Bus Station Thief: CCTV Released

This heartless thief caught on CCTV at Hatton Cross Bus Station is being hunted for nicking a woman's rucksack.

At approximately 7.00pm on Thursday, January 28 the suspect stole the red rucksack from a bus stop outside, when it was unattended for a short time.

He carried the rucksack into the bus station and walked through to another exit, making no attempt to hand the bag into staff.

It contained cash, a laptop and other personal items belonging to the woman.

The suspect is described as white, about thirty years-old, of average build with messy brown hair.

At the time of the offence he was wearing a black jacket with a hood, blue jeans and trainers.

He also had a dark flat cap.

Detectives are appealing for information from the public today after pursuing a number of lines of inquiry.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lee Meechan, of the Metropolitan Police's Aviation Policing, said: "The victim is really upset that her belongings, including a laptop, have been stolen.

“The suspect could have handed the rucksack into staff, but instead he appears to have taken it for himself."

Anyone with information about this crime or who believes they know who the man in the CCTV footage is asked to call the investigating team on 020 3276 1351 or via 101.

"Where's Our Lolly?" Bobble-Hatted Burglar Wanted

Police are hunting this bobble-hatted burglar, who sneaked behind a pub's bar and helped himself to £1500 cash and five bottles of booze.

On Sunday, March 20 police were called at around 11:30am to reports of a burglary at The Cinnamon Lounge, Twickenham Road, Isleworth.

The burglary was reported to have probably occurred between 11.30pm on Saturday, March 19 and 10.45am on Sunday, March 20.

The suspect entered through the rear fire exit and accessed the pantry area, where five bottles of spirits were stolen.

The suspect later broke into the office and took £1,500 in cash.

CCTV from within the premises overlooking the till caught the suspect searching behind the bar area.

The suspect is described as a slim built white man, aged in his twenties.

He was wearing a striped bobble hat, white zipped dark blue jacket, blue jeans and black and white trainers.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown on the footage.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference number 209664 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sports Guru Who Coaches Top Women's Rugby Team On Assault Charge

The head coach of Rosslyn Park’s ladies rugby team appeared in court for the first time today accused of assaulting a man in south-west London.

John Pembridge-Hore, 53, of Kneller Road, Twickenham is charged with assaulting Joshua Graham in High Street, Whitton on August 11.

As well as coaching the rugby team - nicknamed The Slingbacks - he is also rugby performance coach at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Pembridge-Hore is also community rugby coach at Harlequins and a principal and lecturer at Positive Sport & Mind Cognitive Hypnotherapy College.

He is a cognitive behavioural therapist for Anxiety UK after previously serving eleven years in the First Battalion Irish Guards.

Pembridge-Hore graduated from University of Derby with a Master of Science in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.

He was bailed to return to court on November 22.

Driver Beats Road-Rage Race Rap But Is Fined For Obstructing Police

A muslim motorist cleared of racially abusing a female driver has been fined £60 for obstructing the police officers trying to arrest him.

Javed Ahmad, 45, was accused of shouting: “Women in my country would be stoned for this,” during the road-rage incident.

However the complainant failed to appear for the trial at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and the charges relating to that incident were dropped.

Ahmad, of Calder Road, Morden is also said to have called the woman “white trash” and spat at her.

He always protested his innocence and was found not guilty of the racially-aggravated assault of Harley Armiger in Bristol Road, Morden on May 17.

He was also cleared of an alternative lesser charge of simply assaulting the woman.

However, the obstructing police trial proceeded and he was convicted.

Prosecutor Miss Kerry Lingard told the court the complainant was driving her car with her children inside when Ahmad pulled alongside and claimed they were throwing stones at his vehicle.

He allegedly was heard getting on his mobile phone and saying to the person at the other end: “Us muslims need to stick together.”

“He drove after her and pushed his car into hers although there was no damage. He spat at her and she has no idea why he was so aggressive.”

Ahmad denies using the racist words, spitting at the complainant and says the police officers were “heavy handed” during their arrest of him.

He told the court: “This group of people are out to get me.” 

