Hit-And-Run Driver Jailed For Late-Night Motorcyclist Death Crash

A hit-and-run driver, who left a young motorcyclist lying dying in the road, has been jailed for fifty-one weeks.

Mohammed Asim, 25, of Field End Road, Croydon drove off after colliding with 23 year-old Kamrul Hasan.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident in the early hours of December 29, last year in London Road, Croydon.

Croydon Crown Court heard Asim was driving a black Lexus car at approximately 1.00am when he crashed into Barnet man Mr. Hasan.

He was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 1:45am.

A post-mortem examination took place the next day and gave the cause of death as a chest injury.

Asim's car was found abandoned nearby in St James's Road near the junction of Windmill Road.

On December 30 Asim handed himself in to police and was charged with the offence.

Teenage Girl Groped On Bus: CCTV Of Suspect Released

Police investigating a bus sex attack on a young teenage girl in central London have released this CCTV image of a suspect.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Roads and Transport Policing Command have launched the appeal after the Westminster incident.

On Tuesday, 24 February at about 4.00pm, the 14-year-old girl was travelling on a route 436 bus along Park Lane when she was sexually touched by a man.

The suspect is described as a middle-aged Asian man, with short dark hair, balding at the top.

He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a black rucksack.

Police officers are releasing a CCTV image and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Clare Beauchamp, who is leading the investigation, on 07920 590195 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 173251.

Convicted High-Risk Sex Offender: Where Is He?

Police in Southwark are urgently seeking to trace a high-risk sex offender, who has failed to register with police after his release from prison.

Christopher Trinnaman, 37, is a registered sex offender who is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that restricts his access to females under the age of 18 and restricts his internet usage.

He has failed to comply with the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

On May 29, Trinnaman was released from HMP Littlehey and driven to Kings Lynn in Norfolk.

He is believed to have caught a train from there, possibly towards Merseyside or Nottingham.

He may be using another name and may be planning to travel overseas.

Trinnaman is described as 5ft '9ins in height and of medium build with cropped brown hair, although he may be shaven headed now.

He usually wears glasses.

Anyone who may have seen him or who knows his whereabouts should call officers from the Southwark Jigsaw Unit on 020 7232 6204.

West London Break-Ins: Suspected Burglar Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected burglar, wanted for a series of break-ins around west London.

Jaime Matthews, 23, is being sought for questioning in relation to burglaries in Isleworth, Syon Park and Teddington.

Detectives based at Hounslow Police Station have released this image in the hope he can be identified and arrested.

The offences occurred within the last twelve months.

It is possible that Matthews may also be using the names Jaime 'Goodrich' or 'Raider' and he is known to frequent the Feltham area.

Anyone with information regarding Matthews' whereabouts is urged to make contact with the offender management unit at Hounslow Police Station on 020 8247 6650.

If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Gay Sex Predator Pounced On Sleeping Married Neighbour

A gay sex pest took advantage of his drunken married neighbour by performing oral sex on the man after he passed out on the couch during an all-night drinking-session.

Andrej Korda, 35, of Butterfield Close, Twickenham had invited the 30 year-old neighbour and his wife to the flat he shared with his boyfriend then pounced when they were left alone.

The Slovakian-born technical operator, who is employed by a company that provides services to the deaf, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault at his home address on March 18.

He was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, and ordered to complete a thirty-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for seven years, pay £85 costs, a £180 court charge and an £80 victim surcharge.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard he received a police caution the same month for the sexual touching of another male and lied about the latest offence until DNA evidence proved he performed the act.

Prosecutor Miss Katrina Rennalls said the victim and his wife watched a film at the address and the man remained chatting with Korda until 5am.

“He woke up to find Korda giving him oral sex and reacted by pushing him off and punching him in the face and pushing him over a coffee table.”

Korda also falsely claimed to have taken photographs of the act in an attempt to intimidate the victim, who told police: “I was angry, shocked and disgusted.

“I was asleep and he took advantage of me.”

