NOT GUILTY: BBC Operation Yewtree Suspect Cleared By Jury Of Sex Charges

An Arabic interpreter for the BBC’s World Service, accused of subjecting an 18 year-old secretary to a daily ordeal of sexual abuse during the eighties, has been acquitted.

Walid Moussa, 76, was employed within the corporation’s International Broadcasting and Audience Research Department at Queens House, Kingsway, Holborn.

“It didn’t happen once, but daily for almost a year,” prosecutor Mr. Subhankar Banerjee told Harrow Crown Court. “The assaults took place while she was working at the BBC.”

The defence suggested the complaint was motivated by the woman’s desire for financial compensation.

She told the jury during her evidence she did not know Moussa’s behaviour amounted to sexual abuse at the time.

It was the teen’s first job and she told the court: “He seemed a nice friendly man, which made me think he was a nice person.

“After a couple of months he asked me questions about my sex life and showed me pictures of women, some topless or in bikinis and asked me if I would pose in the same manner.

“I was taken aback. I didn’t have a sex life, I didn’t believe in sex before marriage.

“It had been quite a nice job to begin with and I wasn’t enjoying going to work anymore.

“It got worse. He came around his desk and before I knew anything he was in front of me putting his hand down my top.

“I felt incredibly scared, I couldn’t move, I was incredibly shocked. I can only describe it as groping and I felt like it was forever.

“He told me I was a mere secretary and he was an Arabic translator and it would be much easier to replace me than him.

“I knew there were tears rolling down my face and I composed myself before seeing the other staff. Obviously I didn’t want to create a big fuss.

“I believed I’d be labelled a troublemaker and wouldn’t be able to get a job.”

On one occasion the abuse escalated, she claimed. “He put his hand up my skirt and it happened one time because after that I always wore trousers.”

It was only after publicity surrounding the Jimmy Savile scandal that the woman reported father-of-two Moussa to police and she was interviewed by Operation Yewtree officers.

Describing the first incident Mr. Banerjee said: “The defendant suddenly got up and came around the desk and put his hand inside her blouse and bra and fondled her breast.

“She remembers freezing in shock,” he added, explaining: “This groping continued until she left the BBC in July, 1984.

“She did not report what happened because she was frightened of losing her job.”

It was only on her last day of work she reported Moussa to two supervisors, but the defendant’s career went from strength to strength.

“This defendant went onto work for the government and was vetted to the highest possible standard and there was no suggestion of sexual impropriety during that vetting procedure.”

Moussa, of Fursby Avenue, West Finchley was found not guilty of four counts of indecently assaulting the woman between July 17, 1983 and July 7, 1984.

NOT GUILTY: Lodger Innocent Of Blackmail Charge

A lodger, accused of terrorising his landlady with violent threats against her family to blackmail her out of £2,700, has been acquitted after a three day trial.

Luke John Ottaway, 48, of 26 Broomfield Road, Welwyn claimed her was an ex-jailbird vigilante, who was pursued by gangsters for debts and would use violence himself, the court heard.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of making an unwarranted demand for money, with menaces, from the grandmother at her home in Ravenscar Road, Surbiton, south-west London.

She told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Ottaway claimed he had cancer and had split from his demanding wife when she rented him a £75 a week room at her home from June 7 to July 21, last year. 

However, during the trial the jury heard the complainant had considered dropping the charge at one point.

Ottaway maintained his innocence from the start of the investigation.

Street Drinker Caught On Thameside CCTV Killing Female Duck

A street drinker caught on CCTV killing a female duck he tempted with bread on the bank of the Thames has appeared in court.

A council operator filmed a group sitting by Richmond Riverside near Heron Square and captured the moment the wild bird was killed with a twist of her neck.

Robert Lyle Muir, 49, who lives in digs in Sandycombe Road, North Sheen appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court and will fight the charge.

He was investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit and will return to court for trial on January 30.

Muir pleaded not guilty to killing a wild bird, namely a female mallard, contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

He was with a group of drinkers being monitored by council-operated CCTV when the female duck and her male mate flew across the river towards them. 

