Retired Nurse Targeted By Heartless Thieves

Suspect In Victim's Bank

Police are hunting two despicable thieves, who slashed a retired nurse's shopping trolley to steal £5,000, after distracting her by feigning illness.

The 78 year-old victim went to the thief's aid when she collapsed by her side and this distraction technique allowed the accomplice to snatch the savings.

On Thursday, July 21, at around 1.00pm the victim went into Lloyds TSB bank in Brixton and withdrew the cash to give to her family following the death of a relative.

She left the bank and walked down Coldharbour Lane towards Atlantic road and Brixton's indoor market in Market Row.

She was being followed by the two women thieves, who were believed to have been in the bank at the same time.

The victim stopped at butchers Dombey Meats in Brixton market, where one of the women had then pretended to fall ill.

As the victim went to the aid of the woman her accomplice took the opportunity to cut the victim's shopping trolley with a knife and take the cash from inside.

The victim was unaware and continued shopping, only later discovering a vertical incision through the fabric of the bag, where her cash was stored.

WPC Susan Nash said: "This is a horrible crime that has left the victim stripped of her independence.

"She's now afraid to leave the house, scared she could be followed again.

“This is a victim who gave her life to caring for others as a nurse, who wanted to use some of her life savings to help her family.

“We urge anyone who has any information to get in touch."

Officers are keen to speak to the suspect, who is described as an Asian woman in her twenties with dark clothing and a dark head scarf.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or witness the woman shown on the CCTV image or who was shopping at Dombey Meats that day.

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

Bus Stop Flasher: Do You Know This Creep?

Police are hunting this suspected flasher, who exposed himself to a woman at a north London bus stop.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command head the enquiry.

They have released this image of a man they would like to speak to who maybe able to assist with their enquiries.

On Monday, March 7, last year in Finchley Road, Golders Green the suspect indecently exposed himself to a female at the bus stop.

On Thursday, March 24, in Finchley Road, East Finchley, the suspect was seen by police officers acting suspiciously at a bus stop.

He then ran off from the officers.

Five days later, on Tuesday, March 29, whilst at East Finchley ‘Stop E’ on the High Road, the man ran from police officers after he was seen dropping bed pillows by a stream.

On this occasion, he was not seen to have committed any offences.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Roads and Transport Policing Command on 07500 60 7652 or via 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55 111.

Sloane Shoplifter Sentenced For Thieving From High-End Stores

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

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 before stealing it.

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.

She was fined £250 on each count of theft and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge when she appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court.

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

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."

Drug-Driver On Crystal Meth And GHB Condemned By Judge

A ‘dangerous’ drug-user was high on a cocktail of crystal meth and GHB when police caught him driving erratically at speed.

Bruce David Robbins, 48, of Foster Close, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross jumped a red light, strayed towards oncoming traffic and bumped into the kerb as officers followed.

“It shows a Cavalier attitude towards the harm that could be caused. The community is put in danger by his actions,” announced District Judge Tim Stone  at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court.

“Why do people think they have the ability to drive in the afternoon after taking drugs in the morning, with scant regard for other people?

“This rings alarm bells with me.”

Robbins pleaded guilty to driving his red Nissan in Clapham Park Road, Clapham while unfit through drugs on August 16, last year.

He also admitted possessing small quantities of the two drugs, which were found when police searched the vehicle.

Prosecutor Mr. Terry Curtis told the court: “Police officers saw the vehicle driving erratically and it ran a red light.

“The car was speeding and it twice almost went into the opposite lane.”

Police flashed their lights to stop the car. “When they did the driver clipped the kerb.”

At a second attempt Robbins was pulled over. “His eyes were glazed and bulging and he was slurring his words.”

The defendant told police he felt he was okay to drive and took crystal meth occasionally.

He said he paid under £30 for it and £20 for party drug GHB.

Robbins’ lawyer Mr. Sidney Nelson said: “He was driving via a satnav, which was sitting in his lap and was looking at it while he was driving.

“That was the reason for the erratic driving and he clipped the kerb because he thought he had to get out of the way of an ambulance when he saw the lights.

“He took drugs that morning and thought he was alright to drive. He takes crystal meth socially every weekend.”

First-time offender Robbins was bailed until January 25 for probation reports and has an interim driving disqualification until that date.

Graduate Caught By Police Practicing Martial Arts Weapon Moves In The Early Hours

A young graduate, caught by police swinging around a martial arts weapon in the early hours, told officers he had just left a class and was innocently practising.

Tom Cunningham, 23, of Old Rectory Gardens, Stanton, Bury St. Edmunds, was arrested and police also found two small bags of cannabis on him, plus another Nunchucks weapon.

