100, on October 27 at Colchester Services on the A12, Essex.

Prosecutor Mr. Bill McGivern told the court: “He was using the lorry to ship money out of the jurisdiction.

“He is based in Northern Ireland, comes to England and then the continent, taking that money from the UK out and passing it on.”

Whether the money is the profits of drug dealing, fraud or any other criminal activity is not clear and Mr. McGivern added: “We have our suspicions, but nothing can be put before the court. We say the monies come from different criminal sources.”

The cash was concealed within Budweiser and a Marks and Spencer packages.

The prosecution describe Tossell as an “organiser” and Walker a “trusted courier” who was twice observed passing money to McDermott.

However, Walker claims his involvement was limited to those two occasions and he was paid £200 each time, only knowing it was cash during the second trip.

“I was not aware of what was in the first package, but I could see the second packet contained cash, which I thought was suspicious,” Walker stated in his basis of plea.

“I have no knowledge of where the money came from or where it was going.”

Mr. McGivern replied: “Those are the only two days we can say he passed the money to McDermott. There is no evidence to say he had an organising role.”

“Mr. Tossell is the contact between the two. He is in an organising role, organising the delivery by Walker to McDermott.”

Judge Peter Testar remanded all three in custody until sentencing on January 24 telling them: “There are no promises and the overwhelming likelihood has to be significant sentences.”

Teen Girl Sexually Assaulted At Party: Do You Know This Suspect?

Police hunting a sex offender wanted for a late-night attack on a teenage girl have released this CCTV image of a suspect.

The 17 year-old victim was attending a party with friends at an address in Ealing, west London in the early hours of September 22, last year when she was assaulted.

Officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation & Child Abuse Command have released this image.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Phil Cotter said: "I would like to speak to the man in the photograph in connection with this matter.

“I am appealing to anyone who may know him or know of his whereabouts to call police on 020 8733 3773.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to call. 



Officers would also like to speak to guests at the party that night. 



Alternatively, if you have information and you would like to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



There have been no arrests in the investigation. 

Masked Late-Night Intruder Attacks Lone Woman. Are You A Victim?

A late-night prowler, who sneaked through an open ground-floor window last summer and sexually assaulted the lone young woman sleeping inside, was convicted on Tuesday.

Raymond Yates, 31, was captured on CCTV tying a t-shirt around his face in the early hours of July 25 before entering the property in Hurstbourne Road, Sydenham.

He was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of sexual assault, robbery, and trespass, with intent to commit a sexual offence, and will be sentenced on a future date.

Yates removed his shoes as he cased the property to prevent the 23 year-old woman hearing him sneaking around outside.

She awoke to find the defendant straddling her, pinning her to her bed.



Yates then subjected the woman to a sexual ordeal and threatened to kill her if she made a sound.

He then fled through the same window a minute later, having stolen two mobile phones.


Officers traced Yates using an app on one of the stolen mobile phones.

He was arrested, in possession of both phones, on board a bus in Brixton Hill approximately an hour after the incident at around 600am.



Detective Constable Corrado Di Mascio of the Met's Sapphire Unit, part of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, led the investigation.

He said:
"This was a particularly harrowing attack on a lone woman whilst she slept in her bed at home. 



"The evidence shows that Yates was calculating in his attack, concealing his identity and taking off his shoes in an attempt to mask his approach. 



"I would like to praise the victim who has been committed to seeing her attacker brought to justice."



Detective Chief Inspector Pete Thomas, also of Sapphire, added: "The level of planning and thought Yates demonstrated while carrying out this offence shows he is a committed offender.

“While we have no concrete evidence of other offences we cannot discount the possibility that Yates may have carried out other attacks.



"If you believe you have been the victim of this man, please contact police.

“Sapphire have specially trained officers who will support you and strive to obtain justice for you.”



Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Raymond Yates is asked to contact the Sapphire Unit on 020 8721 4678. 

Police Find Dirty Drugs Cash In Dishwasher

A drug dealer, who laundered over £23,000 inside his kitchen dishwasher, has had the cash confiscated and will be unable to enjoy his illicit profits when released from prison.

