Shoplifting Housewife Targeted Exclusive Stores Near Her £2M Home

Shy Shoplifter: Jutta Curatolo

A high-end shoplifter donned a fur coat to blend into her exclusive surroundings as she swiped valuable jewellery from stores near her £2m Sloane Street apartment.

Privately-educated housewife Jutta Curatolo, 52, of Grosvenor Court targeted Harvey Nichols, Liberty, Dolce & Gabbana and Basia Zarzycka.

The San Francisco native, who attended the city's Catholic St. Mary's College would specifically select gold and diamond jewellery for closer inspection, Hammersmith Magistrates Court heard.

The mother-of-two, who lives with her 49 year-old husband pleaded guilty to stealing a £2,450 pattern ring with blue stone from Dolce & Gabbana's Sloane Street store on November 17, last year.

She also admitted stealing a Marco Bicego silver and gold ring, worth £2,260 from Harvey Nichols and Co, Knightsbridge on November 28.

Curatolo further admitted stealing a 'Dusty Diamonds' 18ct gold bangle, with 23 grey diamonds, worth £4,200 from Liberty's in the West End on January 7, this year.

Curatolo also pleaded guilty to stealing a £500 pearl tiara and a pearl necklace with antique silver cross, worth £800 from Sloane Square's Basia Zarzycka.

The magistrates heard long-term alcoholic Curatolo is currently attending AA meetings daily and a private psychotherapist weekly and deferred sentence until December 15.

Prosecutor Miss Aislinn Rice told the court first-time offender Curatolo walked into Dole & Gabbana at 2.19pm and asked to see the ring.

"A staff member took it out and once their back was turned the defendant concealed it in her hand and dropped it into the pocket of her fur coat then tells staff she needs to pick-up her children."

She struck at Harvey Nichols - which has since banned her - at 4.16pm. "She placed a large soft toy on the counter and asked staff about a ring.

"She placed it on her right hand and while staff were away for thirty seconds she picked-up the stuffed toy with the ring still on her hand and left.

"Staff pressed the alarm, but the defendant had already left."

Curatolo - who has a background in design - denies the cuddly toy was a blocking tactic, insisting she innocently bought it earlier at a Winter Wonderland fair.

At 12.45pm she visited Liberty, near Oxford Circus and asked to see various items. "She attempted to conceal two pieces in her hand and was asked for them back, but staff had not noticed a third piece."

Curatolo learned police were onto her and gave herself up at Notting Hill Police Station, where she confessed to the fourth theft.

All the jewellery was returned, bar the Harvey Nichols ring, which the defendant then paid for.

"She said she suffers from alcoholism, depression, anxiety and is bipolar and suffers blackouts and commits offences while drunk," explained Miss Rice.

"She said she was embarrassed for what she had done and sometimes remembers and sometimes has no recollection.

"She said she did not know why she took them and did not always like the items.

"The crown say there is an element of planning and distraction techniques, like the cuddly toy and she waits for staff to be distracted and targets high-value items."

Her lawyer Miss Ranjeet Dulay told the court: "This is a drunken lady, who at the time committed offences that were compulsive on her part. She's been an alcoholic for years.

"there was not a significant degree of planning. In these moments she was very drunk.

"The defendant is genuinely remorseful  and this lady has sought to address the reasons why she is here today, she has a troubled history with a history of mental health issues."

Curatolo has a son aged twenty-one and a twelve year-old daughter and her relationship with them is strained by her problems, the court heard.

The lawyer also talked of a "failing Marriage" and "eating disorders" and near-fatal skin condition contributing to her client's situation.

She receives a disability allowance from the USA as a result of being prescribed incorrect medication and her husband takes care of all the bills.

"She has no intention of finding herself in trouble again and she has not been back to any of these places to commit offences."

Magistrate Mr. Attul Patel told Curatolo: "we've decided to give you a chance to complete your privately-funded programme.

'This is so we can review your conduct and there will be a new probation report based on what you have accomplished between now and then."

"Thank-you," replied Curatolo.

