Department Store Security Manager Jailed For Flogging Nicked Luxury Brands On eBay

Guilty: Clarke

A prison officer turned department store security boss received three years yesterday for selling £59,000 worth of luxury brands stolen from the retailer via his eBay account.

Daniel Clarke, 35, security manager at Kingston-upon-Thames’ Bentalls department store, sold expensive handbags, Armani jumpers, Chanel perfume, Mulberry wallets and keyrings, plus iPads.

When police raided his then home at at 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 denied, but was convicted of seven counts of fraud by selling items on eBay totalling £59,104.

The married father-of-two was also found guilty of three counts of handling stolen goods and three counts of possessing criminal property.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard Clarke was employed between December, 2012 and May, 2014 and he continued selling on eBay until August, last year.

Prosecutor Miss Corinne Bramwell told the jury that 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.

Clarke Mugshot

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,” she added.

After he was convicted Clarke told the probation service he feared being an “easy target” sent into custody as an ex-prison officer.

He described the prospect of prison as “devastating financially and emotionally to my family.”

Clarke’s lawyer told the court he was “deeply embarrassed and ashamed,” particularly when revealing his conviction to his mother and siblings.

Recorder Emily Formby told the first-time offender on Wednesday: “You were privy to the security details of the store. How stock was marked, protected and accounted for.

“You used your inside information in getting around the various security systems and you knew the CCTV.

“You have told the probation service you were aware of loopholes in the system and exploited them.

“You denied the charges throughout and you blamed an immediate superior, concocting a story that you bought items from him in a pub.

“These are serious offences with a significant amount of money involved and a serious breach of trust.

“A prison sentence will have a devastating effect on your wife and children, but it is your offending behaviour that effects your family.

“You were not thinking of them or the consequences if you were caught and convicted.”

Compensation is sought under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Arsonist Hunted After Bakery Set Ablaze

Police are hunting this motorcycle-helmeted arsonist, who poured flammable liquid all over a bakery floor and set the premises ablaze in the middle of the night.

Police were called at 5.30am on Monday, March 14 to Tavazo bakery, Ballards Lane, Finchley following reports of a fire and criminal damage.

The fire was believed to have started just before 5.00am.

London Fire Brigade attended and used eight engines to extinguish the fire.

Smoke alarms were in place but covered up so did not work.

CCTV footage captured the suspect approaching the rear door of the premises and gaining access through a door. 

The suspect is then captured walking around and dousing the floor with a flammable liquid from a black fuel container.

The suspect is described as wearing a distinctively patterned crash helmet, jacket trousers, gloves and black and white trainers.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the suspect shown on the CCTV issued today.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or quoting reference number 212733 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Double West End Stabbing: CCTV Released Of Suspects

Police are hunting this pair of suspects after two men were stabbed outside an off-licence near Tottenham Court Road.

Police officers were called at 6.40pm on Monday, April 18 to reports of a stabbing in Grafton Way.

The victims - two men aged 21 and 26 years-old – suffered injuries consistent with being stabbed and were taken by ambulance to a central London hospital, where they were treated for their injuries and discharged.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the two men shown in the CCTV stills.

Arif Sheikh, from Camden Gang Unit, said: “This was an unprovoked violent attack on two males in broad daylight, with a number of bystanders present.

"The attack involved the use of knives and the victims are lucky not to have received life changing injuries.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call Camden CID on 07833 986367, 020 8733 6136 or via the police non-emergency line on 101.

To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Pair Jailed For Illegal's Baby Scam Bid To Stay In UK

Baby Fraud: Fausat Abolore

 A Nigerian illegal immigrant and the bogus stand-in father of her new-born baby have both received eighteen months imprisonment for a plot to keep her in the UK.

The audacious plan was exposed when Home Office investigators found photographs posted online of the true father - another Nigerian illegal - at the child’s Christening ceremony.  

The mother was facing deportation and paid the UK national £1,000 to pass himself off as the baby’s father so she and her son could remain.

You were trying to cheat your way into being allowed to stay in this country when you were not allowed to,” Judge Mark Bishop told mum-of-two Fausat Abolore, 29.

“You were doing it for money,” he told 44 year-old Anthony Ezekpo, who accompanied the new mum to register the birth.

“The planning that went into achieving those ends was quite sophisticated and thought through,” he told the pair at Inner London Crown Court.

Jobless UK-born father-of-two Ezekpo, of Litchfield Street, Winlaton, Gateshead allowed his name to be falsely entered on the baby’s birth certificate as the father and a bogus passport application was also made.

Both he and Abolore, of Colombus Square, Erith were both found guilty of conspiring to breach immigration law.

Bogus Dad: Anthony Ezekpo

A third defendant, nurse Samson Awoyinka, 29, of Havil Street, Southwark, who countersigned the passport application, was acquitted of one count of making a false statement.

Abolore and Ezepko were also convicted of one count of giving false information when registering a birth and Abolore alone found guilty of seeking leave to remain in the UK by deception.

She pleaded guilty to a separate count of possessing a false identity document, namely a forged Portuguese passport, which she used to get two health care assistant jobs.