Korda's lawyer Miss Annette Dobson said the defendant: “Had a considerable amount to drink and could not recall the act itself.”

The court was told the defendant was at a: “Low point,” and was: “Extremely remorseful,” and blamed alcohol, money troubles, long work shifts and difficulties with his partner for his state of mind.

Korda's five-year relationship has broken down and he says he would like to write an apology to the victim if allowed.

“He didn't think he was capable of doing something like this,” added Miss Dobson.

“He was drinking as a stress reliever and has not consumed alcohol since this offence.

“The risk of re-conviction and harm is said by the probation service to be low.”

Not Guilty: Transexual Police Worker's "Sleepwalking" Defence Beats Murder Bid Charge

A transexual police worker, who battered her sleeping brother over the head with an iron bar, was cleared of attempted murder yesterday after the jury accepted her 'sleepwalking' defence.

Helen Doe, 53, of Montgomery Close, Mitcham, 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 was found not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to the attempted murder of Kenneth on July 5, last year.

Doe's case was that she was suffering 'non-insane automatism' - involuntary movements she was not responsible for and medical experts backed her up.

"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," said prosecutor Mr. Paul Cavin.  

Doe was taking hormone tablets, plus prescribed pills for anxiety and depression.

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

Blackmailer Guilty Of £15,000 Bank Cashier Threat

A sinister blackmailer, who tried to intimidate a female bank cashier into paying him £15,000 by threatening to report her to the police for stealing from her employer, has been convicted.

Initially posing as a detective and then a bank supervisor 23 year-old Iqbal Miah, of Hamlet Road, Southend-on-Sea called the woman's personal mobile phone while she was working at a branch of Santander.

He was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court of blackmailing Melinna Yanni at the Kilburn High Road, Kilburn branch on September 24, last year and will be sentenced on September 11.

Prosecutor Mr. David Ryan told the jury the blackmail calls were traced by police to Miah's phone and had been made near his address at the time in nearby Mortimer Crescent.

“Two days before the demand for money Miss Yanni received a call from an unknown number and the caller spoke with an Asian or African accent saying he was a police officer from Holborn Police Station.

“He asked her if she worked in the Kilburn branch of Santander and still lived in Elephant and Castle.

“Two days later, just before 9am, she received another call from this unknown number claiming to be from the bank's regional manager, accusing her and a colleague of stealing fifteen thousand pounds.

“The caller said this is how they were able to buy two new Audi cars,” explained Mr. Ryan. “He was aware Miss Yanni did not have money, but was now in credit.

“She said her mother had transferred twenty thousand pounds into her account in August.”

The mystery caller became angry and the call ended, but later in the day the employee received another call.

“There was a demand that Miss Yanni give him fifteen thousand pounds within forty-eight hours or he would report her to the police and she could go to jail for a couple of years.

“She handed the phone to her manager, who told the caller to contact the fraud team and stop harassing Miss Yanni.”

Miah was arrested in November and replied “no comment” to all police questions.

Head Teacher Awarded MBE Charged With Sexually Abusing Young Boy

A former headteacher – awarded the MBE for services to youth work – has appeared in court accused of a sex act on an underage boy four decades ago.

John Coatman, 74, of 8 Leyburn Gardens, Croydon was the head of St. Andrew's School in the town's Warrington Road and became a Member of the British Empire in 2012.

He appeared on bail at Croydon Magistrates Court yesterday charged with committing buggery on a boy aged under sixteen years of age between January 1 and December 31, 1973 at the Leyburn Gardens address.

He joined youth group the Croydon Cusaders – now named Urban Saints – in 1949 and rose to represent the club at national and international level.

Since retiring he has dedicated his time to the youth club and has worked with more than 100,000 young people leading expeditions to Austria, a project which has secured European Union funding, and on countless Duke of Edinburgh Award trips.

He will next appear at Croydon Crown court for a preliminary hearing on August 25.

Head Teacher Awarded MBE Charged With Sexually Abusing Young Boy

A former headteacher – awarded the MBE for services to youth work – has appeared in court accused of a sex act on an underage boy four decades ago.