"The Cat Did It": Houseguest Cleared Of Sleepover Grope

Not Guilty: Phillip Green

An overnight guest has been cleared of stroking a young woman's thigh during a sleepover after claiming the house's pet cat was responsible.

Phillip Andrew Green, 56, of Cliff Avenue, Winterton, Scunthorpe always denied touching the woman, suggesting the cat must have brushed against her during the night.

He was found not guilty of 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.

100% Innocent: Green

“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.”

Carer Bought Clothes With Vulnerable Clients' Money

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court

A teenage carer treated herself to clothes and other treats at the expense of the elderly women she was supposedly looking after.

Halima Mayoo Mohammed, 19, of Sherfield Gardens, Roehampton received a suspended sentence at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

She will also have to repay £470 within twelve months to the banks of the victims.

When she originally appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court Mohammed was already banned from working with vulnerable adults as a condition of bail.

After pleading guilty to offences involving three different victims she was sentenced to eight months custody, suspended for two years.

Mohammed will also be under the supervision of the Probation Service for two years and must compete fifteen sessions of a prescribed activity requirement.

She was charged with three counts of fraud by false representation in that on February 9 and February 10 she dishonestly made online purchases using her clients' bank details.

She was also charged with three counts of fraud by abuse of position on the same dates, namely abusing her position to make a gain.

Justice Catches Up With Paedo Over Two Decades Later

Isleworth Crown Court

A Bournemouth man is starting a five-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a young girl over two decades ago.

Victor James Reilly, 69, of Kitscroft Road was prosecuted for offences he committed in the London Borough of Hillingdon.

He first appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court last year, where he was bailed to Isleworth Crown Court for trial.

After he was charged Reilly was free as long as he was not alone in the company of any child under sixteen years-old and did not contact the victim in his case.

He was originally charged with two counts of indecent assault on a girl, aged under fourteen years-old, on dates between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 1993.

Reilly was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court.

Ex-Lifeguard Sex Offender Strikes Again

A sex offender, who pounced on a drunken women just five days after receiving a deferred sentence, was jailed for three years and four months yesterday.

Jobless window fitter and former lifeguard Benjamin Mackay, 23, groped the sleeping 29 year-old between her legs, causing a tiny laceration.

Mackay, of Woodlands Close, Westhill, Inverness pleaded guilty to assault by penetration on April 18 at an address in Birling Road, Erith, south-east London.

Woolwich Crown Court heard he appeared before Inverness Sheriffs on April 13, where he admitted possessing indecent images of children, namely two videos and twelve photos.

Mackay is still subject to a three-year community payback order imposed on June 9, last year for asking two sisters, aged ten and thirteen years-old he met at Inverness Leisure Centre, to send him naked images of themselves.

Prosecutor Miss Julia Faure Walker told the court Mackay had travelled down to London to assist an elderly relative with some decorating, but decided to stay overnight at another house ten minutes away.

"Alcohol was consumed and the victim, who was staying at the house overnight, bought more alcohol and the defendant was also drinking.

"At around 11pm she fell asleep on the sofa and then remembers feeling someone's fingers in her vagina.

"It maybe lasted twenty seconds and she felt in danger."

Mackay offered her a cigarette then went outside for a smoke. "She recalls feeling quite disgusted.

"The defendant returned and started to stroke her legs as she lay on the sofa."

The next day the "emotionally fragile" victim reported Mackay to the police and when arrested he told officers: "No way, no way."

He has been in custody ever since.

The court heard the victim suffered a 0.5 millimetre laceration. "She is receiving counselling and says her trust in people has disappeared," added Miss Faure Walker.

In her victim impact statement she said of the period following the sexual assault. "Those days were the darkest days of my life.

"After the assault I tried to carry on as normal. I attempted to go to work, but couldn't get through the door and sat in my car, not knowing what to do.

"For a stage I went completely numb and considered quitting my job and packing up and running away and it took a long time before I felt any better."

Mackay's lawyer Mr. Sachin Rajput told the court: "He's pleaded guilty without wasting the court's time. This is an isolated, opportunistic incident.

"He's gone one step, maybe two steps too far. Her legs were on him and he did something he regrets."

Mackay has completed 140 hours of the 300 hours community service work he received for the offence involving the two young sisters.

