Prince Harry's Would-Be Assasin Jailed For Death Threat

A Muslim convert, who hatched a plan to assassinate Prince Harry using a low-calibre pistol in a plot he named Operation Regal, has been jailed.

Belfast-born Ashraf Islam, 31, formerly known as Mark Townley, confessed to police he had “advanced plans” to kill the Prince.

He walked into a police station the day after Drummer Lee Rigby was killed in Woolwich, south-east London, and told an officer of his intentions.

“You pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill Prince Harry,” the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea Richard McGregor-Johnson told bearded Islam.

“I have to remember this was not a threat in isolation, you had made research into his wherabouts and engagements and gave the matter considerable thought.

“Your view at the time was that those that served as officers in the army were morally accountable and you felt you had a moral right, which you continued to hold when you spoke to the doctor.

“There is no evidence of professional planning and your plan was vague and unlikely to have been successful.

“Even such an enterprise, if you tried to carry it out, would have involved the intervention of armed police in public.

“So it was not just the target that is important, but the wider public.”

Islam described Drummer Rigby as a “soft target” and said he didn’t agree with the attack on the serviceman.

He eventually revealed he intended to kill Prince Harry because the third in line to the throne “had blood on his hands”.

A document found on Islam’s computer said: “Aim for target. No civilians to be injured.

"Dress code is the the biker look. Use low-calibre pistol at close range. Not to be viewed as Islamist extremist.”

Islam, who changed his name by deed poll in 2010, arrived in the UK from Thailand the day before his arrest.

Prosecutor Lynne Townley previously told Isleworth Crown Court: “He said he has been watching the Horse Guards Parade and planned to disarm an officer whilst disguised as a tourist rather than bringing a gun into London.

“He spent ten days in Thailand searching Prince Harry and his whereabouts.

"He used his time in Thailand to get his fitness to a higher level. He planned to send a phone warning to create a diversion.”

Miss Townley explained Islam, after landing at Heathrow, checked into a Travelodge and at 11am the following morning went to Hounslow police station in west London.

“He told duty officer PC Boyne that he wanted to talk about a murder. Miss Townley added: “He said he was being monitored by UK security.

“He was asked for further details of what these plans were and he said it was the murder of a high-profile person.”

Islam, who is separated from his wife and young child back in Northern Ireland, decided to confess after feeling “scared and nervous” on the morning of May 23.

He said he believed hurting people was wrong but “Prince Harry had chosen his path and had blood on his hands for power and profit”.

He pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court to one count of making a threat to kill on May 25 and has been in custody ever since.

After analysing his laptop, police discovered a number of internet searches showing Islam had been researching Prince Harry’s protection team, his engagements and his general whereabouts.

A video showed him making threats to kill Prince Harry to camera whilst he was in Malaysia.

Judge McGregor-Johnson added: “You have spent a long time in custody to get reports on you to explore the possibility of a personality disorder.

“The position is now clear there is a diagnosis of personality disorder and in certain circumstances the continuation of your behaviour untreated could lead to an unecessary risk to others.

“Given the uncertainties that lie ahead it is my judgement you do present a risk,” added the judge, who was restricted by legal authorities from passing an extended prison sentence.

“I would have wished to pass an extended sentence for the protection of the public, but that is wrong in principal.”

Islam has at least three convictions for dishonesty and in Northern Ireland in 2000 he received a nine month suspended sentence for attempted robbery.

“A substantial sentence of imprisonment is inevitable, you have been before the courts on a large number of occassions for a large number of offences.

“In all the circumstances, and I wish these remarks to be passed on, I urge the prison authorities to address the anger issues caused by the personality disorder and those that supervise you on licence must bear that in mind.

“That is because you have to avoid getting into this situation again and is the best chance to protect the public.”

Islam's lawyer miss Roxanne Morrell said the medical reports showed Islam no longer felt the same way. “It is suggested that those matters have disappated.

“If the position remains in abayance the risk will remain at a low level,” but she did concede. “If there is no assistance, risk in the future cannot be discounted.”

Cocaine Man Hospitalised After Swallowing Drugs When Arrested By Police

A cocaine user, desperate to avoid arrest, put his life in danger when he tried to swallow his stash of the drug after suspicious police stopped him in the street one night.

Mark Docker, 37, was taken to hospital, where concerned doctors managed to remove 1.2gms of the class A drug from his throat.

He pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing the quantity of cocaine at the junction of Cavendish Road and Clapham Common Southside, Clapham on December 8, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Earl-Quarcoo told Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court it was 10.35pm when officers on patrol decided to stop and search Docker (pictured).

“His appearance and behaviour gave them reason to search him and they found a set of scales with white powder on them.

“When getting into the van he ran away from the officers and was then seen to place something in his mouth.

“He was put into the van, but the officers stopped to assist him in spitting it out and an ambulance was called.

“It appears he managed to swallow the drugs and was taken to Kings College Hospital, where his condition was deemed life-threatening by the staff.”

Fortunately Docker's throat was eventually cleared and a forensic examination revealed the powder was cocaine with a purity of 70-90%.

The court heard the defendant had £70 cash on him and has four previous convictions relating to class A drugs, including one for supply.

Docker was placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes 80 hours community service work, and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Suspended Prison Sentence For Watford FC Footballer's 'Road Rage' Attack On Cyclist

A Watford FC footballer involved in a "road rage" confrontation with a cyclist he pushed over after they collided at traffic lights - fracturing the rider's wrist - received a suspended prison sentence today.

Jamaican international Nyron Nosworthy, 33, of Gleneagle Road, Streatham, left the cyclist needing a full cast and up to a year of rehab after he complained about being knocked off his bike by the defendant.

The six-foot Brixton-born defender, who has also played five seasons in the Premier League with Sunderland and represented Gillingham and Sheffield United, was driving a black 4x4 when the cyclist cut across the front of him.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting journalist Joe Minihane, causing him actual bodily harm, in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth on August 13, last year.

"Incidents of road rage are taken very seriously by the courts," said District Judge Karen Hammond. "This offence is so serious only a custodial sentence is justified.

"The recommendation of a fine or community order is not sufficient for an offence of road rage." 

Nosworthy was sentenced to forty-two days imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay Mr. Minihane £3,300 compensation.

Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Earl-Quarcoo told Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court: "The complainant was cycling on a pedal bike along the Kenington Road and as he turned right he felt a vehicle tap his wheel.

"This caused the bike to go out of control  and he shouted: 'Wanker' at the driver and the driver shouted back at the cyclist, stating that he had cut him up.

"The driver then drove in front of the cyclist and braked hard, causing the cyclist to brake, and as he tried to cycle past the driver got out shouting.

"He shouted: 'What the f***?' and lunged at the cyclist and shoved him with both hands, causing him to fall to the ground.

"Mr. Nosworthy got back into his car and drove off and the cyclist called the police."

Mr. Minihane attended Kings College Hospital, Camberwell where an MRI scan revealed a fracture to his right wrist, which needed a plaster cast and effected the victim's ability to work. 

Nosworthy attended Brixton Police Station on September 10 and Mr. Earl-Quarcoo added: "He fully admitted the offence, saying he was driving in Kenington Road when a cyclist was in the wrong lane and turned right.

"His car's bumper clipped the cyclist's rear wheel, he said, and they were both swearing at each other and he pushed the cyclist in the chest because he thought the cyclist was being an idiot.

"He said he did not mean to injure him and was sorry for what he had done."

Mr. Theo Addae, defending, told the court: "Mr. Nosworthy is a professional footballer for Watford and in August, last year he was injured and as a result was travelling to a physio in Oxford Circus."

The player had suffered a season-ending achilles injury while on international duty in March.

"He was near Lambeth Underground Station when the cyclist cut in front of Mr. Nosworthy's vehicle, causing a very slight collision.

"There was no shouting, no abuse from Mr. Nosworthy and it continued from the cyclist, he admits that."

The footballer claims he only got out of the car because he was a motorist involved in a collision. "He is met again with a barrage of abuse," added Mr. Addae.

"He pushes him once, once alone and ninety-nine times out of a hundred that push would have caused no injury.

"There is no long-term damage to the cyclist at all."

Urging the court not to pass a custodial sentence the lawyer added: "He has an exemplary record on and off the pitch and has been a consumate professional.

"He is a mentor to young members of the squad and to young players and has done talks with youth offending teams and at schools in Brixton and Peckham.

"He has taken time out of his career to assist youngsters with his story of beginning in inner city London and becoming an international footballer."

The court heard Nosworthy is in a long-term relationship and his girlfriend is expecting their first child in March.

He hopes to pursue a career in coaching when his playing days are over and is in the middle of passing the necessary badges.