Joseph Leslie Pitts, 27, of Sparrows Lane, Eltham failed to wash the cash, which was seized from inside a safe (pic.bottom), hidden inside the appliance.

On Monday at Woolwich Crown Court an order was made under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which requires Pitt to surrender £23,567 or serve an additional term of custody.

He was arrested on August 30, 2011 after police searched his vehicle in Sidcup and after finding a small bag containing cannabis discovered another 17 self-seal bags, totalling 25 gms of the drug.

Another bag of cannabis was later found hidden in his clothing when he was searched at the police station. 



Police search Pitts' home and 14 self seal bags containing 19 grams of cannabis were found, along with other drugs paraphernalia, including digital weighing scales and a quantity of empty self-seal bags ready for use. 



Officers also found a stun gun disguised as a mobile phone and the cash inside the safe.

Following a lengthy investigation, Pitts was charged in July, last year with two counts of possession, with intent to supply cannabis, two counts of possession of cannabis, possession of criminal property and possession of a stun gun.

He was eventually convicted of the offences at the same court and on August 5 was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment.

Detective Sergeant Michael McElroy from the Metropolitan Police Service's Criminal Finance Team said: “This case has been lengthy and difficult, but meticulous investigation has ensured justice has been done.

“Pitts denied the money was his and produced witnesses whom he claimed the money belonged to - but their evidence was not found to be credible. 



“The Criminal Finance Team, working closely with local officers, will rigorously use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that drug dealers and other criminals are not allowed to enjoy the fruits of their illegal labour.”

Jealous Husband Murdered Wife He Stabbed With Kitchen Knife And Then Ran Over

A jealous husband, who repeatedly stabbed his wife and then deliberately ran her over in his car after she fled their suburban marital home, was jailed for life yesterday.

Minta Adiddo, 38, (pic.bottom) was convinced Akua Agyeman, 22, (pic.top) was having an affair with a neighbour and stabbed her with a large kitchen knife on November 5, last year.

The first wound was inflicted in the bedroom of their home in Morris Court, Rigby Place, Enfield and the terrified victim tried to escape via the living-room window.

However, Adiddo chased her outside, repeatedly stabbing her, and when a passer-by tended to the seriously wounded woman the defendant jumped into his car and ran over her.

Adiddo was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Akua, who died on January 2, and must serve a minimum of seventeen years.

He admitted attacking his wife, but claimed he was guilty of nothing more serious than manslaughter, which was rejected by the jury.

The court heard how following the attack, in one of the first phone calls Adiddo made, he admitted to a relative that he stabbed his wife and was going to kill himself.

Shortly before 10:00am on November 6, the day after the attack, Adiddo was arrested after officers spotted him in the vehicle still wearing his blood-stained shirt.

Five Years For Rapist Invited To Woman's Flat

A rapist, who pounced on a woman he had just met during a night out in the London Bridge area when the group returned to her flat, has today been locked-up for five years.

Ricardo Ramsay, 25, (pictured) of Bowerman Avenue, New Cross forced himself on the 22 year-old after she went to bed, leaving the rest of the party to socilaise.

He was convicted by a Woolwich Crown Court jury of raping the woman on February 25, last year at her Bermondsey flat and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard the victim and her friend went out socialising and met a group of men who they invited back to the flat.

The victim later went to bed whilst her friend and the men continued to socialise. 



During the night the victim was raped and items stolen from her flat and she contacted the police the following day. 



Detectives from Sapphire were assigned and analysis of CCTV at the bar the group had attended that evening identified Ramsay. 



He was arrested on March 29, last year and charged with rape on October 3.

Leisure Centre Sex Beast Caged For Preying On 15 Year-Old Autistic Boy

A “dangerous” peadophile who preyed on an autisitic teenage boy he forced to give him oral sex in a leisure centre changing room has been locked-up for eight years.

John Bartholomew, 50, (pictured) of Church Road, Crystal Palace ordered the vulnerable 15 year-old into a cubicle and once alone the frightened youth was forced to perform sex acts.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of rape and sexual assault at the Walnuts Leisure Centre, Orpington on October 9, last year.