On his internet dating profile the six foot-one defendant says he'd like to have children, despite currently needing permission to be in the company of underage youngsters.

Judge Nicholas Heathcote-Williams QC told Mackay: "This was committed five days after a sentence was deferred in Scotland to test if you were behaving well.

"You committed this offence by inserting your finger into her vagina. In doing so you caused her physical injury."

Mackay was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely and was placed on the barring list preventing him working with children and vulnerable adults.

"Creepy" Party Guest Denies Raping Tipsy Teen

Denial: Pheasant

A rapist asked a tipsy teenager he attacked at a party: "Do you hate me?" halfway through her ordeal, a court heard yesterday.

Ryan Pheasant, 31, of Hurley Farm, Mill Lane, Hurley, Maidenhead then left for a cigarette and returned to resume the attack on the 17 year-old, Isleworth Crown court was told.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of raping the teen at an address in Roundways, Ruislip in the early hours of September 1, 2013.

Pheasant says there was no sexual contact at all and police failed to find his DNA on the complainant.

Prosecutor Miss Fer Chinner said both parties were guests at a party at the house. "One of the people encouraging her to drink is the defendant and he keeps pouring her drinks, vodka.

"His attention is unnatural and others guests feel uncomfortable. One describes him as 'creepy' and too touchy-feely, hugging and kissing her.

"Wherever she was, he was there as this alcohol-fueled party continues."

Eventually the "tired and woozy" teenager goes upstairs and "crashes-out" on a bed.

"Pheasant is in no mood for the party to end, so he goes up," explained Miss Chinner. "She describes being woken up by the bedroom door opening.

"She hears the noise of a belt falling to the floor. It's Pheasant undoing his shorts and getting into bed.

"He starts kissing her and taking her bra and knickers off and then rapes her and when he's finished he says: 'Do you hate me?'

"She lies there crying, not knowing what to do and he goes for a cigarette and comes back to the room and rapes her again."

A police doctor finds evidence of sexual intercourse and an unidentified semen stain is on her blue velvet party dress.

Ten days after the alleged rape she made a video-recorded statement to police and hardly leaves her bedroom for the next six months.

Family and friends describe her as "emotionless, scared and pale" after the party.

When questioned by police Pheasant insisted her account was fictitious, but did admit entering the room to help her to bed and then returning with her music system.

Trial continues…………. 

Boozy Airplane Passenger Bites Fellow Traveller At 30,000 Feet

Bite: Joshua McArthy 

A drunken plane passenger, who clamped his jaws around a fellow-traveller's arm during a brawl on a BA flight from Dubai, received a suspended prison sentence today.

Self-employed electrician Joshua McArthy, 21, left fashion industry worker Christopher McMerlin with a deep bite mark that became infected.

Earlier during the April 1 flight McArthy, of Acacia Way, Sidcup, who was travelling home with his parents after a holiday, spat into the hair of the passenger sitting in front of him, Steven Cheek.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Stratford-upon-Avon man Mr. McMerlin and Mr. Cheek, being drunk on an aircraft and using threatening behaviour on the seven-hour flight.

McArthy, who had downed five mini-bottles of wine on the plane, received nine months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

He must also complete 220 hours community service work, pay £400 compensation to Mr. McMerlin, £250 to Mr. Cheek, £300 costs and £100 victim surcharge.

A 30-second clip was posted on the internet and Mr. McMerlin, who works for 'trend forecasting' company WGSN was rewarded with a seat in the cockpit for the remainder of the flight.

Recorder Sandeep Kainth told the first-time offender: 'Your behaviour was absolutely disgraceful. You were intoxicated to such an extent a member of the public felt he had to intervene.

"There were families and young children present. The bite to Mr. McMerlin lasted two minutes, a quite substantial assault.

"The transfer of spittle to another, well that's absolutely disgusting. you've let yourself and your family down and turned what was a wonderful experience for those travelling home with a sour taste in their mouths."

The court heard the plane was full of families returning home from the Easter break and 90 minutes from arrival at Heathrow Airport McArthy began rowing with his mother.