Muir grabbed the bird and appeared to twist her neck, then grab a second time, apparently to finish her off.

The remains were tossed into a nearby bin and a female member of the drinking group was seen fleeing in disgust.

The seemingly healthy duck was probably collecting food for her young at that time of year.

Muir is denying the charge based on the only possible defence available to him, namely that the bird was injured and suffering and he was carrying-out a mercy killing.

Mother And Daughter Deny Racially-Abusing Doctor Neighbour

Rosa & Rebecca Rahman

A mother and daughter, accused of racially abusing a doctor at a neighbouring medical practice, have appeared in court.

Rosa Rahman, 75, and Rebecca Rahman, 45, both of Balham Park Road, Balham deny the charges, which allegedly occurred between June 25 and August 23.

Both Rosa and Rebecca pleaded not guilty to harassing Dr. Mathiaparanam Sreetharan, of the Sai Medical Centre with verbal abuse and a notice.

Rosa is accused of using the words “die” and “b****** bleeding country dry.”

Both have also pleaded not guilty to using racially-aggravated threatening behaviour towards the doctor on June 30 and a lesser charge of threatening behaviour.

Rosa denies assaulting the doctor on July 5 and Rebecca denies assaulting him on July 26.

They were both bailed to return for trial on January 27.

Anti-Racism Musician Denies "House Negro" Charge

An anti-racism campaigner shouted: “Here comes the house negro” when a black PCSO tried to stop a fellow-musician busking in the street.

Alavi Dowie, 49, of 19 Singleton Court, Chapel Street, Blackpool admits using the words, but insists there was no racist intent, merely a reflection of his own heritage.

He has pleaded not guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court to racially aggravated threatening behaviour in Camden High Street on July 14.

Dowie organised the Music Against Hate Crime programme at the Z-Arts Centre, Hulme last year after he was called a “black b******” when busking in Blackpool.

The court heard the PCSO was on duty near Camden Underground Station last summer, looking for a homeless man she assisted earlier.

The officer approached the white female busker, who was entertaining a crowd of people in a prohibited area.

As she did Dowie shouted: “Here comes the house negro,” continuing to repeat the statement despite being asked to stop.

As the officer spoke to the busker Dowie continued repeating the words and the police were called and he was arrested.

The court heard the PCSO was “distressed” by the defendant’s behaviour, which she took as racial abuse against herself, with onlookers said to be “shocked.”

When quizzed by police Dowie put an alternative spin on the words, claiming he asked: “Why are you behaving like a house negro?”

In court he explained: “Society may wish to obliterate history, but that is my history. Slavery.

“I can ask if of the police because they are in a position of power and are policing me in a certain way.”

The trial was adjourned until next year.

What A Pain: Chiropractor To The Stars Thumped Motorist During Road-Rage Commute

Punch: van Schalkwyk

A chiropractor to the stars, who has treated One Direction’s Liam Payne at his private clinic, punched a driver in the face during a road-rage confrontation after warning: “I will f*** you up.”

Dr. Robert van Schalkwyk, 43, sent the victim’s specs flying across the inside of his vehicle after becoming angry about being cut-up during his early-morning motorbike commute.

He is the owner of FulhamBackCare, based at the Chelsea & Fulham Chiropractic Centre, Parsons Green, where he’s also seen singers Dido, Holly Jonson and Danii Minogue.

At Croydon Magistrates Court on Wednesday he was convicted of assaulting Francesco Rucco in Green Lane, Sutton and was conditionally discharged for eighteen months.

He was riding his powerful 1200cc motorbike from his £800,00 five-bedroom home at 28 Heatherlea Grove, Worcester Park to the clinic at 7.15am on May 27.

“He cut off my line of traffic and I was forced onto the opposite side of the road to avoid getting hit,” van Schalkwyk told the court. “Facing oncoming traffic made me scared basically.

“I hooted to let him know of my presence and he gave me a two fingers up sign and it went through my head he was a dangerous driver.”

