Reckless Cocaine Driver Wheelchair-Bound After Head-On Crash

A motorist high on cocaine, who is now wheelchair-bound after crashing head-on into a 7.5 ton lorry while four times the drug limit, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Duane Brown, 38, arrived at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court in a wheelchair as he continues to recover from a double hip break and multiple compound fractures to his left leg.

“You took an unacceptable risk that morning, you took the most stupid decision of your life the morning after going out and taking a highly-addictive drug in cocaine,” Judge Judith Coello told him.

“You placed members of the public at a high risk and must thank your lucky stars you’re still here and that nobody lost their life that morning.” 

Father-of-two Brown, of Haycroft Road, Surbiton  pleaded guilty to driving his BMW dangerously and with excess cocaine in his blood on September 17, last year in Leatherhead Road, Chessington.

He received ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years and was disqualified from driving for three years.

As an extra punishment the court ordered him to obey an untagged night time curfew between 10pm and 6am for the next three months.

Builder Brown has previous convictions for driving while disqualified and without insurance and supplying amphetamine.

The first police officer on the scene said the inside of his BMW smelled strongly of alcohol and traces of morphine and ketamine were in his blood, but may these may have been medicinal.

The busy road was closed for over eight hours and Brown, who has had fourteen operations, skin grafts, plus treatment for nerve damage in his arm was cut from his wrecked car and airlifted to St. George’s Hospital.

Prosecutor Miss Moya Reed told the court it was 8.30am when a witness driving behind Brown’s black BMW saw him “driving erratically” and on the wrong side of the road.

Brown lied to police the car in front of him stopped suddenly, forcing the reckless overtaking manoeuvre, which resulted in the huge crash with the Champion Timber lorry.

Police also recovered a small snap-bag of cocaine from the car.

“He’s expressed a great deal of remorse and is grateful that no-one else was injured,” said Mr. Shane Hauschild, defending. “Seeing the photographs I’m surprised he is alive.

“He puts his hands up and admits it was a risk he should not have taken and it is unclear if he will ever fully recover.

“He was socialising with friends and using cocaine the night before. a decision he’s going to regret and that will impact him for the rest of his life.”

Brown faces at least another three month in the wheelchair before he can begin attempting to walk.

“You drove erratically along that road. I do not accept a car stopped in front of you,” Judge Coello told him. “You veered onto the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with the timber lorry.

“You caused great shock and stress, not only to the lorry driver, but other witnesses. You know you have only got yourself to blame for your injuries.

“It is going to take you a very long time to get over this, if you ever will. If you were to go to prison you would find the conditions there very difficult in your current circumstances.”

Brown was also ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge and retake his test before he is allowed to drive again.

Supermarket Perv Filmed Up Female Shoppers' Skirts

A supermarket pervert, who filmed up female shoppers’ skirts with a key fob-disguised camera, was told yesterday he will be assessed for dangerousness.

Andrew Bean, 52, was caught following a woman in Sainsbury’s, Surbiton and upskirt shots of a second victim were found.

The jobless former delivery driver, of Gateways, Surbiton Hill Road, Surbiton was bailed to return to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for sentencing on June 26.

The court heard Bean, who claims Jobseekers Allowance, has been recommended for a post-sentencing dangerousness assesment by the probation service.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of outraging public decency by taking images up the skirts of unsuspecting women on August 31 and 27, last year.

Bean, who was ironically camera-shy when photographed himself outside the court, targeted women wearing short skirts and hot pants.

An off-duty police officer observed Bean as his eyes were fixed on the woman’s bottom as he repeatedly clicked his tiny camera, hidden inside a car key fob.

The officer followed Bean and saw him following another woman.

The store’s security staff were alerted and the defendant was watched on CCTV and then arrested.

Heartless Burglar Nicked Charity Box During Break-In

A heartless burglar, who smashed his way into business premises and swiped a charity box, is being hunted by police.

Detectives from Sutton Borough have issued this CCTV image of a man they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.

On Tuesday, August 23, last year police were called at 11.05pm to a report of a burglary at a company in Croydon Road, Wallington.

The burglary was reported to have occurred at some point between 10.50pm and 11.05pm that night.

