Estate Agent Boss Caught Behind Wheel Of Aston Martin Over Three Times Drink Limit

The Aston Martin-driving director of a top firm of London estate agents was caught over three times the drink-drive limit after a midnight prang.

Christopher Simon, 36, boss of the Notting Hill office of Faron Sutaria told police he had been drinking that afternoon and again in the evening when officers stopped to check the incident.

Simon, who lives in a £1.0m apartment in Kensington Gardens Square, Lancaster Gate pleaded guilty to driving his 4.3 litre V8 Vantage in Prince of Wales Drive, Battersea on March 14 with excess alcohol in his breath.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard yesterday he had 124 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told the court it was 12.10am when officers spotted the consequences of a slight coming together of two vehicles.

“Police on patrol saw a Mercedes taxi with its hazard lights on and the driver was talking to this defendant and suspected there may have been a collision, but there was no damage and nobody was injured.

“The vehicles were moved and when the defendant was asked for his driver's licence the officer noticed his eyes were glazed and he smelled of alcohol.

“He admitted he had a few beers that evening and some beers that lunchtime and failed he roadside breath-test.”

Simon's Lawyer Mr. Robin Falvey, a drink-drive expert, who has represented the rich and famous and won many notable cases told the court: “The first thing he said to me was: 'This is the most stupid thing I've ever done in my life.'

“He had some alcohol at lunchtime and again in the evening and had been out all night the night before and had not eaten since the day before because of pressure of business.

“He says he did not feel drunk and only moved the car because it was in a residents bay and he would have taken a taxi if he felt he was unable to drive.

“He has learned a powerful lesson and it may have consequences on his career.”

One of the requirements of Simon's contract is that he has a valid driver's licence.

“This could be seen as gross misconduct and he could lose his position as a director,” added Mr. Falvey.

“As for the incident the driver in front pulled up and there was a collision at 5mph.

“He is a person of good character and this is unlikely to ever happen again and he will accept a substantial disqualification for this.

“He is not someone effected by drink and is not a drinker in normal circumstances.

“He has cancelled all of his holidays in preparation that he may have to do community service.”

Simon was sentenced to 120 hours community service, with £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for thirty months. 

He was told by the magistrate: "This was a very high reading and there are circumstances where people driving with this quantity of alcohol in their system go to prison."

Carpet Cleaner Was Female Customer's Secret Phone Sex Pest

Phone Pest: Gary Young

A female stalking victim was left "distressed, upset and sick" after discovering her carpet cleaner was the mystery man behind a campaign of sexually-explicit phone calls.

Gary Victor Young, 38, of Larch Close, Hersden, Canterbury visited the woman's landmark building to give her a quote for the job while he was also plaguing her with the repeated calls from an unidentified number.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to communicating indecent and offensive messages between October 16 and November 9, last year to Veronica Rivera, who lives in the Piper Building, Peterborough Road, Fulham.

Prosecutor Mr. Ramesh Patel told the court today: "Mrs Rivera was contacted in October, last year by a man calling himself 'Gary' who was following-up on a carpet cleaning enquiry she had made two months earlier.

"Following this she began receiving a series of phone calls from an unknown number of a sexually-explicit nature."

The caller told her: "You're gorgeous," and: "I wanna f*** you."

Six days after 'Gary' first called about the carpet cleaning Young arrived at her home to inspect the job.

"After this she again received a series of unknown calls in the early hours," explained Mr. Patel. "The caller repeatedly said: 'I wanna f*** you.'"

She received approximately eight such calls between 7am and 8am, which then followed for two more weeks with the mystery man saying: "Your husband is a psycho. He's f***ing my mate's misses."

Banned: Piper Building

It was only when carpet-cleaner 'Gary' ended a phone call to her with the words: "Thank-you darling," Mrs Rivera realised he was her stalker.

"She felt distressed, upset and sick," added Mr. Patel. "She went into her toilet cubicle at work to cry."

Mrs Rivera contacted police, who persuaded her to make one more call to Young to help identify him as the mystery caller.

They also used RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) to identify Young.

When arrested he denied having anything to do with the calls.

"I'm totally embarrassed by the situation," Young told the court. "I have not done it before and I won't do it again."