John Coatman, 74, of Leyburn Gardens, Croydon was the head of St. Andrew's School in the town's Warrington Road and became a Member of the British Empire in 2012.

He appeared on bail at Croydon Magistrates Court yesterday charged with committing buggery on a boy aged under sixteen years of age between January 1 and December 31, 1973 at the Leyburn Gardens address.

He joined youth group the Croydon Cusaders – now named Urban Saints – in 1949 and rose to represent the club at national and international level.

Since retiring he has dedicated his time to the youth club and has worked with more than 100,000 young people leading expeditions to Austria, a project which has secured European Union funding, and on countless Duke of Edinburgh Award trips.

He will next appear at Croydon Crown court for a preliminary hearing on August 25.

Blackmailer's £15,000 Bogus Police Threat To Bank Worker

A sinister blackmailer tried to intimidate a female bank cashier into paying him £15,000 by threatening to report her to the police for stealing from her employers, a jury were told yesterday.

Initially posing as a detective and then a bank supervisor 23 year-old Iqbal Miah, of 26 Hamlet Road, Southend-on-Sea called the woman's personal mobile phone while she was working at a branch of Santander, the court heard.

He has pleaded not guilty at Harrow Crown Court to blackmailing Melinna Yanni at the Kilburn High Road, Kilburn branch on September 24, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. David Ryan told the jury the blackmail calls were traced by police to Miah's phone and had been made near his address at the time in nearby Mortimer Crescent.

“Two days before the demand for money Miss Yanni received a call from an unknown number and the caller spoke with an Asian or African accent saying he was a police officer from Holborn Police Station.

“He asked her if she worked in the Kilburn branch of Santander and still lived in Elephant and Castle.

“Two days later, just before 9am, she received another call from this unknown number claiming to be from the bank's regional manager, accusing her and a colleague of stealing fifteen thousand pounds.

“The caller said this is how they were able to buy two new Audi cars,” explained Mr. Ryan. “He was aware Miss Yanni did not have money, but was now in credit.

“She said her mother had transferred twenty thousand pounds into her account in August.”

The mystery caller became angry and the call ended, but later in the day the employee received another call.

“There was a demand that Miss Yanni give him fifteen thousand pounds within forty-eight hours or he would report her to the police and she could go to jail for a couple of years.

“She handed the phone to her manager, who told the caller to contact the fraud team and stop harassing Miss Yanni.”

Miah was arrested in November and replied “no comment” to all police questions.

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

Lifelong Drinker Who Kicked Cop Ordered To Beat The Booze

A lifelong binge drinker, who kicked a police officer in the leg during a wine and vodka bender, screaming: “You can't arrest me in my f***ing home,” has been ordered to beat the booze.

Officers had been called by 43 year-old Fiona Connolly to her home in North Pole Road, North Kensington because she wanted to report her alcoholic boyfriend for smashing her table.

“The officers arrived and the defendant was drunk and slurring her words,” prosecutor Miss Simma Khan told Hammersmith Magistrates Court. “She became abusive and resisted arrest.”

Connolly, who has previous convictions for racially-aggravated criminal damage, assault, threatening behaviour and being drunk while in charge of a child, shouted: “Shut up you f***ing moron. I'll have you struck off.”

Miss Khan added: “She kicked the officer with her right leg, connecting with the officer's knee and causing pain.”

Connolly pleaded guilty to assaulting Police Constable Todd Alsop on May 7 and was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes an alcohol treatment requirement.

She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to PC Alsop and a £150 court charge.

West Wickham Burglary: Police Hunting Watch

This distinctive £2,000 watch has been stolen during a burglary in a leafy suburb of south London.

The IWC Pilots Chrono-Automatic was snatched between May 15 and 16 from a property in Copse Avenue, West Wickham.

Detectives from Bromley borough have released this image in an attempt to trace the watch and catch those responsible for the break-in.

Anyone with any information should contact Bromley CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference 3309310/15.

