Paedophile Artist Finally Confesses Four Decades On

An illustrator, who sexually abused two young girls four decades ago – molesting one when he took her out for ice-cream and groping the other as she lay in bed, dramatically confessed during his trial last week.

Artist Henry Christopher Mendes, 64, of Park an Pyth, Pendeen, Penzance had denied forcing the first girl, who was approximately eight years-old, to perform a sex act on him and running his hand up the body of the second girl, also aged around eight.

However, after hearing the two victims give evidence at Blackfriars Crown Court Mendes unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty and will be sentenced on June 12.

Prosecutor Mr. Shaun Esprit told the jury the offences occurred in north London's Kentish Town in the late 1970's and only came to the police's attention when the first complainant reported Mendes in 2013, encouraged by her friend revealing she was also molested.

“The defendant went out to go to the off-licence and he asked the first complainant if she fancied coming with him to get an ice-cream,” he told the court. “He stopped off at a pub and left her outside while he popped in.

“She was left outside on her own and after what seemed to her an eternity the defendant returned and as they walked back he took her through an elevated area, which was higher up and had a swing and concrete blocks.

“The defendant made her sit down on one and she noticed he was mumbling to himself and fiddling with the zip on his trousers and she did not know what was going on.”

The girl then performed a sex act on Mendes, said Mr. Esprit. “Afterwards he seemed relieved and satisfied.”

The girl remained silent until 1989. “She blurted out what happened to her mother. It was an emotional outburst.”

The complainant later emailed Mendes. “She brought up what happened and expressed a lot of anger and was extremely emotional.”

The second complainant also told police she was targeted by the defendant, added Mr. Esprit.

“She was asleep in bed and awoke and was aware of someone next to her, a man, and could hear ponderous breathing.

“She did not open her eyes, but recognised the voice of the defendant saying: 'You're so beautiful' and she felt a hand under the duvet, which bit by bit moved up.

“It stopped short of between her legs when a man's voice outside her bedroom door said: 'Chris, let's go to the off-licence.'

“The defendant was known by his second name, Chris,” the prosecutor told the court.

Mendes was arrested and questioned by police. “He denied the assaults.”

Mendes had pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault in relation to each girl between July 8, 1976 and November 27, 1979.

Wedding Guest Smashed Woman's Nose With "Almighty Punch"

A drunken wedding guest smashed an innocent woman's nose with an "almighty punch" - leaving her needing £10,000 worth of reconstructive plastic surgery - when aiming a blow at her husband.

Groom's guest Neil Abbott, 41, had been drinking vodka during the reception at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street when confronted about his boisterous behaviour on the dance floor and alleged groping of a young woman.

"That was an almighty punch, and I have seen some over thirty-five years, and from a man that is heavily built and this poor woman has suffered the most dreadful, dreadful injuries," announced Isleworth Crown Court Judge Simon Davis.

"This poor innocent lady was not expecting to be hit. You have played rugby in the past and you are a powerful man, one can see that, you do some physical work and that was meted out to this woman."

British Gas employee Abbott, a £50,000 a year work colleague of the groom, of Grace House, Erickson Gardens, Bromey pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Christina Mina on May 24, last year.

He was sentenced on Friday to eighteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must also compensate Mrs Mina £9,798.45p - money she has already spent on advanced dentistry and cosmetic surgery to rebuild her nose, which was flattened by the blow - as well as £950 costs.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Rodgers told the court: "Mr. Abbott goes to punch Mrs Mina's husband and connects with one forceful punch on her.

"She has had reconstructive surgery and will have follow-up surgery. There will be cartilage taken from her to fix a fault with her nose, which had a detached septum and enlarged nostrils.

"Mrs Mina has delayed having children because of this, but will resume once she has recovered."

Abbott's lawyer Mr. Richard Paton-Philip said: "He was too intoxicated to be interviewed by police on the day, but the next morning showed remorse when shown the CCTV.

"There is nothing to suggest he is anything other than a good, decent man who acted out of character when he drunkenly threw this punch aimed at someone else."

"This defendant has said he is not going to drink in public again," said Judge Davis. "It's the drinking that concerns me. He was absolutely drunk that night and had he not been this would not have happened.

"At the root of this disgraceful event was drink, there's no doubt about that," he told Abbott. "You changed her life with one punch, if she had died and this was one-punch manslaughter you would be going to prison for a number of years.