Carer Denies Nicking Over £200K From 95 Year-Old Pensioner

Cheques: Nazneen Chattun

A carer cashed 71 cheques while emptying over £200,000 from a 95 year-old woman’s bank account, a jury were told today.

Nazneen Chattun, 55, of Biscoe Close, Hounslow denies behaving dishonestly during her time assisting the vulnerable pensioner.

She has pleaded not guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to stealing £236,271.64 from Eileen Layton between April 30, 2012 and August 20, 2013.

The OAP, who lived alone in The Drive, Isleworth before moving to a care home, came to the attention of social services after being admitted to hospital.

Eileen gave evidence to the jury via video link, but mostly answered: “I don’t know” and “I can’t remember” to questions.

She had lived alone for fifty years and also gave a video recorded interview at Feltham Police Station and explained Chattun’s role.

“I don’t know much about Naz. She’s someone that used to pop in every other day.

“She used to do a bit of shopping sometimes if I ever wanted any bread or whatever and sit and talk.

“I didn’t take much notice.

“I must have had a chequebook, I suppose I must have signed them. Would I have signed seventy cheques?”

The court heard Chattun secured poor of attorney, which gave her total control over Eileen’s financial affairs and bank account.

“I don’t have a lot of money surely?” she said, explaining her working life was spent at a Waterloo restaurant owned by her father.

Chattun says she had permission to spend Eileen’s money on groceries, bills, repairs and the costs of garden clearing.

The prosecution say she also transferred sums directly from Eileen’s account to her own.

Hounslow social services became involved after Eileen was taken to West Middlesex Hospital’s casualty department on February 10, 2012.

They discovered she had been neglecting herself and living in sub-standard conditions.

There was no heating in the house, leaks and she was not eating or cleaning herself properly.

They arranged for daily care visits, but Eileen often refused to allow people in.

Trial continues………..

Security Boss Denies Flogging Luxury Stock On eBay

The deputy security manager of a landmark department store sold over £59,000 worth of luxury items stolen from the retailer on eBay, a court heard today.

Daniel Clarke, 35, sold expensive handbags, Armani jumpers, Chanel perfume, Mulberry wallets and keyrings, plus iPads the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury was told.

When police raided his home in Alice House, Laleham Road, Staines-upon-Thames they also seized £12,000 worth of watches and three Ralph Lauren shirts.

Clarke, of Brackenbeds Close, Pelton, Chester le Street, Durham has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of fraud by selling items on eBay totalling £59,104.

He also denies three counts of handling stolen goods; two counts of theft and three counts of possessing criminal property.

Prosecutor Miss Corinne Bramwell said Clarke was employed by Bentalls department store, Kingston-upon-Thames between December, 2012 and May, 2014.

Two months before starting he opened an eBay account called ‘The Gingerbreadman’ later changed to ‘Part-time Trader’.

“Clarke sold approximately four hundred items on eBay, mostly designer goods, handbags, clothing, perfume and Apple products.

In January 2015 the store identified a “substantial volume of stock missing” and identified ‘Part-time Trader’ as selling identical goods.

“The pattern and timings of loses is clearly linked to Clarke’s eBay account.”

After he was arrested on May 6, last year the defendant claimed he bought luxury items cheaply for cash and sold them online.

“As for the watches he said he liked them,” added Miss Bramwell.

Trial continues……….. 

Suspect Caught On CCTV Using Mugging Victim's Bank Card

Police hunting a street mugger, who robbed a cashpoint user in the early hours of the morning, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

The incident occurred on Sunday October 4, last year in Woodbury Street, Tooting.

The victim, a 40-year-old man, was walking with a friend after using the cashpoint and was approached by two men.

One of them grabbed the victim who then attempted to flee, but was chased and then robbed of his wallet and mobile phone.

Later that day, at about 11.00am, the victim's card was used in a store in Colliers Wood, Merton.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man on the CCTV or who witnessed the robbery.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Shelli Byrne on 020 3276 2603 quoting reference numbers 207491 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sex Pest Hunted For Flashing Women

Police hunting a serial flasher, who has exposed himself to four women, have released this e-fit of the suspect.

