Business Lecturer's Benefits Fraud While On Suspended Sentence For VAT Swindle

A tax and benefit cheat business lecturer, devoted to financing her only child's private education, dodged prison yesterday despite swindling over £5,000 in benefits while under a suspended sentence for a £156,000 VAT scam. 

Single-mum Monica Bircham, 47, claimed she did not have to tell her council about extra money she illegally earned because it was in a business account and not a personal account - an excuse described by the court as: "bizarre."

The £140 per day tutor, of Abbott Court, Hartington Road, South Lambeth, whose son is 15 years-old, was exposed after the taxman investigated her "ethical" cosmetics company and also discovered she was preying on her local authority for hand-outs for two-and-a-half years.

She is listed as a lecturer on Bromley College's website and her field of knowledge includes business and cultural affairs.

On April 8, 2013 she received 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for the VAT fraud, but continued her ongoing benefit swindle and was found guilty on a dozen counts.

"Your claim for benefits was dishonest from the start, " Recorder Adam Hiddleston told Bircham at Croydon Crown Court. "You lied about your income, who you were sharing your home with, how many bank accounts you had and left out information you knew you needed to declare.

"It seemed to me an entirely proper verdict on every single count and the case you put forward was bizarre. 

"After you were found out to the extent you went to and your motives were obvious. You sought to hide the money so you could fund your son's education.

"All of this was done with careful thought. You are an intelligent woman, you have qualifications and are employed as a lecturer.

"You deprived Lambeth of funds, which they could have used to pay benefits to people in need who were not able to consider a private education for their children.

"Even today you maintain your innocence despite your obvious dishonesty.

"What chimes through this is your utter devotion to your son. You going to prison would have a profound effect on him and he would be another victim in this case.

"I don't see why he should suffer from your dishonesty.

"You have come very close indeed to effecting the course of his life. Your actions have nearly undone everything you have set out to do, namely give him a stable environment to be brought up in.

"Lambeth have been put to an enormous loss by your actions, not only the five thousand-odd in benefits, but prosecution costs of eight thousand pounds, which will be yet another loss."

The total loss in housing and council tax benefit was £5,337.60p.

The probation service recommended a sentence that did not result in immediate imprisonment, despite concluding in their report Bircham: "Has a propensity towards deceptive conduct." 

Her lawyer Miss Karen Walton said: "She has aspirations to stand on her own two feet, but is incapable of doing so.

"Sending her to prison will punish her, but will not solve that conundrum and she will not have any support in prison and will be released back to where she is now, heavily in debt."

She fought the case, but a jury convicted her 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.

Bircham was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours community service work.

Fashion Designer Assaulted By Ex During "Childish" Doorstep Toaster Dispute

Katya Wildman

A fashion designer to the stars, whose signature dress was made famous by Nigella Lawson, was assaulted by her ex partner during a "childish" tug-of-war over a disputed toaster outside their one-time family home.

Katya Wildman, 39, creator of celebrity-favourite frock 'Bombshell' turned up at the £950,000 four-bedroom North Finchley property, occupied by her ex Stephan Law, 42, to collect a Christmas Tree on December 8, last year.

Television costume designer Katya, who also counts model Jerry Hall and actress Anjelica Houston amongst fans of her designs, began her relationship with Law in December, 2009, but they split two years ago.

He helped promote her business, which received additional publicity when Nigella bought twelve 'Bombshell' dresses - six in black linen and six in denim.

"She had a set of keys because she was still the co-owner of the house she had moved out of a year before," prosecutor Mr. Ranesh Patel told Brent Magistrates Court yesterday. "She let herself in to collect the tree for their three year-old daughter.

"She also took the toaster that she paid for and Mr. Law grabbed hold of it, resulting in both of them grappling over the toaster, which he took off her and she then threw his house keys into the next-door neighbour's garden.

"He retrieved his keys and rushed back to his front door, where he barged past her and with both his hands pushed her on her shoulders, she says a hard push, causing her to fall onto the concrete path.

"She thought she was going to bang her head on the concrete and the neighbour, who witnessed the commotion, agrees it was a hard push and he was also surprised she did not bang her head."

Law, former Head of Administration at 'Bombshell by Katya Wildman', pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex in Cissbury Ring South and was conditionally discharged for two years, ordered to pay £350 costs and £75 compensation to Ms Wildman, plus a £15 victim surcharge.

