Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades: Sunglasses Thief Nicked Over £13K's Worth

A persistent thief - with an eye for expensive designer sunglasses - stole 38 pairs of Bvlgari's, worth £11,130, in ten raids on the same Kensington store during a year-long shoplifting spree.

Christopher Blackwood, 28, targeted Sunglasses Hut on Kensington High Street, but also pinched 6 pairs of Prada's, worth £1500, and 7 pairs of Emporio Armani, worth £1,000 from neighbouring David Clulow opticians.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court yesterday to twelve counts of theft and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court on February 16.

The court heard drug-addict Blackwood, currently serving 16 months imprisonment for stealing a mobile phone, committed the thefts between May 16, 2014 and May 15, last year.

All but two of the thefts were caught on CCTV, but Blackwood escaped with the sunglasses every time and none of the pairs were ever recovered.

Deputy District Judge Kevin Gladwell told him: "These were high-value items stolen over a long period of time. You targeted one particular store in question."

Chunk Of Banker's Ear Bitten Off During Boat Race Pub Crawl

Ali Nariman

An investment banker enjoying an all-day pub crawl during the Boat Race had the top of his ear bitten off during a confrontation in a busy bar, a court heard yesterday.

Privately-educated Charles Linard, 30, - who attended £29,000 a year Bedford School - denies being drunk and aggressive after eleven hours of drinking.

Another customer at Putney's Be at One bar, 35 year-old Ali Nariman of Chertsey Road, Twickenham has pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on April 11, last year.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard experienced sailor Mr. Linard began drinking at 11am on the day of the annual Oxford and Cambridge University race, consuming a bloody mary and champagne.

The Durham University graduate continued drinking pints of cider, plus shots and cocktails with a group of friends at various pubs until they ended up in the packed Putney High Street bar.

Six-foot three Mr. Linard told the jury he leaned in to hear what Nariman was saying after the defendant motioned to him.

"My ear was towards his mouth so I could hear what he was saying. The next thing I remember was the gentleman lunging forward.

"I felt a pain in my ear and as I instinctively pushed him away I felt a tugging of my ear and swung my right hand towards him in self-defence.

"There was blood and I felt pain."

Charles Linard

Mr. Linard, who says he had never seen the man before, pursued him towards the exit, but he got away.

"I told one of the bouncers I would go to A and E tomorrow to which he said: 'I don't think you understand how much of your ear is missing.'

"I had to have some surgery to cut the cartilage back and have the wound cleaned up."

The jury viewed CCTV from the bar, which the defence say shows Mr. Linard pushing and grabbing Nariman, who was wearing a distinctive trilby hat, earlier in the evening.

During the ear-bite incident the CCTV shows Mr. Linard putting his hand around the back of Nariman's neck as he leaned in and then raising his right hand.

"Are you raising a fist?" asked Mr. Nicholas Maggs, defending. "You were extremely drunk and falling into people in the bar and invaded the personal space of the man in the hat.

"Do you remember telling telling him to: 'F*** off' and do you remember pushing him?" asked the lawyer.

"Do you remember saying: 'Get out of the way brownie' to him?

"You took hold of the back of his neck and you leaned your head forward and butted it against his.

'Do you remember kicking him in the shin and kneeing him in the groin?

"I suggest you were extremely rude, aggressive and violent to the man in the hat before your ear was bitten," concluded Mr. Maggs.

Mr. Linard denied assaulting or swearing at and insulting the defendant.

CCTV also captured him "staggering" out of the pub, but he denied this was sue to intoxication. "It was shock more than anything else."

Trial continues………….

Psychotherapist's Child Porn Shame

A psychotherapist, who works with the disabled and mental health charities, has received a suspended prison sentence
for downloading thousands of sick internet child pornography images.

Martin Hempel, 56, has a diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling and worked with Merton Mind, running the Disabled People's Counselling Project.

He specialises in help with anxiety, anger, addiction, depression and bereavement and loss.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard Hempel, of York Road, Battersea lied to police who raided his home, denying he ever looked at child pornography.

