Ex-Public Schoolboy Harry Lineker Banned For Drink-Driving

Drink-Driver: Harry Lineker

The son of BBC presenter and former England footballer Gary Lineker has been fined and banned for drink-driving after being arrested while looking for an early-morning McDonald's after three pints the night before.

Jobless Harry Lineker, 20, of Titlarks Hill, Ascot, Berkshire, told Hammersmith Magistrates Court he has been out of work for two years, but hopes to pursue a sports or football journalism career within the BBC.

He was arrested three months ago after being stopped in Smugglers Way, Wandsworth - an industrial area just south of the river Thames at 5am on a saturday due to his "erratic" driving.

He pleaded guilty to driving his 2010 silver VW Polo with excess alcohol in his blood - namely 86 milligrammes - and was fined £500, with £85 costs, was ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and was disqualified for twelve months.

The legal limit is 80.

Prosecutor Mr. Darren Watts told the court: "At approximately five am a silver VW Polo was seen by officers driving in an erratic manner.

"The vehicle was seen sideways across the road half-way down. The vehicle performed a multiple turn manoeuvre and the officers followed it a distance.

"The driver cut the corner of a roundabout and continued driving with the wheels over the lane dividers."

Police then stopped the car. "The driver of the vehicle had a strong smell of alcohol coming from him and he admitted he had had a drink."

Lineker failed the roadside breath-test and was arrested at 5.20am and taken to Hammersmith Police Station, where he was given the blood option.

Michelle Cockayne & Harry Lineker Arrive

Wearing a blue suit, white shirt and yellow tie Lineker, who arrived with his mother Michelle Cockayne, 48, told the court: "I had three pints with some friends the night before and went back to their house.

"I drove three hours later to get some food at McDonald's at the roundabout. I thought I was fine.

"I was obviously driving fairly erratically, but I thought I was fine. I was surprised when I was pulled over."

Lineker described himself as a student despite finishing his A levels two years ago and not going to university. He did not give details of any employment or experience in journalism despite his high ambitions of landing a job at the beeb.

"I'm trying to get a job in sport, this year. Looking for work.

"Anything in sport. I'm looking for different experiences. Trying to get a job at the BBC and journalism, any sport, preferably with football.

"I live with my mum," he told the court. "I don't get an allowance, I live at home and if I go out I get some money.

"I'm sorry, I apologise, i thought I was fine."

McDonald's, Smugglers Way

Deputy District Judge Devinder Sandhu told the first-time offender: "You have been incredibly foolish. The court takes drink-driving offences incredibly seriously.

"The consequences of people like you that drink and drive can be that people lose their lives and it is fortunate that there was not an accident or that you or anyone else were injured through your driving.

"Thankfully it was saturday morning and five am and there would not have been many people about at the time." 

Harry is a former-pupil of £34,000-a-year Charterhouse school, where he played up front for the football team and scored in a 2-0 win over Eton in 2011's Boodles Independent Schools Football Association Cup.

He is the second-eldest of the four son's Gary has with ex-wife Michelle, the other siblings are George, 22, Tobias, 18 and Angus, 16.

Ironically, Gary, 53, said earlier this year he keeps tabs on his two oldest son's driving with electronic 'black box' recorders he had fitted to their vehicles.

"Every now and again I will suddenly see something where they are driving too fast or they are braking too sharply," he explained.

Harry had a twitter dig at his famous father's ITV rival, presenter Adrian Chiles, during the World Cup, tweeting on June 16: "Adrian Chiles just doesn't have a clue. A presenter that hasn't played the sport is not a ting (sic)."

Drink-Driver Who Killed Motorcyclist Jailed

A boozy driver, who killed a motorcyclist while driving his company pick-up truck without permission, has been jailed for seven years and four months.

Portuguese national Eleuterio Da Silva-Dias, 36, of Ashmead Road, Feltham cut across 34 year-old Krzysztof Dyagasiewicz in Bath Road, Hayes on June 6.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to causing death by careless driving while over the drink-drive limit and aggravated taking and driving away of the white VW vehicle.

He was also disqualified from driving for ten years.

Police were called at 9.09pm to reports of collision between a black Suzuki motorcycle and the pickup driven by the defendant.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.