Late-Night Gunman Caught By Police Eye In The Sky

A late-night prowler, caught by a police helicopter throwing away his loaded gun, which was fitted with a silencer, has been locked-up for fourteen years.

Mohammed Alasow, 24, of Mount Pleasant Lane, Redbridge was tracked using heat source technology and filmed by the helicopter.

The alarm was raised after he was spotted climbing a garden fence in St. Thomas' Garden, Redbridge just after midnight on October 21, last year.

The police helicopter tracked his movements and guided officers on the ground to his location and he was arrested.

When police from the Air Support Unit reviewed the footage they noticed Alasow had discarded an object.

Officers searched the area and the gun, containing five bullets was found, and DNA evidence linked it to the defendant.

He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of possession of a firearm with intent, plus possession of ammunition and the silencer.

Detective Constable Mark Ellis of the Trident and Area Crime Command, said: "Thanks to the quick thinking of the member of the public who spotted Alasow acting suspiciously, this dangerous man is now behind bars for a significant period of time.

"This was an example of excellent teamwork by officers in the police helicopter, local officers on the ground and Trident detectives who investigated the incident.

“The conviction of Mohamed Alasow demonstrates our continued commitment to targeting dangerous criminals who carry firearms."

Spurned Lover Stabbed Ex-Boyfriend During Murder-Suicide Bid

A dumped lover, who stabbed his ex-boyfriend nine times and slashed his own wrists during an attempted murder and suicide bid, has received ten years.

Sivharta Camacho-Vallejo, 32, of Greet House, Frazier Street, Southwark broke into his ex's home through a kitchen window and launched the frenzied attack when found.

He pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to attempting to murder his 27 year-old former partner on July 6, last year.

Camacho-Vallejo alternated between stabbing himself and the victim, saying: "If I can't have you no one will. We will die together."

The victim received nine stab wounds to his chest, right arm, neck and back and both his lungs collapsed.

He also needed stitches for gashes to his face and chest as well as defensive wounds to his hands.

The court heard the pair were in a relationship for almost a year before splitting up the previous month.

However, Camacho-Vallejo repeatedly tried to contact the victim, turning up at his work, gym and home and phoning and Skyping him constantly.

On July 5 he again went to his ex-boyfriend's workplace in Bow, east London, pleading with him to take him back, and followed him into the building.

In an attempt to resolve the situation the victim agreed to meet Camacho-Vallejo and they talked for three hours at a café in Mile End.

They parted on a good note and the victim thought Camacho-Vallejo understood their relationship was over.

But the following day Camacho-Vallejo again tried to ring the victim and turned up at his work with a rose, begging him to come back.

Back home in Alfred Street, Bow ,after his shift, the victim was upstairs when he heard loud noises coming from the kitchen.

He went downstairs to find Camacho-Vallejo had broken in through his kitchen window and was slitting his wrists with a knife.

He then attacked the victim with the knife and repeatedly stabbed him.

Camacho-Vallejo used so much force when stabbing the victim that the blade of the knife snapped off.

He then took a flick-knife from his pocket and carried on the assault.

The victim managed to stagger away and out of the flat where he was helped by passers-by.

Police were called and found Camacho-Vallejo still inside the premises, locked in the bathroom.

They forced entry and found the defendant in his underwear in the bath, repeatedly asking: "Leave me to die".

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Abi Mallett said: "Camacho-Vallejo would not and could not accept his relationship was over and stalked his ex-boyfriend before committing this horrific act.”

Wimbledon Tennis Security Guard Ripped-Off Fans

An official G4S security guard scammed tennis fans during the Wimbledon championship by imposing a fivefold charge on bags they had to hand in before entering the grounds.

Hyacinth Reid, 48, was in charge of looking after belongings, but routinely charged £5 instead of the mandatory £1 fee.

The Jamaican national - a convicted shoplifter - of Kettlebaston Road, Leyton claims Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and was only hired for the two weeks of the championship.

During today's Wimbledon Magistrates Court hearing Reid was tearful and seemingly on the brink of collapse, but afterwards was seen outside laughing while on her phone after receiving a conditional discharge.