Deputy District Judge Malcolm Dodds told him: "This was disgraceful behaviour, very upsetting, unprovoked and the last thing a woman needs is an offensive man making these phone calls.

"Woman, in fact everybody, needs protection from that."

The court heard Young is currently undergoing counselling for an alcohol problem and is his father's carer.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, placed on probation for eighteen months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mrs Rivera and £85 costs.

Young will also have to obey an eighteen  month exclusion requirement, prohibiting him contacting Mrs Rivera and visiting the Piper Building.

Engineer Claims "Blackout" Caused Violent Street Attacks

Guilty: Neil Saunders

A engineer, who suddenly attacked two strangers in the street – racially abusing one of them – battled with police and had to be sprayed with CS gas as they struggled to handcuff him.

Neil Saunders, 33, of Richmond Road, Worthing had spent the evening with friends in south-west London and was apparently in good spirits when he left them, but soon afterwards was out of control, getting into one violent confrontation after another.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today to the racially aggravated assault of Luis Ramirez in Putney High Street on September 27, last year.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting black bus driver Joseph Lewis and resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty and was bailed until April 15 for a probation report.

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told the court Mr. Ramirez had just got off a bus with his son near Putney Bridge after 10pm on the Saturday evening when confronted by the defendant.

“Mr. Saunders swung his arm and hit Mr. Ramirez in the chest and was shouting and swearing. With his right hand he punched Mr. Ramirez in the face, then swung for a third time, connecting with the victim's face.

“He was heard shouting: 'What are you going to do? This is my country. Go back to your own f***ing country.'

“Bus driver Mr. Lewis was on a break and sitting on a bench outside TK Maxx when Mr. Saunders came to his attention because he seemed to be arguing with people in the road.

“The defendant sat next to Mr. Lewis, who was on his mobile phone, and he punched Mr. Lewis in the face, on the nose and the victim thought it may have been broken.

“Police were called and by now Mr. Saunders was standing in the middle of the road waving his arms around and when approached he resisted arrest and struggled violently with the officers.

“He had to be CS sprayed because he was so volatile, pushing and kicking out.”

When questioned by police Saunders claimed to have no memory of the incident.

His lawyer Miss Sophie Smith told the court there is the possibility a drink he was having with pals may have been spiked. “He left them in a happy mood and cannot remember what happened.”

Saunders claims he suffered a “blackout” - perhaps as a result of his Temazepam prescription for insomnia, which he received during a difficult period when his baby daughter was only twelve-months old and his wife was suffering post-natal stress.

The police officer who questioned him said Saunders was “very remorseful” and “crying and sobbing” throughout the interview.

Doctor Who Ran Over Zebra Crossing Pedestrian Guilty Of Careless Driving

A doctor, who mowed down a veteran 80 year-old journalist – inflicting life-changing injuries - as she used a zebra crossing outside the hospital he was employed at, was convicted of careless driving yesterday.

Consultant obstetrician Dr. Andrew Breeze, 40, of Prince Henry's Court, Otley, West Yorkshire helps run the multiple pregnancy unit at Leeds General Infirmary and has a general antenatal clinic near his home at Wharfedale Hospital.

He formerly worked at Kingston Hospital, south-west London and had just driven his silver VW Passat out of the staff car park and turned onto Galsworthy Road when he ran over Surrey Comet features editor June Sampson on November 26, 2013.

He fought the charge, but was convicted at Wimbledon Magistrates Court of driving without due care and attention and received a twelve-month conditional discharge, with £850 cost and a £15 victim surcharge.

His licence was also endorsed with three penalty points.

It was dark and approximately 7pm when June – whose married name is Mrs Tims – was struck at approximately 20mph, suffering pelvic injuries, broken bones in her legs and a severe head injury with bleeding on the brain.

She was placed in a medically-induced coma and is now dependant on her family to care for her.

Her injuries were initially life-threatening and she spent six months recovering in St. George's Hospital and suffers lasting effects, which prevent her working, writing, driving and cooking.

Prosecutor Mr. William Russell told the court: “Mrs Tims was crossing the zebra crossing when she was hit by the vehicle driven by the defendant.

“The defendant had come from Kingston Hospital, where he was working, and was driving along Galsworthy Road. The collision was on the front left side of the vehicle on the bonnet area.