Mr. Cheek, travelling with his fiancé and child, was sitting directly in front of the defendant and heard McArthy tell his mother: "I'm going to hurt you."

McMerlin: Flight Wound

McArthy then kneeled on his seat gesticulating wildly and knocked Mr. Cheek's pillow before twice making a snorting and spitting noise.

"I could feel a wet substance on the back of my head," Mr. Cheek told police. 'I was angry I'd been spat on and told him to sit down and shut up."

The cabin crew got involved as McArthy shouted: "I'm going to kill you," and flight attendant Hayley Morgan was called a: "Red-headed Nazi bitch."

As McArthy began climbing over seats to get at Mr. Cheek and Mr. McMerlin jumped in to help. 

"He is bitten by the defendant, a prolonged bite and it only ends when he is pulled by the ear by Miss Morgan," explained prosecutor Mr. Douglas Adams.

"He was very aggressive to anyone trying to stop him getting to the passenger in front."

McArthy was heard constantly shouting: "C***, bitch, f***" during the  disturbance and he was eventually handcuffed and secured to his seat.

At Heathrow police were waiting: "He was still clearly drunk and was arrested," said Mr. Adams. "He was remorseful, apologetic and said he could not remember what had happened."

Miss Morgan was left with bruising to both legs, her left arm and ached down her right side.

Mr. McMerlin was given a course of antibiotics and Miss Morgan says she had nightmares as a result of the incident.

Mr. McMerlin said: "I received an incredibly vicious bite Despite biting through a jumper blood was drawn and the pain of the bite was incredible, a pain I don't want to experience again."

His sex life was put on hold until given the all clear and he described waiting for blood tests results as "unbearably anxious."

"I am left with a complete jaw scar on my arm."

McArthy's lawyer Mr. Nicholas Robinson told the court: "This was extremely out of character, he feels utter shame and is deeply remorseful.

"He went from tipsy to very drunk in an instant." 

NOT GUILTY: Marina Boss Innocent Of Spurious Sex Allegations

100% Innocent: Djurberg

The wealthy owner of a landmark marina, falsely accused of abusing his "power and control" to grope young apprentices working at his boatyard, was cleared on Friday.

Myck Djurberg, 56, who lives in a listed authentic Swiss chalet, imported to the Thames riverside in 1882, is the boss of Hampton Riviera Marina & Boatyard.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard he routinely slapped the behinds of young men, who were reluctant to complain for fear of losing work.

However, Djurberg told the jury there was a sinister financial motivation behind the complaints, motivated by the fact he was suing the men's employers for shoddy work.

It took the jury approximately one hour to unanimously find him not guilty of four counts of sexually assaulting three young men on various dates between November 5, 2013 and July 1, last year.

His lawyer Miss Philippa McAtasney had told them during her closing speech: "Consider this, of all the hundreds of workers who must have worked on that site over the years it just so happens that Myck Djurberg has picked on the three who happen to have bosses who were expelled from the site and ended up in serious civil proceedings with him.

"Do you really think this is the sort of nonsense that should clog up our criminal courts? Should this really be occupying your time?

"A spat between grown men as a makeweight for other allegations?

Hampton Riviera Marina & Boatyard

"It's a slap on the arse, to use some of the terminology we have heard. These are all adult males who work on building sites, who said they were unable to speak out about this.

"That is rubbish."

At the start of the week-long trial prosecutor Miss Ruby Selva told the court: "This defendant has a sexual liking for the young apprentices he employs and took advantage of his power and control to sexually assault these young men."

Djurberg strongly denies the allegations, claiming the bosses of three companies he is suing for sub-standard work are behind the complaints.

He has designed 32 houseboats, which he hopes to sell for up to £850,000 and the apprentices were employed by companies building them.

The three men are an apprentice carpenter, who was 19 years-old; a 17 year-old dad-to-be, who worked for a roofing and window firm and his 21 year-old workmate.

The 19 year-old was offered a lifetime and work and like all the apprentices was offered a holiday at Djurberg's luxury hotel in the Caribbean, the court was told.

"As the apprentice puts it, the defendant was a 'creep' and made sexual comments and innuendo towards those working for him," added Miss Selva.

