Train Ticket Inspector Jailed For £90K Eighteen-Year Disability Benefit Swindle

A London Underground ticket inspector has been jailed for forty weeks for a £90,000-plus eighteen-year benefit scam, during which he claimed he could hardly walk and was paid at the highest-rate in mobility an care allowances.

Dean Shulton, 48, of Ryecroft Road, Streatham was employed throughout the claim and was expected to travel all over the network, hop on and off tube trains, and even descend to the tracks in an emergency.

"This is a really serious class of offence because of the extended period of time," said Inner London Crown Court Judge Michael Wood QC. "This has been going on year after year, claiming benefit on the basis of not being able to work while holding down a job."

Shulton pleaded guilty to obtaining property by deception from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) between June 8, 1995 and January 29, last year, namely Disability Living Allowance (DLA) totalling £93,485.35p.

Prosecutor Miss Tamsin Ryder told the court Shulton applied for DLA on August 16, 1994, stating he could not walk 100 yards without becoming "tired and breathless" and was prone to chest infections and suffered depression.

"He said he constantly felt tired, was unable to walk, was very weak when trying to prepare food, he became tired when attempting to get dressed and said his legs felt like they weighed ten tons."

A doctor approved the application and Shulton was awarded the highest rate of mobility benefit and the middle rate of care benefit, which he successfully appealed and began receiving the maximum for both.

"This award meant he was virtually unable to walk," explained Miss Ryder. "He said he could not get out of bed, needed help to go to the toilet and needed massages to get the feeling in his legs."

Shulton also said he needed a paid carer to help turn him in his bed at night.

The DWP received intelligence that since the early 1990's Shulton was a revenue control inspector.

"He had powers of prosecution on the trains and held a 'Safety Critical Licence' which assessed his mobility for the job."

London Underground were concerned about the number of sick days Shulton was taking and a doctor examined him on June 8, 1995. "He was fit for duty and the doctor found him to be extremely well."

When eventually caught he was questioned by investigators. "His discussed his illnesses and disabilities, but admitted he should not have been working and his condition had improved."

Shulton has sold his house, moved in with his parents, and promised to pay compensation in full within seven days.

He remains an employee of Transport for London, but is currently the subject of disciplinary proceedings, which he expects will end his career.

His lawyer Miss Joanne Cecil said: "He spent considerable time on paperwork and administration and essentially had a desk-bound office job.

"He did not effectively travel and check tickets and was based at Oval, where he checked tickets at the barrier.

"This claim was not fraudulent from the outset and even though his condition improved he could not be considered to be a well person."

Judge Wood added: "The dishonesty is to continue to get these benefits that were plainly for someone unable to work and he was in work."

However, he told Shulton: "I accept you did suffer from significant disability and your symptoms did fluctuate. You behaved with tremendous realism once you were caught."

Counter-Demonstrator Who Hurled Object At Chanting English Defence League Supporters Is Sentenced

An anti-fascist demonstrator, who hurled an object towards a group of chanting English Defence League supporters near Downing Street, has been conditionally discharged after he was convicted of threatening behaviour.

James O'Brien, 30, of Eastfield Road, Peterborough was part of a group standing in the central reservation of Whitehall exchanging chants with the EDL protesters, who had gathered outside a pub.

He denied, but was convicted at Hammersmith Magistrates Court, of using threatening behaviour on March 15 and must also pay £325 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

It was a day of multiple planned ptotests in the area and the EDL had been attracted by a gathering of the right-wing English Volunteer Force, which in turn drew counter-demonstrations.

The court heard the EDL group had gathered outside the Red Lion pub and the counter-demonstration – which included O'Brien – stood in the middle of Whitehall separated by a line of British Transport Police.

The opposing groups were chanting and gesticulating at each other and a beer can was thrown from the EDL supporters towards towards O'Brien's demonstrators.

The defendant was then seen hurling an unknown object overarm and with force towards the EDL group.

The object was never identified and it is not known if it struck anybody or caused any damage.

Hooded O'Brien immediately turned and fled, but ran straight into another group of police officers, who had just emerged from a van as the tension between the opposing groups escalated.

He was detained and arrested and the court rejected his defence that the police were incorrect in their identification of him.