"I believe you did touch that young woman on the dancefloor, maybe you did not realise it or maybe in a laddish gesture it was just a brush."

A witness said he and Abbott were enjoying "lads dancing" during the reception.

"Mrs Mina was hoping for a family and she is struggling with that now because of what you have done to her cosmetically and emotionally," added the judge.

"There are wounds that are not on the surface.

"However, if I send you to prison today you would lose your job and lose your house. I am prepared to accept this was completely out of character."

The Probation Service ruled Abbott would not benefit from an Alcohol Treatment Requirement, but the defendant promised the court he would voluntarily attend counselling.

"Are you going to be able to put up with questions from your friends when you are out like: 'Go on have another one. Where's your bottle? Where's your face?'" the judge asked Abbott.

The defendant replied: "You would have to be a fool not to learn from this experience. The coming and going to and from court, the pressure. You would have to change."

Double-Rapist 'Lifer' Could Be Free In 2022

A “sexual Predator” repeat rapist - who targeted an 80 year-old pensioner - has been given a life sentence, but may be free in just seven-and-a-half years.

Robert Lashley, 32, of Blythe Road, West Kensington waited for the woman, who lives alone, to return from a local newsagents early one morning and followed her to her flat, where he raped her.

An Isleworth Crown Court jury found him guilty of the offence after hearing Lashley was caught on CCTV loitering outside the woman's Shepherd's Bush block of flats at 7.30am on August 16, last year.

Earlier this month was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation he serves at least seven-and-a-half years in prison, minus time served on remand.

He was quickly identified and arrested the next day and the victim was able to give evidence against him in court which led to a successful conviction.



The court also heard that Lashley had received an eight-year sentence in 2004 for a similar rape on a 59-year-old woman.



Officers believe Lashley may have targeted other women and are appealing for other possible victims to come forward.



Detective Constable Victoria Kilburn said: "Robert Lashley is a sexual predator who, on 16 August 2014, targeted one of the most vulnerable members of our community and subjected her to an horrific sexual assault.

“This was all the more distressing as the offence occurred in her home, where she should have felt safe. 



"I also hope that this sentence will encourage more victims of sexual offending to approach police, in the knowledge you will be believed no matter what age you are, and that the police will seek prosecutions for sexual offences.



"I would like to pay tribute to the victim of this offence. She is a spirited lady who showed great courage and determination, not only during the offence, but also in attending court and giving evidence against Lashley.

“She has found this experience extremely traumatic and I hope she can recover from this to enjoy her retirement in peace.



"Police are taking the step of releasing Lashley's image today. If you think you have been a victim of Robert Lashley, I would ask you to come forward and speak to police." 



Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Founder And Ex-Singer Of Reggae Legends Aswad Convicted Of Late-Night Attack On Girlfriend

Brinsley Forde MBE 

The founder and former lead singer of UK reggae band Aswad smothered his partner with bedclothes and ripped off her t-shirt and knickers hours after she aborted another man's baby.

Brinsley Forde MBE, 61, who hit number one in the charts with 'Don't Turn Around' in 1988 flew into a rage at 3am when given the cold-shoulder by Jemma Payne as the couple lay in bed.

Forde, of The Courtway, Watford was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court of assaulting Miss Payne, the mother of his young son, at her flat at 2 Orford Court, Elmcourt Road, West Norwood on October 30, last year.

"Brinsley wanted to be close to have a cuddle. He put his arm around me and tried to bring me close, but I told him I did not want to be close to him, I wanted to be left alone," she told the trial.

"He got very angry and upset. He lost his temper and went into a blind rage and grabbed and shook me like a rag doll.

"He put either a pillow or duvet over my face in a blind rage and held it down. I couldn't breathe and I started to panic and kick out with my legs.

"I jumped off the bed, but he ran around and ripped-off my t-shirt with one sweep from under my arm, tearing it off and did the same with my pants from the front, ripped them off.

"I had chafe marks under my arm, a burn sensation that came up as a bruise the next day."

The court heard Forde, who is also a radio presenter and actor, confiscated several pairs of shoes he bought Jemma as he left the flat, but then turned and blocked the front door.

"I picked-up a shoe and threw it at him and as he moved back I shut the front door," she explained.