“The defendant stopped after hearing what he described as a loud bang and saw the victim lying on the road and being a doctor he offered assistance and Mrs Tims was taken off to emergency.

“The prosecution case is that there was adequate lighting and he must have seen her and if he did not it therefore amounts to carelessness, misjudgment or error.

“When he spoke to the police Dr. Breeze said that he did not see Mrs Tims and just heard a bang. He said that he was not distracted by anything and the vehicle was not defective in any way.”

Breeze's defence team pointed out a second driver claimed the crossing was “very poorly lit” and he had not seen June either.

A local resident complained to the council that the crossing was poorly lit and the defence said there was evidence spotlights at the crossing had been removed shortly before the incident then re-installed afterwards.

'Trolley Rage' Marks And Spencer Xmas Shopper Killed After Aisle Clash

Melanie Buck

A 'trolley rage' killer rammed a frail Marks and Spencer shopper in a busy food aisle, which became "gridlocked" with Christmas customers, a court heard today.

Widower Michael Buckley, 60, suffered a broken wrist and thighbone when knocked to the floor of the store in The Glades shopping centre, Bromley, but never recovered and died three months later.

Melanie Serita Buck, 33, of Chelford Road, Bromley has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mr. Buckley, who was injured on December 22, 2012, plus an alternative charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

She was with her mother at 1pm and pushing a trolley when she clashed with Mr. Buckley, who was carrying a basket.

"Mr. Buckley was browsing the food aisle when he came into contact with the defendant," prosecutor Mr. David Howker QC told Croydon Crown Court.

"There was something of a gridlock in the aisle and the defendant could not get past him. 

"There may have been a clash between his basket and her trolley and a few words exchanged and the upshot was Miss Buck deliberately rammed Mr. Buckley with her trolley and the result was to knock him to the floor."

Michael Buckley

The first words out of the injured man's mouth as Buck fled toward the exit were: "She rammed me."

Mr. Buckley was only eight stone and 5 foot five inches tall and described as "frail" by Mr. Howker, who added: "A fractured kneecap he had a few years earlier slowed him down.

"Miss Buck assaulted Mr. Buckley. causing him to fall to the floor and injure himself and cause the chain of events that led to his death. She is responsible for that death."

Buck was arrested on Boxing Day. "She said she was being bumped in the legs by Mr. Buckley's basket and was trying to get past him and hit him accidentally with her trolley."

Mr. Buckley, of Whatman Road, Forest Hill died on March 5, 2013 at Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, Kent after three months in intensive care following complications relating to his injuries.

Mr. Buckley, had lost his wife Irene two years before his death, also had severe hearing problems and had retired from an office job at Camberwell New Green Cemetery.

"He could have had a heart attack at any time and Miss Buck would not have known that when she rammed the trolley into him."

Justice Catches Up With Child Molester Four Decades On

A paedophile, who preyed on a five year-old boy in the 1970's, has been brought to justice and locked up for three-and-half years.

David Mark James, 66, of Pond Row, Abercanaid, Glamorgan sexually abused the youngster in Brent, north-west London four decades ago.

The investigation began in May 2013 when the victim reported the assault to police.

James denied the allegations during a trial at Harrow Crown Court, but was found guilty of one count of indecent assault.


He was acquitted of two further offences relating to the same victim.



Detective Constable Luke Williams of the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation & Child Abuse Command said: "James sexually abused the victim and betrayed the trust placed in him by so many.

“I commend the bravery of the victim for showing great courage in coming forward and giving evidence. 



"I believe James may have abused other children and appeal to those people to come forward.

“The Metropolitan Police Service will do everything within our power to keep the children of London safe from those intent on doing harm. 



"James will remain subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for life to protect children upon his release." 



Please contact your local police service on 101 to report abuse or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Lager-Drinking Leeds United Fan Denies Abusing Stewards And Police

A Leeds United FC fan, caught trying to sneak a can of lager into an away match, has denied calling the steward who caught him a “c***” and telling the arresting police officer to “f*** off.”

Michael Hutchinson, 27, of Thornton Street, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley, Bradford was arrested at Craven Cottage stadium before his team's 3-0 midweek away win at Fulham FC.

He pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to using threatening behaviour at the ground on March 18 and was bailed to appear for trial at City of London Magistrates Court on July 27.