He eventually pleaded guilty to four sample counts of possessing Category A, B and C images on or before December 23, 2013.

They include two 12 year-old boys having sex; sexual activity involving a 13 year-old girl and another girl posing in a sexually provocative manner.

He downloaded a further 8 Category A images - the most serious - 23 at Category B and 3,104 at Category C. 

When he first appeared in court the prosecution said the images were on a Samsung Notebook; a Corsair Tower; a Freecomm Drive and elsewhere.

Judge Judith Coello told the first-time offender: "You engaged in deeply damaging behaviour. This kind of activity encourages the most deplorable abuse of young children, ruins their lives and exposes them to sexual activity.

"You are aiding and abetting these disreputable organisations that produce these depraved images to make money.

"You entered this vicious cycle of making and distributing abuse.

"I accept your difficulties in life, your remorse and stress in life and caring for your partner."

Referring to the probation report the judge added: "They asses you at low-risk of repeat offending."

Hempel was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete a 12-month supervision order, which includes attending an Internet Sexual Offending Programme.

He was made subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

Hempel was also ordered to pay £200 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Mr. Stephen Apted told the court police executed a search warrant at Hempel's home. "He was asked if there were any indecent images there and he said there weren't."

He denied ever viewing child porn, but police seized his computer equipment and found the sick material.

His lawyer Miss Olive Lycourgou said: "This offence is very much  out of character for Mr. Hempel.

"One can see clearly that Mr. Hempel is someone who has shown a great deal of remorse and insight into the offences.

"When he committed these offences he went for help to resolve these problems.

"Mr. Hempel had reached the darkest point of his life."

The court was told the defendant had a difficult upbringing, with his cruel father pulling down his pyjamas and punishing him.

"He comes from a middle-class, well-off family. His father beat him him with a leather belt and humiliated him in the most abusive way up until the age of thirteen years-old.  

"These are problems that have never gone away. He has suffered alcoholism and took medication for panic attacks.

"This is someone truly sorry for what he has done. He comes here with his heart and hands open, saying he's made a huge mistake."

Graphic Design Graduate's Child Porn Shame

Blackfriars Crown Court

An “embarrassed” graphic design graduate, caught with thousands of child porn images when National Crime Agency officers raided his and his family's home, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Amu Humayun, 31, of Herbert Road, Plumstead downloaded such titles as 'Young Angels' and 'Lolita Sexy' on two computers, which were seized.

He appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court yesterday where he was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, and was ordered to complete 80 hours community service work.

Humayun must also sign the sex offenders register for five years, comply with a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and complete a 16-day activity requirement.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs of children between July 18, 2010 and May 23, 2014.

Prosecutor Mr. Gary Ponds told the court a warrant was executed at Humayun's family's home in Woodville Street, Plumstead on May 22, 2014.

The defendant was at his new address, but his family said he did pay for the internet service and his bedroom was searched.

Officers travelled the short distance to Herbert Road, where Humayun was on his laptop and told them: “It's just a bit of porn.”

An electronic storage device was seized, which contained 148 still images of children and a CD, which contained 3 stills.

On Humayun's IBM laptop police detected 23,698 suspicious images and counted over 3,000 at Category C; 12 at Category B and one Category A – the most extreme – had been deleted.

On an Acer computer there were over 83,000 suspicious images, but police stopped counting after discovering 3,000 of them were Category C child pornography, with 20 Category A images deleted.

Humayun's lawyer told the court: “An explanation is an obsessive escalation with pornography. He is a very embarrassed young man.”

Plane Passenger Caught With Electric Stun Gun In Luggage

An international traveller caught with a stun gun in his luggage after stepping off a flight has received a suspended prison sentence.

Tony O'Brien, 28, of Carr House Mews, Consett, Durham was stopped by UK Border Agency officers at Heathrow Airport's Terminal Four.

Yesterday at west London's Isleworth Crown Court he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

He was originally charged with possessing a firearm, namely a stun gun, which was disguised as another object at the airport on April 18, 2014.

He was alternatively charged with possessing a weapon designed or adapted to discharge an electrical charge.