Race Charge Following Heathrow Stun Gun And CS Gas Find

Isleworth Crown Court

A Bishop's Stortford man, charged with having an illegal stun gun and CS gas cannister at Heathrow Airport, where he is also charged with racially-motivated threats after getting off an international flight, has appeared in court.

James William Forbes, 28, of Waytemore Road indicated he will fight the case, insisting he did not know the items were in his luggage.

He is charged with importing prohibited weapons at Terminal Five, namely a stun gun and CS spray, both designated as firearms, on February 11.

He is also charged with possession of a firearm, namely a stun gun, disguised as another object, and possessing a weapon designed or adapted to discharge a noxious liquid, namely CS gas.

Forbes also faces one charge of using racially-agravated threatening behaviour towards Manzar Akhtar.

Isleworth Crown Court bailed him to return for a plea and case management hearing on October 30 and scheduled his trial for January next year.

Heathrow Stun Gun Arrest: Accused In Court

A Durham man appeared in court yesterday accused of having an illegal stun gun at Heathrow Airport after stepping off an international flight.

Tony O'Brien, 26, of Carr House Mews, Consett, wa stopped at Terminal Four by UK Border Agency officers.

He is charged with possessing a firearm, namely a stun gun, which was disguised as another object on April 18 and is alternatively charged with possessing a weapon designed or adapted to discharge an electrical charge.

O'Brien was bailed unconditionally at Isleworth Crown Court to return on October 31 for a plea and case management hearing.

Airport Stun Gun Charge

Isleworth Crown Court

A High Wycombe man, accused of having an illegal stun gun, disguised as a torch, at Heathrow Airport after stepping off an international flight, appeared in court today.

Alan Aldous, 42, of Normans Court, Micklefield Road, will fight the charge, claiming he did not know it was a firearm that discharges electricity.

He is charged with possessing a firearm, namely a stun gun, which was disguised as another object in the airport's Terminal Three on May 4.

If convicted the offence has a statutory minimum of five year imprisonment, save for exceptional circumstances.

Isleworth Crown Court bailed him to return for a plea and case management hearing on October 30 and scheduled a trial for January, next year.

Big Brother Star Fleed Paps While Nearly Twice Drink-Drive Limit

Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace was caught by police drink-driving at almost double the limit after colliding with another vehicle and continuing on as she fled paparazzi outside a charity event.

The wannabe model, fashion designer, magazine columnist, actress and television personality claims she had one large glass of wine at the function and only took to the wheel of her black Range Rover when her friend panicked.

Horgan-Wallace, 35, of Pioneer House, Britannia Street, King's Cross was fined £275, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £27 victim surcharge and was disqualified for seventeen months.

She pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court today to driving the 2.2 litre 2011 Range Rover with 67 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35 - in Edgware Road, Bayswater on June 25.

A second charge of failing to stop after an accident with a ten year-old 1.8 litre silver Mercedes C180 was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

She rose to fame in 2006 when finishing third in the seventh series of reality TV show Big Brother and told Hammersmith Magistrates Court she earns £10,000 a year, which is supplemented by £700 a time interviews, which pay her another £4,-5,000 a year.

Horgan-Wallace also needs some help with her geography after choosing a drink-drive rehabilitation course in Basingstoke, Hampshire, which she believed would be nearer her north London home.

"Hants is north isn't it?" she said as she nominated a course, which if she completes will reduce her ban.

Prosecutor Rav Chodha told the court: "At 11.30 in the evening there was a road traffic collision and the driver of a black Range Rover left the scene without leaving details.

"This was reported to the police and members of the public attempted to speak to the driver of the vehicle and it was picked-up by Automatic Registration Number Recognition in Edgware Road and was stopped.

"The driver eventually got out of the vehicle, gave a road-side positive breath-test and was arrested.

"She admitted driving the vehicle, saying she had one large glass of wine, but did not think she was over the limit.

"She also believed she had not hit any cars."

Horgan-Wallace was represented by the free duty-solicitor Miss Maya Lal, who told the court her client was attending a 'Fake Bake' skin cancer charity event at the Sanctum Hotel, Soho. 