It was established the vehicle Da Silva-Dias was driving turned right at speed in front of Mr. Dyagasiewicz's motorbike causing the collision.

Da Silva-Dias was arrested at the scene.



Detective Sergeant Jane Mallet of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

"The careless actions of Da Silva-Dias while behind the wheel of a vehicle has resulted in the death of an innocent man.



"While nothing can replace the loss of Krzysztof, I hope this sentencing goes some way to providing closure to his friends and family."



Early-Morning Sex Predator Raped And Robbed Woman Walking To Work

An early-morning sexual predator, who targeted a woman walking to work – forcing her to perform a sex act on him and robbing her – has been locked-up for seven years.

Steven Dunne, 24, of Copleston Mews, Peckham pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to one count of oral rape and one count of robbery.

The court heard the 27 year-old victim was walking along Surrey Quays Road, Canada Water at 6.45am on November 10,last year when Dunne suddenly began following her.

The defendant, who was wearing a hooded top, suddenly rushed at the woman, grabbed her, and forced her from the street into bushes.

He orally raped her, robbed her of cash, and also threatened to kill her during the ordeal.

Dunne made off from the scene, threatening the victim that she should remain in the bushes until for five minutes after he had gone.

Once she was sure Dunne had left the scene, the victim reported the incident to police.

The victim was supported after her ordeal by trained officers from the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command and staff at Haven.

Officers obtained DNA evidence which matched that of Steven Dunne.

Dunne was arrested on November 15 and charged the same day.

PC Carol Day said: "Steven Dunne committed a violent and terrifying rape on a woman walking to her workplace in the early hours of the morning.

“The victim in this case was traumatised by the attack, but with support has found the determination to see her attacker sent to prison for a long time."

Detective Inspector Faye Churchyard said: "The victim was subjected to the terrifying ordeal that all women fear, being attacked alone on a deserted street.

“She has seen justice today in the conviction of the man who attacked her.

“We hope this sends a strong message to all victims that they will be supported and that justice will prevail.

There may be others Steven Dunne has attacked and I urge them to come forward and tell us what has happened to them." 

Night Bus Sex Beast Caged

A wannabe rapist, who pounced on a lone woman who fell asleep on a night bus and missed her stop, has been locked-up for ten years.

Delroy Bryan, 48, used his mobile phone to take images up the 22 year-old victim's skirt as she snoozed on the N47 bus as it travelled through south-east London in the early hours.

She had enjoyed an evening out in London with friends on June 8, last year and after missing her stop was befriended by Bryan, who promised to help get her home safely.

They both got of the bus at St. Mary Cray railway station at approximately 6:00am and the defendant offered to walk her to the correct stop. 



In a secluded park off Sevenoaks Way he punched the victim to the ground, ripped her tights and placed his weight on top of her. 



He smothered the victim so that she couldn't breath, but the victim mustered the strength to fight him off and shouted for help. 



A passing dog walker came to her aid and Bryan ran off and police called. 



Several days later a PCSO from St Mary Cray recognised Bryan from images circulated from bus CCTV and he was arrested on June 13.

He was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of attempted rape, sexual assault and outraging public decency.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Facebook Paedo Who 'Groomed' 13 Year-Old Girl Is Jailed

An online sexual predator, who groomed a 13 year-old girl on Facebook after meeting her socially, has been jailed for eighteen months.

Georgi Ivanov, 19, of Welford Road, Creaton, Northamptonshire befriended the under-age teen on the social network and turned their conversations to sex.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Detective Constable Sue McKenzie, from the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "The victim is a vulnerable child who was sexually abused by Ivanov, an older man.

“She has suffered considerable harm as a result of what happened to her and it will take time to recover fully.



"I commend her courage for seeing this investigation through to the end and I hope this outcome will encourage other children who are being groomed and exploited to tell someone what is happening so we can protect them and other children."



The victim met Ivanov in 2013 while out with a friend.



They became Facebook friends and Ivanov's conversation with her quickly became sexual even though it was clear from her profile she was just thirteen.


He invited her to his flat and, with little or no preamble, had sex with her.



Afterwards he expressed concerns, via their discussions on Facebook, that the police could come after him due to her being underage.



However, this did not deter him from meeting her on several more occasions to have sex with her.