At traffic lights the doctor tapped on Mr. Rucco’s window and the driver opened it halfway.

“He said: ‘I will f*** you up’ and he punched me, he punched me with the right hand,” the victim told the magistrates.

Rucco: Specs Sent Flying

“I was wearing glasses and they were knocked off onto the other seat,” added Mr. Rucco, denying he flicked the v-sign or made “donkey” noises towards van Schalkwyk.

He took himself to hospital, suffering pain to his nose and the right side of his face.

An eye-witness confirmed the doctor threw a punch through the open window and made contact with the driver, but van Schalkwyk claimed he was merely shaking his fist.

He rode off after the attack, but the witness had filmed his bike’s number plate and he was traced.

Father-of-two van Schalkwyk claimed: “I wanted to make him aware he almost knocked me down back at that junction.

“He started shouting back that it was my fault and that I was clearly speeding. He was angry.

“I was a bit emotional and did ask him if he was: ‘f***ed up.’ I was expecting an apology.”

He was also ordered to pay £625 costs and a £30 victim surcharge and bench chairman Richard Gould told him: “Regardless of what happened that day it could have been avoided.

“I am sure you will leave today having learned when and when not to engage.”

Lodger Denies Blackmailing His Landlady

A lodger terrorised his landlady with violent threats against her family while blackmailing her out of £2,700, a jury were told yesterday.

Luke John Ottaway, 48, of Broomfield Road, Welwyn claimed he was an ex-jailbird vigilante, who was pursued by gangsters for debts and would use violence himself, the court heard.

He has pleaded not guilty to one count of making an unwarranted demand for money, with menaces, from the grandmother at her home in Ravenscar Road, Surbiton, south-west London.

She told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Ottaway claimed he had cancer and had split from his demanding wife when she rented him a £75 a week room at her home from June 7 to July 21, last year. 

The grandmother, giving evidence from behind a screen, said Ottaway did not pay a penny in rent and even failed to honour a compromise of £10-£20 a week for bills.

“He was so open, so chatty, so friendly that I agreed to rent the room to him,” she explained, but did not charge him anything up front.

“I did not want to push him. This gentleman told me he had cancer so I wasn’t going to be ruthless and demand money.

“He was very flirtatious with me, trying to butter me up and saying how lovely I was and what a nice person I was. I let my guard down.”

She said Ottaway claimed to own two companies, had lost £47,000 since leaving his wife, but had money stashed in a safety deposit.

“He asked me for a loan within a week and a day of moving in,” she explained, but quickly discovered he used the £1,700 to recover his expensive Rolex watch from a Welwyn pawnbroker.

“I was furious and swore at him and he said the Rolex was a sentimental present from when he was working close protection for the Saudi royal family.”

She thought the cash was going to pay off gangsters. “He had hinted there were people after him and he had been part of a vigilante group and someone was after him for money.

“He said he owed a debt to a gang member and they would come after him and hurt him. They would come to my door because they could track him down.”

Ottaway then claimed he was a man of violence, she claimed. “He said he had no inhibitions about nail-gunning people to doors and breaking their legs.

“He said he had served four-and-a-half years for aiding and abetting the kidnapping of a woman and that he was a dangerous sociopath that people should not cross.”

Ottaway’s demands for more money continued, the court heard. “At the time I was petrified, I was scared that if I did not get the money something would happen to me.

“I was a vulnerable woman living on my own and my head was reeling from the demands that were coming for money so myself or him wouldn’t get injured from this gang.”

She said Ottaway once put a hunting-knife to her throat. “He said: ‘I could easily stab you, but I’m only joking.’ My heart was racing.”

The woman borrowed from her brother and gave Ottaway another £1,000, but things became even more sinister when she demanded it back, she explained.

“He said: ‘When people don’t do what I ask them to do I target my family.’

“I said: ‘Stay away from my son and my grandson.’

“After that I made every excuse for my grandson, who is two-and-a-half, not to be in my flat,” she added, in tears.

“I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to my grandson. I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown at this point, I couldn’t deal with it.