The first incident occurred on Monday, March 7 at 6.30pm, when two separate women were approached by the same man on Exford Road, Lee Green, Lee, south-east London.

The man performed a sexual act on himself in front of both women.

On Tuesday, March 15 another woman was approached at about 10.00pm on Tudway Road, Blackheath, close to Kidrooke Railway Station.

The man politely asked for directions and, while the victim was replying, she noticed that he was exposing himself.

On Thursday, March 31 at about 1.30am another woman was walking home from New Eltham Railway Station when she exited an alley on to Dulverton Road.

A man called out to her: "Excuse me, can you help me?" and when she stopped she noticed he was exposing himself.

Detectives believe the same man may be responsible for all the offences.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s and of solid or chubby build.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CID at Lewisham police station via 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you do not want to give your name.

OAP Tricked Out Of PIN And Bank Card At Cashpoint

Police are hunting two callous thieves, who preyed on an 84 year-old pensioner and used his bank card to run up a £5,000-plus bill.

These CCTV images have been released of the suspects after the victim was tricked at a cashpoint machine and his PIN and card taken.

The OAP was using a cashpoint in Mitcham Road, Tooting on March 7 when two men pounced.

He had entered his card and PIN when a male standing behind him informed him the machine was out of use.

While the victim was distracted the male cancelled the transaction and took the card from the machine before walking off.

The victim - unaware of what had just taken place - waited for his card to be returned.

When it became apparent it wasn't coming out he went inside the branch to report that his card, as he believed, had been retained by the machine.

The theft only became apparent when the victim's bank contacted him to inform him more than £5,000 had been taken from his account in a series of transactions.

These included a cash withdrawal of £300 and three purchases totalling £4,763.

PC Markeljan Ferizaj based at Tooting Police station said:

"Distraction thieves can target anyone but they often focus on vulnerable members of society, selecting them as easy targets.

“In this instance, the victim has been left highly distressed and the theft has knocked his confidence.

"We are issuing images of two men we need to speak to in connection with this incident.

“I would urge anyone who recognises either, or both, men to call police with information.

"I would also urge anyone using a cash machine to be aware of their surroundings and, if they think someone is hanging around trying to watch them enter their pin, then cancel the transaction and inform police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ferizaj at Wandsworth Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sentencing Date For OAP's Optician's Wrecking-Spree

An OAP who laid waste to an optician's after he was refused a refund on a pair of specs - causing £10,000 worth of damage with a metal chair - will be sentenced on November 3.

Alan Parkinson, 68, of The Beeches, London Road, Mitcham, insisted he was due a discount on his recent purchase and threatened: "I'll destroy your shop."

He pleaded guilty to causing an affray at John Lewis Opticians, 261 London Road, Mitcham on February 27 and causing £10,000 worth of criminal damage to display cabinets, spectacles and a computer.

Parkinson’s lawyer told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court today: “He was under the influence when this took place.”

The judge told Parkinson to attend an interview with the probation service later in the day, warning: “You’re not helping yourself, you’re not helping the court.

“It’s out of the ordinary, this case.”

Parkinson was a regular customer and entered the opticians at 10am.

He wanted a refund for some glasses and was not happy and said his daughter told him he had paid too much.

Parkinson, who has 243 offences on his record, was told there was no discount due because the frames and lenses had been bought at different times.

The store manager Zaid Shoaib and the consultant refused to budge, causing Parkinson further irritation.

"He was huffing and puffing and his eyes were bulging," said prosecutor Mr. Paul Adams during a previous hearing. "He said: 'I know what I'll do, I'll destroy your shop.'

"He left but returned ten minutes later and said: 'Last chance. Are you going to give me a refund?'

"He picked up a chair and swung it around the store, destroying property including a glass cabinet, which shattered.

"He threw the chair in the direction of Mr. Shoaib and it missed.

"He picked up a glasses tray and threw it and then picked up a computer screen and smashed it."

As he left the scene of destruction Parkinson turned and warned the two men: "You don't know me."