The front door was damaged where the intruder smashed his way in.

CCTV within the store caught the moment the suspect broke the bottom of the glass door of the shop and entered.

A charity box was stolen, but it is unknown how much money was in it.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his twenties. He was wearing light coloured clothing and trainers.

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

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

Camouflage Man Exposed As Bus Sex Pest

Police are hunting this suspected bus sex-pest after a woman was molested as she travelled through west London.

The victim was a passenger on a route 72 bus travelling from Hammersmith to Shepherd's Bush at 4.45pm on July 31, last year.

She has told police the suspect sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as black, aged around 35 years-old and approximately 5ft 9 inches tall.

He was wearing a baseball cap and a camouflage-style jacket and trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable Natalie Baynes from the Roads and Transport Policing Command on 07770 315690 or via 101.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Former Kids Illustrator Denies New Child Sex Charges

A disgraced children’s books illustrator, jailed for molesting two young girls four decades ago, denied fresh charges when he appeared in court yesterday.

Artist Henry Christopher Mendes, 66, of Park an Pyth, Pendeen, Penzance will return to Blackfriars Crown Court for a four to five-day trial on December 4.

He pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecently assaulting a girl aged between two and five years-old on dates between May 8, 1989 and May 7, 1993.

Mendes will say he did not commit the acts he is accused of.

Two years ago he received three years and nine months imprisonment after finally admitting molesting the two girls after they had given evidence.

The offences occurred in the 1970’s when the girls were approximately eight years-old and Mendes was living in Kentish Town, north London. 

Woman Nicked For Sending Indecent Pics Of Kids

A woman, who distributed an indecent photographs of a child, has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for five years.

Naomi Catt, 42, of Clifton Gardens, Uxbridge, must also undergo court-ordered rehabilitation under the supervision of the Probation Service.

She pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court to sending the multiple images, contrary to the Protection of Children Act, on November 7, last year and was sentenced this week.

Catt was made subject to a community order, which includes a rehabilitation activity requirement up to a maximum of forty days.

She was also fined £100, with £85 costs and ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge.

Bus Pervert Hunted: CCTV Released

Police are hunting a bus pervert, who exposed and played with himself while sitting next to a female passenger on a busy service travelling through central London.

The suspect was travelling on a 68 bus and performed the sex act as it travelled through Russell Square, Bloomsbury at 9.45pm on August 15, last year.

He shielded himself from other passengers as he exposed himself to the 37 year-old woman.

The suspect is described as a dark skinned Afro-Caribbean man, aged between 20 and 30 years-old with an athletic build.

He was wearing a black and white baseball cap, a short sleeved grey shirt with grey tracksuit trousers.

Officers have released this CCTV image and ask anyone with information to contact PC Neil Webb who is leading the investigation on 020 3054 6712 or via 101.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 224997.

Woman Punched: Police Hunt Early-Morning Thug

Police are hunting a street thug, who punched a young woman from behind as she waited at a pedestrian crossing early in the morning.

Detectives in Lambeth have released this CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to after the 25 year-old woman was punched in the head in an unprovoked attack.

The victim was waiting at a pedestrian crossing in Clapham High Street at 7.27am on Wednesday, September 14, last year.

The suspect then ran off towards Gauden Road.

Following the attack the victim flagged down police officers who carried out a search of the area.

They were unable to find the suspect.

The woman received minor injuries from the assault.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 30 and 40 years-old 6 foot-tall, with short black hair.

He was clean shaven or had short stubble and was wearing dark trousers and a green jacket.

No arrests have been made and enquires continue.

Detective Constable Dan Nash, from Lambeth CID, said: "The victim was simply going about her business when out of the blue a man approached her from behind and punched her in the side of her head before running off.

"This was an unprovoked attack which has left the victim very distressed.

“CCTV footage shows the man loitering at the location for a few minutes before the attack.

"Clapham High Street was very busy at the time of the incident. Someone must have seen something, so I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who recognises the man to come forward."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Vicious Late-Night Bus Driver Attack: Suspect Wanted

A bus driver parked outside Croydon College was left with a gashed head after this suspect forced his way on in the early hours, launching a violent attack.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have issued this image of a man they wish to speak to.