“For somebody so bright and intelligent, who has never been in trouble before, this set of circumstances pushes the boundary of belief as to how naive you can be,” said District Judge Tim Stone.

Trainee chef Cunningham, who has nine A-star GCSE’s, three A-grade ‘A’ levels and a Geography degree from Newcastle University received a 12-month community order and must complete 200 hours community service work.

He pleaded guilty at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court to possessing an offensive weapon and a quantity of cannabis on December 17 in Harper Road, Elephant & Castle, Southwark.

Prosecutor Mr. Terry Curtis told the court police were patrolling at 1.25am near the hostel Cunningham was staying at while visiting London.

“They noticed the defendant waving around a wooden pair of Nunchucks and he said he’d just come from a martial arts class and was practising some moves.”

Cunningham denies telling police he had just come from a class, insisting the weapons were a gift from a friend, who was also staying at the hospital.

While his friend was skateboarding nearby he simply began playing around with the Nunchucks and intended no harm to anybody.

He told the probation service he made a “stupid mistake” playing with the weapon in pubic.

Cunningham insists he has no alcohol or drug problems, with his cannabis use restricted to two or three occasions a month.

He is currently living with his parents, who do not know of his arrest.

“All he was doing was playing with the Nunchucks, he had no intention to threaten or harm anyone,” said Mr. Sidney Nelson, defending.

District Judge Stone added: “These are weapons, there’s no two ways about it. It’s unsurprising he was pulled up about it.”

He told first-time offender Cunningham: “The police saw you standing outside playing with these Nunchucks and they are an offensive weapon.

“If it happens again you will be imprisoned for a minimum of six months.

“This was an example of crass naivety. i don’t think there was malevolence attached to it, but it is a serious offence.

“If you come back to court for anything like this it will be custody, that’s a matter of fact.”

Cunningham was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Dundee Cannabis Dealer Nicked In London

A young Dundee man, caught street-dealing nine ounces of cannabis in London last summer, has appeared in court.

Connor Joseph Claydon, 20, of Perth Road, Saint Cyrus was sent to the Crown Court for sentencing due to the seriousness of the charge.

He pleaded guilty at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court to possessing the drugs, with intent to supply, on August 3 in Lambeth.

“You have pleaded guilty to an offence that is beyond this court’s powers of sentencing,” District Judge Ann Sawetz told the first-time offender.

The court is limited to a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment.

Claydon, who had three companions at court, was bailed to appear for sentencing at Inner London Crown court on a date to be set.

PA Blew Care Co's Cash On Holidays And Internet Shopping

Care UK's HQ

A PA to the executives who run Care UK – a company providing services to the elderly and NHS patients – splurged thousands on holidays and internet purchases with their money.

Vaishali Vyas, 44, of Smallwood Road, Tooting used the company credit cards to treat herself for over a year.

She was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to six months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, and ordered to repay £16,912 to the company.

Vyas, who attended Merton College where she studied business, worked at Care UK's HQ in Great Guildford Street, near Southwark Bridge.

She pleaded guilty when she appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court and was committed to the crown court for sentencing due to the seriousness of the offence.

Vyas was charged with one count of fraud by abuse of position between May 1, 2014 and September 1, 2015, namely making flight and hotel bookings, plus high street and Amazon purchases with company funds.

She was also charged with stealing £1,298 in coffee club cash at the company HQ.

On The Run: Woman Accused Of Pawning Celebrated Musician's Stolen £200K Violin

Krysia Osostowicz 

A judge has expressed her surprise that a woman accused of trying to sell a famous musician’s £200,000 violin at a Cash Converters was simply sent a letter telling her to appear in court.

Dawn Henry, 37, of Marlborough Road, Islington was due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court today, but failed to show up.

She is charged with handling stolen goods, namely an eighteenth century violin owned by Krysia Osostowicz, 56, in Streatham High Road, Streatham on July 28, last year.

“A two hundred thousand pound violin and it’s a postal requisition?” enquired District Judge Ann Sawetz before issuing a warrant for Henry’s arrest.

The instrument was snatched when the mother-of-two unlocked her bike outside Brixton Underground Station as she travelled to her Herne Hill home after a Radio 3 performance.

It is believed the violin was nearly pawned for £50, but Krysia, who was taught by legendary Yehudi Menuhin, had tipped-off the store her instrument may turn up.

Thirty-six hours after it was stolen it reappeared at the Cash Converters store, allegedly in the possession of Henry. 

Krysia is a professor at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama and her violin, manufactured in Venice in 1720, can be heard on over thirty of her albums and she’s toured the world with it for over twenty years.