"This was a business event and towards the end of the evening she had a large glass of wine and had not eaten at all.

"The journey was made difficult by all the press and paparazzi around the vehicle. Her friend Danielle, who has Crohn's Disease, kept stalling the vehicle and could not get it out of where it was parked."

Horgan-Wallace then took the wheel. "There were paparazzi on mopeds on both sides of the vehicle. She was being chased by paparazzi.

"She is a businesswoman with a portfolio of properties in north London and is embarking on a career as a comedy actress."

Raised as a Jehovah's Witness in north London Horgan-Wallace is also the patron of several charities and the court was told she is the  "face of" National No Smoking Day.

She told the court as they tried to asses the fine: "Tomorrow I have an interview and I'll get seven hundred pounds for that. It comes to probably an extra four or five grand a year."

After leaving the dock, where she was seen to wipe away tears during the proceedings, Horgan-Wallace told a female companion: "Oh God. That was horrific."

Ex-England Footballer Admits Boozy Assault At Ex's Home

Former England footballer Kenny Sansom struck his ex-girlfriend's nephew during a drink-fueled row at her suburban home, where the alcoholic ex-player was downing glasses of wine in the woman's bedroom.

The one-time Arsenal and Crystal Palace hero, who won 86 caps for his country between 1979 and 1988 and played in two World Cups, is now living in a Travelodge, paid for by the Professional Footballers Association.

The Camberwell-born 55 year-old pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates Court today to assaulting Brian Pitty at the Hastings Road, Bromley house on July 27 and was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The former left-back's gambling and alcohol problems have been well-documented and he makes a living from occasional pundit stints on radio and television and as a guide on the 'Legends Tour' of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

When asked where he lives he told the court: "No fixed address." 

Prosecutor Miss Zoe Becker said: "Mr. Sansom and Denise Mullins had an argument and she contacted her nephew.

"Mr. Sansom was in the bedroom drinking wine when Mr. Pitty decided to leave and Mr. Sansom came out of the bedroom and was verbally abusive to Roy Mullins.

"There was a verbal altercation and the Crown say Mr. Sansom punched Mr. Pitty in the lower back area around the kidneys causing pain and discomfort."

Sansom claims it was a push, not a punch, but District Judge Dennis Lynch ruled: "It was a blow of sufficient force to cause back pain whether it was a push or a punch.

"Mr. Pitty would know if there was slight pain or discomfort. It was a blow, whether it was a punch or a push."

First-time offender Sansom's lawyer Miss Chloe Gardner said: "He had been living there on and off," adding the relationship with Ms. Mullins is now "finished."

"He accepts what he did was wrong. He is ill from alcohol.

"He has sought to reduce his alcohol consumption over the last few months and understands he has got to do more to address his alcohol problems and find permanent lodgings.

"He has shown remorse and made admissions at interview."

District Judge Lynch told Sansom: "I give you credit for your guilty plea and good character. I note this was a punch or a push, a blow that caused only slight pain or discomfort."

Sansom receives a monthly pension and was given three weeks to pay.

Writer From Acting Dynasty Family Stalked Ex

Hugo Davenport: Restraining Order

An author and journalist from an acting dynasty family was sentenced today for stalking his ex at her exclusive gated Thames side apartment, after she dumped him following the death of his father.

Hugo Davenport, 61, of Ann's Close, Knightsbridge was still grieving after the loss of his father, Chariots of Fire star Nigel Davenport, who passed away in October, last year, aged eighty-five.

Hugo, whose half-brother is Pirates of the Caribbean star Jack Davenport, 41, also has an actress sister, Laura Davenport, 58, and he told Wimbledon Magistrates Court he expected more support from his ex-girlfriend.

He pleaded guilty to stalking Rebecca Jallott between March 30 and July 17 and pursuing a course of conduct that amounted to harassment and was was placed on an eighteen-month community order, which will includes a 'better relationships' programme.

She told police she was left "anxious, worried" by Davenport, particularly after he turned up at her home without warning, after receiving a police caution for harassing her, leaving her too scared to go outside or answer her door buzzer.

A five-year restraining order was also made, prohibiting Davenport contacting his ex and going to the address at William Hunt Mansions, Harrods Village, Barnes, where apartments in her building are currently on sale with an asking price of £2.6 million.