Jemma Payne

The attacked was reported to police a week later on November 6 and Jemma explained: "I did not report it at the time because of domestic violence in our relationship.

"I realised he was an unsafe person to have around my son and I was worried social services would take him away. That's why I didn't report it.

However, Forde claims there was no assault and Jemma made a false statement because he threatened to tell social services she wanted to buy cannabis from associates nicknamed the 'Frontline' in Brixton.

He was arrested on November 7 at a social services meeting, which was due to discuss, among other topics, their son's Child Protection Plan.

Forde told police: "My ex has made these allegations up because I was going to report her to social services about our son."

When cross-examined Miss Payne did not deny becoming pregnant with another man, adding: "I'm afraid of Brinsley and his behaviour.

"Social services are happy for me to come off child protection as long as I have nothing to do with Brinsley. He's a danger to my son."

Forde told the court the row was about Jemma's affair and abortion. "The chances were that she was back with her ex-boyfriend. I found his underwear in the house.

"I once picked-up the phone when he thought it was Jemma and he asked: "Is the fool still there?'

"I would say she has anger issues that came up now and again and I am facing a charge that discredits me and I have not seen my son."

He told the court he was forced to grab Miss Payne's wrists to defend himself as she tried to punch and kick him.

District Judge Andrew Sweet ruled: "Mr. Forde was clearly upset by the pregnancy and by being rebuffed and grabbed hold of Miss Payne and shook her, ripped her t-shirt and pants off and covered her face with the pillow case or duvet.

"I'm satisfied Miss Payne was telling the truth. This is a very serious allegation," added the district judge, bailing Forde until june 2 for a pre-sentence report. 

Lady Vera-Brigitte Accused Of £18,000 Benefit Fraud

Lady Vera-Brigitte Bilek Von Sternberg appeared in court today charged with an £18,000 benefit fraud against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea while renting out a £1.1m house to a string of tenants.

Vienna-born Lady Vera-Brigitte - known as 'BB' to friends - is accused of keeping a bank account secret and passing off the people who paid her rent as friends or family members.

The freelance arts and performing arts critic, of Thomas Darby Court, Lancaster Road, Notting Hill indicated not guilty pleas when she appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court.

She is the daughter of a former Cultural Attaché to the Middle East and moved to Chelsea in 1990 with her daughter Rebecca and became head of department at two educational establishments.

Lady Vera-Brigitte is a member of Chelsea Old Church and has been elected to the boards of a number of charitable trusts as a fund-raising trustee.

She was bailed to appear at Isleworth Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on May 26 after the court declined jurisdiction, based on the seriousness of the case.

All the money has been repaid to the local authority.

She is charged with two counts of fraud by false representation in that on September 17, 2009 and July 13, 2011 she made a false representation in a housing benefit and council tax benefit application relating to Ivy Cottage, Uverdale Road, West Brompton by indicating she had no bank account and failed to give details of a Barclays account.

She is similarly charged that on February 4, 2013 she made a false representation in relation to a benefit claim on the same property by telling the council she "never" had any subtenants, only visitors, guests, friends and members of her family and had no income except Pension Credit and Disability and Living Allowance, but had multiple tenants she charged rent between September 16, 2012 and September 18, 2013.

Lady Vera-Brigitte also faces two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances, namely that she was renting out Ivy Cottage between June 2, 2012 and September 18, 2013 and a flat in Philadelphia Court, Uverdale Road between September 16, 2012 and January 4, 2013.

She is similarly charged that on or about May 4, 2012 she dishonestly failed to notify the council she had a tenancy agreement with Anchor Trust and had moved out of Ivy Cottage, Uverdale Road into her current address. 

Artist Denies Molesting Two Young Girls Four Decades Ago

An illustrator sexually abused two young girls four decades ago – molesting one when he took her out for ice-cream and groping the other as she lay in bed, a court heard today.

Artist Henry Christopher Mendes, 64, of Park an Pyth, Pendeen, Penzance denies forcing the first girl, who was approximately eight years-old, to perform a sex act on him and running his hand up the body of the second girl, also aged around eight.

Prosecutor Mr. Shaun Esprit told Blackfriars Crown Court the offences occurred in north London's Kentish Town in the late 1970's and only came to the police's attention when the first complainant reported Mendes in 2013, encouraged by her friend revealing she was also molested.