One day the teenager was in his work shorts when Djurberg said: "Look at that peachy arse," explained the prosecutor.

Djurberg was throwing a fireworks party at the marina on November 5, 2013 and was seen slapping the 19 year-old across the face, who responded: "What the f*** are you doing?"

"He slapped him again, harder and as the complainant turned away the defendant grabbed the cheek of his bottom, grabbing it hard.

"The complainant told him: 'I'm not f***ing gay.'

"Another witness says he saw the defendant slapping the bottoms of workers as they were bent over working," said Miss Selva.

The 17 year-old, who had a pregnant girlfriend, was also slapped on the bottom, the jury heard.

"It increased to a daily event and the complainant was too embarrassed to report it.

"The young man felt that because of his wealth he (Djurberg) could do what he liked."

The 21 year-old says Djurberg sent him unwanted texts that were sexually-suggestive.

"The defendant asked him to go to the gym with him, with the innuendo that he would give him a good work out."

The young man made up excuses when Djurberg asked him out on dates. "He also slapped him on the bottom, but the complainant did not want to cause trouble and put it down to him being weird."

Djurberg, who says he has been married three times, denied the touching when questioned by police on September 14, last year.

"He accused all three young men of being set-up by their bosses because he was suing them for shoddy work." said Miss Selva.

The first complainant told the jury Djurberg boasted of his wealth and promised them work on a new lakeside marina he was constructing in Shepperton. 

"We saw him funding luxury houseboats, he said he had all this money and a large hotel in the Dominican Republic.

"He told us he was a doctor, had houses here, houses there, but over time we realised none of it was true and he was a bit of a dreamer."

He recalled one outburst from Djurberg in front of a worker's 14 year-old son. "He said: 'You can't tidy up a mess like you can't hold a cock.

"I thought it was a very weird thing to say, but we did not pull him up on it."

At the party the witness was slapped by the defendant for complaining about the food. 

"I was angry and turned away and my bum was grabbed and squeezed quite firmly by Mr. Djurberg."

Internet Scammer Poppy Eastwood To Pay Less Compensation To Victims

The amount of compensation notorious internet fraudster Poppy Eastwood has to pay her victims was reduced yesterday.

The 24 year-old, of Pike Close, Bromley will only have to pay at the rate of £20 per week and some of her six victims will receive a reduced amount.

She conned online buyers into forking out for equestrian equipment she never supplied and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

She lied to customers that she was selling her horse riding tack because she was suffering multiple sclerosis.

Eastwood pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation and one count of acquiring criminal property.

Croydon Crown Court originally ordered her to repay her victims £2,403 compensation, according to the Metropolitan Police.

There was some confusion about that figure with the Crown Prosecution Service believing it was £8.00 less, but yesterday a new £2,000 compensation figure was agreed.

This was after defence team asked the court to reconsider compensation.

Prosecutor Mr. Hamish Reid told the court: “This was a carefully planned sophisticated fraud. She has a history and may consider herself fortunate not to have received immediate custody.

“The compensation is not a ridiculously high amount. She should have thought of that before committing these offences. Why should she profit from her crime?

“She denied the offences in her police interview and indicated a not guilty plea at the magistrates court.

“The pre-sentence report casts doubt on her version of events, being pressured by a partner. You may find it difficult to believe anything she says.”

Recorder DCH Cartwright announced: “She has a significant record of burglary, theft, false representation. These offences were carefully planned and of a particularly mean nature.

“Preying on others in the equine world she was fortunate not to receive an immediate custodial sentence.

“Whatever we believe about the crimes it is someone involved in criminal activity over a period of time.

“She's an intelligent woman and there is no reason she should not achieve remunerative employment.”

In 2014 Eastwood was convicted of selling iPads that never arrived to facebook customers and the website has a group with 4,000 followers called: 'Scammed by Poppy Eastwood.'

During the course of the police investigation, officers from Operation Falcon, the Met’s Cyber Crime unit, found 46 victims who had attempted to purchase horse related items from Eastwood at a number of online market places between 20 January 2014 and 13 November 2014.