She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation in Somerset Road on July 8, namely overcharging for cloak facilities.

Prosecutor Miss Colette Hannah told the court: "Mrs Reid was working for G4S during Wimbledon and her job was to take baggage at a temporary site and every bag was a one pound fee.

"Some customers said they had been charged more than one pound and a test purchase was made and a red suitcase handed over to Mrs Reid."

The defendant said: "What you got in there? It's five pounds babe."

A second test also resulted in an overcharge when a large suitcase and rucksack was handed in and Reid said: "Wow. Why are you straining yourself? I was going to take five pounds, but I'll charge you four pounds."

Reid also failed a third test, overcharging again and she was arrested and questioned.

"She said her float was twenty pounds down and she was trying to make up the shortfall," explained Miss Hannah.

"She admitted she knew the charge was one pound and said she overcharged only once to make up the loss.

"She said she received tips from the customers and that was why she had extra money on her."

Probation officer Philomena McFadden said Reid moved to the UK with her husband in 1997, but he passed away four years later.

"She is very isolated, she has no family, no friends. She suffers from depression, but does enjoy work when she can do it.

"She comes across as naive lady and says she was overwhelmed by the crowds.

"This all stemmed from a woman leaving a suitcase and walking off without paying and she panicked and stupidly and naively tried to balance the books.

"She is on ESA so is not suitable for community service work as a punishment."

Her lawyer told the court Reid has been employed by G4S at Hyde Park concerts and at the London Olympics, describing her as: "very genuine."

He said she was very popular amongst fellow members of staff and the public and during the championship received tips, souvenir tennis balls and glassware and sandwiches.

Reid was conditionally discharged for twelve months, with £50 costs and was ordered to pay a £180 court charge and a £15 victim surcharge.

Three Men Deny Molesting The Same Young Girl Over Three Decades Ago

Gary Titcomb

Three men preyed on a schoolgirl over three decades ago - molesting the youngster by groping her under her clothes, with one man inviting her into his bed when she was only five years-old, a court heard today.

They are: Gary Titcomb, 61, of Woodland Road, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

Michael McNally, 72, of Hughenden Road, Hastings.

George Stone, 68, of Halton Terrace, Hastings.

All three have pleaded not guilty at Harrow Crown Court to two counts each of indecently assaulting the girl on dates between August 7, 1976 and August 7, 1983.

Prosecutor Mr. George Heimler told the jury Titcomb was responsible for the initial abuse of the girl, who lived at two different addresses in Harrow during the period of the charges.

"He called her into the bedroom and he was in bed naked and instructed her to get into bed. Fearing she would be punished again, she got in."

The jury were told Titcomb thrust himself between her thighs and ordered her to rock back and forwards, saying: "That's nice. Faster, faster."

The complainant, now aged 44 years-old, first reported the allegations to police late last year and gave a video interview to officers, recalling the incidents with Titcomb.

George Stone (L) & Michael McNally (R)

"I must have been five or six years-old and I can remember it happened twice. If it happened more I don't know, I have blacked it out.

"When I was twenty years-old I had a panic attack and thought I was having a heart attack.

"The last few years the feelings have come back, I hate myself. That's why I have to report it, I hate the feeling, it cost me my childhood."

She added that Titcomb was also physically abusive. "He use'd to hit me with a belt."

Mr. Heimler told the court McNally started abusing the girl a few years later. "He started to touch her when she was ten or eleven years-old.

"He would go into her room and put his hand under the duvet and under her knickers and touch her and she pretended to be asleep.

"It happened on countless occasions and when eventually confronted his response was to savagely beat her."

The complainant said of McNally. "He touched my boob while play fighting and I always thought it was an accident, but then he started a week later coming into my bedroom.

"He put his hand under the covers and under my knickers."

She said McNally's friend Stone also groped her. "He would buy alcohol and sweets and things and grab my boobs and put his fingers inside me and give me money."

Mr. Heimler added: "Stone got use'd to putting his hand under her clothes and fondling her. This happened two or three times.