“The defendant went out to go to the off-licence and he asked the first complainant if she fancied coming with him to get an ice-cream,” he told the jury. “He stopped off at a pub and left her outside while he popped in.

“She was left outside on her own and after what seemed to her an eternity the defendant returned and as they walked back he took her through an elevated area, which was higher up and had a swing and concrete blocks.

“The defendant made her sit down on one and she noticed he was mumbling to himself and fiddling with the zip on his trousers and she did not know what was going on.”

The girl then performed a sex act on Mendes, said Mr. Esprit. “Afterwards he seemed relieved and satisfied.”

The girl remained silent until 1989. “She blurted out what happened to her mother. It was an emotional outburst.”

The complainant later emailed Mendes. “She brought up what happened and expressed a lot of anger and was extremely emotional.”

The second complainant also told police she was targeted by the defendant, added Mr. Esprit.

“She was asleep in bed and awoke and was aware of someone next to her, a man, and could hear ponderous breathing.

“She did not open her eyes, but recognised the voice of the defendant saying: 'You're so beautiful' and she felt a hand under the duvet, which bit by bit moved up.

“It stopped short of between her legs when a man's voice outside her bedroom door said: 'Chris, let's go to the off-licence.'

“The defendant was known by his second name, Chris,” the prosecutor told the court.

Mendes was arrested and questioned by police. “He denied the assaults.”

Mendes has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault in relation to each girl between July 8, 1976 and November 27, 1979.

Trial continues..........

"Chatty Man" Window Cleaner Ripped-Off Residents All Over London

A “likeable, chatty, charming” bogus window cleaner, who ripped-off residents in four different London borough's, has been jailed for two years.

Levi Bradbury, 31, of Chilton Grove, Surrey Quays, Southwark was convicted of six counts of burglary, three counts of fraud and four counts of theft.



Between May 2013 and September 2014, Bradbury visited blocks of flats on developments in Lewisham, Southwark, Hackney and Tower Hamlets posing as a window cleaner.

After convincing residents to let him in to discuss having their windows cleaned, he pretended to check the properties' windows were closed saying this was necessary before cleaning could commence. 



Each time Bradbury told his victims that payment was needed up front, resulting in several residents handing over money, usually £15 - 25 at a time.

Bradbury told them he needed to get their change and would clean their windows when he came back, however he never returned.

Bradbury convinced some residents he was part of a larger team of window cleaners on scene or working on behalf of their block's management team despite having no identification or cleaning materials with him. 



Occasionally, Bradbury walked with his victims to a cash point so they could withdraw money to pay him but did not return home with them.



During three incidents in 2014 Bradbury offered to go to the cash point on behalf of his victims to withdraw enough money from their accounts to cover his window cleaning services.

The victims handed over their PIN's and Bradbury withdrew £300, £200 and £50 from their accounts.

He returned the card to one victim but not to the other two. 



Bradbury received a payment from one victim, and told her he would return with her change and as he left the address stole £5 cash and a mobile phone.

The phone was located the following day buried under a tree a short distance away from the victim's address using the 'find my phone app'. 



Detective Sergeant Kelly George, of the Met's North East Detection Unit, said: "Bradbury is a likeable, chatty, charming man who used his friendly personality to gain the trust of his victims. 

"I would like to remind the public that they should not invite anyone into their home unless they have the correct identification on them and do not hand over your bank cards or PIN numbers to anyone."


Christie's Burglar Emptied Safe Of Over £750K In Valuables

A Glaswegian burglar, who snatched Faberge jewellery from Christie's auction house during a break-in, which saw over £750,000 worth of valuables taken has been jailed.

Jobless Richard Tobin, 45, of Kipling Estate, Lewisham received two years and four months imprisonment after pleading guilty at Southwark Crown Court to two counts of burglary.

Tobin first burgled Muzinich and Co in Hanover Street, Mayfair on Friday December 5, last year – offices on the fourth-floor of an office block.

CCTV showed a suspect entering the building at 00:44am and breaking into a number of locked desk drawers.

He left after apparently only stealing a rucksack and a pair of headphones.



Two days later on Monday December 7 at 9:00pm a man was seen on CCTV entering Christie's in King Street, Mayfair.



He left around 25 minutes later having stolen a number of high-value items from a safe.