However, Hutchinson did plead guilty to possessing alcohol when entering a sporting event, namely the Fulham FC v Leeds United match, and will be sentenced for the offence at the conclusion of his trial.

The court heard Hutchinson travelled down by train for the match and was stopped at the turnstile with a can of lager in his back pocket.

He was described as “staggering” and clearly drunk when stopped and searched by the stewards.

Bolton Wanderers Star Denies Mercedes Speed Camera Offence

Bolton Wanderers FC star Dean Moxey denies he was speeding in a Mercedes caught on camera – claiming he had already returned the leased super-saloon and somebody else must have been driving it.

The 29 year-old left-back, of Farington Lodge Gardens, Farington, Leyland is being prosecuted for failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of the Mercedes C63 snapped exceeding the limit in the London area on August 27, last year.

The Exeter-born star, who was signed on a free transfer from Premier League Crystal Palace at the start of the season, told Lavender Hill Magistrates Court in a letter he had already returned the vehicle around the time he moved from his former address in Caterham, Surrey.

He was still the registered keeper of the car when it was photographed over the limit, but failed to reply to two letters sent to his address.

However, Moxey says he leased the vehicle for twelve months from June 27, 2013 explaining: “I don't believe the car was anything to do with me at this time and Mercedes know I did not have anything to do with the car.”

The court ruled Moxey's letter raised a “number of issues” and the case was adjourned until April 22 to give the player the opportunity to produce evidence he had returned the vehicle to the lease company before the speeding offence.

Conservative Club Treasurer Jailed For Nicking Over £50K

The treasurer for Sidcup and District Conservative and Social Club is starting an eighteen-month prison sentence for stealing over £50,000 by transferring the organisation's money directly into his bank account.

Mark Edmonds, 53, of Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent plunged the club a quarter of a million pounds into debt and they were hit with a late tax bill of £20,000.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of stealing £57,284.30p from the club over two-and-a-half years between 2009 and 2012, plus a count of fraud by misrepresentation in relation to the same sum.

"It started with the defendant transferring money to his account to pay a nine thousand pound bill to the brewery and then taking more than he was entitled to," said Mr. Matthew Buckland, defending.

"He started with honest intentions, but succumbed to the temptation to take, in small increments, money he was not entitled to.

"He has been made bankrupt and this debt is part of his bankruptcy."

The prison sentence means the £2,293 per month Edmonds was paying his creditors until mid-2017 will come to and end.

Prosecutor Miss Brinder Soora told the court: "The defendant was employed as a treasurer to the community club that has pensioner members and organises events such as darts, snooker and football."

A chartered accountant reviewed the finances in May, 2012. "She found the club owed over two hundred and fifty pounds, which on the face of it appeared not to be accounted for.

"The defendant had been misappropriating money from the club in the form of transfers from the club's Lloyds Bank account to his own bank account.

"He was given an opportunity by the club to explain, but was not forthcoming and the police were called. It was they're only option.

"The club were unable to meet it's tax liabilities and were fined."

When questioned by police Edmonds, who is not a qualified accountant, said he began borrowing small amounts to cover his own financial difficulties and would repay the money.

He has pension pots of £75,000 and £40,000, which he can access at the age of fifty-five years-old, but there are no court orders forcing him to repay the club.

"Whatever the balance is to the club will be paid from those two pensions," added Mr. Buckland.

"He was unable to resist the temptation in front of him, but is able to pay the money given time and repair the damage that has been done." 

Edmonds says £150,000 of the initial £250,000 unaccounted for was paid out by him in legitimate bills on behalf of the club.

"You took advantage of the trust placed in you and took that money over a long period of time," Judge Joanna Greenberg QC told Edmonds.

Notorious Football Hooligan Wins Away Court Victory

Police 0 Aaron Cawley 1

A notorious Leeds United football hooligan from the West Country enjoyed a rare away court victory yesterday when a charge relating to his banning order was dropped.

Labourer Aaron Cawley, 24, of Blenheim Square, Cheltenham was arrested on the day of his team's visit to Fulham FC for being within five miles of a football stadium Leeds United were due to play at that day.

He appeared before Hammersmith Magistrates Court charged with breaching his football banning order by being present in New King's Road, Fulham on March 18, within five miles of Craven cottage, where Leeds United won their Championship fixture 3-0.