On Monday, 9 December 2013 the victim was reported missing.

Officers attended Ivanov's address and he denied the victim was there, but when officers searched his then flat, at High Street, Penge, they found her along with evidence they had just had sex.



Ivanov initially denied knowing the victim was under age, only pleading guilty when faced with the overwhelming evidence gathered from the social networking site.



Detective Inspector Jim Pryde added: "It is not acceptable for older men to pray on children for their own sexual gratification.

“The defendant knew the victim's age yet continued to abuse her believing he would get away with it.



"I believe there may be other children who have been abused by Georgi Ivanov.

“I urge them to come forward and, for that matter, any victim of sexual abuse.

“We have specially trained officers who work closely with our partner agencies and will provide support."



Anyone with information about Ivanov can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Justice Catches Up With Paedophile Rapist

A Merseyside rapist was sentenced to eight years imprisonment today for the historic sexual abuse of a girl he groomed from the 1970's.

Bar worker William Ashton, 54, of Breccia Gardens, St. Helens initially preyed on the girl when she was aged just six or seven years-old then resumed the abuse when she was sixteen or seventeen.

She was one of three women who came forward and made complaints about sex attacks between 1972 and 1985 and Ashton was acquitted of abusing the other two.

“This rape took place at the end of a lengthy period of grooming which started when she was six or seven years-old,” prosecutor Miss Caroline Carberry told Croydon Crown Court.

Ashton, denied, but was convicted by a jury of two sample counts of indecently assaulting the victim in Cantrill Farm, Liverpool between 1972 and 1974 then two counts of indecently assaulting her again and raping her at an address in Brunswick Road, Sutton, south-west London between 1982 and 1985.

Recorder Stuart Trimmer QC told Ashton, who was acquitted at Liverpool Crown Court last year of sexually assaulting a 17 year-old girl: “When she was aged six or seven for two years you regularly used her to masturbate you and gave her money and sweets as a reward.

“You used her for sexual gratification and you took advantage of her trust.”

Regarding the later abuse the recorder added: “You invited her masturbate you and she was a young teenager and because the same thing happened when she was a child you felt that entitled you to start again.

“You came into the bathroom and shut the door behind you which frightened her and you made her touch you. You took her to the bedroom and raped her.

“She was sixteen years-old, but you couldn't care less and you were angry with her because she had not had sex before.”

Ashton was found not guilty of indecently assaulting another girl, who said her breasts were repeatedly groped by the defendant, and she also claimed he forced his hands between her legs as they rode in a lift at a block of flats.

He was also cleared by the jury of four counts of indecent assault relating to the third complainant.

The rape victim told the trial Ashton was “angry” about the fact she had never had sex before, but proceeded anyway, leaving blood on the bed he took her to.

“He told me to lay down, to shut my eyes and it was over,” she told the court. “That was the last time.”

Before the rape she said Ashton “built up to it” by molesting her in a bathroom and putting his fingers inside her.

The defendant claimed the complaints were an “invention” and “false allegation” but each woman denied telling lies, stating it was very dificult to come forward after so many years.

Ashton was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Pub Customer Smashed Window And Slapped Barmaid After Brother Punched Cold

A pub customer working on a funeral eulogy for his best friend ended the evening smashing a window with a metal bucket and slapping a barmaid across the face after his brother was decked outside.

Haulage and waste disposal operator Nigel Sullivan, 45, of Orchard House, Fulmer Lane, Fulmer, Slough began the evening in reflective mood, but went berserk when his sibling was punched unconscious and had to be rushed to hospital.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to causing £200 worth of criminal damage to the window of the Conningham Arms, Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush on April 26 and assaulting Bridgette Lacey.

Prosecutor Miss Izolda Switala-Gribbin told the court police were called to the pub at 11pm after a fight outside involving the defendant's brother, who suffered injuries.

“The defendant was seen throwing a bucket that was used as an outside ashtray and smashing the window and he slapped Miss Lacey across the face before he was moved away by other members of the public.

“He initially denied assaulting Miss Lacey, saying he would never hit a woman.

“She did complain of pain, but there were no visible injuries.”

The court was told Sullivan had agreed to meet his brother at the pub to reflect on the recent passing of his best friend and talk about the eulogy he was to deliver at the funeral two days later.