"As a black coach he would be a positive role model."

References handed into the court described Nosworthy as: "A down to earth, loving, warm, funny, relaxed guy."

Wife Killed By Abusive Husband Who Stabbed Her 58 Times

A personal trainer with a history of domestic violence, who stabbed his wife 58 times with two kitchen knives, is beginning a prison sentence for killing her at their suburban home.

Bulent Sessacar, 29, abused steroids and cocaine and had been arrested two days earlier for assaulting 25 year-old Rebecca Sessacar, but she refused to press charges.

He was originally charged with murdering her on December 20, last year at their home in Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon, but a manslaughter plea was accepted at the Old Bailey.

Sessacar was sentenced to ten years and eight months imprisonment after it was accepted he had diminished responsibility.

Police were called to a disturbance at 3.23pm and after forcing their way into the property called an ambulance to assist the critically injured mum-of-one Mrs Sessacar.

However, nothing could be done to save her life and she was pronounced dead at the scene and her husband arrested.

The couple had been arguing earlier in the day and it escalated into deadly violence when they returned home.

Detective Chief Inspector Russell Taylor said: "This is a tragic incident that has effectively left a young child without both her parents.

“Whilst Sessacar's mental health issues were a factor in the attack, it is right that he should face the consequences."

"Kind Loving" Young Man With Learning Difficulties Stabbed To Death

The grieving sister of a "kind, loving" 24 year-old man, who was stabbed to death in west London yesterday, has revealed how the tragedy has ripped her family apart, just eight months after the death of her father.

Dean Mayley, of Northolt was reportedly involved in a confrontation with up to four suspects in Ruislip Road, Greenford at 5.20pm.

An ambulance rushed him to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, but he died later that same evening.

An incident room has been opened in Hendon under Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner from the Homicide and Major Crime Command and they are appealing for witnesses.

Dean's sister, Emma Mayley, 25, said: "Whoever has done this has not just effected a normal family, there is so much more complications to my family.

"Put yourself in my mum's shoes, no parent should have to feel what my mum feels or hear what your youngest child had to suffer.

"In June she lost my dad and now my younger brother. She's a mess as we all are, but I will get to the bottom of this for my mum's sake and so justice is served for my brother.

"There was no reason I can think why they choose to stab Dean. All I believe is that they went out with every intention to stab someone and it was Dean they chose.

"Robbed of his life by coward bastard couldn't handle a fist fight or even one on one. It took four of them and a knife, scum I will not rest 'til these animals are caught.

"It doesn't see real and I just feel so numb. He was only a year younger than me, but he was my baby brother, he was such a kind loving boy and I just can't believe that four cowards thought it was perfectly acceptable to rob his life from us literally eight months since we lost my dad.

"Now my mum is having to cope with the fact her boy, who only turned twenty-four last week had gone before her.

"No parent should have to deal with that and especially not in the circumstances he was took from us. It's ripped our family apart, we're all devastated and I just want these animals found.

"I have so much anger and aggression and just wish I could make them suffer how we are and pray to God Dean lives to haunt these animals for the rest of their lives. Every time they close their eyes I hope he's there and that's something they will have to deal with for the rest of their lives."

Police Bungle Gives "Highly Dangerous" Graveyard Rapist Chance To Strike Again

A  "highly dangerous" rapist, who was freed after a police bungle, was sentenced to life today for striking again in a terrifying copycat graveyard attack, this time on a pregnant woman who subsequently lost her unborn child.

James Isted, 27, must serve a minimum of nine years custody for twice pouncing on lone women in the graveyard of All Saints Church, Orpington after following his victims, aged seventeen and twenty-seven from behind.

He was arrested after the first rape of the teenager, who he struck over the head and beat, but was not charged and was free when he threatened his second victim with a knife and raped her in the same location twenty months later.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The MPS acknowledges that in this case we made mistakes and we have apologised to the victim of the second offence.

"Had certain actions been taken earlier, a second offence may have been prevented."

The Met refused to say what mistakes had been made because an internal enquiry is taking place, but it is believed a mobile phone was not properly examined when it was seized after the first rape.

Married father-of-two Isted, of Tintagel Road, Orpington was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of two counts of rape and robbery against the women on September 30, 2011 and May 7, last year.

The construction worker was also convicted of assault by penetration in relation to the second victim and assaulting PC Steve Patterson, with intent to resist arrest, leaving the officer with a nasty cut to his hand.