However, the court heard the five-mile rule – imposed at Sheffield Magistrates Court on November 21, 2012 – only applied to England international matches.

Cawley, who infamously punched Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland during a Yorkshire derby against Leeds United on October 19, 2012, has a shorter, one mile, exclusion from club games.

After accepting he was just over one mile away from Craven Cottage prosecutor Mr. Martin Edwards announced: “It seems to have been charged on a false basis,” and withdrew the case.

The court heard Cawley, who has 'LUFC' tattooed on his neck, has “anxiety issues” and brought a doctor's letter with him.

He remains subject to controls enforced by the UK Football Policing Unit.

He received four months imprisonment for assaulting the ex-England goalkeeper and was banned from watching all Leeds United football matches for life.

Footage from Sky Sports captured him dealing Kirkland a two-handed blow to the face and then running back to the stands, grinning and laughing.

He said he was too drunk to remember his actions after an all-day drinking session, during which he downed ten pints of cider, strong lager and vodka.

Church Handbag Thief Hunted For Targeting 90 Year-Old

Police are hunting this heartless handbag thief, who snatched a pensioner's bag and emptied it of cash during an Ash Wednesday church service in west London.

The woman was attending St. Nicholas' Church, Church Street, Hounslow on the evening of February 18 and left her handbag unattended while she approached the alter.

When she returned to her seat she found her handbag had been stolen.



The victim and others from the church searched the local area and found the bag and the woman's personal belongings on the street.



All the money in her purse had been taken.



The suspect was caught on CCTV entering the church and sitting at the back, before taking the victim’s bag and leaving.



The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 30-years of age and 6ft tall. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and was carrying a bag.



Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to call the police on 101, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Rare Special-Edition Mini Cooper Nicked

A cherished and rare special-edition classic Mini Cooper – one of only three hundred made – has been taken after being parked in a posh part of west London.

The owner of the John Cooper LE left the vehicle – manufactured in 2000 – in a parking bay in Royal Hospital Road, near the junction of Sloane Avenue, Chelsea on January 29.

When he returned two hours later the car, worth approximately £10,000 and sporting rare 'Brooklands Green' livery, was gone.

If you have any information contact Detective Sergeant Lindsey Vieira from Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0215.

If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Fashion Designer To The Stars Drove After Cyclist And Deliberately Knocked Him Off Bike

A fashion designer to the stars pursued a cyclist in her Audi TT after a roundabout confrontation and deliberately knocked him off his bike because he kicked the side of her car.

Lamis Khamis, 42, whose designs have been worn by celebrities including model Cara Delevingne and musician Chris Brown launched her self-named brand in 2001 after graduating with a Fine Art & Sculpture Degree from the Camberwell College of Arts.

Khamis, of Iveagh Avenue, North Kensington, whose label rose from her popular stall on Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and a valid MOT on May 17, last year.

The prosecution dropped a more serious charge of dangerous driving against the designer, who describes her work as just as much art as fashion and is sold in leading boutiques all over the world.

Isleworth Crown Court heard she was behind the wheel of her black 2.0 litre Audi when she got into a row with a man riding an electric-powered bicycle at a roundabout near Shepherd's Bush Green.

The cyclist kicked the side of her car during the argument, causing a dent that needed a £300 repair, and Khamis pursued him, driving her car into the bike at low speed and knocking the rider to the ground.

"There was an incident between the pair of you at the roundabout and at some stage your vehicle was kicked and you followed him," Recorder John Gallagher told Khamis today.

"He rode off, but because his cycle had no registration plate you followed in an attempt to obtain details from him.

"You, in an attempt to stop him, drove into him and he fell off his cycle. Your actions were deliberate, but it was not a case of running a person down because you were only travelling at 10mph and he sustained no injuries.

"However, this was a deliberate act and he might well have been injured and you did not consider the risks and alternatives.

"You are a mature lady who has never been in trouble with the police in the past and you have a clean driving licence and in twenty years have had no disqualifications.

"It was a deliberate act that resulted in a cyclist being knocked off his bicycle and you failed to consider the alternatives.

"I accept on your part it should not be described as road rage."

Khamis, who also consults for leading fashion brands and has styled some of the biggest stars in the music and film industry, was fined a total of £600 and given six penalty points on her licence.