Stephan Chan

A three-year restraining order was also made prohibiting Law going to his ex's appointment-only showroom in Balfour House, High Road, Finchley and her home in Queens Avenue, Muswell Hill.

In her statement she claimed the defendant had been verbally abusive during the relationship. "He would call me fat and humiliate me when we were out in public.

"If we were at a restaurant he would make the waiter get more food. I started eating in private.

"When I had a rash on my leg and bum he said it was disgusting and spat on me."

Law's lawyer Mr. Martin Lewis said there was no history of violence or abuse in the relationship. "She herself describes it as a tumultuous relationship and says the defendant suffered OCD and it was just too much.

"On this occasion, not unusually, they had words. The toaster had been there for more than a year and she decided at that point she wanted it back and they both acted childishly and there began a tug-of-war over the toaster.

"You can imagine the sight of two grown people tussling on the doorstep over a toaster and Mr. Law feared he was going to be locked out and so there is a race to the front door and he pushes her.

Cissbury Ring South: Former Family Home

"She acted foolishly by trying to grab the toaster. She bought it, but it had been there a year. He no longer loves the complainant and I'm sure she no longer loves him."

Law's fashion entrepreneur sister will finance the buy-out of Katya's half-share in the house. "I am aware she could do with the money," added Mr. Lewis. 

"They are both stupid and childish people in this case. It is a public row on the street in suburban North Finchley and during the course of it she kicked the defendant and says it was in self-defence.

"For people of this status and education it should not have happened."

Pensioners Scammed: Do You Know This Suspect

Police are hunting this suspected heartless conman after a couple in their 80's with dementia were targeted for their life savings.

On Friday April 24 at approximately 10:00am, the couple received a knock at their door in Ealing, west London from two men purporting to be from their bank.

The men walked into the house, stood in the hallway and told the victims that they needed their bank cards and PIN numbers.

The suspects became threatening and the victims complied, still thinking the men were from their bank.

A short time later the couple's lifesavings were withdrawn from Barclays Bank, Ealing Broadway.

The suspects then made off towards west Ealing in a grey new shape Audi.

Detective Constable Richard Thomas of Ealing CID, said: "The victims are emotionally upset and are wrongly blaming themselves for this incident.

“This is a despicable crime for which I would like to trace the suspects and put them behind bars.

"I urge anyone who recognises the man in the image or has information to contact me as a matter of urgency so others do not fall foul of these heartless criminals."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ealing CID on 101 quoting reference CRIS 2510022/15. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Drink-Driver Jailed For Running Over Policewoman Who Ordered Him To Stop

A drink-driver who ran over a policewoman as he tried to evade a roadblock – knocking her unconscious – has been locked-up for two years.

Jobless Michael Adenibi, 22, of Pembury Close, Pembury Road, Hackney drove at the officer at between 20-30mph and threw her two metres into the air.

She landed on the bonnet of his Ford Focus before falling to the ground and suffered a concussion.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving; driving without a licence and insurance and was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of inflicting actual bodily harm on PC Sue Thomson.

The court heard it was just after 3:30pm on October 2, when Adenibi approached a police vehicle check near Hammersmith Bridge.

Two officers indicated for him to pull over and Adenibi initially proceeded as though he was going to comply.

However, he then veered around the officers and the central traffic island and sped away up the wrong side of the road against oncoming traffic.

Officers saw Adenibi enter the Hammersmith one-way system in the wrong direction and his details were circulated.

He was stopped by police in Shepherd's Bush Road, but drove onto the pavement behind a telephone box, causing pedestrians to jump out of the way.

As he did, PC Thomson moved around to the front of her vehicle to try and get Adenibi to stop, but he ignored her orders and drove straight at her, knocking her into the air.

PC Thomson said: "I will never forget what happened that afternoon and I know how lucky I was not to be more seriously injured, but the emotional consequences have surprised me with their depth and longevity.

“On a positive note I will always remember the love and support of my family, friends and colleagues both on the day and the months since.

“They have all been amazing and I am hugely proud to have them on my side."

Chief Superintendent Gideon Springer, Borough commander of Hammersmith and Fulham, said: "This was a serious and deliberate attempt to injure one of my officers to evade arrest and could quite easily have proved fatal.

"PC Thomson is a credit to not only Hammersmith and Fulham police but the Metropolitan Police Service and this is a typical example of the courage and professionalism demonstrated by our officers in London on a daily basis."