Both attacks occurred in Church Hill, the first at 2.40am when the lone teen was struck and dragged into the deserted graveyard.

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

"She was jumped on from behind and struck," explained prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Polnay. "She says her life has been destroyed by this."

The court heard the teen immediately moved out of the area and plans to emigrate to the United States as a result of being raped.

"She was walking home in the dead of night, vulnerable victim," added Mr. Polnay. "It is also an aggravating feature that the rapes took place in a graveyard, heightening the fear and the ordeal."

The prosecutor submitted the location of the rapes was "grossly offensive" and insulting to the families of the deceased.

He was arrested a few days later on October 4, but was bailed pending further enquiries and twenty months later, after being told by police there would be no further action, raped his second victim at 1.30pm.

A probation officer, who interviewed Isted after he was convicted, wrote: "Emboldened by the fact the police did not charge him for the first offence he carried out the second offence, believing he would not be detected." 

He threatened her with a Stanley knife he armed himself with after parking his work van.

"He knew she was pregnant at the time, but continued to rape her," explained Mr. Polnay. "She told him she was pregnant.

"A Stanley knife was used and not only did she see it, he used it to cut parts of her clothing and threatened to cut her hair, being paranoid about DNA."

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

"Very clearly you are a very dangerous man," the Recorder of Croydon Warwick McKinnon told Isted," who was also described by the probation service as: "A highly dangerous individual capable of causing significant harm."

Drink-Driver Who Killed Early-Morning Cyclist Admits Guilt

Killed By Drink-Driver: Edward Orrey

A drink-driver, who killed a cyclist while over the alcohol limit just after dawn, has been locked-up pending his sentencing.

Kingsley Gordon-Allen, 20, of Ashville Road, Leytonstone collided with Edward Orrey, 56, (pictured) at 6.36am in nearby Gainsborough Road on February 9, last year.

He pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to causing the death of Mr. Orrey, by careless driving whilst unfit through alcohol and will be sentenced on March 7.

The Cornish native was pronounced dead outside Leytonstone Underground Station and a post-mortem four days later confirmed the cause of death as multiple injuries.

There was an immediate hunt for the silver Peugeot 206 responsible and the vehicle was found abandoned in nearby Bushwood and Gordon-Allen was later arrested.

Arsonist Kills Innocent Pensioner When Setting Bar Ablaze

An arsonist consumed with rage after rowing with a bar owner killed the next-door neighbour pensioner when he splashed the building with petrol and set fire to the business.

Vietnam-born Tuan Anh Le, 23, (pic.mid.) held a six-month grudge with the Xo Bar after a minor incident with the owner and is now starting a thirteen-year sentence.

He was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of manslaughter after life-long resident Giuseppina Fazzani, 82, suffered fatal burns at her Deptford High Street, Deptford home in the early hours of May 29, last year.

The Vietnamese Xo Bar (pic.bottom) occupied the same building Miss Fazzani lived in since the age of three years-old and for most of that time it had been run as a family cafe.

She was asleep in her ground-floor bedroom when Le bought petrol from a local station and set the building ablaze.

CCTV captured the defendant driving up and down Deptford High Street twice before getting out and peering through the security shutter of the bar.

He then drove to a nearby petrol station where he purchased kitchen roll as well as a canister of petrol.



Returning to the bar just before 1:30am, Le was again captured on CCTV, starting a fire at the door of 189 and then a second fire at 187 - the address of Miss Fazzani – before fleeing in his vehicle.



Inside the property Miss Fazzani's niece was asleep on the second floor when she was woken by the smoke alarm.

She tried to get downstairs to help her aunt, but was beaten back by heat and smoke and had to be rescued by the London Fire Brigade.



Miss Fazzani was found unconscious by her bed having suffered serious burns.

She was treated by paramedics at the scene but was pronounced dead at 3:00am.

Le was arrested by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command three days later.

He refused to answer any questions during his police interviews.

Detective Inspector Nathan Eason said: "Josie, as she was known to her family and friends would not have stood a chance of escaping the fire due to her advanced years and mobility issues.

“Having committed this reckless and despicable act Le attempted to evade responsibility for his actions by claiming he was forced into setting the fires.

“The jury clearly saw through this complete fabrication and rightly convicted him.

“We can only hope that today's conviction can in some small way assist Josie's family to come to terms with her tragic and needless loss."