Eastwood would discuss possible transactions with potential customers prior to a deal being struck.

During a number of these conversations she falsely claimed to be selling the riding equipment because she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.

Typically, the victim would transfer the funds to purchase the item and await receipt of the goods.

However, they never received the goods leaving them out of pocket.

Eastwood would initially make excuses for non-receipt of the goods but would eventually cease all contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Stephen Westlake of Operation Falcon said: “'Eastwood has defrauded a large number of online buyers who believed that they were dealing with a genuine seller.

“She has also pretended to suffer from a life changing illness to gain the trust of her victims.

“The effects of becoming a victim of crime run far deeper than the loss of cash. I hope that Eastwood’s victims gain a measure of closure following today’s sentence."

Solicitor Wins Appeal Against Road Rage School Run Assault

Not Guilty: John McLarney

A solicitor convicted of a road-rage assault on a school run mum won his appeal and the return of his good character today.

John McLarney, 64 - a partner with 100 year-old Dodd Lewis Solicitors - had been accused of dragging the complainant alongside his car during a screaming row.

He had been ordered to wear an electronic ankle tag to enforce a three-month night-time curfew after his conviction. 

The three children in the back seat, aged eleven, eight and six years-old, screamed in terror during the heated confrontation.

McLarney, of The Landway, Kemsing, Sevenoaks denied, but was convicted of assaulting Lyndsey Gunning near St. Olave's Preparatory School in Southwood Road, Eltham on March 13, last year.

Jane Green & Lyndsey Gunning

He was also convicted of driving his blue Vauxhall Astra without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident.

At Woolwich Crown Court today the Crown Prosecution Service announced they were no longer in a position to continue.

As a result McLarney's appeal was allowed and he was cleared of the three offences.

McLarney denied speeding as he approached the women's car and speeding away with his wheels screeching.

His lawyer Mr. Edward Henry told the court during the sentencing hearing: "He is self-effacing and mild-mannered. This is a bewildering episode in a blameless life.

"He's been in practice thirty-eight years without even a warning and has now lost his good character, his reputation and maybe his job."

The conviction will be reported to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

"He has been disbelieved on oath and that goes to integrity, it undermines his career. He is the compliance officer at his firm.

"The loss of reputation is a significant punishment itself.

"He is looking towards his legacy and what he stands for and this has been a severe dent in how people see him.

"He has brought all this on his head and since he was notified of prosecution in August last year there has not been a day he has not been traumatised by the prospect of it.

"The SRA will take its own course and that stigma and humiliation will be great."

Sentencing McLarney, District Judge Louise Balmaine told him: "I regard this as a particularly serious incident and it is only sheer luck this lady, who was dragged alongside a moving vehicle, did not suffer severe injuries.

"I take into account this was a moment of madness on your part and even though I excluded custody previously in the cold light of day I regretted that."

McLarney, who repeatedly shook his head on hearing the sentence, was told to obey the curfew between 9pm and 6am, pay a £500 fine, with £620 costs, £200 compensation to Mrs Gunning and a £60 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months.

As a result of his successful appeal McLarney will no longer be subject to this sentence.

McLarney, who works in Blackheath, was forced to stop during his 8.40am journey when a vehicle, driven by Mrs Gunning's sister Jane Green, blocked the road.

Black cab driver Mrs Gunning was a front seat passenger and told the court: "This car came from nowhere, racing up the road. 

"It was so quick we could not get out of the way. I thought it was going to hit us.

"It came to a stop within a feet of our vehicle. Everyone was gasping, we all thought: 'This is going to be a crash.'

"Everything got a bit heated. My sister was motioning to him and he was quite aggressive.

"There were some choice words and some finger gestures as well.

"I remember the gentleman putting one finger up and I think it was a response to my sister putting two fingers up.

"My children were going crazy in the back, they thought the car was going to hit us. They were screaming.

"I got out of the car and did swear: 'What the f*** do you think you're doing?'

"There is a school within fifty yards and a lollipop lady.

"He was very angry, very angry towards me.

"He got hold of my fleece and his wheels started screeching, it was so loud and he was staring at me.

"I was thinking: 'What's going to happen?' and he just put his foot down.