They included a 1899 Faberge gold and guilloche enamel desk clock, a Faberge gold and silver mounted aquamarine and diamond necklace, a Faberge ring and a Mappin and Webb cutlery set, each worth £25,000.



Staff discovered the break-in when they returned to work at 8:00am the following day and police were called.



CCTV images were circulated and Tobin was quickly identified as the suspect for both burglaries.

He was arrested on Wednesday January 7 and charged the same day.

Searches of the address where he had been staying with a relative found a distinctive red coat he had been pictured wearing on the CCTV during both burglaries.


The items stolen - totalling around £760,000 - have not been recovered and efforts continue to trace them.



Investigating officer Detective Constable Jim Groves, from Westminster CID, said: "Tobin was an opportunist thief who stole a large number of valuable items which have not yet been recovered."



A Christie's spokesperson said: "Christie's would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their effective investigation into this crime.

“It is very disappointing that the thief has chosen not to disclose the whereabouts of the stolen items, but given their unique nature, we hope that they will be identified and returned to their rightful owners." 

Notorious Tax Cheat Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A notorious tax cheat, who hit the headlines for a £156,000 VAT swindle involving her "ethical" cosmetics company, was convicted today of ten counts of benefit fraud.

Monica Bircham, 47, of Abbott Court, Hartington Road, South Lambeth, was not jailed for scamming the taxman and was free to prey on her local council and illegally pocket hand-outs for two-and-a-half years.

An Inner London Crown Court jury found her guilty this afternoon of ten counts of fraud between December 9, 2010 and July 12, 2013 consisting of telling the London Borough of Lambeth she received no money from self-employment and on three occasions gave untrue information in a Self-Employed Earning Information form.

That she was a single-mother living alone; that she had no income; that she had no more income than tax credits; that she was the only adult living at her address; that she had not received full payment for part-time lecturing work and failed to disclose income.

She was convicted on a further count of dishonestly making a false representation on or about November 11, 2010 in an online application for Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit and one count of possessing an article for use in fraud on or about May 3, 2011, namely a profit and loss account for a business called Scoop SkinCare Ltd.

The new convictions put her in breach of a suspended prison sentence she received in April 2013 for the benefit offences she committed three months after get sentencing.

"The sentence the court will be considering will be custody," announced Recorder Adam Hiddleston. "She has a fifteen year-old son and tells us she is a single-mum.

"The sentence the court is thinking of will more than likely be one of custody," he added, telling Bircham directly. "A custodial sentence in your case is almost inevitable."

She was bailed until June 12 for a probation report.

Pick-N-Mix Crime Blitz

A mugger, joyrider, thief and sex offender has been jailed for thirteen years after committing an impressive range of offences during a four-month crime blitz.

Alan Denny, 25, of Fladbury Road, South Tottenham targeted a mini-cab driver and man outside a pub on Halloween – robbing them both – during his spree.

Wood Green Crown Court heard Denny attacked the mini-cab driver, aged 47, at 6.00am on July 26, last year in his home street, snatching the victim's jacket, which contained cash.

He threatened a 35 year-old man outside the Jolly Angler pub, Brabant Road, Wood Green at 11.40pm on October 31 with a screwdriver, taking the victim's car car and other property.

Denny was also guilty of witness intimidation after threatening a 34 year-old woman at a flat in North Kensington with a knife on November 9

He also stole from rooms at theme park Alton Towers in Staffordshire between June 30 and July 2 and failed to comply with the requirements of the Sex Offenders Register.

Denny was also guilty of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and without third party insurance.

Suspected Burglar Wanted By Police

Police have released this image of a suspected burglar wanted in connection with a north London break-in.

Officers in Haringey borough would like to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of 23 year-old Derya Gulsoy.

He is suspected of burgling a property in Seaford Road, South Tottenham on March 29.

Anyone with any information is asked to call local police in on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 



You can also send an anonymous message to Crimestoppers via their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online

CCTV Images Of Burglary Released

Police have released these CCTV images after a shop was broken into in east London.

The burglary occurred at 4.00am at Fresh Store, Broad Street, Dagenham on March 13.

A quantity of money, drinks as well as a cash till was stolen during the raid, which was captured on the owners security camera.

No arrests have been made and investigating officers hope the images will help identify the burglars.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101. 

Alternatively anybody with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 quoting crime reference 5104007/15.