“I was in a state of shock and easily manipulated.”

Trial continues………….

Cat-Obsessed Stalker "Meowed" Through Keira Knightley's Letterbox

Keira Was Stalked By Revill

An “infatuated” fan of Hollywood actress Keira Knightley, who "meowed" through the letterbox of her £3.9m Islington home, pleaded guilty to harassing her yesterday.

Wannabe musician Mark Edmund Revill, 49, of Glebe Road, Hackney made the cat-like noises and posted notes until he was finally chased away by the star’s husband.

He pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court to stalking the The Pirates of the Caribbean, Atonement, and Imitation Game star between August 1 and October 22.

He persistently visited the five-bedroom 2,800 square foot house within the Canonbury conservation area, even chalking an arrow on the pavement toward’s Keira’s front door.

The 31 year-old Teddington-born star shares the home with husband, former Klaxons musician James Righton, 33, and 18 month-old daughter Edie.

“It’s a celebrity stalking case. Keira Knightley is a well-known Hollywood actress and this defendant has developed an infatuation and embarked on a course of conduct,” said prosecutor Miss Simma Khan.

“Once the conduct made her become uncomfortable she felt unsafe.” Lawyers warned Revill to stop pestering the star, but were ignored.

“He’s using chalk and drawing on the pavement and there is an arrow pointing to the front door and he is personally delivering letters to the address.

Oddball: Revill

“He lifted up the letterbox and started making ‘meowing’ sounds.”

The final incident ended with husband James confronting Revill, who has a conviction for flashing a female hospital worker he became obsessed with.

“Keira Knightley’s husband gives chase, telling this defendant off about his behaviour.

“It’s made the victim uncomfortable,” added Miss Khan, explaining the actress watched Revill chalking outside her home for an hour.

Regarding the hand-delivered messages she said: “One is a postcard with three cats winking and attached is a USB containing music about cats, which is odd.”

Keira’s mother revealed she had kept two more notes that were hand-delivered a secret to spare her daughter even more anxiety.

“It was the same handwriting, same unusual content that happened before. She did not tell her because she did not want to cause alarm and stress.”

One note read: ‘Have you listened my music?’ “As the complainant’s husband is a musician maybe that was for his benefit.”

Refill, who has previously received mental health treatment, has been in custody since arrested and Miss Khan added: “He said in open court he was in love with the victim.

“He made an admission to the officer that he was infatuated.”

Refill’s lawyer Mr. Bharat Gupta told the court his client did not receive any warnings from Keira’s lawyers. “Mr. Revill doesn’t agree with everything in the Crown’s case.

“It was in August when he first saw her and realises she lives there. He was just passing and found out where she lives.

“He himself is a music composer and on the day of his arrest he was playing guitar at home.

“His main purpose was to promote his music and there’s an attraction there as well as there is for many men.”

Refill was remanded in custody until sentencing on December 1.

At one time the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated actress was reportedly the second highest-paid actress in Hollywood and she has been plagued by at least six stalkers.

Pop Star Finley Quaye Headbutted Pal During 'Game Of Thrones' Row

Shame of Thrones: Quaye Leaving Court

Nineties pop star Finley Quaye headbutted his dying friend, who was more interested in watching Game of Thrones than paying the musician the attention he demanded.

The Edinburgh-born singer, 42, scooped a Brit Award in 1998 for Best British Male Solo Artist, following the release of his million-selling debut album Maverick a Strike.

However he was bankrupted in 2012, owing the taxman £383,000, and Highbury Corner Magistrates Court heard he now earns a living from £500-a time gigs and online music sales.

He denied, but was convicted of assaulting Julian Ashley at the victim’s flat at Pioneer House, 46 Britannia Street, King’s Cross on June 27.

Quaye, of Tennyson Road, Stockport was placed on probation for twelve months, ordered to perform 250 hours community service and pay £620 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Miss Alexa Morgan told the court: “The victim has known the defendant for thirty years and is suffering from terminal cancer.