Trio Charged With Money-Laundering Plot

Charged: Jasmeet Bhatia

Two men, accused of a large-scale money-laundering fraud plot, have appeared for the first time at City of London Magistrates Court.

They are: Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, 30, of Lower Field Road, Reading and Fareed Mohammed, 33, of Huntly Road, Fairfield, Liverpool, who will both appear at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing on April 13.

A third defendant, Sobhanadreshwar Uppalapati, 31, of Rosebery Avenue, Manor Park, east London, who is unwell in India had his bail extended to appear at the magistrates court on April 9.

All three are charged with conspiring to defraud between June 25 and December 28, 2012 by transferring money electronically between bank accounts, knowing or suspecting it represented the proceeds of criminal conduct.

They are also all charged with acquiring, using or possessing criminal property between the same dates, namely £186,058.

Bhatia alone is charged with conspiring to conceal criminal property between the same dates, namely £45,730 and both Mohammed and Uppalapati face the same charge in relation to £157,902.

Ex-Lord Mayor Of London Caught Drink-Driving Near Bank Of England

Sir Francis leaving court

Former Lord Mayor of London Sir Francis McWilliams was caught drink-driving when officers from the police force he was once boss of stopped his Jaguar in the early hours near the Bank of England.

Retired civil engineer Sir Francis, 89, claims he enjoyed some wine during a family dinner in the Square Mile and when officers stopped him at 2.30am his "eyes were glazed" and "his speech was slurred," City of London Magistrates Court heard.

Edinburgh-born Sir Francis, who lives in an exclusive apartment within 'A' listed Georgian mansion Whittingehame House, Stenton, East Lothian - where a flat once sold for £2.5m - pleaded guilty to driving his blue 2.7 litre Jaguar XF with excess alcohol in Threadneedle Street on March 15.

The court was told City of London police on patrol pulled him over and Sir Francis, who was appointed to the historic role in 1992, failed a roadside breath-test after alcohol was smelled on him and he was arrested.

He later gave a reading of 42 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

"Mr. McWilliams attended a family dinner and came down from Scotland," explained his lawyer. "He had some wine and did not feel impaired in the slightest.

"That was an unfortunate error of judgement and brings him to court today. Something he regrets."

Sir Francis, who is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and became involved in Square Mile politics via the Barbican's residents association, was fined £500, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £50 victim surcharge and was disqualified for twelve months.

The court heard he has been driving since 1953 and has never received an endorsement on his licence and has no previous convictions.

The magistrates proceeded to sentencing after retiring while legal checks were made to confirm a driving disqualification made in an English court would also apply to Scotland.

No mention was made of his previous position of Lord Mayor during the hearing and he identified himself as "Mr. McWilliams."

The magistrates court is next-door to the Mansion House, where Sir Francis would have presided over many ceremonial functions during his term of office and is also on the route of the annual Lord Mayor's Show.

While Lord Mayor Sir Francis described his role as: "Ambassadorial in representing the financial City to the world outside."

Sir Francis ran his own consulting engineering practise for many years then became legally-qualified to rule on disputes within the industry and is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Ex-Junkie Rewarded For Kicking Drug Habit

Angus Duncanson

A self-medicating addict, caught with a cocktail of drugs after a passer-by spotted him snorting a suspicious substance in his parked van, has been rewarded for his efforts to kick his habit.

Angus Duncanson, 45, of Smenham Farm, Icomb, had cocaine, heroin, magic mushrooms and cannabis on him, which police estimated to originally have a street value of £1900.

He claims he needs the drugs to alleviate the pain of a decade-old injury and this week was finally sentenced after a nine-month deferment period.

Duncanson appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court and received a twelve-month conditional discharge with an order to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

He previously pleading guilty to four counts of possessing the drugs in Linden Gardens, Bayswater, west London on August 17.

Duncanson attended all appointments with the North West Drugs Project and stayed off all drugs, except those prescribed.

“You have done all that has been asked of you over the deferment period,” District Judge Paul Goldspring told him.

After admitting the offences last year prosecutor Miss Louise Burnell told the court: “It was 4pm when police were called to Linden Gardens after reports from a member of the public of a man in a van sniffing something.

“The police found the defendant in the van, along with several different drugs.”