Davenport, who is listed in top-people's guide Debrett's, will now lose his pied-à-terre home of ten years, where his late-father was the sitting tenant.

Westminster public school-educated Davenport has written for the Daily Telegraph, Mail on Sunday, The Observer and penned a book for the BBC based on their series 'Days That Shook The World.'

"I'd like to say I'm very sad and sorry that a relationship that was once very close and very loving has ended like this," he told the court. 

No Go Hugo: William Hunt Mansions

"I have had difficulties over the last nine months, my father's death, even though it was not expected and Rebecca's decision to end out relationship.

"I had hoped I would receive some sort of support from her."

Prosecutor Mr. Claudius Taylor-Sonko said: "The defendant and the complainant were in a relationship for eighteen months and during the last six months the complainant realised it was not working and ended it.

"The defendant kept sending her messages saying she was the 'best thing that had ever happened in his life' and wanted the relationship to start again."

Ms Jallott complained to the police, who in March cautioned Davenport for harassment.

"However, he resumed, sending messages and packages, including letters and compact discs and Barclaycards," added the prosecutor. "He said he 'felt complete darkness in his life.'

"The defendant attended her address which caused her fear and the police were called and the defendant arrested."

In her statement Ms Jallott explained: "Due to the incident where Hugo came to my place it has left me feeling not safe, anxious, worried and not wanting to leave my home or answer the buzzer.

"It is effecting my quality of life and I am concerned Hugo's stalking has persisted.

"I have not contacted Hugo since January and I have not led him to believe it is okay to contact me and I have not asked for items to be sent or to attend my address.

"I can say that I am feeling harassed."

Davenport told the court: "I only rang on her doorbell because I was delivering something to a friend nearby and there was no letterbox.

"I had no indication there should be such an impact or feeling of fear.

"I now know all of these things and I bitterly regret my ill-considered actions and interpretations, which were because of my depression.

"This was someone I cared for very much, but now realise they don't want anything more to do with me and I'll abide by that."

District Judge James Henderson told Davenport: "I accept you are showing genuine remorse, but there was a degree of pre-planning and it was over a long period and on one occasion you went to her address."

He ordered Davenport to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Rapist Who Preyed On Prostitutes And Lone Women Caged

A sexual predator, who targeted prostitutes and other lone women, has been caged for seventeen years for a series of violent attacks.

Romanian Florin Cozma, 46, of Taylor Close, Holloway was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court of two rapes; one attempted rape and three robberies.

The investigation was conducted by the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command's Serious and Complex Case Team after a series of unprovoked assaults on vulnerable lone females in the Haringey area. 



The victims, most of whom were sex workers, were taken to isolated areas of public parks where they were violently attacked.



One prostitute, who refused to participate in sexual activity, was raped vaginally and orally by the defendant before being robbed and two other sex workers were robbed and physically assaulted.

Another female was taken to a park in Haringey where Cozma attempted to rape her, but she managed to fight him off.



Extensive enquiries were carried out using CCTV and ANPR to establish potential vehicles that were involved.

Despite DNA being present on two of the victims, the defendant was not known and worldwide enquiries also proved negative.



Officers carried out night-time enquiries, speaking to sex workers in the Haringey area and subsequently identified the defendant and he was arrested at his home address.



Detective Constable Anthony Shaw said: "This investigation involved a dangerous individual who preyed on vulnerable lone women in the Haringey area.

“His successful conviction sends out a message that the police will work tirelessly to protect the public from those who feel they are above the law and show no respect for others."



Detective Chief Inspector Adam Lowe, from the Serious and Complex Case Team said: "Cozma preyed on vulnerable women in the Haringey area, he did not show any of his victims empathy or compassion.

“A dangerous individual has been removed from the streets of London due to the hard work of officers from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command." 

Jail For Phuket Holidaymaker Who Returned With Stun Guns And Flick-Knife

A holidaymaker, who was stopped by customs after returning from a romantic getaway in Phuket with his girlfriend, was jailed for sixteen months yesterday after two stun guns and a flick-knife were found in his luggage.