O'Brien was sentenced after entering a guilty plea.

Punter Decked In Bookies By Foul-Mouthed Thug: CCTV Released

An violent Arsenal FC yob decked a 60 year-old man with a punch to the face when he asked him to stop swearing in a north London betting-shop.

Police investigating the incident have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

The victim was a customer inside the Upper Street, Islington bookies at 9.40pm on September 12, last year when he asked the man to stop swearing at others.

The suspect then punched the victim in face and he fell to the floor.

The man received minor cuts to the side of his face and was treated for his injuries at the scene.

The suspect is described to be in his mid-twenties with a shaved head wearing dark clothing and an away Arsenal football shirt underneath.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man in the CCTV or seen the assault as a witness.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 193178 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Illegal Cabbie Jailed For Dragging Passenger To His Death

Matab Uddin

An illegal mini-cab driver, who dragged a passenger to his death in the early hours of the morning, has started an eight-year prison sentence.

Matab Uddin, 59, of Blackshots Lane, Grays, Essex picked-up 27 year-old recruitment consultant Oliver Farrell, who had spent a night out in the Old Street area of Shoreditch.

The popular university graduate, who had travelled all over the world, had spent the evening celebrating his brother's birthday.

Uddin was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and fraud at Inner London Crown Court.

The court heard how police were called on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at about 1.45am to reports of a man injured on Essex Road, Islington.



Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and took Mr. Farrell, to the Royal London Hospital, where he died three days later.



Oliver Farrell

A post-mortem examination took place at Poplar Mortuary on Thursday, November 21, 2013 and gave the cause of death as head injuries.



Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit launched an investigation.

Mr. Farrell was picked up by Uddin, an unlicensed minicab driver, with previous convictions for minicab touting. 



A short while later, Mr. Farrell got out of the cab to use a cash machine, however Uddin drove off, leaving Mr. Farrell in Essex Road. 

CCTV showed Uddin returning a few minutes later, pulling up next to Mr. Farrell, who leaned through the open passenger window.

Uddin then drove away at speed, while Mr. Farrell clung to the car.

After being carried along for about 100 yards, he lost his grip and fell to the ground, suffering a fatal head injury. 



Uddin failed to stop at the scene and made off.

Fortunately the incident was witnessed by a taxi driver, who happened to be driving behind Uddin, and took down his registration number. 



CCTV on Kingsland High Road caught Uddin making a dangerous manoeuvre, crossing a central reservation during his getaway. 



The car registration details taken by the taxi driver proved vital in identifying Uddin, who was arrested in connection with the incident after handing himself in at a north London police station later that morning. 



Detective Sergeant Chris Osborne of the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the Mr. Farrell's family, who have retained the utmost dignity throughout the whole investigation and court case.

My thoughts remain with them."



"This case highlights the dangers posed by unlicensed minicabs.

“People trying to make their way home, especially late at night, should only use pre-booked licensed minicabs or black cabs.

“This is a tragic case for all involved and it stemmed from the unscrupulous actions of Mr Uddin.

“Our investigation showed he was illegally touting and on this occasion drove off without any regard for Mr. Farrell's safety.

“He then failed to stop and made clear attempts to flee the scene."



On behalf of Oliver Farrell's family, his brother, Ben, said: "Having to experience nearly two years to arrive at this position has been a hugely traumatic and terrible experience for us all.

“However, it is incomparable to the pain we have felt and will continue to feel from the fact that Oli's future has been taken from him and that such a bright light in our own lives will never be with us again.

“No punishment will ever bring Oli back, however we seek justice for the benefit of greater society to reduce the chances of other families having to experience what we have been through and will continue to go through.

“Oli was a fair man and would want nothing more and nothing less than this. 



"We would like to take this opportunity to thank the police and those present here today for the compassion they have shown us."

Bus Phone Thief Hunted: CCTV Released

Police hunting a bus pick-pocket, who demanded cash for the return of a young woman's phone, have released this CCTV image of a suspect.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating.

They are appealing for help in identifying the man after a fellow-passenger was pick-pocketed while travelling on a bus in Barnet, north London.