Officers seized two packages of cocaine weighing 1.1gms; a 2.22gm package of heroin; 3.89gms of magic mushrooms and 380gms of both herbal and cannabis resin.

“Combined the drugs had a street value, according to the police of one thousand nine hundred pounds, but a lot of it was covered in mould so was worthless,” added Miss Burnell.

Duncanson was arrested on suspicion he was a drug-dealer, but an analysis of his mobile phone failed to find any evidence of “criminal activity” and he was charged with simple possession.

When questioned by police the first-time offender admitted the drugs were for his own use, claiming he had a fall ten years ago and suffered chronic pain, which was alleviated by the use of cannabis and heroin.

“He said he smoked heroin on a daily basis and spends one hundred and twenty pounds a week on drugs, using the money he received from a house sale.”

His lawyer Mr. Mark Haslam told the court: “There is a variety of drugs, but the amounts are small.”

He estimated the cocaine to be merely £37 worth, the heroin £100 and the mushrooms £38.

Construction Worker Attacked Safety Inspector Who 'Red-Carded' Him

Red Card: Joseph Fitzgerald

A construction worker 'red-carded' by a Health and Safety inspector at a landmark Mayfair construction site lashed-out with his fists at the decision, aiming a kick at the supervisor for good measure.

Joseph Fitzgerald, 50, of Northumberland Park, Tottenham shouted: “Nobody says 'Oi' to me,” before turning his anger on the inspector.

The supervisor ruled he was not wearing appropriate safety equipment at the Berkeley Square site of a new Blackstone Group building.

He denied, but was convicted at Hammersmith Magistrates Court, of assaulting Gordon Ogilvie on August 12, last year and was ordered to pay a £150 fine, with £620 costs, plus a £20 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Miss Arlene De Silva told the court yesterday it was 10.30am when the inspector visited the site and was unhappy Fitzgerald was not wearing the correct gloves and found other safety issues regarding the defendant being properly equipped.

He issued a 'yellow card' warning, but after Fitzgerald “became aggressive” he followed-up with a red, which meant the defendant had to immediately leave the site.

“Fitzgerald swung a fist and Mr. Ogilvie was backed into a corner and punched, which caused a small cut where his glasses were knocked off and he received a kick to the thigh and was held in a bear hug,” explained Miss De Silva.

Mr. Ogilvie tried to take cover in the basement, where Fitzgerald followed him, throwing items.

The police were called, but the defendant did not wait around and was arrested later, denying the assault when questioned by officers.  

Web Designer's Late-Night Train Abuse Of Lone Woman

Kurtis Fehr

A drunken young web designer, whose “disgusting” abuse of a woman travelling alone on an underground train was described by a judge as “unforgivable”, was spared jail for the sake of his home and career today.

Kurtis Mortan Fehr, 22, of Sundon Park Road, Luton screamed: “You ugly f***ing c***” and “dirty whore” during a barrage of abuse near Leicester Square station on March 17, last year.

His employers, web hosting company LCN, of Whittle Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire told him he would be sacked if sent to prison for the offences – his first criminal convictions.

Fehr pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to assaulting Jade Nagi and using threatening behaviour and was sentenced to a three-month, electronically-tagged, night-time curfew and was ordered to pay £300 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

“His behaviour that night was unforgivable and some of the things he said were disgusting,” announced District Judge Paul Goldspring. “It was not an aberration and was obviously something he had thought about because he had said it previously.”

Police on the underground had warned Fehr previously about his behaviour that night when similar comments had ben made.

“The effect on this woman must have been substantial and was a result of how drunk you were,” added the judge.

“What aggravates this offence is that she was sitting alone on a tube late at night and was confronted with a disgusting torrent of abuse by a drunken man.”

During the confrontation Fehr touched Miss Nagi's knee and she quickly pushed his hand away, but this inflamed his temper and he shouted: “Who would want to touch you whore?”

“That sort of behaviour when you are drunk is frightening,” added judge Goldspring. “To compound it you laid your hand on her.

“I was going to send you to prison, but I have reflected and ordinarily you are a well behaved, sensible young man and sending you to prison would effect your accommodation and a promising career would be blighted.”

Deadly Blades Hidden In South London Bush

Two sixteen year-old boys have been arrested after these ferocious-looking knives were hidden in a bush near a south London block of flats.