Nightclub Death: Three Bouncers In Court

Adam Hird

Three club doormen, charged after the death of an aspiring pilot who was restrained in the early hours outside a Vauxhall nightspot, are due to appear in court today.

Epping travel agent Adam Hird, 30, died two days after an incident outside No. 65 Bar, Albert Embankment on June 15, last year.

They will appear on bail at Croydon Magistrates Court charged with negligence manslaughter.

They are: Lewis Thorne, 22, of St Lawrence Chase, Ramsgate, Kent; 
Mark Pantalleresco, 51, of The Parade, Brighton Road, Tadworth, Surrey and 
Sebastiano Ragusa, 30, Celandine Close, Poplar.


Mr. Hird was restrained at approximately 3.20am as he tried to gain entry to the club, but his heart stopped and he was rushed to hospital.

He sadly passed away at 4.40pm on June 19.

Middlesbrough FC Play-Off Fan Nicked For Lighting Flare Outside Wembley

A teenage Middlesbrough fan, who travelled to the Wembley play-off final with his parents and brother and sister, missed the match after being chased by police and arrested for holding a lit flare outside.

Apprentice joiner Kieran Brundle, 18, of Clover Hill Drive, Loftus, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Redcar and Cleveland suffered the additional misery of learning his team lost the game 0-2 to Norwich City, who were promoted to the Premier League.

He appeared at Hendon Magistrates Court today on a charge of throwing or casting a firework outside Wembley Stadium on May 25, contrary to the 1875 Explosive Act and was bound-over to keep the peace for six months in the sum of £100.

Brundle initially pleaded guilty to the offence, but the prosecution agreed to vacate the plea and withdraw the charge, allowing the teenager to keep his good character and not have a criminal record.

The court heard It was approximately 2.00pm when police saw a red flare being held by somebody in the crowd and when they approached Brundle he made off and was chased and apprehended.

When quizzed by officers Brundle them it was a smoke bomb and he panicked and ran when he saw them approach him.

“The whole family came down for the match, Mr. Brundle's brother and sister and mum and dad and they were waiting to go in,” said Mr. Andrew Benington, defending. “Someone gave him the item and you just pull a pin out and smoke comes out and he held it up.

“This offence is usually dealt with at the police station with a penalty notice. The lad's come down from Middlesbrough with his dad, a five or six hour trip, and they are keen to get back.

“I don't think we'll see him in court again unless it is a Christmas drink-drive when he is forty-five years-old.”

Bus Pervert: Police Release CCTV In Hunt For Sex Offender

Police are hunting this bus sex pervert, who groped young girls, aged just twelve and seventeen years-old in east London.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released this CCTV image in their attempts to identify the assailant.

Officers now believe the suspect is from the Southwark area of south London.

The first offence occurred at about 3:30pm on Tuesday February 24 in Mawney Road, Romford, after he followed the 12-year-old off a route 248 bus travelling from Upminster.

The second offence occurred at about 15:00pm on Thursday March 5, while the victim - aged 17 years-old - was waiting at a bus stop on Waterloo Road, Romford.

Officers are treating the incidents as linked.

The suspect is described as a black man, around 30-40 years and approximately 6ft tall with bad teeth.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Neil Webb on 020 3054 6712 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 173383.

"Dangerous, Calculating, Predatory Rapist" Gets 25 Years

A security guard who raped two women at his home – drugging the first victim with a spiked cup of tea – has been jailed for twenty-five years.

Kwame Boakye, 53, of Frobisher Court, Evelyn Street, Deptford was convicted of three counts of rape following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

The court heard how Boakye befriended his first victim through his work as a security guard and used his influence within the Ghanaian community to offered to help her find employment.

He persuaded her to attend his home address on her own on November 22, 2012 where he drugged the cup of tea he gave her and whilst she was unconscious, raped her.

Boakye was arrested on December 8, 2012 and denied the offence when interviewed.

He lied that the victim had never been to his address and that they never had sexual intercourse.

He even went as far as claiming that he was impotent.

While on bail Boakye befriended another Ghanaian woman under the pretence that he was a trader in clothing to Ghana.

He persuaded her to come to his flat and offered his victim a drink, which she refused.

Boakye became agitated and used force to rape her.

He then carried out a campaign of intimidation and threats to persuade the second victim to return to his flat on numerous occasions where he committed further offences of rape.

Once Boakye began to lose control over his second victim he began to harass her family and friends.