Sullivan claims his brother was “viciously assaulted” outside and he became “very upset and angry” that his sibling was lying helpless on the ground out cold and there was no effort to call the emergency services.

He took his anger out on the pub and threw the metal bucket through the window and lashed out at Miss Lacey, believing staff were not co-operating with assisting his brother.

The court also heard father-of-two Sullivan was under personal and professional pressure with his bank recently calling in a £50,000 loan and starting repossession proceedings on the family home.

Bench chairwoman Miss S Dale announced: “You did cause a considerable amount of damage to the window and this was clearly a shocking incident for Miss Lacey.”

Sullivan was conditionally discharged for eighteen months, ordered to pay £200 compensation to the pub, £100 compensation to Miss Lacey, £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.  

NOT GUILTY: Retired Journalist Cleared Of Historic Child Abuse

A retired journalist, accused of sexually abusing a “troubled” young boy, who only made his complaint to the police thirty-five years later when prompted by publicity surrounding the Jimmy Savile scandal, has been cleared.

Pensioner Malcolm Stuart, 76, of High Street, Banwell, Avon was found not guilty of molesting the youngster between the ages of twelve and fourteen years-old and on one occasion taking him to a hotel for sex.

Prosecutor Mr. Walton Hornsby told Croydon Crown Court: “The defendant took him to Arsenal football matches and this developed into discussions about sexuality and development and this led to this defendant providing him with a 'wank book' and asked him to write down occasions when he masturbated.

“The boy was given low-level pornographic literature and masturbated himself in front of the defendant and was given monetary presents for writing in the book every time he had masturbated.”

The jury were told this abuse escalated into the boy providing Stuart with oral sex and the complainant – now aged 49 years-old and living in Torquay – told police the defendant once took him to a hotel.

“He was taken to the hotel, told to take his clothes off and bent over a chair,” Mr. Hornsby told the jury, explaining Stuart then attempted to have sex with the boy, who found the experience “excruciatingly painful.”

“The allegations were not disclosed officially until 2012 when the amount of publicity in the Jimmy Savile case chimed with him and provoked him to contact the police and make a statement.

“Before this, on two occasions, he made a brief disclosure to his first wife and to his current wife that he had been sexually abused.

“None of it took place in the presence of anybody else.

“He had been a troubled boy and a troubled man, saying what happened in adolescence has carried on through his life.

“He says that as soon as he expressed a sexual interest in girls the defendant stopped and there appears to have been no contact after that.”

Stuart was traced and arrested by police, who put the complaint to him. “He made a complete denial of any sexual activity.

“He accepted most of the factual background, in that he had taken him to Arsenal football matches and that they had discussed masturbation as a normal avuncular discussion.

“He did accept suggesting a book be kept, but said there was no sexual contact, no payments made or any sexual activity with the complainant.”

Stuart pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecency with a child between November 7, 1976 and November 9, 1978.

He also denied four counts of indecently assaulting the boy between the same dates and committing a further sex act within that period.

Aristocrat Appears In Court Accused Of Knife Row

The great-great-grandson of the Eighth Earl of Scarborough appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court yesterday accused of wielding two kitchen knives above his head during a row with his girlfriend.

Hon. James Lumley-Savile, 39, of Stevenage Road, Fulham, indicated not guilty pleas and will appear at Isleworth Crown Court on July 15 for a preliminary hearing after magistrates declined jurisdiction because their sentencing powers are insufficient.

Lumley-Savile - heir to the title Baron Savile - faces two charges of possessing an offensive weapon, at the £800,000 home on May 19 and possession of a small snap bag of cannabis.

The row allegedly began with the girlfriend making a joke about poisoning her father.

The Edinburgh University graduate, who makes his living as an internet marketing entrepreneur, only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was bailed unconditionally.

Fake Banknote Thug Hunted

Police are hunting this thug, who attacked an off-licence cashier after being exposed trying to pay for items with a fake banknote.

The alarm was raised at approximately 10.25pm on May 26 and officers rushed to the premises in Hornchurch Road, Havering.

The 33 year-old male cashier reported that the customer's attempt to use a suspect banknote led to an argument and an assault.