Thirsty Gold Burglar Left DNA On Drink Can

A thirsty burglar, who left his DNA on a fizzy drink can he took from his victims' fridge while ransacking their home in the search for gold, has been locked-up for three years.

Nadim Younus, 33, of Gloucester Avenue, Slough suspected the Indian occupants had high-value gold and even cut into their sofas and emptied cupboards before leaving with £15,000 worth of jewellery and passports.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard Younus broke into the house in Heston Road, Hounslow via a back door on September 3, last year.

He went into every room emptying out all the cupboards as well as turning sofas upside down and cutting them up, in a bid to find gold.



When the family returned they found their house had been completely ransacked, however they were surprised to find that all the electrical items such as televisions and tablets were still there.



Police and forensic officers arrived on scene to carry out their investigation.

A drink can was found in the kitchen sink, which the victim stated that they had not drunk from and was previously in the fridge.



The can was forensically examined and traces of Younus’s DNA were found on the rim of the can. 



Detective Constable Darren Young, from Hounslow borough, said: “This investigation demonstrates that we will do everything in our capability to identify a suspect with every resource available to us.



"Our forensic colleagues will work with us to find anything, be it a drop of blood or saliva that may help us find a suspect and, in this case, leaving behind a drink can has resulted in us putting the suspect before the courts.”

Bangkok Holidaymaker Jailed After Returning With Suitcase Full Of Weapons

A Swansea man, caught with stun guns and martial arts weapons in his luggage after stepping off a flight from Thailand, has been jailed for twenty-seven months.

Karen Pal Singh Roth, 58, of Cefn Coed Crescent, Cockett had just arrived at Heathrow Airport after visiting Bangkok.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to three counts of possessing firearms, namely two stun guns and a stun baton – disguised as a torch - at the airport on January 28, last year, plus one count of unlawfully importing the three weapons.

Roth also pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a flick-knife, plus a separate three counts of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a knuckleduster; throwing star and nunchucks.

He further pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully importing the three flick-knives and a charge of importing the martial arts weapons.

Company Director Illegally Pocketed Benefits

Isleworth Crown Court

A company director, who was running a secret business at the same time he was claiming benefits, has received a suspended prison sentence and will now have to work for free as punishment.

Philip Huntley, 45, of Yew Tree Hollow, Boxhill Road, Tadworth, Surrey was a director of PTH Solutions from May 22, 2009 and the company was registered at his home address.

He was sentenced to twenty-four weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and was ordered to complete 150 hours community service work when he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

Huntley was charged with six counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the Department of Work and Pensions between March 8, 2008 June 23, 2013, namely that he was working.

Failing to declare he was working resulted in Huntley being overpaid Housing Benefit; Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance.

School Caretaker Caught With Child Porn On Work Computer

A school caretaker with twenty-three years service is now banned from working with kids after he was caught with child porn on his computer.

David Freeman, 69, of Lower Richmond Road, Richmond was reported to police after some of the images were spotted on his work tablet, issued by The Queen's Church of England School, Cumberland Road, Kew.

He pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to three counts of making indecent images of children between January 1 and May 30, last year.

The vast majority of the images – 318 – were Category C, the lowest in terms of seriousness, but there were also 14 Category B and one Category A – the most serious.

Prosecutor Mr. Bill McGivern told the court officers executed a search warrant at Freeman's home and seized his home computer, which contained the majority of the images.

“This is a school janitor and he had been issued the tablet by the school and when the images were seen his home computer was examined.

“The images were on his home computer and because of a link they were available on the school computer.

“There will be a prevention order barring him from working with children.”

Today Freeman was sentenced to a twelve month community order, which includes 180 hours community service and was made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Burglar Caught By Watching Police

A house-breaker under police surveillance who was caught committing his second burglary in a week has been locked-up for three years.

Clive Lindsey, 40, of Knights Place, Noke Drive, Redhill, Surrey was only in the second property two minutes when officers saw him leaving with a bright pink carrier bag containing two stolen laptops.

He was arrested on November 25, last year as a result of an intelligence operation by Merton Burglary Squad.

Lindsey broke into a house in Graveney Road, Tooting at 1.20pm then ran to his parked car in nearby Fishponds Road.

Officers followed the vehicle, a green Ford Ka, into Lessingham Avenue, where it was stopped at the junction with Francisan Road.