Footballer's 'Road Rage' Assault On Cyclist

A Watford FC footballer involved in a "road rage" confrontation with a cyclist he pushed over after they collided at traffic lights - fracturing the rider's wrist - was bailed for reports today after admitting the attack.

Jamaican international Nyron Nosworthy, 33, of Gleneagle Road, Streatham, left the cyclist needing a full cast and up to a year of rehab after he complained about being knocked off his bike by the defendant.

The six-foot Brixton-born defender, who has also played five seasons in the Premier League with Sunderland and represented Gillingham and Sheffield United, will return to Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on February 10.

He pleaded guilty on his first appearance to assaulting Joe Minihane, causing him actual bodily harm, in Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth on August 13, last year.

His lawyer Mr. Theo Addae told the court: "Mr. Nosworthy is a professional footballer for Watford and in August, last year he was injured and as a result was travelling to a physio in Oxford Circus."

The player had suffered a season-ending achilles injury while on international duty in March.

"He was making his way there, driving down the road, and at traffic lights there was a cyclist intending to go right, but was on the left and cut across the front of Mr. Nosworthy's vehicle and a collision occurred."

Nosworthy claims Mr. Minihane got up shouting and swearing, calling him a "wanker" and continuing to be verbally abusive.

"He wound down his window to say: 'You cut in front of me,' and the cyclist told him to: "Fuck off."

Nosworthy pulled over to speak to the cyclist, who claims the defendant approached him in an "aggressive manner."

"At that time verbal abuse was still coming at Mr. Nosworthy and he pushed Mr. Minihane once only, causing the cyclist to stumble backwards and that stumble causes the injury.

"It was only the unfortunate manner in which the cyclist falls over that causes the injury," added Mr. Addae.

Nosworthy was phoned by the police and attended a voluntary interview.

"He was candid and frank and said he never intended to cause an injury that never could be foreseen."

Urging the court to conclude the case with a fine and compensation order the lawyer added: "He has shown an exemplary record on and off the pitch, has done talks with youth offending teams and at schools in Brixton and Peckham.

"He has taken time out of his career to assist youngsters with his story of beginning in inner city London and becoming an international footballer."

The court heard Nosworthy is in a long-term relationship and his girlfriend is expecting their first child in March.

He hopes to pursue a career in coaching when his playing days are over.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser told Nosworthy the offence was too serious to simply be dealt with by a fine, telling him: "The context of this incident was collision between a vehicle and a cyclist.

"You got out of that vehicle, the prosecution say in an aggressive manner, it was a hard enough push for that cyclist to stagger and in the context of a concrete pavement you must have realised there was potential for serious injury.

"A full cast was required and full function will not return to that wrist for six to twelve months."  

Council's Award-Winning Insurance Boss Swindled Dormant Claims

Andrew Rooke leaving court with his wife

An award-winning insurance fraud manager with Bromley council, who swindled £46,000 out of the local authority, was caught after his wife took revenge by reporting him to bosses after she discovered he was enjoying an affair.

Andrew Rooke, 48, reopened closed claims against the council for personal injury or property damage on three occasions and diverted the pay-outs into his mother's and his father-in-law's bank accounts.

"The investigation was initiated by your wife, who was aggrieved by your affair, and others in the course of the investigation have come under suspicion and you have brought the council into disrepute," the Recorder of Croydon Warwick McKinnon told him on Monday.

Rooke, of North Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation and was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to perform 200 hours community service work.

Croydon Crown Court heard between June 18, 2010 and May 16, last year the Birmingham-born defendant, employed as an insurance and risk manager, defrauded sums of £8,450, £23,00 and £14,500.

He is a two-time winner of a national award for asset protection risk management - granted in 2006 and 2011 by ALARM, the Public Risk Management Association and the BBC reported on his fraud crackdown.

Prosecutor Miss Shahnaz Ahmed told the court: "His day to day job involved advising on how to limit fraud within the council, train staff, process insurance claims and asses risk.

"He reopened claims that had been closed and the first involved a tree that had caused damage to property and had been rejected.

"He re-opened it using an ex-employee's name and involved two other members of staff who counter-signed the claim and he received the cheque into his mother's account.

Two other re-opened claims were for personal injury and both pay-outs were credited to Rooke's father-in-law's bank account.

"The defendant's wife telephoned the council and said he was having an affair and asked them to check why she and her husband had enjoyed a free holiday."

A four-month investigation, costing £20,000 and involving the Greenwich Fraud Team, resulted in Rooke's arrest and other staff coming under suspicion.