The victim was taken by London Ambulance Service to an east London hospital with facial injuries.

He has since been discharged.



Anyone who witnessed the assault or who can identify the man is asked to contact Havering CID on 01708 779224 or via 101.

Gunman Caught During Police Raid Caged

A gunman arrested by gang-busting cops – who found a loaded firearm stuffed inside a sock inside a kitchen cupboard – has been jailed for fifteen years.

Jonothan Odokama, 25, of Tennison Road, South Norwood tried to blame his 25 year-old girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time of the raid, but this was rejected by the jury.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of possession of a firearm, with intent to endanger life, and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life at his home address on November 11, last year.

As part of a proactive, intelligence-led operation, officers from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Trident Gang Crime Command, supported by the MPS Specialist Firearms Unit, executed a search warrant at the property.

A search of the address revealed a Baikal semi automatic handgun secreted on top of a kitchen cupboard, hidden in a sock.

The handgun was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. 



Both Odokama and his girlfriend were arrested at the address and charged with firearms offences.

His girlfriend was later acquitted at court. 



A third man, 25, was also arrested at the property, he was bailed to return and later released no further action.



Detective Inspector Paul Dorey of Trident Gang Crime Command said: "The arrest and conviction of Jonothan Odokama demonstrates Trident's continued commitment to target dangerous criminals concerned in gangs and firearm criminality. 



“This successful prosecution also highlights the dangers posed to female partners of gang members who are used to store firearms.

“Even when confronted with significant evidence regarding his possession of the firearm, Odokama attempted to blame his girlfriend.



"However upon hearing all evidence the jury found him guilty of firearm offences and acquitted his girlfriend.



"I hope that the sentence given to Odokama will send a clear message to those concerned in gun crime including females storing guns.

“Trident officers will relentlessly pursue them and they can expect to be identified, brought before the courts."

 

Rapist Who Tried To Beat Pensioner Victim To Death Convicted

Richards: "I like you. I will kill you."

This is the face of an evil rapist, who tried to beat his 70 year-old victim to death - leaving her with ten broken ribs, a fractured cheekbone and jaw, broken hip and vertebrae and bleeding on the brain.

Builder Robert Richards, 22, of Chessington, knew the pensioner after previously changing a lightbulb for her and scaled the outside of her suburban home early in the morning and entered via an open window.

He was convictd at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court of the rape, attempted rape and attempted murder of the pensioner at her Chessington home on October 23, last year and will be sentenced on August 4.

Between 5:30am and 6:30am the women was woken by Richards, who put his hand across her mouth and threatened to kill her if she screamed.



The victim recalled the defendant ominously uttering the words: "I like you. I will kill you."

He then raped and beat her severely and she suffered a cardiac arrest whilst being treated in hospital.



Following the attack Richards left the property via a back door and the victim was able to alert her neighbours by banging on an internal wall. 



Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command (SOECA) launched an investigation.



Police enquiries quickly led to Richards being identified as a person of interest and he was arrested locally the same day.



The court heard Richards had once changed a lightbulb for the woman.



When he was brought in to custody he was wearing two pairs of tracksuit bottoms.

His clothing was seized and officers found the first pair of bottoms were covered in blood.

Forensic analysis identified the blood as the victim's.



Richards lied that he found the bloodied tracksuit bottoms in the street and his DNA was also found under the fingernails of the women.



He tried to create an alibi when he bought tea bags at a local shop, knowing he would be captured on the store's CCTV.

Detective Inspector Nicky Arrowsmith said: “I would like to pay tribute to the spirit and courage displayed by the victim, who gave evidence during the trial.”

Justice Catches Up With Rapist Decades Later

A Merseyside rapist is facing a prison sentence after he was convicted of historic sex offences dating back four decades.

Bar worker William Ashton, 54, of Breccia Gardens, St. Helens was arrested after three women came forward and made complaints about sex attacks between 1972 and 1984.

He was convicted by a Croydon Crown Court jury of one count of raping a female when she was aged sixteen to seventeen years-old, plus four counts of indecently assaulting the same victim.

The rape ocurred at an address in Brunswick Road, Sutton, which was the location of two of the indecent assaults, the remaining two ocurring at an address in Cantrill Farm, Liverpool.