Andrew James Smith, 39, of Bray Close, Crewe, bought the stun guns – disguised as torches - for only £9.00 on the Thai island and paid £1.00 for the flick-knife, which doubled as a cigarette lighter, because he was desperate to light up after his 13-hour flight.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court of unlawfully importing the two firearms at Heathrow Airport on Christmas Day, last year and possessing the offensive weapon after stepping off his El Al flight.

The court heard the items were found among gifts he had bought for family and friends, which included soft toys, remote-controlled cars and framed pictures.

“There was no intention of ever using these for self-defence or ever harming anyone,” said Mr. Stephen Mejzner, defending. “As soon as he got off the plane in Thailand he bought the lighter outside the airport because he wanted a cigarette.

“Every cigarette lighter there was a similar novelty item and these torches were on every stall and even children were buying them.

“The Thai locals were playing around with them and Mr. Smith thought they were a joke item. They were not even called stun guns, but 'zappers.'

“He had no idea they were illegal or could cause harm and intended giving one of the torches to his brother.”

Smith has since split with his legal secretary girlfriend. “The last few months have been an absolute nightmare for him and he has returned to drinking as a coping mechanism.

“An immediate custodial sentence will probably result in him losing his house of ten years.”

Judge Dugdale was pursuaded the five-year minimum sentence did not apply in the circumstances, but told Smith, who has convictions for grievous bodily harm and affray, importing such weapons brings the risk they could fall into criminal hands.

“It may seem more of a laugh when you are a long, long way away in Thailand, but then the reality comes crashing down when you return.”

Local Predator Extracted Cash From Soft-Target Family

Crowborough Road, Hastings

A “dangerous” convicted blackmailer, who preyed on a vulnerable Hastings family and demanded payment for so-called sexual favours she performed for their disabled son, has been jailed for five months.

Chantelle Williams, 35, of The Close, Rye, extracted at least £400 from the family after befriending the son, who has a learning disability and the mental age of a ten year-old, outside the front of the house.

On the first occasion she invited herself into the property in Crowborough Road and took the son into his bedroom, where she performed a sex act on him, and demanded payment of £40.

She then returned two to three times a week during the first half of last year, taking similar sums of money on each occasion.

Married Williams, who has a string of convictions, was once sentenced to seven years for blackmailing and robbing a St. Leonards-on-Sea man and was described by the judge as: “A dangerous young lady.”

She denied, but was convicted of two counts of harassing the father and son in their home between January 14 and June 29, last year.

Williams, who is currently receiving treatment for Hepatitis C at a London hospital, pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of cocaine while in police custody on June 16, this year.

Prosecutor Miss Caroline Mungal told the court a housing officer raised her concerns with local police about what was happening at the family's home.

“There were concerns about a woman constantly visiting and taking money from them and there were concerns about their vulnerability.”

The elderly parents had both suffered strokes and their son was described as “child-like.”

“The father believed £300-£400 had been taken, but it was likely to have been more,” explained Miss Mungal. “She was told to go away, but continued to return and ask for money.

“The son was encouraged to take her into his bedroom and on occasions she exposed her breasts to him.

“She threatened that if she was not given money she would go to the police and the family paid her to go away.”

Sadly the father has since passed away.

A third harassment charge against an unrelated woman, who says she was approached in the street for cash by Williams and handed over £15 before she was followed home, where threats and more demands were made was dropped.

District Judge James Henderson told tearful Williams: “You have shown absolutely no remorse and you still blame the victims.

“This was cynical and manipulative and there were threats and coercion.”

She received a total of five months for the harassment charges, plus a fine of £100 with the alternative of serving one day in custody for possessing cocaine.

An indefinite restraining order was made, prohibiting Williams from contacting the son and attending his family's home address.

Anti-Fascist Counter-Demonstrator Hurled Object At English Defence League Supporters

An anti-fascist demonstrator, who hurled an object towards a group of chanting English Defence League supporters near Downing Street, was convicted of threatening behaviour yesterday.

James O'Brien, 30, of Eastfield Road, Peterborough was part of a group standing in the central reservation of Whitehall exchanging chants with the EDL protesters, who had gathered outside a pub.