Multi-Millionaire Businessman Avoids Prison For "Sustained Attack" In Motorist's Driveway

"Sustained attack": Hutchinson

The multi-millionaire owner of the company which built Big Ben’s clock received a suspended prison sentence yesterday for attacking a motorist while walking near his £3m Thamesside penthouse apartment.

Property developer and businessman Iain Catleugh Hutchinson, 51,  reigned down half a dozen blows on his 66 year-old victim, who says he was then kicked while on the ground.

A forensic psychiatrist says Hutchinson’s “near miss” with the motorist triggered the post-traumatic stress disorder he suffered after his brother’s death in a car crash nearby almost 14 years to the day. 

The Geordie entrepreneur is a director of E Dent & Co Ltd., a 202 year-old firm, which built the mechanism that chimes Big Ben.

Hutchinson, of Montevetro Buildings, 100 Battersea Church Road, Battersea pleaded guilty to assaulting Jeremy Lyons, causing him actual bodily harm, in nearby Whistlers Avenue on May 29.

CCTV in the driveway of Mr. Lyons’ £1.4m home captured the attack and the footage was played at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

“Nothing could excuse what you did that day,” Judge Tim Lamb QC told tearful Hutchinson, accepting his PTSD caused an “override in judgement and ability to control his emotions.”

"Shocked and scared": Jeremy Lyons

He sentenced him to ten months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered him to complete 100 hours community service with a fifteen-day rehabilitation requirement.

He must also pay £425 costs and a £140 victim surcharge. Mr. Lyons is pursuing compensation through the civil court.

“This was a sustained attack on defenceless man in his own garden,” the judge told Hutchinson. “Having found the vehicle you climbed onto private property and issued threats and followed those threats with blows with a clenched fist.

“You threw Mr. Lyons, a man of sixty-six to the ground and he offered no defence to the attack. It was a sustained assault and has had a sustained and prolonged effect on Mr. Lyons. 

Prosecutor Mr. Stephen Apted said: “The victim was returning to his home address at 1pm in the afternoon.

“He was driving his vehicle and as he turned into his road he stopped, having seen this defendant.

“Mr. Lyons drove on and in his rear-view mirror saw the defendant mouthing an obscenity to him.”

The victim, who has retired after working at Lloyds for twenty-five years as a reinsurer, says Hutchinson mouthed the word: “c***.”

He maintains he saved the defendant from serious injury by braking sharply and the pair exchanged glances for a few seconds.

Right Hook: Hutchinson throws punch

“He got out of his car and can be seen placing a low wooden fence across the driveway.

“Mr. Hutchinson approaches and says: ‘I’m going to get you. I’m going to kill you.’

“He grabs hold of Mr. Lyons and punches him with his clenched fist a number of times as Mr. Lyons tried to back away.

“He thinks he was punched seven times.

“Once on the ground he’s kicked a number of times by the defendant in the legs.

“He is then picked up by the defendant and thrown to the ground.”

The CCTV footage shows Hutchinson, who has a previous assault police conviction when failing to stop his bicycle, step over a low fence and confront bespectacled Mr. Lyons by his car.

Mr. Lyons’ own CCTV clearly shows Hutchinson grabbing him with his left hand as he aimed blows with his right fist.

Still Swinging: Hutchinson Continues Onslaught

Mr. Lyons circles his vehicle in a bid to escape and stocky Hutchinson drags Mr. Lyons to the ground off-camera, where the victim says he was kicked.

The CCTV then shows Hutchinson picking up Mr. Lyons and hurling him over the low fence onto the pavement in from of his house.

A neighbour intervenes and follows Hutchinson, who told him: “He nearly hit me. F*** off, he’s a c***.”

He was arrested after CCTV cameras at the Montevetro Buildings captured him entering the landmark complex and police obtained a warrant to force the images to be released.

Hutchinson made no comment when questioned. “He made a prepared statement that he felt threatened and was defending himself,” added Mr. Apted.

He claims none of his six punches connected and denies kicking Mr. Lyons and pleaded guilty because he admits dragging him to the ground, causing injuries.