The offence took place during the early hours of April 16, last year on a route 75 bus in College Road, Croydon.

At approximately 1.40am the bus driver was carrying out checks on the top deck of the bus - which was not in service - when he heard the doors opening.

He went downstairs to discover a man inside the bus.

The man approached the driver and subjected him to a violent and prolonged assault, before making off in an unknown direction.

The victim was taken to Croydon University Hospital where he was treated for facial injuries, having sustained a large cut to his forehead and several further cuts and bruises to his face and chin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Anthony Barun, of the Roads and Transport Policing Command, on 07801 203174.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Schoolgirl Grabbed In East London: Man Wanted

E-Fit Of Suspect

Police hunting a man who grabbed an 11 year-old schoolgirl from behind have released this e-fit and CCTV image of the suspect.

The girl was followed after getting off a bus and only escaped the assailant's grip after biting his hand during a struggle.

She was walking through the Bannister House Estate, Hackney at around 8.30am on September 27, last year when she realised the suspect was following her.

He grabbed her and the schoolgirl struggled furiously, only escaping to raise the alarm when inflicting the bite.

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned black man, aged about 40 years-old and around 6 foot-tall with a stocky build.

He had a spiky beard which was greying and is believed to have had a scratch on his left cheek.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a navy blue beanie hat, a zipped-up hooded top, black trousers and a long jacket to his knees.

He had three sovereign style rings on his right hand, a sovereign on the little finger of his left hand and a normal ring on another finger.

Caught On CCTV? 

New CCTV images show a man believed to be the suspect walking away from the scene about 20 minutes after the attack.

The man is seen exiting the Banister House Estate onto Homerton Grove and heading east towards Wardle Street / Brooksby's Walk, Homerton.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from Hackney CID said: "We returned to the scene to trace any potential witnesses who may have been able to help with the investigation.

"We are still appealing for help and information. Did you witness the incident last Tuesday morning or see a girl fleeing the scene?

"Do you recognise the suspect from the detailed description given, the e-fit produced or the CCTV images? 

“Whilst enquiries are ongoing, it is vital that we continue to gather information and I would ask anyone who believes they know the identity of the attacker to contact my investigation team.

“If you are the individual captured on the CCTV then please come forward.

"We are continuing with extra high visibility patrols in the area to reassure the public."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact the investigation team at Hackney CID via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Passenger Fined For 'Losing It' During Russian Flight

Arrest: Heathrow Airport

A plane passenger, who was disorderly on a flight from Russia to Heathrow, has been fined £1,000.

Liubov Mead, 55, of Gardiner Avenue, Fernwood, Newark, Nottinghamshire boarded a BA flight from St. Petersburg.

He made the cabin crews life a misery during the flight and was arrested when the plane landed.

Mead pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court to behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards the aircraft crew during the February 25 flight, contrary to the Air Navigation Order.

A second charge of refusing the commands of the flight crew to return to his seat was dropped.

Mead was also ordered to pay £300 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

Imperial College's Medicine Dean Caught Drink-Driving After Accident

The Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at London’s prestigious Imperial College has been banned from the roads after he was caught drink-driving when involved in an accident.

Professor Gavin Robert Screaton, 54, who lives in the £1.6m seven-bedroom Fringford Lodge in Bicester, Oxfordshire was disqualified from driving for 14 months and fined £3,829.

He pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to driving a Peugeot 308 in Old Oak Road, Acton on May 10 with excess alcohol on his breath, namely 59 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The Cambridge graduate, who went on to study at Oxford for whom he rowed in the 1986 University Boat Race was appointed Chair of Medicine at Imperial College in 2004.

Professor Screaton is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal College of Physicians and Immunology and Molecular Biology.

The award-winning academic has multiple published studies and has also taught immunology, pathology and molecular biology to medical and biochemistry students at University College.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £170 victim surcharge.

City Property Executive's Birthday Booze Crash

Champers & Wine: Gemma Hewes

A City property executive wrote-off a parked car while driving children in her powerful 4x4 at twice the drinks limit after her husband’s birthday party.