The victim was asked by Bartholomew, who he recognised from previous visits to the venue, to follow him into his cubicle – and fearing for his safety, the victim agreed.



Once inside the cubicle Bartholomew sexually assaulted the boy before performing oral sex on him.

Bartholomew then forced the victim to perform oral sex on him.



The victim managed to escape from the changing room and alerted staff who called police.

Officers attended and Bartholomew was arrested as he left the leisure centre. 



Detective Constable Ann Downes from Sapphire, part of the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, led the investigation.

She said: "Bartholomew preyed on this victim's vulnerability, manipulating the situation to isolate him and attack him.



"Bartholomew was found guilty by a jury and I welcome this conviction. I hope it serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to pursue children in this way."



Detective Inspector Faye Churchyard, also of Sapphire, added:

"Bartholomew is a dangerous man.

“It is likely that he stalked his victim over a period of time and then struck when he thought he would go undetected. 



"The victim has found the courage to see his attacker convicted and I commend him and his family who have shown immense strength through what must be an incredibly difficult time.



"Bartholomew is now in prison and I would appeal to anybody else affected by this man's behaviour to come forward and speak to police - specially trained officers and partner agencies will support you."

Home-Buyer From Hell Jailed For Harassment Campaign

A couple who were left physically and mentally shattered by a campaign of harassment after withdrawing their home from sale have seen their prosepctive buyer jailed.

Majid Shamas, 37, (pictured) of Capworth Street, Leyton, east London made a series of hoax 999 calls, reporting false incidents at the address, after the sale fell through.

He was sentenced to eleven weeks imprisonment by Thames Magistrates' Court, which also imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victims – a married couple aged 48 and 47 years-old – in the future.

Shamas pleaded guilty to harassment and misuse of public electronic communications data.

The court heard between October 4, 2011 and August 19, last year 2012 Shamas continued his campaign after illness forced the couple to cancel the sale of their home.

Shamas used a variety of telephone numbers when calling emergency services. 



He was suspected of involvement and arrested by police on November 28, last year. 



To prove it was the voice of the suspect, the services of a voice recognition expert were employed and confirmed that Shamas was the man that had made the hoax calls. 



Detective Constable Rebecca Woodsford, said: “This sentence sends a clear message that this kind of behaviour is not tolerated.

“I would like to commend the victims for having the both the courage and strength to come forward.

“This has been a life-changing experience for them both, which has unfortunately taken its toll both physically and mentally.”

Drunken Off-Duty Cop's Race Assault On Nightclub Doorman

A boozy off-duty policeman punched a West End nightclub doorman in the face during a late-night race-hate attack when denied entry with a female companion.

Police Constable James Balneaves, 29, pulled out his warrant card – effectively putting him back on-duty – and demanded to see the manager while refusing to budge.

He shouted: “Go back to where you come from,” as he struck the doorman, cutting his face.

The Brent borough officer, whose career is in tatters as a result of the conviction, pleaded guilty to racially-aggravated assault outside the Opal Bar, (pictured) Embankment on October 19.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that PC Balneaves had been drinking during a Saturday night out with his female companion, but they were both denied admission on the grounds of drunkeness.

Police were called immediately and PC Balneaves was arrested and placed on restricted duties.

He was bailed until December 23 for sentencing.

Life Sentence For "Greedy" Financial Advisor Who Battered To Death Millionaire Client He Swindled

A "greedy and extravagant" financial advisor, who battered his millionaire Mayfair client to death after looting £343,000 to fund a lifestyle of flash cars and expensive hotels, holidays and restaurants, has been jailed for life.

David Jeffs, 36, who must serve a minimum of 24 years, murdered wealthy socialite Roberto Troyan, 63, (pic.top) who had received a large inheritance from his late his civil partner, interior designer Anthony Feldman.

Mr. Justice Singh told Jeffs, who had never been in trouble with the police before: "Clearly you had a confrontation with Mr. Troyan in his flat, but exactly what happened or the reason for that confrontation is not clear from the evidence.

"However, what is clear is that you then killed Mr. Troyan. You hit him with a blunt instrument at least three times.