“He is frail and needs a mobility scooter and assistance at home.

“He was watching television when the defendant came to the door and after letting him in continued watching.

“The defendant took exception to that and said: ‘Aren’t I more important than Game of Thrones?’

“He became abusive and lost his temper and Mr. Ashley decided to escort him from the flat.

“Without warning he headbutted Mr. Ashley, causing a split to his nose and extensive bruising.”

In his statement the victim said: “I returned inside and sat with a wet cloth on my nose, which was bleeding and called the police, but declined an ambulance.

“I’m shocked someone would do this to a person as ill as I am.”

Quaye has 22 previous convictions and Miss Morgan added: “The defendant has a history of violent offending.”

His lawyer Miss Samira Noor-Khan said: “He was a very successful musician, but for various reasons, mainly bad investments and debts, he was made bankrupt.

“He is allowed to keep profits from live performances and online sales, but the biggest sum, his £35,000 a year royalties, goes towards his bankruptcy.”

She estimated his current income at £10-11,000 a year. 

“He had been due to fly out for a show in Europe the next day, but it was cancelled and he arrived at the complainant’s home stressed and anxious.

“He expresses a great deal of remorse for that headbutt. It was a single headbutt and not a sustained or repeated assault. It was an impulsive action.

“He’s living with his cousin in Manchester now because of the lower rehearsal costs and his accountants are up there. That’s going to be his new base.”

Ex-Scout Master Guilty Of Molesting Four Boys In 1970's

An ex-scout master has been convicted of molesting four young boys during camping trips, swimming lessons and visits to his garden workshop four decades ago.

Terry Figg, 67, of Cook Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire preyed on the boys, including two brothers, all aged between ten and fourteen years-old throughout the 1970’s, the court heard.

They were all members of Crofton Oak scout group, based in Orpington, south-east London and it was a BBC documentary concerning abuse within the youth organisation that prompted the complaints against Figg.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court

of eleven counts of indecent assault and will be sentenced on December 9.

Figg fought the allegations and forced the victims to give evidence against him during the two week trial. 

Now middle-aged men they recounted abuse at the hands of Figg between April 29, 1970 and December 2, 1980.

Prosecutor Mr. William Eagleton said: “They all took place in either the workshop behind Mr. Figg’s house, where he’d rigged-up a bed and a television, or on camping trips or when swimming in Swanley.”

The first complainant enjoyed working on cars and motorbikes and says he was first groped between the legs in Figg’s workshop.

“Mr. Figg came up behind him and fondled him over his clothing and showed him pornographic pictures.”

The boy was similarly fondled between the legs on  camping trip. “He remembers Mr. Figg reaching down into his sleeping bag and feeling him.”

The jury were told the abuse escalated back at the workshop with Figg encouraging the boy to lie on top of him on the bed as he performed a sex act on the youngster.

“In the swimming pool he remembers Mr. Figg taking hold of him and fondling him over his swimming trunks.”

The complainant reported Figg to The Scout Association in 2009, but it was only after two others reported the defendant following the 2014 documentary that he was contacted by police.

The second complainant said Figg first molested him during swimming lessons and the defendant was convicted of cupping his genitals.

“He remembers being shown pornographic pictures and remembers Mr. Figg exposing himself to him.”

The prosecutor said Figg also repeatedly performed a sex act on the boy in the workshop. “That went on for a year or more.”

The third complainant was an off-road vehicle enthusiast. “They would go to trialling events all over the country,” explained Mr. Eagleton.

“Once when camping he woke during the night and Mr. Figg had reached down his sleeping bag and was touching him.”

The jury were told the boy was similarly abused like the others in the workshop as was the fourth complainant.

Figg is also groped him between the legs during a swimming trip.

Arabic Interpreter For BBC World Service Denies Groping Secretary In 1980's

Camera Shy: Walid Moussa

An Arabic interpreter for the BBC’s World Service subjected an 18 year-old secretary to a daily ordeal of sexual abuse during the eighties, a jury were told last week.