"According to the complainant he apologised to her for what he had done."

When all three defendants were arrested they completely denied abusing the girl, but Stone did add one detail.

"He said she exposed her breasts to him in return for money."

Trial continues…………. 

Performing Clown Denies Being Drunk In Charge Of Car

One of the country's oldest performing clowns – whose act involves a customised vintage vehicle – denies being in charge of his car while over the drinks limit.

Rudi Wallenda, 79, of Wesley Avenue, Harlesden, who performs all over the country with his Comedy Car Act – 1926 BullnoseMorris - pleaded not guilty at Hendon Magistrates Court today.

He is charged with being in charge of a Ford Granada outside the Ramada Hotel, London Gateway Services, Mill Hill on January 7 with 196 milligrammes of alcohol in his urine – the legal limit is 107.

Wallenda, who was born into the famous European Flying Wallenda's high wire and trapeze act family, was bailed to stand trial at Willesden Magistrates Court on November 3.

He says he was not in charge of the vehicle after pulling into the services with a flat tyre and had no intention to drive the vehicle away.

The court heard Wallenda fell over and cut his face when trying to deal with the tyre and relieved his situation by drinking whiskey he had in the vehicle.

He had called his son Anthony for help, but the police turned up and arrested him.

Art Gallery Scammed In £23,000 'Banksy' Credit Card Fraud

A crook received original limited-edition 'Banksy' prints during a £22,950 credit card scam on a Brentwood art galley, a jury were told today.

Two valuable examples of the mystery street artist's work were sent to 23 year-old Sammy Afeeva, but he was arrested after an undercover police officer delivered two more, the jury heard.

Afeeva, of Cedar Court, Fairlawn, Charlton claims he did not know the artwork was the result of a scam on Brandler Galleries Ltd., Coptfold Road.

He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods between November 13, 2012 and February 8, 2013, namely 'Banksy' prints 'No Ball Games' and 'Wrong War.'

He also denies attempting to handle two more stolen 'Banksy' prints on February 8, 2013.

Prosecutor Mr. Bartholomew O'Toole told Woolwich Crown Court gallery owner John Brandler sold authentic limited-edition 'Banksy' prints and 'No Ball Games' was ordered by a Shirley Galloway and delivered to Manthorp Road, Plumstead.

The credit card company had not authorised the transaction and Mr. Brandler lost the £5,250, along with £7,700 when the 'Wrong War' print was bought in similar circumstances.

When a third order was placed Mr. Brandler police launched an undercover operation and delivered a washing machine lid instead of the two prints and Afeeva signed for the package at the Manthorp Road address.

"Police identified themselves and spoke to Afeeva in the room he occupied and the fake package was there," added Mr. O'Toole. "He was then arrested.

"His home address was searched and the print 'Wrong War' was found in his bedroom along with an envelope addressed to the gallery owner John Brandler."

When quizzed at Plumstead Police Station Afeeva claimed he had been hired in a local bookies by a black male, in his thirties, known only as 'Stone' to sign for the two package in return for £130 and £150.

"He knew when he was signing for these prints this was property that had been stolen and he was telling lies in interview to disguise his involvement."

Trial continues………….. 

Care Worker Had Sex With Learning Difficulties Resident

A care worker, responsible for looking after the occupants of a residential home, has received a suspended prison sentence for having sex with a woman who has learning difficulties.

Mohammed Azam, 23, always admitted having sex with the 53 year-old woman, insisting it was consensual, despite her rape claims, which were rejected by a jury.

Croydon Crown Court heard he was the only member of staff at the assisted accommodation in South Way, Coulsdon that evening - staying overnight in case of any emergency.

The court heard Azam showed her pornography on his mobile phone moments before having sex with her. 

He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity, while employed as a care worker, with a person with a mental disorder and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years.

Azam must also sign the sex offenders register for ten years, was made subject to a two-year sexual harm prevention order and placed on the barring list, which prohibits him working as a carer or similar capacity.

"She says he undressed her and she did not like it and described it as: 'Very rough and horrible,' and she said it was hurting her," explained prosecutor Miss Dianne Chan.