On Thursday, August 20, last year the 19-year-old victim had her mobile phone stolen while travelling on a Route 251 bus on Montrose Avenue.

Later that day, as the victim reported the theft at a police station, she tried calling her stolen mobile, which was answered.

She then received a text message from the stolen mobile number, asking for money to return the phone.

Officers advised her not to proceed.

The suspect is described as a man of Middle Eastern appearance, in his late twenties, with short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket with white sleeves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Gavin Staplehurst leading the investigation on 07920 590173.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting ref: 189017.

Five Years For One-Punch Killer

One-Punch Killer: Abdalah

A killer, who ended another man's life with a single punch during a late-night confrontation between two drinking groups, is starting a five-year prison sentence.

Mustafa Abdalah, 24, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 28-year-old Mahad Abdi Abshir in Castlehaven Road, Camden in the early hours of May 2, last year.

The men had met that evening on the streets of Kentish Town through separate associates.

The groups were drinking and witnesses described how Mahad became involved in an argument with Abdalah.

Initially, according to witnesses this argument appeared to be a friendly one, but it soon escalated and resulted in Abdalah punching Mahad to the face.

Mahad collapsed to the ground and Abdalah fled the scene while passers-by called for an ambulance.

He was taken to St. Mary's Hospital, but never recovered from his injuries and died there 48 hours later on the evening of the May 4.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mahad died from the head injuries he received during the assault.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) launched an investigation and quickly identified Abdalah as the suspect.

He was traced to an address in Vancouver Road, Leicester where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Throughout his interviews Abdalah claimed he had acted in self-defence and only threw a punch after the victim attempted to attack him.

However, several witnesses contradicted Abdalah's version of events and he was charged with Mahad's murder.

Detective Inspector Andy Manning, who led the investigation by the HMCC, said: "From the outset Mustafa Abdalah has tried to paint a picture that he only acted in self defence when he attacked Mahad Abdi Abshir in the early hours of May 2.

"However, the weight of evidence was such that it clearly proved Abdalah was the aggressor.

"Whatever the trigger was for this incident remains unclear - what is clear is that Mahad's life was taken in a needless manner by an act of spontaneous violence.

"I can only hope that today's conviction brings some form of closure to Mahad's family."

Bus Pickpocket Hunted: CCTV Released

Police hunting a late-night pickpocket, who has struck twice on buses, have released this image of their main suspect.

The first theft occurred on Tuesday, July 12, last year at about 2.00am on a route N155 bus in Clapham North.

The second incident occurred on Friday, August 14, at about 10.30pm on a route 159 bus in Streatham Hill.

On both occasions, the victims, 24-year-old men, had their Oyster Cards and wallets, containing cash and bank cards, stolen.

Both Oyster cards and the victim's bank card stolen on August 14 have since been used fraudulently.

Officers are treating the incidents as linked.

The suspect is described as a white man, with light coloured hair.

He wore jeans and a white t-shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Neil Webb, who is leading the investigation, on 020 3054 6712 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting ref: 186735.

Veteran Crook Nicked Cash From Tricked Pensioners' Bank Accounts

A female fraudster, who has been breaking the law for five decades, drained £9,500 from the bank accounts of duped women, aged 87 and 70 years-old who were tricked into handing over their cards and PIN's.

Rita Hazel White, 65, of Rosehill Court, St. Helier Avenue, Morden was first convicted in 1964 under the Larceny Act and after these offences will have to again wear an electronic tag.

"I'll wear baggy trousers," she joked after being sentenced to a 12-month community order at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday which includes a three-month electronically-tagged night time curfew between 9pm and 7am and 20 day rehabilitation requirement.

She pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation, withdrawing £4,500 from the 87 year-old woman's account and £4,500 and £1,000 from the 70 year-old woman's account.

Prosecutor Miss Penelope Blake said White was caught on CCTV at Lloyds Bank, North Parade, Chessington on April 28, last year withdrawing the first sum.