Ashton was found not guilty of indecently assaulting another girl, who said her breasts were repeatedly groped by the defendant, who she claimed also forced his hands between her legs as they rode in a lift at a block of flats.

He was also cleared by the jury of four counts of indecent assault relating to the third complainant.

The rape victim told the trial Ashton was “angry” about the fact she had never had sex before, but proceeded anyway, leaving blood on the bed he took her to.

“He told me to lay down, to shut my eyes and it was over,” she told the court. “That was the last time.”

Before the rape she said Ashton “built up to it” by molesting her in a bathroom and putting his fingers inside her.

The third complainant also alleged Ashton molested her in a bathroom when she was aged four to eight years-old, but the jury acquitted him of those counts.

The defendant claimed the complaints were an “invention” and “false allegation” but each woman denied telling lies, stating it was very dificult to come forward after so many years.

Ashton was bailed until July 8 for sentencing.

Abused Boy Inspired By Jimmy Savile Scandal To Report Sex Abuse, Jury Told

'Not Guilty': Malcolm Stuart

A journalist sexually abused a “troubled” young boy, who only made his complaint to the police thirty-five years later when prompted by publicity surrounding the Jimmy Savile scandal, a jury were told today.

Retired Malcolm Stuart, 76, of High Street, Banwell molested the youngster between the ages of twelve and fourteen years-old and on one occasion took him to a hotel for sex, Croydon Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Mr. Walton Hornsby said: “The defendant took him to Arsenal football matches and this developed into discussions about sexuality and development and this led to this defendant providing him with a 'wank book' and asked him to write down occasions when he masturbated.

“The boy was given low-level pornographic literature and masturbated himself in front of the defendant and was given monetary presents for writing in the book every time he had masturbated.”

The jury were told this abuse escalated into the boy providing Stuart with oral sex and the complainant – now aged 49 years-old and living in Torquay – told police the defendant once took him to a hotel.

“He was taken to the hotel, told to take his clothes off and bent over a chair,” Mr. Hornsby told the jury, explaining Stuart then attempted to have sex with the boy, who found the experience “excruciatingly painful.”

“The allegations were not disclosed officially until 2012 when the amount of publicity in the Jimmy Savile case chimed with him and provoked him to contact the police and make a statement.

“Before this, on two occasions, he made a brief disclosure to his first wife and to his current wife that he had been sexually abused.

“None of it took place in the presence of anybody else.

“He had been a troubled boy and a troubled man, saying what happened in adolescence has carried on through his life.

“He says that as soon as he expressed a sexual interest in girls the defendant stopped and there appears to have been no contact after that.”

Stuart was traced and arrested by police, who put the complaint to him. “He made a complete denial of any sexual activity.

“He accepted most of the factual background, in that he had taken him to Arsenal football matches and that they had discussed masturbation as a normal avuncular discussion.

“He did accept suggesting a book be kept, but said there was no sexual contact, no payments made or any sexual activity with the complainant.”

Stuart has pleaded not guilty to two counts of indecency with a child between November 7, 1976 and November 9, 1978.

He also denies four counts of indecently assaulting the boy between the same dates and committing a further sex act within that period.

Ex-Pub DJ Jailed For Indecently Assaulting Teen Girl

A barman/DJ, who seduced the under-age daughter of the owners of a Norwich pub over a decade ago, is starting an eighteen-month prison sentence.

Lee Daniel Dickens, 39, of Biggin Way, Upper Norwood, was convicted by a Croydon Crown Court jury of one count of indecently assaulting the girl between 2000 and 2002.

The jury heard the defendant, from south London, moved into the pub when the victim was a young teen and she told them: “We had sex when I was fourteen.”

Dickens claimed he only had a sexual relationship with her after she turned sixteen years-old and it was consensual.

She told the court: “Lee told me I shouldn't say anything to anyone because of the age difference and he would get into trouble.”

Dickens was cleared by the jury of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, which the victim claimed occured in south London.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

Rogue Trader Has €180K Seized By Police

Euro's Seized: Anthony Holehouse

Police have seized €180,660 belonging to a notorious rogue trader – banned from running any company for 10 years after he was jailed.

Anthony Holehouse, 31, of Tremayne Road, Bilborough, Nottinghamshire was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for his role in a 'long firm' fraud.