"He said: 'Women are bastards,' and said he wanted to be her boyfriend and that she was sexy."

The woman took a shower afterwards, but Azam jumped in and joined her, explained Miss Chan. "He said it was their secret and he did not like his job anyway.

"After the shower he made her do it again and she was in a lot of pain and was crying and he laughed.

"She went to her room and did not tell anyone. She was scared stiff.

"On another day he asked her to do it again and she said no and when she told the manager the manager said she was a liar."

The house was run by a company called Direct Care and Support Services and Azam was hired by the manger, who had known him for five years, in November, 2012 and sex occurred within four months.

He was hired despite his poor English skills and needed an Urdu interpreter in court.

On March 25, 2013 the defendant was asked about the complaint. "He said sex had taken place in the staff bedroom and he thought she complained because she asked for sex again and he refused."

The defendant moved into a temporary hostel and one night chatted with a witness about the incident. "Mr. Azam said it was not a real rape because he was already having sex when he was asked to stop and carried on," explained Miss Chan.

Azam was found not guilty by the jury of two counts of rape between February 1 and March 25, 2013.

Birmingham City FC Sponsor Caught Nearly Four Times Over Drink-Drive Limit

A businessman, who sponsors Birmingham City FC, was caught driving while nearly four times the alcohol limit after a heavy lunchtime drinking session with a friend.

Former Army Officer Richard Dilworth, 44, is the co-founder and Vice Chairman of Zapaygo - a smartphone-based pre-order and payment platform - and their logo is currently emblazoned on the club's shirts.

Dilworth, of Home Farm, Bagshot Park, Bagshot, Surrey pleaded guilty to driving his Range Rover with 129 microgrammes of alcohol in his breath - the limit is 35 - in Upper Richmond Road, Putney on June 17.

Prosecutor Miss Caroline Mungel told Wimbledon Magistrates Court yesterday it was 8.45pm she police stopped Dilworth, who was an officer with the Royal Engineers from 1990 to 2000.

"There was a previous incident involving the vehicle and police smelled intoxicating liquor on the driver's breath and he failed a roadside test."

First-time offender Dilworth was seen by the probation service and their officer, Miss Jade Gale, told the court: "That day he decided to meet a friend for lunch, whose father had recently passed away.

"Mr. Dilworth's father is dying of Alzheimer's and they drank an awful lot and it was a very emotional time.

"He then decided to go back to his office and felt it was okay for him to drive and he got in  the car and that's when the police noticed him swerving.

"He says it is the worst mistake of his life and he is very ashamed and remorseful.

"He works for a family business that takes care of wealthy people and deals with the commercial side and has his own investments and does charity work.

"There are no drug or alcohol issues, he says, and he does feel very disgusted by this offence.

"It is going to effect the support he gives to his father, who is a very elderly and sick man. He supports his mother as well, who is his father's carer and drives them to and from hospital appointments.

"He has two step-children, aged fifteen and seventeen years-old, and is ashamed because he wants to be a good example and father-figure and it was difficult to tell them he had been arrested and in a police cell.

"He works seventeen hours a day and he would like to lecture people about drink-driving, how it can cause death and give something back to the community."

Dilworth's lawyer Mr. Jeremy McClintock told the court: "This is a man's who's deeply remorseful. I'm yet to meet a man so chastened.  

"Mr. Dilworth found himself speaking for the first time about his own father's health and several hours later made the mistake of getting into his car.

"He's at a loss to say why he did it. He'd been working long, brutal hours and had not had a break since Christmas.

"He is well-remunerated and has built a good career in  the business world."

The magistrates placed Dilworth on a twelve-month community order, which includes 200 hours community service. He was disqualified from driving for 29 months and ordered to pay £85 costs, a £150 court charge and a £60 victim surcharge.

The ban will prevent him driving to his parents home in North Yorkshire and regarding that Dilworth said: "For me, just one day not being able to do that as a result of my stupidity is a punishment that will remain with me for the rest of my life."