After the theft Krysia said: “It means a huge amount, it is like losing a child. Any musical instrument is a very personal thing, it is like a voice and you get to know all its little quirks.

“It’s like a voice, I lost mu voice. It has my sound, it is not like a Stradivarius, but I do a lot of musical performances in string quartets and a lot of solo work with it.

“I was having to face a future where I didn’t have my violin and I was devastated.”

Pensioner Jailed For Historic Sex Offences

Woolwich Crown Court

A Huntingdon pensioner is starting a thirty-nine month prison sentence for sexually abusing a young girl four decades ago.

Alan Charles Jeffery, 75, of Hill Close, Sawtry committed the offences in south-east London in the 1970's.

He was convicted a Woolwich Crown Court of three counts of indecency with a child and one count of indecent assault.

The court also ordered him to sign the sex offenders register for an indefinite period.

The timespan of the original charges was between January 9, 1970 and January 8, 1979.

While awaiting trial he was prohibited from having unsupervised contact with a child under sixteen years-old as a condition of bail.

Eight And A Half Years For Party Teen Rapist

Guilty: Ryan Pheasant

A rapist, who asked a tipsy teenager he attacked at a party: "Do you hate me?" halfway through her ordeal is starting an eight-and-half year prison sentence.

Ryan Pheasant, 32, 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 was found guilty of one count of raping the teen at an address in Roundways, Ruislip in the early hours of September 1, 2013.

The jury acquitted him of two more rape counts.

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-fuelled party continues."

Eventually the "tired and woozy" teenager went upstairs and "crashed-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.

Pheasant: Eight & A Half Years

"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.

Heartless Charity Box Thief: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting a heartless thief, who nicked a pub's charity box, which was collecting funds to fight brain disease meningitis.

On July 14 at around 22.50pm the suspect was drinking in the Millers Arms public house in Bexley Village, in the company of a pregnant woman.

When the landlord momentarily left the serving area the suspect was seen to walk behind the bar and pick up the charity box.

He hid it under his clothing and left the pub.

The charity box was raising money for the charity 'Meningitis Now'.

Anyone with any information should contact Bexley CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dawn Sex Attack: CCTV Released

Police are hunting this man after a young woman was sexually assaulted after being pounced on from behind during an early-morning walk to her gym.

Detectives from Newham Borough are investigating the sex attack in Stratford, east London and have issued this CCTV image.

On Friday, February 26 police were called at around 7.45am to a report of sexual assault on Penny Brookes Street.

The assault was reported to have occurred at some point between 6.10am and 6.30am that morning.

As the 25-year-old woman walked to a nearby gym on Penny Brookes Street, a man approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as a man of medium build, wearing a dark jacket with a light fur trimmed hood.

He was wearing a rucksack and dark tracksuit bottoms with writing down the leg tops.

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

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 020 8217 5414 or via 101 quoting reference number 210408, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Drunk Woman Hurled Race Insults And Stock When Refused Alcohol

A drunken woman abused shop staff with racist insults when they refused to serve her booze in east London.

Detectives in Tower Hamlets have released this image as they attempt to identify the woman.

On Sunday, June 26 police were called at around 12.15pm to a report of a racially aggravated assault outside Fresh Go, Roman Road, Bethnal Green.

CCTV footage outside the store caught the moment the suspect, a black woman in her mid-twenties, shouted racial abuse at Asian shop staff when they refused to sell her alcohol whilst she was obviously drunk.

After shouting and swearing racial abuse, the large woman blocked the door preventing customers entering and leaving the store and demanded to be served spirits.

When further refused, she continued to racially abuse the staff and threw stock at them as they were taking a delivery.

The suspect then left the store and walked off into Palmers Road.

The suspect is described as a large built black woman approximately 5ft 5ins tall wearing a grey t-shirt, black trousers, white trainers and a chequered shawl.

She had black shoulder length hair and wore black rimmed glasses.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise or witness the woman shown on CCTV.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 218809 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sneak-Thief Caught On Shop CCTV

Police are hunting this cheeky sneak-thief, who calmly walked behind a shop counter and helped himself to a £180 laser hand tool.

On Friday, June 10 police were called at around 8.35pm to a report of a burglary at Screwfix, Tooting High Street, Tooting.

The burglary took place on the same day at some point between 7.35pm and 7.45pm.

CCTV from within the shop caught the moment the suspect walked into the shop and went behind the counter, where he grabbed the tool and then left the store.

The suspect is described as a white male, in his late forties of medium build, 5ft 10ins tall with receding short dark hair and a short dark goatee beard.

He was wearing black trainers, black trousers and a grey and white hooded Adidas top.

He was carrying a black bag over his right shoulder.