Police applied for the continued detention of the money yesterday on the grounds it represents the proceeds of unlawful conduct and the hearing was adjourned at Uxbridge Magistrates Court until January 7, next year.

Holehouse was one of a group of six men investigated by Leicestershire Constabulary, which started an investigation in November 2005 into a fraudulent company called Power Associates Ltd (PA Ltd) based in Burnmoor Street, Leicester.

This led to the identification of three other fraudulent companies in Nottinghamshire.

Following a joint investigation between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire forces, the suspects were identified and charged in December 2007.

The defendants all pleaded guilty to fraudulent company trading at Leicester Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Edward Jones, who led the investigation, said: "These men were setting up bogus companies and obtaining goods on credit with suppliers, but never paying the balance.

"When the suppliers chased them for payment all remnants of the company and its employees had disappeared as the gang moved on to the next bogus company.

"The best way to stop these people from committing offences again is to make their faces known in the business world."

Holehouse was also convicted of fraudulent company trading in relation to JTF Services Ltd and West Yorkshire based company Crossfield Construction Ltd.

Sikh Grandad Jailed For Nearly Blinding Daughter-In-Law He Wrongly Suspected Of Muslim Affair

Jageer Mirgind

These are the injuries inflicted by an enraged Sikh grandfather against his son's wife after mistakenly believing she was having an affair with a Muslim.

Manjit Mirgind, 51, attacked 29 year-old Jageer Mirgind in front of her young children – aged three and six years-old – targeting her eyes in particular.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to ten years and eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

Mirgind, of Mayfair Avenue, Ilford attacked Jageer at her nearby home at around 9.00am on December 18, last year.

Emergency services were called and police established the victim had been badly beaten and had suffered a violent and frenzied assault by her father-in-law.

He had attempted to strangle her, had gouged both her eyes, stabbed her several times in the face and kicked her about the head and body.

She also suffered defence injuries to her arms and hands and Mirgind – who injured his knee and hand while beating her – gave himself up to police immediately.

Manjit Mirgind

He made unsolicited comments on his way to hospital stating that he had stabbed his daughter in law in the eyes because of his belief that she was having an affair with a Muslim man and was trying to break up his family. 



When he was later interviewed he answered “no comment” to all questions asked.



The victim was taken to an east London hospital where she underwent surgery. 



Jageer is now scarred for life and has partial vision in one eye and blurred vision in the other.

Her left wrist has lost mobility and she now stammers due to damaged muscles in her neck. 



Detective Inspector John Delaney of Redbridge Police Community Safety Unit said: “The psychological effects on the victim in this case will remain long after her wounds have healed. 



"When Manjit Mirgind launched this attack he was acting in the misguided name of ‘honour’, spurred on by a false belief that his daughter-in-law was having an affair with a man of another faith. 



“The victim sustained an unprovoked, frenzied attack by a trusted family member in her own home which has resulted in her sustaining life changing injuries.

“She has shown tremendous courage and resilience in dealing with this incident which has not only affected her but two extended families within her community.” 



Charity Boss Jailed For Decades-Old Child Sex Offences

Caged: Zafar Iqbal

The paedophile chief officer of a charity is starting a prison sentence after his sordid past caught up with him when three female victims reported decades-old sexual abuse.

Zafar Iqbal, 61, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment after he was convicted of twenty-five counts of indecent assault.

The victims were all under fourteen years-old at the time of the offences – committed at an address in Peckham during the 1970's and 1980's.

The abuse only ended when Iqbal got married and moved away, eventually running a Brent-based charity.

The victims reported the abuse they had suffered to the police 2012 and an investigation was launched.



Iqbal was arrested and interviewed by detectives from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command (SOECA). 




Detective Constable Martin Sharp of the SOECA said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise the three young women that Iqbal abused and highlight their courage in coming forwarding and reporting to the police Iqbal’s crimes.

“The support they gave the investigating officers during this investigation was instrumental bringing Iqbal to justice today. 



“Zafer Iqbal no doubt thought the passage of time meant that he had escaped justice for the appalling offences he committed against three small children.

“I hope that his conviction and sentence gives other victims of sexual abuse confidence to come forward.”