She was also identified withdrawing cash from the second victim's account and when police raided her home on August 12 she confessed to withdrawing an additional £1,000 from another Lloyds in High Street, Banstead.

The 87 year-old victim had been telephoned by an unknown male with an "Asian accent" - purporting to be from her bank - who told her it was important for her to be at her local branch in five minutes with her cards.

Knowing the elderly lady would never make it the fraudster agreed to collect the cards, with relevant PIN's on her doorstep.

She was further reassured by the fact that when she telephoned her bank the fraudsters intercepted the call and convinced her it was Lloyds and there was an issue with her account.

A similar call was made to the 70 year-old victim and White was the only person identified using the cards to withdraw cash.

When arrested she told police: "It was me, I did it. I didn't get any money and I won't tell you who else was involved."

Her lawyer Mr. Chris Surtees-Jones told the court: "She was a 'patsy' the one taking the risk of being identified at the bank and getting caught.

"She says pressure was put on her by individuals to do what she did and she did not benefit financially at all.

"She only benefitted from saving herself from further assaults."

Recorder Alexander Hutton QC said: "It's not your bog-standard fraud. The overall fraud is very involved and very nasty.

"She's an important cog in the machine and these were three sophisticated frauds on the elderly, who were telephoned and asked to provide bank cards and PIN's.

"One was eighty-seven years-old and losing this money in the way it was done was an extremely upsetting experience.

"She was targeted deliberately, she was infirm and this nasty targeting of elderly victims is prevalent."

White was involved in a similar fraud in 2011 and also received a community order on that occasion.

"The prosecution do not dispute you were intimidated by nasty men who punched you in the face, but you knew this was dishonest."

Burglary Duo Wanted: CCTV Released

Police investigating an east London residential break-in have released these CCTV images of two suspected burglars.

In the early hours of Tuesday, September 22, last year police were called to reports of a burglary in Whalebone Lane North, Chadwell Heath.

Officers viewed CCTV captured the evening before on Monday, September 21 at 9.42pm and saw a man climb over a gate at the rear of the house.

The man then went to the rear of the house and was able to gain entry through on open window.

Once inside, he was able to open the front door and return with another man.

At 10.08pm the two men left the home with computer equipment and a drill worth over £700.

The two males are described as:

Suspect 1: A slim white man with short hair and a beard. He was wearing a long sleeved sports top and jeans. Ref 192371

Suspect 2: A larger built man than suspect 1, wearing a light coloured hooded top, trainers and dark gloves. He is seen with his hood up. Ref 192372

Police are keen to hear from anyone who recognises either of the suspects. They are also keen to hear from any witnesses.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 192371 (suspect 1) or 192372 (suspect 2) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus Pervert Hunted After 14 Year-Old Girl Molested

Police hunting a bus pervert who molested a 14 year-old girl have released this CCTV image of the suspect.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Roads and Transport Policing Command are conducting the investigation.

On Thursday, March 26 last year at about 4.45pm, a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man as she travelled on a route 184 bus travelling along Chesterfield Road, Barnet, north London.

The suspect is described as a white man, possibly eastern European, with short dark hair, wearing a high-visibility jacket.

Officers are asking anyone with any information to contact Detective Constable Alex Price on 07917837086 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 175767.

NOT GUILTY: Woman Police Sergeant Cleared Of Attacking Husband's Lover

Walking Free: Sergeant Sohi

A female police sergeant, charged with repeatedly punching her husband's lover after hunting the pair down, walked free yesterday when the woman refused to turn up at court.

Sergeant Prabh Sohi, 38, who serves with Surrey Police, was accused of confronting the pair in a medical centre car park and battering the woman with her own shoe when it flew off during the melee.

Sergeant Sohi, of Marshall Road, Godalming always denied the charge and was found not guilty of assaulting Rouksana Haji outside Pinn Medical Centre, Love Lane, Pinner on April 9.

Ms Haji, who has made two withdrawal statements since that date, failed to appear at Willesden Magistrates Court and the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence.

A CPS application to adjourn the trial to another date was refused.