He denied, but was convicted at Hammersmith Magistrates Court, of using threatening behaviour on March 15 and was bailed until August 13 for a pre-sentence report.

It was a day of multiple planned ptotests in the area and the EDL had been attracted by a gathering of the right-wing English Volunteer Force, which in turn drew counter-demonstrations.

The court heard the EDL group had gathered outside the Red Lion pub and the counter-demonstration – which included O'Brien – stood in the middle of Whitehall separated by a line of British Transport Police.

The opposing groups were chanting and gesticulating at each other and a beer can was thrown from the EDL supporters towards towards O'Brien's demonstrators.

The defendant was then seen hurling an unknown object overarm and with force towards the EDL group.

The object was never identified and it is not known if it struck anybody or caused any damage.

Hooded O'Brien immediately turned and fled, but ran straight into another group of police officers, who had just emerged from a van as the tension between the opposing groups escalated.

He was detained and arrested and the court rejected his defence that the police were incorrect in their identification of him.

Chelsea FC Fan's Volley Of Racist Abuse

A racist football yob, who abused three people at a Chelsea v Arsenal Premiership fixture last season, was fined today.

Tree surgeon Matthew Semken, 26, of Thornbury Gardens, Borehamwood, directed his abuse towards Arsenal players, supporters and another fan leaving the stadium with him at the final whistle after the home team's 6-0 victory.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to three counts of racially-aggravated threatening behaviour at Stamford Bridge on March 22.

Prosecutor Miss Victoria Ojo told the court all three victims were fellow-supporters and the first was Osman Durrani, who witnessed Semken shouting: “You useless c****,” towards the Arsenal players.

“The defendant then directed abuse towards him, saying: 'Go back to Turkey.”

Another fan, Abid Durrani, urged Semken to calm down as he aimed abuse towards the Arsenal supporters, but this was met with: “Shut you're f***ing mouth, you f***ing Turk.”

As Semken left the Shed end of the stadium he was heard shouting: “w*****, c***” towards an unknown fan and Peter Essekj jumped in between them to calm things down.

“He then directed abuse towards this victim,” explained Miss Ojo. “He called him a black c*** and said he should go back to Africa.”

The court heard Semken was nervous about appearing in court and was concerned about the outcome of the case.

District Judge Kenneth Grant said: “The most serious offence was the one involving Mr. Essekj.”

He fined Semken £150 for that offence, plus £60 on each of the other two, with £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

There was no application for compensation or a football banning order.

Rapist Who Tried To Beat Pensioner Victim To Death Hangs Himself Before Sentencing

A handyman, who changed a 70 year-old woman's lightbulb then returned to rape her and attempt to beat her to death, has killed himself in his prison cell six days before he was due to be sentenced.

Robert Richards, 22, broke into the pensioner's suburban Chessington home in the early hours and left her with ten broken ribs, a fractured cheekbone and jaw, broken hip and vertebrae and bleeding on the brain.

He was convicted at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court of the rape, attempted rape and attempted murder of the brave woman on October 23, last year and was due to be sentenced last monday.

However, at 9am on July 29 Richards, of Pear Tree Close, Chessington, was found collapsed in his cell at Wandsworth Prison and rushed to St. George's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9.50pm.

The court heard he complained of bullying in a suicide note and had been prescribed anti-depressants.

Ironically his cell mate killed himself last March.

A post-mortem was carried out on Richards and an inquest will be heard at a later date. No indication has been given as to the cause of death.

Prosecutor Mr. Jonathan Loades told the court today: “It indicated that he had been bullied during the time that he was in prison.”

Judge Nicholas Price QC formally closed the case and said: “In my experience, both at the Bar and on the Bench I have never had to deal with a case of such gravity, with a victim of that age and in such frail health.

“She has to be commended for her courage in giving evidence in the way she did before the jury.”

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.



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. 



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




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.”

Cocaine Smugglers' £25m Banana Slip-Up

Cocaine with a street value of £25m hidden inside plastic bananas imported from Colombia along with the genuine fruit has been seized.

Four men were arrested in Lambeth and Kent and 150 kilos of cocaine intercepted after an intelligence operation by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Special Projects Team.



The consignment of bananas arrived at Dover at around 6.00am on Thursday, 10 July.