"The injuries were so severe that his skull was fractured and his jaw was left hanging loose. Indeed the injuries to Mr. Troyan's head were so serious that at first it was though by the emergency services that he had been shot and an armed response unit was called to the scene." 

Twice-married father-of-one Jeffs (pic.bottom), the son of an ambulance driver, whose first job was with Pearl Assurance had an ordinary upbringing in Peterborough and attended Walton Junior and Senior School.

However, Jeffs had another side to his character that included cheating the taxman, plagiarising his fellow-student girlfriend's work at university, lying about his poor finance qualifications and taking cocaine and ecstasy.

The jury were told he abused Mr. Troyan's trust, buying himself two Lotus sports cars, blowing £19,500 in one night at lap dancing club Spearmint Rhino and treating himself to "expensive" holidays in the USA, Mauritius and Ibiza.

There were also VIP rugby and polo events, stays at expensive hotels, meals at top restaurants, and a £1150 night at celebrity West End club Chinawhite. 

Mr. Justice Singh added: "You were in a position of trust, you were supposed to be looking after Mr. Troyan's interests. Instead you chose to take advantage of him and line your own pocket."

Despite two pre-signed cheques bouncing Jeffs continued paying Mr. Troyan's money into his own account on eight occasions over a two-year period. 

"I have no doubt that you are an intelligent man and a smooth talker, but when you get into trouble you try to lie your way out of it.

"You are a thoroughly dishonest man. You took advantage of a man who trusted you and you took his money so that you could spend it on your greedy and extravagant lifestyle.

Jeffs, of Larch Close, Arnold, Nottingham denied, but was convicted of murdering Mr. Troyan at the Mount Street address on March 8 and defrauding him between March 1, 2010 and December 2, last year.

He received a concurrent six-year sentence for the fraud.

"This defendant took advantage of a frail and vulnerable man for his own gains over a long period," explained prosecutor Mr. Edward Brown QC at the start of the trial.

"As a result he was able to live the high life, but all at the expense of the deceased, who when the defendant first met him was a rich man. He died less rich by hundreds of thousands of pounds thanks to this defendant's dishonesty.

"The defendant kept the true source of his spending power from everyone. He had come to rely on the deceased, or his wealth, for his own lifestyle.

"When the life to which the defendant happily had become accustomed appeared to him to be about suddenly to come to an end and that there was a real possibility that his callous acts would soon be found out, he killed him."

Jeffs was employed by London and Weybridge, Surrey-based HFM Columbus, a partnership of financial and wealth management firms and invested £1.2 million for Mr. Troyan in an off-shore bank.

Mr. Troyan, who suffered fatal head injuries,  was one half of the first-ever civil partnership in the UK and Mr. Feldman's clients included Princess Michael of Kent and Jonathan Aitken and his American family describe themselves as: "overcome with grief."

He was found on his blood-splattered kitchen floor by his cleaner and had suffered multiple skull fractures, a fractured jaw, cheek and eye-socket and had inhaled blood into his airways.

Mr. Troyan had enjoyed spending his ex-partner's inheritance and hosted cocaine parties at the flat and was known to have had several gay lovers. 

CCTV evidence showed Jeffs spent 15 minutes inside the flat after Mr. Troyan buzzed him in and afterwards bought identical clothes and cleaned-up his Lotus car and himself at a petrol station.

He told police there was no answer at Mr. Troyan's door, but after the deceased's blood was found on his briefcase he claimed to have had a confrontation on the landing with an angry blood-stained mystery man.

In a desperate bid to explain away damning DNA evidence Jeffs told the jury the man was probably a "rent boy" or "angry pimp."

"This was plainly a wholly false account. It was invented to cater for the blood that had in truth come from his own contact with Mr. Troyan and Mr. Troyan's wet blood during the attack," added Mr. Brown.

"The deceased's blood came to be on that briefcase because this defendant, in those fifteen minutes, was the one who, perhaps in just a few seconds or minutes, beat that frail man, most likely because he was about to bring to an end his gravy train, his lifestyle and very possibly his liberty."

The victim's rental lease was due for renewal on March 9 and he had arranged to meet Jeffs the day before so more cash could be withdrawn from his bank account to meet the expense.