The victim suffered a cut to his left elbow, left ring finger, bruising to his left leg, plus pain to his back and neck.

He told police: “The incident left me shocked and scared. I have been attacked in my front garden and now I am worried about going out of my house in case he is there again.

“My glasses were also damaged,” added Mr. Lyons, who had a CT scan before the incident for two bulging discs in his spine.

“I told him I had a bad back and he continued the onslaught.”

Mr. Lyons drove himself to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital at the 3am that night and he has received injections for back spasms since the assault.

“Mr. Lyons says it was unprovoked, he was terrified, feared he was going to be killed and couldn’t get away,” explained Mr. Apted.

Mr. Mark cotter, defending, said: “He wishes to advance an apology to the court and Mr. Lyons for what was unacceptable behaviour.

“It was perceived by him as not his fault that he was nearly hit by Mr. Lyons.

“He had no intention as to any violence. There has been a total lapse of judgement. He acted in a way that is wholly out of character.

“It’s already had a profound effect on him. It’s had an impact on his business and a repetitional effect on him.”

Mr. Lyons attended the hearing and was unhappy with the outcome. “A suspended sentence is not a deterrent or a punishment for this man.

“He clearly attacked me, it was clearly unprovoked.

“I assume the copper who gave him a character reference in court is not the policeman he assaulted in 1999.”

Mr. Lyons is now installing internal CCTV. “The last thing he said to me was: ‘I know where you live, I’m going to come back and get you.’” 

Speaking previously after Hutchinson admitted the attack, the victim said: “I stopped right in front of him and he nearly walked into my car.

“I looked him in the eye as if to say: ‘You were lucky.’ It’s not my fault he’s walked off the edge of the pavement.

“I drove into my road and in my rear-view mirror I could see he was ‘effing and blinding, swearing and shouting and thought: ‘That’s stupid.’

“He punched me seven times and I have a bad back, which previously needed two operations and the last thing I needed was him punching me.

“I was in agony everywhere and could not walk for two weeks and could not sleep for three nights.

“He said: ‘I’m gonna get you, kill you,’ and started punching me, kicking me and then picks me up and throws me over the gate and I ended up on the pavement.

Mr. Lyons says only a neighbour responding to his pleas for help ended the attack. “If the neighbour had not shouted I’d be dead or paralysed or in hospital.

“The man is an animal. At the time I thought I was going to die, I thought he was never going to stop.”

Dent supplied a timepiece to the 1st Duke of Wellington and built the new St. Pancras Station clock.

Former civil engineer Hutchinson’s dream was to build thousands of £300 per-week three-bed flats for Londoners.

He is currently an active director with 14 different companies.

£573K NHS Dialysis Fraud Denied

Lisa Green & Alan Hodge

An NHS Trust manager responsible for kidney dialysis equipment at three hospital’s awarded his cronies lucrative contracts during a £573,000 fraud, a court heard today.

Renal technologist Alan Hodge, 53, received “kick-backs” for paying his pals NHS money in return for either non-existent or exorbitant work, the Croydon Crown Court jury were told.

He was employed by Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs services from Epsom Hospital; St. Helier Hospital and Sutton Hospital.

Hodge, of Aulton Way, Sutton has pleaded not guilty to one count of defrauding the Trust between November 1, 2007 and October 9, 2013.

Company director Pierre Allen, 54, of Canon Farm Cottages, Canons Lane, Burgh Heath, Tadworth - boss of Main Contractors - and plumber Stephen Thompson, 47, of Warnham Road, Furnace Green, Crawley deny the same charge.

Pierre Allen

Hodge’s partner, Lisa Green, 49, is accused of laundering the money and has pleaded not guilty to converting criminal property between January 1, 2011 and October 9, 2013.

Prosecutor Mr. Stephen Hopper said Main Contractors was specifically set-up to receive money defrauded from the Trust and financed matchday trips to Stamford Bridge for Chelsea FC fans Hodge and Allen.