Officers from Lambeth recovered the blades, which are 11 and 12 inches long, following a tip off by a member of the public. 



Police were called on Tuesday, February 24 at approximately 9.30am by a member of the public who observed two males hiding the knives in Bentons Lane, West Norwood.



Officers attended and recovered the knives and stayed at the location to see if the suspects would return



Two youths were seen by officers to return to where the knives were hidden.



When the officers approached them they both made off.



Following a short foot chase, during which one of the officers sustained a broken arm, the two youths were detained and subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.



The two males were bailed pending further enquiries.

Superintendent Neil Paton, the lead for Operations at Lambeth, said: "We have managed to take two dangerous weapons off the streets thanks to a call by a concerned member of the public. 



“We would encourage communities across London to make contact with police if they have any information that could help us to tackle or target those who are using, storing or carrying weapons in their neighbourhoods.”

Camouflaged Suspected Arsonist Hunted By Police Investigating Huge Blaze

Police are hunting this suspected arsonist in connection with a large fire that destroyed part of an industrial estate in the early hours of the morning.

Officers from Bexley are renewing appeals for witnesses to identify who was responsible for starting the blaze in Yarnton Way, Erith, south-east London on Saturday, 21 February. 



This CCTV image has been released of a man they wish to speak with who was at the scene of the fire shortly before it began. 



The man is described as white and is believed to be in his early twenties and was wearing distinctive camouflage clothing and a camouflage hat. 



Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes of Bexley Police, who is leading the investigation, said: "I am appealing to anyone who recognises the man in this footage to contact police, or Crimestoppers anonymously.



"I am sure that someone will know who he is. I would also ask, does anyone know or remember anyone of this description - wearing camouflage clothing - on Friday night into Saturday morning in Erith or the local area?



"I would also urge the man seen in the footage to come forward and speak with police.



"Thankfully, no one was hurt but the fire has caused vast damage in the area."



Police and London Fire Brigade were called at approximately 2:00am and
the fire was brought under control by 5:40am.



There were no reported injuries.

Anyone who has any information should contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Carer Jailed For Attacking Wheelchair-Bound Victim

A carer has been jailed for slapping the wheelchair-bound man she was looking after – striking him twice on the back and trying to push him out of his chair.

Claudine Ingabire, 31, also smashed some of the 55 year-old man's property, including the mobile phone he was trying to call the police on when she arrived at his home demanding money.

Ingabire, of Stanley Road, Croydon received four months imprisonment for the assault, which occurred on July 18, last year and was also ordered to pay the victim £200 compensation.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard the victim needs 24-hour care to help with his day-to-day living. 



He has been using a wheelchair for the last 20 years following an accident which resulted in him sustaining spinal injuries causing him to lose the function of his legs, have limited mobility in his arms and none in his fingers. 



Ingabire was hired on a temporary basis to care for him.



She attended the victim's house to collect her belongings and once inside the property she demanded money which he refused to give to her. 



After seeing his property smashed and being hit the victim managed to escape to another room and lock himself in until the police arrived. 



The investigation was handed over to Lambeth's Community Safety Unit and on August 19 Ingabire was arrested whilst on a return flight from Belgium.



Detective Inspector Ian Kenward, from Lambeth Community Safety Unit, said: "This case involved the shameful abuse of a vulnerable man by someone in a position of trust. 



"I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and resolve shown by the victim throughout the investigation.

“His evidence and support along with the investigative tenacity of the officers involved were pivotal in bringing this case to a positive conclusion. 



"I hope this serves to illustrate that police will do everything within their power to deal with such offences in a robust and timely manner."

Man Accused Of Sleepover Grope

Court Date: Phillip Green

A Scunthorpe man, accused of groping a young woman during a night time sleepover at a south-west London address, has appeared in court for the first time.

Phillip Andrew Green, 55, of Cliff Avenue, Winterton was bailed by Wimbledon Magistrates Court to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on March 27.

He faces one count of sexual assault on the woman, aged in her twenties, by touching at a flat in Churchill House, Station Road, Hampton on July 27, last year.

The court heard Green was sharing a room with the complainant and her friend, all sleeping on separate air-mattresses, when he allegedly edged closer during the night and made skin-on-skin contact under her clothing.

He was bailed on condition he does not contact the complainant or her friend.