When arrested Boakye claimed that his second victim had never been to his flat alone and that he was impotent.

Telephone records and victim statements provided overwhelming proof of his guilt.

Detective Constable Chris Hammond and Detective Constable Liz McAvoy, the investigating officers from the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Kwame Boakye is a dangerous, calculating and predatory rapist.

“He used his position of influence in the Ghanaian community to befriend his victims and gain their trust.

“He then used this trust to lure them to his flat where he attacked them.

"We would like to thank his victims for their bravery in reporting him to police and providing their evidence in court.

“The Met is committed to supporting victims of sexual assault and bringing their attackers to justice.

“We would encourage any further victims of Boakye to come forward in the knowledge that they would be fully supported."

Solicitor Denies Flouting Restraining Order After Assaulting Wife

A solicitor, accused of flouting a restraining order by phoning his ex-wife's house on his twelve year-old son's birthday, denied the charge when he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today.

Jonathan Frederick Woodroffe, 49, of Great Austins, Farnham, Surrey, who is employed by Fulham's Excelsior Solicitors, was bailed until a trial at the same court on August 14.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of harassment by leaving a voicemail on his ex's landline on November 17, last year, breaching a restraining order imposed at Richmond Magistrates Court on June 17, 2011.

The order was made after he was convicted of assaulting his ex-wife.

The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal also took their own steps and reprimanded Woodroffe for being convicted of assault in non-professional domestic setting and ordered him to pay them £2,226 costs.

Ex-Music Teacher's Court Date On Historic Paedophile Charges

A retired music teacher, accused of molesting a young boy four decades ago, was due to appear in court today for the first time on the five charges.

Roger Lunn, 76, of New Barns Avenue, Ely, Cambridgeshire failed to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and the case was adjourned until June 10 for a video link.

He is charged with five counts of indecently assaulting the boy, aged under 14 years-old, between January 1, 1972 and December 31, 1976 at an address in Browns Road, Surbiton, Surrey.

Lunn was represented during the short hearing, but no representations were made on his behalf or indications as to his plea.

Aswad Star Smothered And Stripped Girlfriend During Violent Abortion Row

Sentenced: Brinsley Forde

The award-winning 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.

She described being shaken like a "rag doll" and says she continues to live in fear of her ex, who she described as a "danger" to their two year-old son.

Forde, of The Courtway, Watford was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court of assaulting Miss Payne at her flat in

Orford Court, Elmcourt Road, West Norwood on October 30, last year.

Today he was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes 300 hours community service work and was ordered to pay £200 compensation to Ms Payne, £350 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge. 

"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," Ms Payne 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."

"Rag Doll": Jemma Payne

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.

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.

"Whilst this gentleman is of good character the offence itself does cross the custody threshold because of the nature and circumstances of the assault," announced magistrate Mr. Howard Cohen.

"We are concerned by a lack of remorse and Mr. Forde may not fully appreciate how unacceptable his behaviour was," added the magistrate, agreeing to impose an indefinite restraining order prohibiting Forde contacting Ms Payne and visiting her home.

Forde's lawyer Mr. Nicholas Robinshaw said: "He's had a number of previous relationships and sees his children from those relationships regularly. Never in those relationships has there ever been a suggestion of impropriety.

"This is very much a one-off. It has never happened before and is unlikely to happen again. It appears there was infidelity early on, on both sides, it's over."

Mr. Cohen told Forde, who still protests his innocence: "This is a blot on what otherwise would be seen as blameless character. You have done a great deal in the service of the community and that's been recognised by an award.

"However, any assault that takes place in a domestic setting is serious. That woman was entitled to feel safe and secure in her own home and an assault is an abuse of that.

"The nature of the assault is of great concern to use, but we have pulled back from passing a custodial sentence."

Speeding Lord Banned For Loo Dash

Conservative peer Lord Trefgarne received a four-month road ban today for speeding yet again today after magistrates rejected his claim he was caught short and was rushing to the House of Lords toilets.

David Garro Trefgarne, 74, 2nd Baron Trefgarne, was caught on camera speeding at 36mph along Chelsea Embankment at 1.57pm on October 20, last year in his grey 2.4 litre Suzuki car as he dashed to a 2.30pm sitting of the House.

Rt. Hon. The Lord Trefgarne, of Kettlewell Close, Horsell, Woking, Surrey pleaded guilty to the offence at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and was also fined £1500, with £100 costs and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge.