Police Sergeant Sohi, who has received commendations during her thirteen-year career, claims to be the first female ethnic minority officer on the Surrey force.

She has led various teams and investigated complex cases. 

Prosecutor Ms Maya Arputham told the court Sergeant Sohi travelled with her father and five-month old child to the car park, where her husband and Ms Haji were sitting in a vehicle.

Sergeant Sohi made no comment when interviewed by police so it is not known how she knew where to find them.

Ms Haji got out of the car and later told police: "She hit me in the face and my shoe fell off.

"She picked it up and hit me in the face three or four times, calling me a: 'dirty slag'."

Photographs of Ms Haji's injuries were shown to the magistrates and were said to include marks and bruises to the back.

It is understood Sergeant Sohi's husband is still with Ms Haji.

'The Cat Did It' Says Man Accused Of Sleepover Grope

A Scunthorpe man stroked a young woman's thigh and played with himself during a night time sleepover during a trip to the capital, a jury heard yesterday.

Phillip Andrew Green, 56, of Cliff Avenue, Winterton denies touching the woman, suggesting the house's pet cat may have brushed against her during the night.

He has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexually assaulting on the woman, aged in her twenties, by touching, at a flat in Churchill House, Station Road, Hampton, south-west London on July 27, 2014.

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

“This was a human hand on my leg,” she told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court from behind a curtain. “I can be absolutely certain that he touched my thigh, yes.

“Nobody has the right to put their hands on me if I don't agree with what's being done.”

She made a complaint to police four days after the alleged incident and told officers: “I was scared to do anything about it.

“I deliberately made obvious movements while in bed to make it obvious I was awake, but this did not stop him.

“I was too scared to do anything about it and felt there was nothing I could do except wrap myself up tightly in my sleeping bag and get as far away from Phillip as I could.

“I believe it must have been Phillip's hand. It was the heat and heaviness and width and size of a hand brushing against me under the sleeping bag.”

She claims that when she made it obvious she did not approve Green sat up and said: “Okay, alright. Sorry.”

She also told the jury she heard “skin on skin” noises during the night of Green playing with himself and continuing when the light of a mobile phone was shone on him.

When cross-examined she denied mistaking the touch to her thigh as the cat brushing against her or her friend touching her.

She also ruled out the “skin on skin” noise as cat grooming or the ruffling noise of Green's sleeping bag.

“I was quite scared of falling asleep,” she told the court. “I was quite wary around Phillip.

“I had never seen him before. I didn't know him from Adam.”

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

Fast-Food Robber Caught By Armed Cops

A masked armed teenager, who robbed two fast-food outlets, has been locked-up for seven years.

Mario Madeo, 19, of Willoughby Lane, Tottenham pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and two counts of possessing an imitation firearm whilst committing a robbery.

Harrow Crown Court heard Madeo and another man entered a fast food outlet in High Road, Willesden on Monday, May 25, last year at around 11.00pm.

Upon entering Madeo quickly jumped over the counter and threatened a member of staff with a handgun.

Both men then raided money from the till and made off along Park Avenue.

Firearm officers were called and searched the area.

At 11.50pm officers noticed two men matching the descriptions walking along Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood.

They were seen to enter a fast food outlet where they carried out a second armed robbery.

As Madeo tried to exit the door he was detained by officers.

He was wearing a balaclava and in possession of a gas-powered handgun and stolen cash.

The second man ran out of the fire exit at the rear of the premises.

Officers pursued him but were unable to detain him.

Detective Constable Adrian Whitewick from the Flying Squad said: "This was a planned and organised set of armed robberies.

“It must have been a terrifying experience for the staff that were robbed at gunpoint late at night.

“This sentence shows that the Met will act quickly to detain and bring to justice anyone those that seek to carry out such brazen attacks.

“I am pleased that the imitation handgun used in the robbery is now off the streets.

“Efforts are continuing to bring Madeo’s accomplice to justice.”

Hunt For Street Sex Attacker: CCTV Released

Police are hunting a morning sex pervert, who has molested two women within two hours in west London.

This CCTV image of the suspect has been released in the hope he can be identified.