Gemma Hewes, 40, a director with BNP Paribas Real Estate, begged locals not to call police after colliding with a total of five cars following the wine and champagne celebration. 

She told witnesses she was distracted by her phone moments before the collision, which left a Renault Espace written-off and the other vehicles with visible damage.

However, residents of the quiet residential street dialled 999 and a tearful Hewes was arrested at the £1.15m home she shares with husband Ross, 40, in Elborough Street, Southfields.

Yesterday she pleaded guilty to driving her black 3.0 litre Land Rover Discovery with excess alcohol on her breath and driving without due care and attention in Kenilworth Avenue, Wimbledon on May 7.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard Hewes, who attended £35,000-a year Woldingham School, Surrey had 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

The steering column of the mother-of-two’s Land Rover snapped on impact and the wrecked vehicle had to be towed from the scene. 

She was fined a total of £1350, with £85 costs, ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge and was disqualified from driving for seventeen months.

Neighbours say there were two or three children in Hewes’ Land Rover, but it is not known if they were the couple’s.

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Poulter told the court it was 8.15pm when company director Stephen Holsgrove, 57, heard a loud bang outside his home.

“He says his vehicle and four other cars were damaged and he saw a woman wearing jeans trying to get two children out of the Land Rover.

   

“She said: ‘Please don’t call the police. I’ve had a few glasses of wine.’

Crash: Kenilworth Avenue

“Police officers traced her to her home, where she was crying and upset.

“She told the officers: ‘I was driving and using my hands free and hit a car.’

“She had been in Wimbledon, where she said she had a glass of champagne and two glasses of wine.”

Hewes’ lawyer Mr. Tom Dunn said: “This is a very dark day for Gemma Hewes and her family.

The court heard Hewes had been out with her husband and family and friends to celebrate the fortieth birthday of Ross, a director with Capita Real Estate.

“She is not a drinker, she rarely drinks, but on this occasion consumed some alcohol and did not realise she was impaired by alcohol at the time she drove.”

Hewes says she has not been able to eat solid food after recent surgery and remains on medication.  

“She received a telephone call via bluetooth and answered and spoke for several minutes,” explained Mr. Dunn. 

“She recalls a parked car protruding and obviously overcompensated and the steering column then broke and she was unable to avoid contact with other cars.

“Damage is being met by the family out of their own pockets and they both work extremely hard.”

Magistrate Isabel Vass told Hewes: “By good luck no one was stepping out and you were distracted and that is related to your alcohol consumption.

“Anything more than one small glass of wine will put you over the limit.”

Not Guilty: CPS Drop Stalking Case Against Blogger

The prosecution of a blogger accused of stalking social commentator Sonia Poulton, plus a second woman who says she was sexually abused by establishment figures as a child, has been dropped.

Darren Laverty, 49, of Maes Hyfryd, Beaumaris, Anglesey, who was said to have tweeted to Ms Poulton or about her over 300 times was due to stand trial in September.

However, at Kingston-upon-Thames Court last week the Crown Prosecution Service announced there was no realistic chance of securing a conviction.

The second woman is 34 year-old Esther Baker, who in 2015 waived her right to anonymity to claim she was abused by a former MP as well as a judge and a peer.

She said abuse occurred at an apartment in Dolphin Square, Westminster and Staffordshire woods when she was aged between six and eleven years-old.

Father-of-three Laverty blogs about Wrexham’s Bryn Estyn children’s home, which is at the centre of an abuse enquiry.

He has always fought the charges and now not guilty verdicts have been entered in relation to both women.

He had been charged with one count of stalking, involving serious harm or distress, between January 30, 2015 and May 12, last year,  causing Sonia Poulton serious alarm or distress, which had an adverse effect on her day-to-day activities.

The 52 year-old writer and broadcaster is a regular guest on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, often commenting on issues involving children.

She has written many articles, most notably for the Daily Mail and Daily Express.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told Wimbledon Magistrates Court during Laverty’s first appearance: “The complainant is a journalist and after the Jimmy Savile enquiry she began reporting on it and receiving abuse from people, and the police say one of them is the defendant.

“She feels this is a sustained campaign against her and she’s harassed by the defendant. Most of this has taken part via twitter.