The magistrates also dismissed his claim public transport would not be "practical" for a man of his age and responsibilities.

It was Lord Trefgarne's fifth speeding offence in three-and-a-half years and nine points will remain on his licence.

He produced evidence from a consultant urologist, proving he has a medical condition which leaves him prone to needing the toilet at short notice.

"The symptoms are that I have occasional, urgent need to urinate," said the peer, who held ministerial posts in Margaret Thatcher's Tory government. "It is totally unpredictable and urgent when it does happen.

"I was going to a sitting of the House of Lords, which I do attend on a very regular basis. I'm a conservative member of the House, we don't have a majority and the whips are very keen on attendance.

"Whipping in the House of Lords is much more vigorous than it use'd to be.

"I was getting the symptoms crossing Battersea Bridge, most serious and urgent symptoms and I am not aware of any public convenience between where I was and the House.

"I was anxious to get to the House of Lords as quickly as possible so I could relieve myself."

His lawyer Mr. Quentin Hunt told the magistrates: "Had an accident happened as a result of his condition he would not have been able to fulfil his functions in the House of Lords that day.

"Lord Trefgarne does have a role to play, sitting all hours and maybe it is not practical for a man of his age to get on public transport every day to conduct his duties."

Bench chairwoman Isobel Vass ruled: "Lord Trefgarne had other possible alternatives open to him such as a pub or a restaurant.

"We do not accept that his presence at the House of Lords was so essential his failure to attend would result in it's functions not being carried out."

She told the peer: "There are still nine points on your licence and when you resume driving you will have to do so with extreme care."

Lord Trefgarne was educated at the all-boys Haileybury and Imperial Service College public school and succeeded his father, the 1st Baron Trefgarne on his nineteenth birthday, taking his seat in the House of Lords on his 21st birthday in 1962.

He was a Government Whip from 1979 to 1981 and for the rest of the decade held posts at the Department of Trade; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Department of Health and Social Security and the Ministry of Defence.

He was then promoted to Minister of State for Defence Support, then Defence Procurement and was finally a Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry.

A member of the Privy Council, Lord Trefgarne was one of ninety hereditary peers elected to remain after the 1999 House of Lords Act.

Sex Pest Groper: E-Fit Of Foreign Suspect Released

Police hunting a sex pest who groped a female pedestrian from behind have released this E-Fit of the suspect.

Detectives in Brent Borough continue to appeal for witnesses after the sexual assault in Honeypot Lane, Kingsbury, north-west London.

On Sunday, April 19, at around 10.45pm, a 37-year-old woman was walking along Honeypot Lane when she was approached from behind and inappropriately touched by a man.

The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 40-45 years old, slim build, 5ft 8ins tall, clean shaven with short dark cropped hair, brown eyes and freckles.

He was wearing a white casual shirt with a dark coloured short jacket on top, dark trousers and spoke in a foreign accent.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time that witnessed this assault or may know who this suspect is.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Kriel in Brent CID on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit

No arrests have been made.

Burger King Toilet Pervert Who Targeted Teen Girl Hunted

Police are hunting this pervert, who followed a teenage girl into a Burger King toilet and exposed himself after trapping her inside.

The 16 year-old victim was followed at the Praed Street, Paddington fast-food restaurant at 6.30pm on April 15.

After she emerged from the cubicle he prevented her from leaving the toilet by placing his foot in front of the exit door.

He exposed himself and made sexually indecent gestures to the teen.



He then left the restaurant via the fire exit on the first floor. 



The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 30-35 years, of stocky build, 5ft 11ins tall, with short black hair and facial stubble.

He is believed to be of eastern European origin. 



He was wearing a black jacket with black jeans and shoes.



Detective Constable David Roberts, from Westminster's Major Crimes Unit, said: "This type of crime is very upsetting to the victim.

“I am keen for anyone with information to come forward. We will treat all intelligence received in the strictest confidence and will investigate every lead." 



Anyone with any information is asked to contact Westminster Police’s CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hairdresser's Marriage Crumbles After Pub Knife Row

A leading hair stylist's marriage fell apart after a rowdy night at a local pub during which he plunged a knife into the table his wife was sitting at in front of around forty shocked guests.