"I said to him: 'What are you doing?' and tried to run to keep up with the car.

"He let go of me and sped off up the road. I was in a lot of shock.

"I went to the doctor and had a mild whiplash injury. I was aching because of the position my body was put into.

"The back of my neck and top of my shoulders were aching."

She admitted starting the row by saying: "I'm not having this," but added: "I'm a five-foot nothing woman and my seven year-old still asks me about it."

Her sister Jane, who was driving her eight year-old son along with Lyndsey's kids, told the court: "He had his window wound down and said I was a 'f***ing idiot.'

"He used the word: 'c***' to me and stuck his middle-finger up."

Jane admitted swearing at McLarney and watched as her sister approached his open window.

"I thought he was going to hit her. He sort of lunged forward and I realised he grabbed her coat up high.

"I just heard the screech of the wheels and she was dragged along and was running alongside the car.

"There was a noise and it just sped. She was trying to keep up with the vehicle so she didn't fall over."

She estimated her sister was dragged two car lengths.

Vicar Molester 14 Year-old Schoolgirl In Lay-By Over Four Decades Ago

A retired Church of England vicar will be sentenced next month for kissing and groping a 14 year-old girl over four decades ago.

Grahame Leslie Humphries, 71, of Lees Heights, Charlbury, Chipping Norton appeared at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday.

He had already pleaded guilty to indecently assaulting the girl between September 21, 1971 and September 21, 1972.

The court heard the victim wrote Humphries a letter of forgiveness in 1993 and he maintains he did nothing more than kiss her on the lips.

She was due to give evidence today for the court to determine the extent of the sexual abuse, but the prosecution and defence reached an agreement instead.

Judge Michael Hopmeier said: "This was a gross breach of trust, historic, the victim was fourteen years-old at the time.

"He took her into a lay-by in a car, touched her over her clothes and kissed her."

Humphries was a married curate at the time and worked at St. Michael's Church, Earlsfield south-west London.

He stepped down as vicar of Blockley and Bourton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire in 2012.

Humphries was quizzed by police at his home address because his poor mobility made visiting the police station difficult.

The victim maintains the abuse was more serious than Humphries claims. "She says he went further than the basis of plea," said the judge.

"That does not mean it did not go further than he's prepared to accept. It's a very serious offence."

He bailed Humphries to return on August 10 for a pre-sentence report.

"The fact that bail continues is no indication of the likely sentence," the judge told him. "It crosses the custody threshold."

Police Complaints Manager Admits £20K Expenses Fiddle

A casual comment about travel expenses by a senior manager at the Independent Police Complaints Commission prompted an investigation into his £20,000 fraud. 

Ian Every, 50, of High Trees, New town, Uckfield, East Sussex was employed as the Procurement Manager at the IPCC's HQ at 90 High Holborn, central London.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position, between March 1, 2009 and January 1, this year when he made dishonest claims for travel and hotel expenses.

Prosecutor Mr. Arizuna Asante told Blackfriars Crown Court Every's loose tongue at an audit meeting on November 12, last year led to his downfall.

"During a meeting with the internal auditor he made the throwaway line: 'I encourage people to claim for train tickets whenever they can.'

"This led to a personal investigation into Mr. Every's claims and it was revealed he had made false travel refunds and false hotel booking refunds.

"He had claimed for tickets for his own personal travel without authorisation."

The prosecution have calculated the loss at £20,357 and are pursuing compensation under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Every has previously explained he had significant outstanding debts to individuals, depression and a gambling addiction.

"The custody threshold has been passed," added Mr. Asante. The guidelines indicate a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment.

Every's lawyer Miss Josie Sonnossa told the court: "The defendant is well aware of the likely sentence. He is a man of previous good character."

Regarding compensation she added: "there is some form of pension. If that can be offset he will do so.

"He is currently in receipt of state benefits and is living with his parents."

Judge Peter Clarke QC bailed Every to return for sentencing on August 16, telling him: "The court will have to consider a custodial sentence of some length.

"I want to see if you can make some arrangement to pay back the money. In itself it will not keep you out of prison , but it is a factor."