At around 8.20am on Sunday, February 20, last year the first victim - a woman in her twenties - was walking along Amberley Road Maida Vale.

As she passed Foscote Mews someone approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

She turned and saw a man running away the narrows mews lane.

She described the man as over 6 ft tall and of stocky build.

He wore a grey hood, which was up at the time, and a separate mid-to-dark-grey Parka-style jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.

After the incident, the victim called police on her mobile phone.

It is believed that this incident may be linked to a similar offence which occurred nearby around two hours later.

At approximately 10.15am, a woman in her thirties was sexually assaulted as she walked along Walterton Road, near the junction of Harrow Road and Elgin Avenue, Maida Vale.

She described her attacker as black, around 20 years old, wearing a grey hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms.

The image is from CCTV taken on Amberley Road shortly before the first incident.

Anyone with information on either of these incidents, or who recognises this man, is urged to call the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 020 8733 5999 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detective Constable Zoe Di Carlo of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Both the victims were assaulted in broad daylight and have been left shaken by what happened to them.

"We're keen to identify this man who was seen in the area shortly before the first incident. If you recognise this man or know something about either incident, please call police or Crimestoppers."

Aggro In East End Petrol Station: CCTV Released

Police investigating the assault of a petrol station employee after a group of young men were accused of stealing have released CCTV images of the suspects.

At approximately 6.00pm on Wednesday, February 11 last year three men entered the store at the Texaco garage on The Highway, Tower Hamlets, whilst a fourth man stood outside.

Staff at the shop confronted the men as they believed they were responsible for a previous theft.

As the men attempted to leave the shop, one of them hit an employee across the head.

He did not require hospital treatment.

The suspects are described as Asian and of slim build:

Suspect One was aged in his late teens. He was wearing a black jacket, jeans, black trainers and a grey baseball cap.

Suspect Two was wearing a black hooded top, a puff-style jacket, blue tracksuit trousers and was carrying a black bag.

Suspect Three wore a beige top, blue jeans, black trainers and a black hat. He was carrying a beige bag.

The fourth suspect - who remained outside the shop - wore a maroon jacket, black trousers and white trainers.

Anyone who recognises the men is asked to contact Tower Hamlets CID via 101.

Pensioner's Bank Cards Used For £3K Shopping Spree: CCTV Released

Police are hunting two callous fraudsters, who went on a £3,000 spending spree after a tricking a pensioner out of her bank cards.

Police in Sutton have released these CCTV images of their main suspects in the hope members of the public can identify them.

The 83 year-old victim received a knock at her front door in St. Mary Avenue, Wallington around September 6 or 7, last year.

The woman said she needed to see the resident's bank cards and was invited inside the property.

The pensioner was persuaded into handing over her bank cards and relevant PIN's.

A second suspect may have been waiting outside the address during this time.

The cards were used during a 48-hour shopping spree in Croydon on September 8 and 9.

If you recognise these individuals, please contact Sutton Police station on 101 quoting ref no: 4009724/15.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

White Van Man Punched In Face During 'Parking Rage' Row With Mercedes Driver

A van driver was the victim of 'parking rage' violence after asking the driver of a Mercedes to move outside an off-licence.

This CCTV image, taken inside the premises, has been released by police in Harrow as they hunt the man responsible for punching the van driver in the face.

On Thursday, September 10 at 8.50pm, the 25-year-old van driver tried to park his vehicle in Kenton Road, Harrow.

Blocking his way was a black Mercedes car, which was asked to move.

The Mercedes only moved when the white van reversed and nearly hit it.

The van driver went into a nearby off-licence and was approached by two men and was asked to step outside.

Once outside the shop the confrontation escalated and one of the men hit the van driver a number of times in the face.

The victim drove off, followed by the Mercedes, and stopped in Kingsbury Circle, Harrow.

As he got out of his van and looked into his wing mirror to inspect his facial injuries, he was again assaulted.

The suspect is described as a white man aged between 25 and 35 years-old.

Anyone who can identify the man shown in the CCTV footage or who has information relating to the assault is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference 190300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.