Jeffs tried to lie his way out of the fraud, telling police police he was Mr. Troyan's £1,000 a week "financial concierge" and had been paid two years salary in advance. 

Family Tragedy: Doctor Sentenced For Death Crash That Claimed Son's Life

A research doctor, who lost his only son when he inexplicably stopped in the middle a busy dual carriageway, causing a speeding tipper lorry to crash into the family car, has received a suspended sentence along with the HGV driver.

Dr. Ngianga-Bakwin Kandala, 45, claims his mind is a "blank" concerning the tragedy, which claimed the life of ten year-old Hendrick Kandala, (pic.top) who was sitting in the back seat next to his two sisters, when he suffered a fatal brain injury.

Dr. Kandala, (pic.mid.) of Dorchester Way, Coventry, who leads a research team at the city's University Hospital and Nathan Hopgood, 45, (pic.bottom) of Norman Court, Edenbridge, Kent were both convicted of causing death by careless driving.

Woolwich Crown Court heard CCTV captured Dr. Kandala's Peugeot hatchback performing an emergency stop on the A20 Sidcup Road, Eltham on November 2, 2011 moments before Hopgood's lorry collided with the vehicle.

The fully-loaded lorry was travelling at approximately 53 mph in a 40 mph zone and Hopgood was driving too fast to avoid colliding with the car, which also contained Dr. Kandala's wife Diane, 35.

Judge Anuja Dhir QC announced: "This is a tragic case. An innocent ten year-old boy lost his life as a result of carelessness from two grown men and one of those men was his father.

"It is a matter of chance no one else was killed or seriously injured when Dr. Kandala stopped suddenly and without good reason and Mr. Hopgood was driving his lorry too fast to prevent a fatal collision.

"Each of you will have to live with the consequences of your actions, which have not only ended the life of Hendrick Kandala, but blighted the life of his mother and other family members.

"For Dr. Kandala the responsibility for causing his son's death will be a heavy burden to bear.

"Mr. Hopgood had a degree of responsibility to other road users, but drove significantly in excess of the speed limit on an A road and Dr. Kandala was directly responsible for the children in his care, but effected a thoroughly dangerous manoeuvre, stopping the car without warning or good reason."

Hendrick was rushed to hospital, but with the consent of his parent's his life support machine was switched off the next day.

Dr. Kandala was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, disqualified from driving for fifteen months and ordered to pay £3,270 costs.

Hopgood received ten months, suspended for twelve months, a ten month ban was ordered to pay £1,200 costs and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.

Dr. Kandala's lawyer Mr. Tim Brown said: "He should not suffer immediate custody today. I point to the remorse and devastation and the fact that he has lost his only son.

"The victim's in this case include Dr. Kandala himself, it is a truly tragic situation."

There is still no explanation for the sudden stop in the middle of fast-moving traffic, but Mr. Brown added: "Whatever it was, a momentary distraction, it caused a wrong reaction that caused the car to stop,

"This is an exceptionally unusual case and there are none of the usual aggravating features, no drugs or alcohol, no course of driving.

"Whatever the actions of the court they cannot match the punishment that is his.

"The family is devastated by what has happened, but they are holding together as a unit and his surviving children need the support of their father."

Dr. Kandala's wife is due to give birth to another child on December 21.

"Dr. Kandala is an exceptionally worthwhile individual in many respects and immediate custody would be beyond what is necessary.

"He has a blemish-free driving record of over twenty years to this point and it was a momentary aberration rather than a course of conduct where he deliberately took a risk.

"He has been taxed about why it happened and simply says: 'I don't know.'

"Going to prison today would add devastation on devastation. this is a tragic and unique case."

Hopgood's lawyer Mr. Tom  Stern told the court: "This man is deeply, deeply saddened and troubled by the fact there is a loss of life in this case.

"He has not driven trucks since this event and the effects have been devastating on him."

The court heard hopgood has received counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder and Mr. Stern added: "The vehicle ground to an emergency stop in front of him."

Hopgood was the only driver under police investigation until CCTV images recovered a year later revealed Dr. Kandala's careless driving.