“The defendant tweeted either about or to the complainant on approximately three-hundred occasions, causing her to suffer alarm and distress.

“If convicted the defendant is likely to receive a custodial sentence.”

Laverty was separately charged with stalking Ms Baker, involving serious harm or distress, on April 14, last year by speaking about her on social media.

After the case was dropped Ms Poulton said: “It’s a very serious error and unfortunately for those responsible I have it in black and white.

“The CPS are blaming the Met Police and vice versa. I have filed a complaint and taken legal advice.

“For four years I have been stalked. I have been threatened with murder, accused of being a paedophile, my employers have been contacted and told I was responsible for the murder of child abuse survivors.

Screenshots of my home were put on social media as the gang encouraged people to come and finish me off.

“I have a panic alarm in my home and a personal alarm. Four hundred pages of evidence resulted in the CPS charging a man last year.

“Today it is all over twitter that the charges have been dropped and yet the CPS have not informed me of this.

“The Metropolitan Police made it clear to me that something had taken place behind the scenes.

“Another woman, also the victim of this man, has also been let down. We are dealing with connected people with serious sex attacks in their history and influential links.

“I, and this woman have been thrown to the wolves. More information will be revealed.” 

Ms Baker said: “Unfortunately I’m still waiting for the CPS to have the basic courtesy to let me know instead of me finding things out on twitter. I am, however planning to appeal their decision.

“I can’t see any reason why he should get away with what he and his friends have been doing for so long.”

Social Worker Nicked £21,500 To Fund Drink And Drug Binge

A Lambeth social worker drained the bank account of a vulnerable client with mental health problems of £21,500 to finance a drink and drugs binge.

Graduate Aimee James, 36, was a court-appointed deputy responsible for the finances of a man under the care of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

As a care co-ordinator James, of Meadow Close, Catford was granted power by the Court of Protection over the bank account of hostel resident Jesse Williams.

She pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud and received 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must complete 150 hours community service ad pay £1,000 costs.

James remained suspended on full-pay during the investigation and used those wages to almost fully compensate Lambeth and has six months to return the remaining £2,800.

Inner London Crown Court heard she withdrew £18,000 cash at ATM’s and used Mr. Williams’ bank card to pay over £3,000 in Uber taxi fares and other expenditures.

She had begun repaying the money before her arrest on February 7 and told police her salary was insufficient to fund her alcohol and cocaine use.

“The account was effectively cleaned out,” said prosecutor Mr. Ronnie Bergenthal. “All the spending had been by her for her own benefit.”

James’ lawyer Miss Beth O’Reilly told the court: “She’s lost everything. Her addiction has destroyed her life.

“She’s so deeply ashamed of her actions and the impact it has had on her family and her marriage.

“This woman would be destroyed by a prison sentence and it is unlikely she will be able to be employed by a social worker again.”

Recorder Sir Geoffrey Nice QC announced: “This is a modern twenty-first century tragedy of a kind society should not be allowing.

“The offence you committed was serious. The person whose money you misused was dependent on you and vulnerable and you find yourself in a position of utter shame due to a vulnerability to drugs.

“You have clearly taken every step you can to deal with the addiction that led to your undoing.”

Engineer Guilty Of Racist "Terrorist" Outburst At Heathrow's Passport Control

Guilty: Timothy Wynne-Jones 

A chartered engineer told Asian Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport: “Your kind are going to let terrorists into the country,” when held-up during a routine passport check.

Timothy Alban Wynne-Jones, 54, was told his passport would have to pass a forgery check and replied: “So, you’re not going to let me into the country. You’re going to let these terrorists into the country.”

Wynne-Jones, of Beechcroft Avenue, Rickmansworth was convicted of two counts of racially aggravated harassment towards officers Afsheen Raja, 36 and Naheed Yacub, 34 on January 22, last year.

He was bailed until June 15 for sentencing and will be allowed to continue travelling abroad extensively for work.

Isleworth Crown Court heard Wynne-Jones presented his British passport at Terminal Four after a trip to Bulgaria.

The microchip could not be opened and when he heard a supervisor named Harpreet was needed Wynne-Jones responded: “Another Indian? There are far too many Indians protecting the border.”