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

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or 0203 276 2605.

Alternatively to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus Stop Flasher Targeted 15 Year-Old Girl

Police hunting a bus stop flasher, who exposed himself to a 15 year-old schoolgirl, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Detectives from the Roads and Traffic Policing Command are investigating the disturbing incident, which occurred in Edgware, north London.

On Friday, May 20 police were called at around 4.46pm to a report of a sexual assault outside Izgara restaurant, Station Road.

The assault was reported to have occurred at some point between 4.05pm and 4.17pm.

Whilst waiting at the bus stop on High Street, Edgware outside Izgara restaurant, the suspect approached the girl, who was waiting for a bus and sat down next to her.

He then exposed himself.

The scared youngster quickly left the bus stop and was followed soon after by the suspect.

She walked into a nearby supermarket and called her father who alerted police.

CCTV caught the suspect outside the supermarket.

The suspect is described as a slim white man in his mid-twenties with a light coloured ginger beard wearing blue denim shorts, a red jacket and a burgundy coloured bag over his shoulder.

He was wearing dark socks and blue trainers with white soles.

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

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

Midnight Waterloo Bridge Attempted Rape: CCTV Released

Police hunting a violent wannabe rapist, who attacked a 32 year-old tourist on Waterloo Bridge, have released this CCTV image of the suspect.

The woman was repeatedly punched to the face and body, suffering extensive bruising as she fought the assailant off.

She was attacked as she walked up the stairs at Waterloo Bridge on the north embankment next to Somerset House just before midnight on Friday, June 3.

The suspect attacked her from behind and attempted to rape her.

When she fought back, the suspect eventually fled towards Hungerford Bridge.

Detective Inspector Neil Rawlinson, of the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “I urge the public to study the CCTV image carefully and call police immediately with any information that could assist in tracing this man.

“During this violent and determined attack the terrified victim suffered severe bruising to her face and body.

“It is vital that we identify this man without delay.”

The suspect is described as an olive skinned man, around 6ft tall and of slim build.

He had slight facial hair and was wearing a hooded top with white lining and light coloured jeans.

Anyone who can assist in identifying this man should call detectives at the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 020 8733 5999 or via 101.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Happy Christmas From Square Mile News.

To all our readers, regular and new, we would like to wish you a very happy Christmas.

We hope the New Year brings you health, happiness and good fortune.

We have enjoyed bringing you stories over the last twelve months, but today is a day for enjoying time with loved ones and respecting the traditions of this time of year.

Therefore, we feel this Christmas message is far more appropriate than the usual stories you find on here. 

Attempted Rape Of 13 Year-Old Girl: CCTV Released

Detectives investigating the attempted rape of a 13-year old schoolgirl have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

The image is captured at Drayton Park Railway Station in Drayton Park, north London before the young victim was attacked.

An E-fit of the suspect has previously been released, in the hope that someone will recognise the suspect and put his name forward to police.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command launched an investigation on Wednesday, June 8 after a man approached the girl at about 8.20am and placed his hand over her mouth.

The suspect forced her into Coach House Lane, Highbury, where he assaulted her before a member of the public interrupted and confronted him, causing him to leave the scene.

The suspect then approached a teenage boy, who was riding a bike and took the cycle from him.

He rode it a short distance along Highbury Hill before abandoning the bike and making off on foot.

Police attended the scene and conducted a search, however neither the suspect nor the teenage boy witness could be found.

Despite numerous enquires neither the suspect nor the teenager have been identified.

Detective Constable Ben Lucas, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "I would again like to thank all the witnesses who have come forward so far and helped progress the investigation.

"We remain dedicated to identifying and arresting the suspect in the crime that has left a 13-year old girl and her family traumatised.

"I am very keen to identify the man in the CCTV still and urge the public to look carefully at the image and the previously released E-fit, and call the police as soon as possible if they recognise him."

The suspect is described as a white man, about 6ft tall and of muscular build. He had black and grey hair.

Police are asking anyone with information about either the suspect or the teenager on the bike to call 101 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cyclist's Drugs Arrest After Red Light Jump

A young cyclist, who was pulled over by police for jumping a red light and had cannabis and ecstasy found on him, is due to stand trial today.

Lukas Audickas, 22, of Dixon Court, Canonbury Road, Islington was stopped on his bike in nearby Islington Green.

He is appearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, where he will contest knowingly having the ecstasy.

Audickas has already pleaded guilty to possessing a small quantity of cannabis on October 5, but continues to deny one charge of possessing MDMA – better known as 'e'.

He claims he does not know how the ecstasy ended up in his pocket.

After the trial he will be sentenced on the cannabis charge.