Grandma Caught Smuggling Drugs After Jamaica Holiday

Inner London Crown Court

An Oxford grandmother, caught smuggling £51,000 worth of cannabis after stepping off a flight from Jamaica, was jailed for two years yesterday.

Margaret Simms, 57, of Peat Moors lost her good name and 18-year job with Boots chemists after she was caught at Gatwick Airport.

She denied, but was convicted by a jury of importing 17 kilos of the drug on November 19, last year.

“It is unfortunately my job to sentence you for this offences,” Recorder Karl King told the first-time offender at Inner London Crown Court.

“As you will appreciate it is solely from your commission of this offence, your conscious decision to participate in this offence that brings you here.

“You were aware of what you were doing and you played a role which is more than minimal.

“You gave the jury an explanation that you had been a victim of threats, duress made by security guards at your hotel door, but then told probation they barged in.

“You said you thought their words were a joke, but said the day before you were due to return from Jamaica they returned and said the same thing and gave you instructions to collect a suitcase.”

The defendant had flown to the Caribbean to visit her Jamaican husband Sean Simms, who she married in 2008, and still maintains her innocence, insisting she was acting under duress.

“Your husband, who was with you at this time, was not alerted or his family were not alerted about these two strangers.”

Simms claimed she was instructed to collect a suitcase, identified by a unicorn band, when she landed at Gatwick, but it had already been identified by border Force officers as containing drugs.

Prosecutor Mr. Francis Gaskin said: “The evidence heard in total about her role came from the defendant and must have been disbelieved by the jury.

“There is no credible evidence of threats or pressure. The prosecution say she knew exactly what she was doing and was motivated by financial gain.”

Simms' lawyer Mr. George Hepburne Scott told the court: “There is no evidence at all of money or a criminal lifestyle.

“Up until now she has been a law-abiding, hard-working taxpayer. She has lost her dignity.

“She has been exploited, you may think, to some extent through naivety. She's perhaps been used to some extent by those who would have made far more.

“The prosecution have searched her home and her bank accounts and there is no evidence of Rolex watches, jewellery or cash-counting machines.

“They are conspicuous by their absence. She doesn't seem to have had any financial gain.”

Recorder King told Simms: “I have come to the conclusion you were an active participant and you have concocted a story to deflect your role and involvement in this offence.

“There is not any sense of regret or remorse on your part.”

Drug Dealer Caught After Arriving At Police Raid On Accomplice's Home

Lorri Jeffery

Two drug dealers, arrested after a total of four kilos of cocaine and cannabis worth £230,000 was seized during a police raid, have been jailed.

Lorri Jeffery, 30, of Pullman Place, Eltham received seven years and Luke Roffey, 30, of Plum Lane, Woolwich received two years imprisonment.

Both pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to possessing drugs, with intent to supply.

On May 21 officers from the Trident Gang Command executed a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at Jeffery's residential address – a one-bedroom second-floor flat.


They seized over a kilo of cocaine - with a street value of in excess of £200,000.

While searching the address Jeffery received a text message on his phone stating “I am outside”.

Officers went downstairs where Roffey was ringing the buzzer to the flat.

Luke Roffey

Roffey ran off and was seen to throw a large bin liner over a fence as he was pursued.

He was apprehended and the bag retrieved, which contained 3 kilos of cannabis, with a value of approximately £30,000.



A number of Rolex watches and a quantity of cash were recovered when his home address was searched.



Detective Constable Harvey Brooks from the MPS Trident and Area Gang Command said: "This investigation shows that we will seek anyone actively involved in the drugs trade and use all the powers available to us to combat it.

“If you deal in drugs we will arrest you and put you in front of the courts to face the consequences of your actions”.

Does Sex Predator Have More Unknown Victims?

Police are appealing for more potential victims of a serial east London sexual predator to come forward after he was jailed for six years.

Hassain Ahmed Chowdury, 26, of Croydon Road, Beddington is suspected of further sex attacks in the Western Gateway area of Canning Town.

He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on nine counts of sexually assaulting six different women in the same area between June 2011 and June 2013.

Officers from Sapphire, part of the Metropolitan Police Service's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are urging any other women who may have been a victim of Chowdury to call 020 8217 9874 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.