Prosecutor Mr. Alec Williams told the court: “Rather than wait Mr. Wynne-Jones’ response is to get annoyed and become racially abusive.”

The jury heard that as a bearded Asian male passed through passport control Wynne-Jones added: “Ah look. You’re letting a terrorist through. I’m the only British person here, you’re all terrorists.”

Mr. Williams said Wynne-Jones continued: “Look. A terrorist protecting the border. Brown people should not be protecting the border, you’re all terrorists.”

“He also tried to push through the gate before clearing passport control.”

Naheed Yacub & Afsheen Raja

When questioned by police Wynne-Jones conceded he may have been abrupt, but denied using the racist words.

Officer Raja told the jury: “He seemed a little aggressive, talking quite loudly.

“He said: ‘When are you going to stop letting the Bulgars into the country?’

“He asked me that several times, but I ignored him.”

When his passport was taken for a forgery check Wynne-Jones became more annoyed. “He said it was the British government issuing these Mickey Mouse passports.” added Mr. Williams.

When the forgery officer returned he asked: “Are you checking that I’m British?”

Officer Raja took offence at the ‘your kind’ comment. “I felt because I’m of Asian origin he was referring to my race.”

Officer Yacub told the jury: “He laughed and said to me: ‘Ah look. We have a terrorist protecting the border.’

“He said I wasn’t British and I didn’t have a British passport.”

Afterwards she said: “This is a groundbreaking case for Border Force. This is the first successful prosecution of this kind we’ve had.

“We won’t tolerate abuse and this case is a lesson for officers not to take it. We can’t tolerate this racism.

“He assumed being a respectable businessman would bring him a not guilty verdict. 

“He was arrogant, authoritative, dismissive and said we were not good at our jobs.

“All this stuff about brown people and terrorism has to stop. We are the people who make the system work.”

Steakhouse Glassing: Woman Jailed

Affray: The Meat & Co

A female steakhouse customer, who attacked another woman with a glass and punched her in the head, has been jailed for eighteen weeks.

Latoya Casely-Hayford, 26, of Potterne Close, Wimbledon also smashed the victim's specs and glassware at The Meat and Co in Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting Paula Mejia, causing her actual bodily harm, on February 13 and causing criminal damage to her spectacles.

Casely-Hayford also pleaded guilty to causing an affray at the restaurant and causing £40 worth of criminal damage to glassware.

She was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates Court, which also imposed a £115 victim surcharge.

Charity's IT Tutor Nicked £25,000

Leaving Court: Saeed

An IT tutor at a charity for young jobseekers, who secretly ordered £25,000 worth of computer equipment he then sold off, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Qasim Saeed, 26, needed the cash after being forced from his muslim family’s home when they disapproved of his relationship with a christian girlfriend.

He pleaded guilty to stealing £25,378.99 between November 24, 2016 and January 13, this year from Walworth’s Second Chance charity.

Inner London Crown Court heard Saeed, of Cecil Road, Ilford taught 18-25 year-olds, some of them ex-offenders, IT skills and was responsible for ordering computer equipment.

On the charity’s website he says: “Being at Second Chance gives me the opportunity to combine my love for IT and my enthusiasm to help young people achieve meaningful careers.

“My IT workshops are focused on giving trainees real life IT skills that are needed in a working environment.”

His lawyer Miss Priya Malhotra told the court: “It pains him that he was someone that deprived that charity of funds.

“His muslim family has a very traditional background and when he fell in love with a christian woman he kept if from his family because he knew they’d disapprove.

“He was compelled to run away from home and his family reported him missing and the police found him in Milton Keynes.

Saeed: Walking Free

“He left home after his father threatened to commit suicide.”

Now a £400-a day IT consultant Saeed claims he spent much of the money on hotel rooms and to repay debts.

Recorder Sir Geoffrey Nice QC told Saeed: It’s a serious offence made worse by the nature of the body from whom you took goods.

“You also have the unusual good fortune that the charity you defrauded don’t want you to go to prison and have taken a very understanding attitude.

“This is an agonising experience as a result of your own actions.”

Saeed was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, ordered to complete 150 hours community service and repay the chair in full within 18 months.