It was then transported by lorry at around 9.00am to a unit at the Oast Park Trading Estate in Hartlip, Kent.



A 48-year-old Kent man unloaded the importation and locked up the warehouse.

The warehouse was kept under observation by detectives, while their colleagues continue to monitor other members of the criminal network.



The lorry driver was not part of the network.



At around 7.00pm that day, three Colombian men aged 36, 46 and 39 met at an internet café in Stockwell, south London.

They are believed to have accessed instructions relating to the assignment via email.

The men were kept under surveillance and were arrested half an hour later as they left the café.



'A' is from Kent. The other three men live in London.



Police forced entry to the warehouse at 10.30pm, and, following a search of the consignment of bananas, found cocaine compressed and hidden inside plastic bananas concealed within the fruit.


All four men remain in custody at a London police station. 

Jealous Husband Stabbed Wife To Death During Row

A jealous husband, who mistakenly believed his wife was enjoying a string of affairs, stabbed her over thirty times during a murderous rage at their west London home.

Richard Otunga, 37, of Taywood Road, Northolt, was convicted by an Old Bailey jury of murdering Shamim Gabriel, 33,

Police were called at 7.00am on December 29, last year and Shamin was pronounced dead at the scene at 7.25am.

The couple had been married since 2003 and they had an eight year-old daughter.

Otunga was arrested at the scene.

He had called his father-in-law to the address following the stabbing, stating he had had an argument with his wife. 





Otunga claimed his wife tried to attack him with a knife, which he took off her and in the course of the struggle she was fatally stabbed.



Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Richard Otunga was a jealous controlling man who could not accept his wife having any contact with other men. 



"Otunga tried to convince the jury that he had feared an immediate threat of violence from his wife and then lost control.

“The jury clearly did not accept this and have returned a verdict of murder.



"He tried to state that his wife had been having affairs but there was no evidence whatsoever to substantiate this. 



"The family of Shamim who have had to give evidence at court have acted with great dignity and I hope that this conviction can be some comfort for them." 


Cosmetic Surgery Patient Fraudulently Used Credit Cards For Fat-Busting Liposuction

A cosmetic surgery patient fraudulently used six different credit cards to pay for fat-removing liposuction procedures at two Harley Street clinics - even obtaining a refund when she was unhappy with the outcome.

Graduate Thelma Idahosa, 29, of Durham Hill, Bromley swindled £8,500 worth of liposuction on her thighs, stomach, arms and 'love handles' as well as skin-tightening procedures and received a suspended prison sentence.

She was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of three counts of fraudulently making false statements to the Harley Street Skin Clinic that she was authorised to use the cards in relation to £4,000 worth of cosmetic surgery.

She was similarly convicted of five counts in relation to the West One Cosmetic Clinic, regarding £4,500 worth of treatment, plus falsely representing she was entitled to a £1,000 refund.

Described as "incredibly rude and aggressive" by an employee of West One Cosmetic Clinic Idahosa - who was subject to a suspended prison sentence at the time - demanded a refund because only three litres of fat had been removed instead of six.

She phoned the clinic "shouting and ranting" and threatened to visit and cause a scene in front of other patients and the company suffered an additional loss after agreeing to refund her two sums of £500.

Prosecutor Mr. Arizuna Asante told the court today: "Other people's identity came into play when the cards were preferred for payment. This was fraudulent from the outset and consisted of multiple frauds."

Idahosa was seven months into a two-year suspended sentence when she embarked on the frauds in May and June, 2012.

Recorder Michael Wood QC told the mother-of-two: "You really should be going to prison. There is only one reason you are not and that is because you have a relatively young child.

"A sentence of imprisonment that would amount to weeks or months is outweighed by your child's rights.

"However, you can't hide behind your children forever and if you commit an offence within the next two years you will go to prison whether you have a babe in arms or are pregnant."

Idahosa was almost certainly told the same thing when receiving her original suspended sentence seven months before the frauds.

She received six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, was placed on a two-year supervision order, must complete a thirty-one day accredited programme and perform 150 hours community service work.

"You are a very, very lucky woman," Recorder Wood told Idaho, who is not subject to a costs or compensation order.