Abolore gave birth at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich on August 6, 2014 and Home Office investigators found a picture on her phone of her partner, Peter Gentry, cradling the new born.

The Nigerian-born couple have no status in the UK and there are no records of them ever entering the country legally.

It is doubtful Peter Gentry is his real name and eight months ago Abolore had a second child with him.

He is the true father, the jury were told, but as he had no right to remain in the country a plan was hatched to find a stand-in citizen.

Abolore continues to protest her innocence, even lying to the probation service after her conviction that Ezekpo is the true father.

“You are a Nigerian national and this means you need leave to remain in the UK if you are to remain in this country,” Judge Bishop told her yesterday (Monday).

“When you had a baby in August 2014 you both agreed to register that baby’s birth with Ezekpo as the father.

“Because you, Ezekpo, are a British citizen that child would then be entitled to a British passport and you Abolore then intended to apply for leave to remain in the UK as the mother of a UK national.

“On the same day as the birth was registered one thousand pounds was paid into Ezekpo’s account so he was plainly doing it for the money.

“Three days later there was an application for the baby’s British passport and this was issued on October 2, 2014.

“The conspiracy advanced it’s objectives and then you Abolore applied for leave to remain in the UK and at that point it was all discovered and you were found out.”

Abolore was refused residency in 2009 and 2011 after sneaking into the country, but was never deported and worked illegally in two care homes under the bogus Portuguese identity.

Her lawyer Mr. Terence Woods told the court: “Her desperation was borne out of a desire for a better life for her child in this country rather than west Africa, where she grew up.”

Ezekpo’s lawyer Mr. Matthew Grove said: “We’re dealing with a smaller case. Whether motivated by financial gain or humanitarian kindness the sentences are lower than large cases.

“His participation is limited and is anxious any sentence is suspended and he can retain his liberty. These proceedings were a shock to the system.”  

Prosecutor Mr. Alan Gardner told the trial online photographs of the baby’s naming ceremony on September 15, 2014 with Mr. Gentry in the role of doting father were found, exposing the fraud.

“A man turned up with her at council offices in Greenwich to register the birth and get a birth certificate.

“The man putting himself forward as the father was not Mr. Gentry, but Mr. Ezekpo and they both said they lived together at 111 Chandlers Drive, Erith, a false address.

“Having obtained the birth certificate Miss Abolore makes an application for a passport and this is signed by Mr. Ezekpo and countersigned by Mr. Awoyinka.

“He said he knew Mr. Ezekpo for five years from his church congregation. This was not true, he barely knew the man.

“British-born Mr. Ezekpo has a separate life from Miss Abolore, he lives near Newcastle.

“When he was questioned he told a pack of lies and refused to give the PIN to unlock his phone,” added Mr. Gardner. “He said someone must have stolen his identity and he had never been to Greenwich.

“He was questioned a second time and changed his story. He said he had an affair with Miss Abolore and she became pregnant and told him the child was his.

“He then admitted he signed the passport application and went to Greenwich.”

Abolore was co-habiting with Mr. Gentry when she was arrested on September 17, last year. “On her phone was a picture of Mr, Gentry holding his newborn son as the hospital.”

The jury was told Abolore was under Home Office investigation and she had no legal basis to be in the UK.

“She said Mr. Gentry was not the father and that he (Ezekpo) was trying to save her face at the naming ceremony.”

Abolore refused consent to a DNA test.

“She had a great deal to hide. She knew if she gave consent to the DNA test it would reveal the truth that Mr. Ezekpo was not the father and her application for a passport and birth certificate were all lies.

Nightclub Glassing: Queue Jumpers Hunted By Police

Police are hunting three nightclub yobs after another reveller - who complained about queue-jumping at the bar - was left needing ten facial stitches when glassed.

Detectives from Merton Borough are investigating the attack and have issued these CCTV images of three men they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

On Saturday, March 19 police were called at around 1.45am to a report of an assault at The Watershed Nightclub, The Broadway, Wimbledon.

Three men walked into the nightclub and later approached a 25-year-old man at the bar, who was ordering some drinks.

Following an exchange of words about queue jumping, one of the suspects hit the victim in the face with a glass, causing cuts to his cheek, ear and forehead.

The two other suspects then punched and kicked him.

London Ambulance Service attended and took the victim to a south London hospital.

He was later discharged with ten stitches.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1 : A tall, black man of medium build with short black hair and a short beard, aged in his twenties.

He was wearing a black t-shirt with two buttons on the front, black trousers and black shoes.

He left wearing a hooded jacket with a fur hood.

He had tattoos over both his wrists.

Suspect 2 is described as a clean shaven white man of medium build in his twenties, wearing light coloured trousers and t-shirt, black belt and black shoes.

Suspect 3 is described as a black man of medium build with short black hair and a short beard, aged in his twenties.

He was seen wearing a zipped jacket over a light coloured t-shirt, jeans and trainers.

He had a tattoo on the left side of his neck.

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

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 211768 (suspect 1), 211769 (suspect 2) or 211770 (suspect 3).

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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."