Walid Moussa, 76, was employed within the corporation’s International Broadcasting and Audience Research Department at Queens House, Kingsway, Holborn.

“It didn’t happen once, but daily for almost a year,” prosecutor Mr. Subhankar Banerjee told Harrow Crown Court. “The assaults took place while she was working at the BBC.”

It was the teen’s first job and she told the jury: “He seemed a nice friendly man, which made me think he was a nice person.

“After a couple of months he asked me questions about my sex life and showed me pictures of women, some topless or in bikinis and asked me if I would pose in the same manner.

“I was taken aback. I didn’t have a sex life, I didn’t believe in sex before marriage.

“It had been quite a nice job to begin with and I wasn’t enjoying going to work anymore.

“It got worse. He came around his desk and before I knew anything he was in front of me putting his hand down my top.

“I felt incredibly scared, I couldn’t move, I was incredibly shocked. I can only describe it as groping and I felt like it was forever.

“He told me I was a mere secretary and he was an Arabic translator and it would be much easier to replace me than him.

“I knew there were tears rolling down my face and I composed myself before seeing the other staff. Obviously I didn’t want to create a big fuss.

“I believed I’d be labelled a troublemaker and wouldn’t be able to get a job.”

On one occasion the abuse escalated, she claimed. “He put his hand up my skirt and it happened one time because after that I always wore trousers.”

It was only after publicity surrounding the Jimmy Savile scandal that the woman reported father-of-two Moussa to police and she was interviewed by Operation Yewtree officers.

Describing the first incident Mr. Banerjee said: “The defendant suddenly got up and came around the desk and put his hand inside her blouse and bra and fondled her breast.

“She remembers freezing in shock,” he added, explaining: “This groping continued until she left the BBC in July, 1984.

“She did not report what happened because she was frightened of losing her job.”

It was only on her last day of work she reported Moussa to two supervisors, but the defendant’s career went from strength to strength.

“This defendant went onto work for the government and was vetted to the highest possible standard and there was no suggestion of sexual impropriety during that vetting procedure.”

Moussa, of Fursby Avenue, West Finchley has pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecently assaulting the woman between July 17, 1983 and July 7, 1984.

He suggests the woman is motivated by the possibility of financial compensation.

NOT GUILTY: Guernsey Businessman Innocent Of Bum Grope Claim

The businessman founder of Guernsey FC has been acquitted of groping a waitress’ bottom while enjoying the hospitality of Wembley Stadium’s Bobby Moore Room during an England international. 

Stephen Dewsnip, 49, of L’hirondelle, Ruette Des Marottes, Castel, Guernsey was found not guilty of one count of sexual assault on September 8, last year.

“I never held my hand over a girl’s bottom and did not touch anyone inappropriately or accidentally. What’s being suggested is totally beyond belief,” he told the Harrow Crown Court jury.

They unanimously cleared him today after approximately thirty minutes and Dewsnip closed his eyes and looked upwards in relief.

The young student claimed Dewsnip pulled her towards him and fondled her bottom after the England v Switzerland Euro qualifier.

The father-of-two was arrested at the stadium before the England v France friendly on November 17 shortly after arriving with his girlfriend.

“I was taken into a side room and met three police officers and we were totally shocked. We couldn’t believe what was happening.”

He spent nearly three hours in a cell before answering all questions to police, denying the complaint.

“I thought it would go away and I am astounded that it’s on trial here.”

He said the allegation emerged after he made numerous complaints about the standard of hospitality to one of the suite’s supervisor’s, Thomas Duffy, who supported the waitresses account.

Dewsnip’s lawyer Mr. John Cooper QC told the jury: “He’s got it in for Mr. Dewsnip. He doesn’t like him, he’s got it in for him.

“They’ve put their heads together on this. 

“They’ve decided, because of long-running problems between the defendant and Mr. Duffy, to take this chance to get rid of him, to give him a bloody nose.”

Such behaviour by Dewsnip, a man of good character, would be to: “Commit personal, professional and repetitional suicide,” added the QC.