Lindsey was arrested and officers seized the pink carrier bag, which contained two laptops and a pair of socks from the address.



Lindsey was taken to Wimbledon police station for questioning and linked to a further burglary, which occurred on November 17 at an address in Reigate, Surrey. 



Detective Constable Ian Griffith, from Merton Burglary Squad, said: "The evidence against Lindsey was so overwhelming and strong that he was given no other choice then to plead guilty to both offences.

“In this case we were able to recover the stolen items and return them to their rightful owners within a matter of hours, a real result for the victims in this matter. 



" Lindsey has now been brought to justice for his crimes and the message is clear - we will use all the intelligence and resource available to us to disrupt criminals and gather the most compelling evidence to present before the courts."

Leading Church Music Composer And Respected Private School Teacher Secretly Collected Child Porn

One of the country's leading composer's of church music, who also taught at several top private schools - including one attended by Nigella Lawson and Kate Beckinsale - has received a suspended prison sentence after a police raid seized child pornography at his suburban home.

Cambridge University-educated John Barnard, 66, a fellow of the Royal College of Organists and associate of the Royal School of Church Music led a "tortured" secret double-life, Harrow Crown Court heard.

"It must be a humiliating experience for a man of your background to find himself before the courts," Judge Jeremy Barklem told Barnard, who taught German and French at the £18,000 a year all-girls Godolphin & Latymer school, Hammersmith.

"You are a cultured, educated, highly intelligent man, respected and loved by many and dedicated to church music, but also tortured by a publicly-repressed sexuality and an interest in images of young men that's never been expressed physically."

He was deputy head for fifteen years at £16,000 a year John Lyon boys school, Harrow, where he organised and led trips to Switzerland and went on to also teach at the co-ed £29,000 a year Aldenham boarding school, Elstree.

Barnard, of Queens Walk, Harrow, who has directed music for BBC Radio 2's Sunday Half Hour and in 2006 was a judge for a BBC hymn-writing competition was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, and must attend 60 days 'one to one' counselling.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing indecent photographs, which relate to twenty-nine pictures found in a chest of drawers in his bedroom.

The court heard there were a total of 118 images at category C; 13 at category B and 16 at category A - the most serious, which usually involves children being sexually abused.

The vast majority of the images depicted boys aged between fourteen and sixteen years-old.

Barnard presented two references to the court, one from a retired senior police officer and another from a barrister and member of the Bar Choral Society, who as a boy was a chorister taught by the defendant.

Prosecutor Miss Kate Blumgart told the court Barnard answered his door to police dressed in his pyjamas at 6.30am on May 13, last year and immediately admitted there were images on his computer.

Further printed images were found in the chest of drawers, which he admitted printing from his computer. "He said they were his and he had forgotten them.

"Officers also visited John Keble Church, Edgware, where Mr. Barnard was head of the choir, but nothing was found there. He is currently suspended from his role there."

His lawyer Miss Maria Dineen said: "Mr. Barnard is thoroughly ashamed of the conduct that brings him to court. He was aware that what he was doing was wrong, but was too embarrassed and fearful of the consequences to seek help.

"What has been a pretty solitary life for him up to now has been opened up and he has confided in others and he has sought out professional help.

"He accepts the damage that was done to the children in these images and his risk of reoffending and harm is low.

"There is no evidence he has acted upon his predilection or offers any threat of contact offending and he has dedicated his life to some sort of public service.

"He has always been regarded as a kind, caring individual. The loss of his good character alone is itself a considerable regret."

Barnard was also made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

He has been a successful composer, arranger, choir director and organist and sits on the council of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland and has been director of music at Emmanuel Church, Northwood; St. Alban's Church, North Harrow and St. John the Evangelist Church, Stanmore.

Barnard has composed and published over fifty original hymns, which are sung all over the world and contributes to and helps assemble publications including 'Hymns for Today's Church', Carols for Today' and Psalms for Today'.

Bolton Wanderers Star Dean Moxey Beats Speeding Charge

Bolton Wanderers star Dean Moxey, who was wrongly prosecuted for speeding in a leased Mercedes, has had the charge against him dropped.

He previously told south-west London's Lavender Hill Magistrates Court by letter that he had returned the super-saloon and somebody else must have been driving it.