Mark Richard Westbrook, 50, of Breamwater Gardens, Richmond, who is the boss of the salon that bears his name in nearby Kew Village, was rowing with 36 year-old Czech-born Nikolka Westbrook, the mother of his three children.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to using threatening behaviour at the Anglers Public House, Broom Road, Teddington on November 9 , last year and yesterday was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

“We accept you have been under considerable stress due to the breakdown of your marriage, illness and your financial situation,” the magistrate told Westbrook. “You are impulsive and need to control that.”

The court did not make a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting his estranged wife because a non-molestation order made by the Family Court already exists.

Westbrook was found not guilty of two alleged assaults and another threatening behaviour count at the family home later that night after a highly-charged trial in which his supporters packed the courtroom.

Nikolka claimed she feared her husband's temper, but Westbrook claimed her complaints were motivated by a desire to continue enjoying the lifestyle he financed during their twelve-year marriage.

She continues to reside at the £700,000 family home and Westbrook has been forced to move to an address fifty miles away in Chichester Place, Brighton, East Sussex.

The prosecutor told the court: “He felt his wife belittled him in front of a male outside the pub and slammed a cutlery knife into the table.

“She is shocked and there are forty guests present and Mr. Westbrook then storms out of the pub.”

Nikolka claimed violence continued at the family home, but Westbrook was cleared of those charges.

It was put to her that she enjoyed a “nice lifestyle” which included good clothes and meals, but Nikolka told the court: “I would say he enjoyed more of a social life than a family life.

“He was very abusive and aggressive towards me, using foul language in front of the children.”

She denied telling friends Westbrook was “getting old and fat” and had a “pot belly” and asking what the money was like for a single-mum.

Explaining the knife incident she said: “It was frightening. It made me scared.”

Woman Groped On Dancefloor By Ex-Soldier During Reunion

A Falklands War veteran, who travelled to London for a rugby-themed reunion, groped a woman who was dancing in front of him three times and flew into a rage when confronted.

Paul White, 55, of Cornwall House, Borough Road, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Devon will return to wimbledon Magistrates Court on June 17 for a pre-sentence report.

He pleaded guilty today to sexually assaulting a female at The Railway Tavern, The Quadrant, Richmond-upon-Thames on May 9 and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour on the same occasion.

The court heard the victim was enjoying a celebratory evening at the pub with friends and was on the dancefloor with White, who did not know her, standing behind.

He groped her rear with his hand on three separate occasions and she turned and told him: “Twice may be an accident, but three times is deliberate.”

She alerted security and White turned aggressive when challenged about his behaviour and a minor scuffle broke out.

The court was told White was in London to watch rugby and celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Goose Green, which took place in May, 1982, mainly involving 2 Para of the Parachute Regiment.

Uzi Sub-Machine Gun Stashed In Cemetery

This deadly Uzi sub-machine gun was hidden in a Croydon cemetery.

Police on the borough's Crime Squad searched an area in Croydon Cemetery after receiving information.

The found the firearm at approximately 2.15pm on April 29 just off Mitcham Road.


Enquiries continue and Croydon officers are working together with the Trident Gang Crime Command to establish who stored the firearm at the location or had access to the weapon.



Anyone with information that may assist police should call Croydon CID via 101 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



There has been no arrest at this stage.

Transexual Police Worker Who Battered Brother With Iron Bar Claims She Was Sleepwalking

A transexual police worker, who battered her sleeping brother over the head with an iron bar during a late-night murder bid, claims she was sleeping-walking and did not know what she was doing, a court heard today.

Helen Doe, 53, of Montgomery Close, Mitcham, however later told police she woke up in the early hours of the home they shared with an "overwhelming hatred" for 64 year-old Kenneth Doe.

He received three wounds to his skull from the one and a half foot long metal bar as he lay in bed, plus received a broken finger as he tried to defend himself.

Doe, who is employed by the Metropolitan Police Uniform Services and is a vocal transphobia campaigner has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to the attempted murder of Kenneth on July 5, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Cavin told the jury: "Fortunately he did not die or suffer long-term injury at all, brain injury, however it is the prosecution case that in striking him several times with an iron bar she intended to kill him.

"It may be that she is not strong enough, maybe he blocked or parried the blows, he sustained a fractured finger.

"The prosecution say the evidence shows she intended that death would result, that she wished to kill him."

Miss Doe dialled 999 and told the operator at around 2.50am: "I've had an accident. I think I've killed my brother. I've hit him with an iron bar. Just now, I've been building up to it."