Rooke immediately repaid the final £14,500 he defrauded and re-mortgaged the family home to pay the remainder.

"Both Mr and Mrs Rooke are on medication for depression," said Mr. Derek Barry, defending. "He has made terrible mistakes and it has cost him his career with Bromley council.

"In all other areas of his life he is a caring, sharing, family man."

Judge McKinnon announced: "It was his wife who blew the whistle because he was having an affair," before telling father-of-three Rooke: "It is an extremely serious case.

"You were a trusted employee in a relatively senior position, processing insurance claims with the power to accept or reject them and reopen closed claims.

"You reopened three claims and redirected the money to you and others to ultimately it would come back to you."

Sordid Pair's Sex Attack On Mentally-Ill Woman

A rapist, assisted by a female accomplice, who took advantage of a mentally-ill care home resident is starting a six-year sentence for the depraved attack.

Jeffrey Cormack, 49, (pic.top) of Stanstead Road, Catford was found guilty of raping the 22 year-old woman at the Lewisham home, plus two counts of sexual assault.

Woolwich Crown Court heard Cormack was joined by Susan Hone, 48, (pic.bottom) of Upper Brockley Road, Brockley in the sex attack committed August 2, 2012.

She was deemed unfit to stand jury trial, but was found to have committed two acts of sexual assault and will be sentenced on a future date.

The sordid pair were visiting the vulnerable young woman, who they knew, and Hone brought her something to eat.

She then began to touch her inappropriately.

Despite being told to stop she continued to undress and sexually assault the victim.

Cormack then sexually assaulted and raped the victim.

Detective Constable Liz McAvoy, the investigating officer for the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse command said "The victim in this case was spending an evening with people she classed as friends.

“Cormack and Hone made sexual advances toward the victim who rejected those advances.

"They ignored her protests and took advantage of the vulnerable woman.

“The courage shown by the traumatised victim to report the attack to police, whilst also receiving treatment for her mental health issues, cannot be underestimated.


"I hope her example will give others the courage to make that call."

Victorious Human Rights "Career Criminal" Back Behind Bars

A "career criminal" who won a landmark human rights case against the government - blocking the Justice Secretary's right to refuse his parole - is back behind bars after violently robbing an antique shop.

Wayne Thomas Black, 46, had recently been released from a twenty-four year sentence, imposed for a violent kidnapping and subsequent escape from a prison van when he struck again.

While serving that twenty-four year sentence Black took the government to the Court of Appeal, which ruled his continued incarceration at the request of the Justice Secretary was a breach of Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

This was despite the robber being described in court as "ruthless and dangerous" and deemed by the government to be a continuing danger to members of the public. 

After a three-week trial at top-security Woolwich Crown Court Black, of Rawstorne Street, Finsbury was convicted of robbery and possession of a firearm and sentenced to ten years imprisonment.

Wearing a crash helmet and helped by an unknown accomplice Black walked into the shop in Camden Passage, Islington at 1.30pm on November 26, 2012 and threatened the owner with a small revolver.

The terrified victim was bound with gaffer tape and the defendant helped himself to expensive silver antiques while his accomplice acted as a look-out.

Flying Squad officers forensically linked Black to the scene and mobile phone records also placed him in the locality and he was arrested and charged seven week later.

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Hennigan said: "Wayne Black used violent behaviour to threaten a defenceless shop owner during this robbery. I am sure it is only by chance that no one was seriously injured.

"Black was described as a 'career criminal' during court proceedings. This lengthy prison sentence shows that the courts take this type of offence seriously and those arrested by police will feel the full force of the law."

In July 1995 Black received twenty years imprisonment for the carefully-planned robbery of a pawnbroker's shop in Golders Green in 1993 when a member of the shop's staff and her mother were handcuffed, blindfolded and held hostage overnight in their home before the £200,000 raid.

He was convicted of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, robbery and false imprisonment and was given an additional four years in January 1996 for escaping from a prison van en route from the Old Bailey while armed with a razor blade lodged into a toothbrush.

After serving approximately half of that sentence the Parole Board recommended Black's release on licence in May 2006, but this was blocked by the then Home Secretary, who held the power of veto before the position of Justice Minister was established.

As a result Black launched the successful appeal and government ministers lost the right to prevent the parole of prisoner's sentenced to fifteen years or more, excluding lifers, who they believed were still a danger to the public.