NHS money was also blown on a Butlins holiday, golf days and £1,200 worth of flights to Geneva.

“This case involves a fraud against the Trust,” he explained. “Hodge is the central figure, responsible for kidney dialysis equipment at three hospitals and patients’ homes.

“He engaged contractors to install and maintain equipment and was authorised by the NHS to make payments.”

The fraud was exposed when Hodge was suspended over an unrelated matter on October 8, 2013 and external payments immediately plunged by 50%, said Mr. Hopper.

“An investigation revealed a large number of invoices had been paid for work either not done at all or for prices that were excessive.

“Hodge was exploiting, abusing his position to employ friends of his who overcharged or had not done the work at all.

“Hodge profited from kick-backs from those contracts.”

Mains Contractors received £400,00 and SJ Thompson Plumbing received £130,000.

A third company, TWS Southern, run by Phillip Jones, 50, of Bullbeggars Lane, Godstone received £43,000.

Stephen Thompson

Jones is not currently on trial, but the prosecution say TWS received fraudulent money.

“Green was laundering some of the money generated in the fraud,” explained Mr. Hopper.

“She took payments into her Lloyds account from Main Contractors, SJ Thompson Plumbing and TWS. Her account was a buffer account.”

Two months after opening a bank account in February, 2010 Main Contractors began receiving payments authorised by Hodge.

“This company was set up with the prime purpose of receiving money from the NHS Trust.

“Allen was a figurehead, a front and the pair previously had a dialysis business for visiting tourists and had a property company.

“Some of the NHS money was used to pay for property developments.

“They were two men cooking up a scam to divert money from the NHS.”

The trial is expected to last six weeks…….

Robbers Prey On Late-Night Shoreditch Stranger

Police are hunting two robbers, who preyed on a lost man in so-called trendy Shoreditch, intimidating him into handing over cash.

Detectives from Tower Hamlets Borough have issued this CCTV footage of two men they wish to identify and speak with.

On Saturday, February 13, at about 2.00am, the victim, a 24-year-old man, got lost attempting to meet friends.

The victim asked two men for directions and they told him they would show him the way as they were heading in that direction.

The victim became suspicious after he was led down back streets, so advised them he would get a taxi home instead, at which point, the men asked him for money.

Feeling threatened, the victim went to a nearby cash point on Commercial Street, Whitechapel and withdrew cash, which he gave to them before walking away and getting a taxi.

While he made his way home, he realised his bank card was missing from his wallet.

When he called the bank to cancel the card, they informed him attempts to withdraw cash had been made.

Suspect 1 is described as a man of Asian appearance, aged about 25 years-old, wearing a black beanie hat. He also wore glasses.

Suspect 2 is also described as a man of Asian appearance, aged about 25 years. He was wearing a puffa-style jacket, light coloured trainers and a baseball cap.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the men shown on CCTV.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 020 7275 4548 or via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Trio Of Suspected Burglars Caught On CCTV

Detectives investigating a burglary at a residential address have issued CCTV footage of three men they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.

On Friday, April 1, police were called at around 1.30pm to a report of a burglary at an address in Belvedere Drive, Wimbledon.

The burglary is believed to have occurred at some point between 3.00pm on Wednesday, March 30 and 1.25pm on Friday, April 1.

No property is believed to have been taken.

When the home owner was away, her alarm was activated.

CCTV overlooking the front of the house caught three men trying to gain entry into the house.

The suspects captured by the CCTV are described as: 'Suspect 1' a man of medium build, aged in his twenties.

He was wearing black framed glasses, a black body warmer over a green long sleeved shirt, dark jeans and black and white trainers. He was also carrying a black and white rucksack.

'Suspect 2' is a man of slim build, aged in his twenties. He was wearing a dark coloured padded jacket, blue jeans and blue and white shoes. He was carrying a black bag over his right shoulder.

'Suspect 3' is a man of slim build, aged in his twenties. He was wearing a red jacket, tight fitting blue trousers and dark trainers. He carried a dark brown satchel bag over his right shoulder before swapping bags with Suspect 1.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the three men or who saw them in the area.

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