The 29 year-old left-back, of Farington Lodge Gardens, Farington, Leyland was 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.

Moxey appeared in court with his lawyer last week to hear the prosecution announce they were withdrawing the summons after they were satisfied he was not behind the wheel.

The Exeter-born star, who was signed on a free transfer from Premier League Crystal Palace at the start of the season, 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 him.

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.”

Singer Will Young Caught Speeding In West London

Singer Will Young clocked-up his second speeding conviction on Wednesday after his Mercedes-Benz Bluetech was snapped by a camera in west London.

The 36 year-old star, of Prince of Wales Drive, Battersea did not attend Lavender Hill Magistrates Court and was not represented.

The court heard it was 8.08am on the A4 Cromwell Road, Earl's Court on October 28, last year when Young's jeep-type car was recorded travelling at 38mph - 8mph over the sped limit.

He completed the form admitting he was the driver at the time, but did not pay a pre-court "conditional offer" or respond further.

Young already had four points on his licence for a speeding offence on August 31, 2011 and the magistrates added another three points for the latest offence.

Because it was his second speeding offence they announced they would increase the fine to £250, with £85 costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Young was given fourteen days to pay.

Male Model Denies Spiking Nightclub Girl's Drink With 'E'

Not Guilty Plea: Riches

A male model, accused of trying to drug a young woman at a landmark club owned by Sir Richard Branson so he could sexually assault her, has denied the charge.

Matthew Riches, 29, of Sherwood Way, Epsom appeared at Isleworth Crown Court this week for a plea and case management hearing. 

He is accused of secretly spiking the woman's drink with MDMA - more commonly known as ecstasy.

He is charged that on August 2, last year at with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity he administered MDMA to the woman, without her consent  so as to allow any person to engage in sexual activity with her.

The incident occurred at the Roof Gardens, Kensington High Street, Kensington.

Riches entered a not guilty plea to the count and was bailed to return for trial on August 10.

Son Of Olympic Gold Medalist Linford Christie Admits 'Crack' And Heroin Charges

The son of former sprint star Linford Christie has pleaded guilty to having 'crack' cocaine and heroin stashed under the floorboards of his council flat.

Police armed with a search warrant entered the property while 29 year-old Liam Linford Oliver-Christie was out and found the drugs - with a street value of £1,410 - in a box.

Oliver-Christie, of Lakeside Road, West Kensington pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to possessing a quantity of cocaine and diamorphine on September 30, last year and was bailed for probation reports until May 19.

Drug-dealing charged were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, who previously revealed 14.1 gms of 'crack' was seized along with 841 mgms and 6.9 gms of heroin. 

The son of the 1992 Olympic 100 metres champion now claims he is successfully beating his drug problem with the help and support of his family.

Police, accompanied by a sniffer dog, search his empty ground-floor council flat at 2.30pm and also found drug paraphernalia on the living room table and an additional 23.6 gms of an unspecified white powder.

Officers left a note for Oliver-Christie and he surrendered himself at a local police station, which he attended with his solicitor.

Prosecutor Mr. Neil Griffin told the court: "There was a search warrant executed at the defendant's address. He was not home, but under the floorboards was a box containing drugs.

"The last time he was at this court he had been charged with possession with intent to supply class A, but was acquitted. He had over a thousand pounds cash and pleaded guilty to that."

Oliver-Christie's lawyer Miss Emma Fenn said: "The drugs problem is now under control. He has sought voluntary help and that has been resolved with family help.

"He is suitable for unpaid work if this passes the community threshold. This does not look like a case where a DRR (Drug Rehabilitation Requirement) assessment is appropriate, but probation may take a different view.

"He wants to explain he is already doing drugs work and wishes me to pass that onto your honour," Miss Fenn told Judge Martin Edmunds QC.   

"I shall ask the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report. It will have to be a full report," Judge Edmunds told Oliver-Christie. "You will be given an appointment and if you turn up late or not at all it is unlikely you will be given another chance."

His father also won gold for Britain in the 100m at the World, European and Commonwealth championships and his national record of 9.87 secs set over twenty years ago stands to this day.

Liam's mother is former typist Yvonne Oliver, who had a short relationship with the athlete, and he has a twin sister Korel, with neither child having much contact with their father during their upbringing.

He was bailed on condition he continues to reside at his address.