The defendant’s business guest that night was Geneva-based trust fund expert Christopher Coleridge-Cole, who described Dewsnip as: “An extremely nice, pleasant man. Professional and efficient.

“I’ve never heard him swear, I’ve never seen him drunk.”

He estimated the pair consumed two bottles of wine between them during the course of the evening and recalled an issue between his friend and manager Thomas Duffy.

“There was clearly some kind of altercation between Steve and this chap. He made a comment that he was fed up with the bloke. It must have been the service, I don’t know.”

When asked if he saw the defendant touching anyone that night he replied: “None at all, no one.

“I was utterly dumbfounded when Steve told me about this, so surprised. It is not his nature to be coarse, rude, vulgar.

“This suggestion of what he’s supposed to have done with the waitress is beyond my imagination.

“He doesn’t get drunk, he coaches young footballers. The whole thing is so, so entirely out of character in so many ways.

“When I left him he was as sober as a judge.” 

Employee Jailed For Stealing From Jewish Care Home

Sunridge Court

A woman employed at a care home, which specialises in accommodating Jewish residents, is starting a sixteen month prison sentence for stealing from her bosses.

Pamela Darroux, 58, of Shernhall Street, Walthamstow fought the charges for over two years.

She originally appeared in court charged with eight counts of stealing money from the 43-bed Sunridge Court, located in The Ridgeway, Golders Green, north London.

Darroux was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court.

The charges covered the period from January 1, 2011 and February 28, 2014.

The care home, established in 1967, has close ties with local synagogues and Jewish organisations. 

Guernsey FC Businessman Denies Groping Waitress's Bum At Wembley Stadium Suite

A businessman fondled a young waitresses bottom during “alcohol-fuelled” hospitality at Wembley Stadium’s Bobby Moore Room following an England international, a court heard yesterday.

Founder and ex-Chairman of Guernsey FC Stephen Dewsnip, 49, - an £8,000 a year member of the exclusive suite - pulled the woman towards him and groped her as she collected glasses, the jury were told.

The full-time student from Greenwich told Harrow Crown Court: “He reached an arm out behind me and pulled me towards him and he did fondle my bum.

“He pulled me right up next to him and continued the conversation and did not acknowledge what was happening.

“I felt unable to protest. I was working and we have to be polite and I tried not to make contact with him. It’s very hard to know how to react.

“I felt like I was there quite a long time, but in reality, minutes I’d say. I was shaken and some co-workers tried to reassure me.”

When Dewsnip’s defence team suggested she could have resisted the young woman replied: “I wouldn’t dare.”

The court heard it was the night of the England v Switzerland Euro qualifier and Dewsnip, who works in financial services, had a designated member’s.

Prosecutor Miss Chetna Patel said: “It’s an exclusive restaurant and Mr. Dewsnip had his own table.

“The complainant was working as a waitress and towards the end of the evening, after the match, she was busy collecting glasses from tables.

“This defendant was sitting on his own, in conversation with the floor manager Thomas Duffy.

“He also engaged her in conversation and without invitation, suddenly and deliberately he reached around her body and pulled her closer to him and then began to fondle her bottom.

“That fondling of her bottom was witnessed by Mr. Duffy and the complainant made her excuses and left.

“The prosecution say the defendant’s actions were fuelled by alcohol, were deliberate and not accidental.”

Dewsnip was arrested when he returned to the suite for the England v France friendly international on November 17 and was questioned.

“He denied the allegation and and said he had not done it and had no recollection of touching someone’s bottom accidentally.”

The woman and Mr. Duffy  picked-out Dewsnip at an identity parade at Wembley Police Station last January.

The young woman also told the jury: “The man greeted me in conversation and said he noticed me smiling earlier in the evening.”

The defence have questioned why Mr. Duffy did not intervene. “He was in a similar position to me,” she said. “Not knowing how to react.”

She said Dewsnip groped her with one hand as he hugged her with the other.

Dewsnip, of L’hirondelle, Ruette Des Marottes, Castel, Guernsey has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault on September 8, last year.

Trial continues………..