When officers entered the house the defendant was in the kitchen and told them: "It's me. I did it, he's upstairs."

Mr. Cavin added: "On the kitchen table was a metal pole about a foot and a half long with blood on it."

Police went upstairs to check on the brother. "His head and hair was covered in blood."

Mr. Doe told them: "I had an argument with her earlier and I woke up and she was hitting me with an iron bar……..I don't like her friends."

He was rushed to St. George's Hospital to be treated for the three wounds, plus a fractured middle finger on his left hand.

"Amazingly, fortunately, the wounds were stapled."

When Miss Doe was arrested she asked the WPC: "Can I have a cuddle?"

Mr Cavin told the jury Doe spoke freely in the van on the way to Sutton Police Station, confessing: "I wanted to do it. I wanted to kill him."

"She said her friendship with her brother was not a good one and woke in the early hours with an overwhelming hatred of her brother and she makes reference to muffled voices in her head.

"She describes a history of depression for which she was taking prescribed medication. She also said she was in the process of changing gender to that of a female and was having hormone therapy."

Doe's case is that she was suffering 'non-insane automatism' - involuntary movements she was not responsible for.

"The defence will point to the conclusion Miss Doe was sleepwalking when she attacked her brother and that sleepwalking and violence was due to the drugs she was taking."  

Doe has organised lectures for Croydon LGBT and has led the Croydon Trans Group and has been living as a woman since 2012.

Trial continues…………

Shot And Stabbed: Murder In Peckham

Ola Raji

Police are hunting two murder suspects after a young man riding a bike through a south London housing estate was shot and stabbed.

Ola Raji, 20, was killed at approximately 10.30pm on April 21 in East Surrey Grove, Peckham.

After responding to a shots fired emergency officers found Ola collapsed unconscious between two parked cars.

He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving in hospital and a post mortem confirmed the cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Detectives believe Ola made his way onto the estate riding a push-bike where he was confronted by two people who shot and stabbed him.

Immediately following the murder, the suspects left the scene on foot in the direction of Sumner Road via a cut through from Cator Road.

Police are particularly keen to speak with the driver of a car that drove down Rosemary Road at around 10.30pm as he/she may have seen the suspects running up the road in the opposite direction.

Detective Chief Inspector Will Reynolds of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "We believe that there were witnesses to this incident and I would like to encourage anyone who has information that could assist our investigation to come forward.

“We believe that after being shot Ola may have had some property stolen from him.

“It is likely that he was wearing a small pouch or bag under his body warmer. This has not yet been found."

“I would like to urge local people and anyone visiting the estate at the time of the murder to think about where they were and what they saw.

“It is essential that we piece together his movements that evening and understand why he was in East Surrey Grove at that time.

“Did you know Ola? Were you with him that evening? Do you know why he was there?

“All information provided to Detectives will be treated in strictest confidence but if you don’t want to speak directly to police please call Crimestoppers.

“Calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous and callers are not even asked for their name.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hit-And-Run Cyclist Hunted For Injuring Female Pedestrian

Police are hunting this hit-and-run cyclist who left a woman he knocked over near Tower Bridge with serious facial injuries.

The 44 year-old victim was walking in Abbey Street, Southwark with her husband at 6.00pm on April 14 when struck by the cyclist, who was riding along the pavement.

The victim fell to the ground and suffered significant facial injuries.

London Ambulance Service were called and she was taken to St. Thomas' hospital.

The cyclist fled before police and the ambulance arrived.

Police Sergeant David Hunt of Cathedrals Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "We are keen to trace the man pictured in the image.

“The victim sustained significant facial injuries and If not for her husband and a member of the public stopping to help she would have been left on that footpath.

“I would encourage anyone who recognises him to contact us immediately."

Chief Superintendent Zander Gibson, Borough Commander for Southwark, said: "This incident was brought to my attention during a Twitter chat.

“It must have been an awful encounter for the victim, both physically and emotionally and she has my heartfelt sympathy for what she went through.

“We sent an officer to the scene and they completed an investigation.

"There was a delay in following this investigation up but I am confident we are now taking appropriate steps to identify the person responsible.

“The vast majority of cyclists are decent honest hardworking people, but in this case I think the person responsible for knocking the victim over needs to explain their actions to us.

“I'd encourage them to get in touch at the earliest opportunity."

Anyone who has any information should contact Southwark police on 0207 232 6220 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting CRIS 3010559/15.