Online Dating Scam: Seven Men Cheated Out Of £100K

Wanna Date?: Grace Akintaro

Two young women admitted yesterday their roles in a £100,000 online dating scam, which saw seven men duped into believing they were funding a romantic date with an internet sweetheart.

Grace Akintaro, 24, adopted the role of the fictitious date during phone chats with at least two of the victims and some of the money was laundered by 22 year-old Victoria Nwogu.

The men were convinced their online romance with ‘Amanda Jenson’ was genuine and sent money for travel and expenses, but dates were cancelled with one excuse after another.

“Judging by what the victims say there were detrimental effects, both psychologically and financially,” announced Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams QC.

“They were expecting to get their money back, they thought they were loaning the money.”

Student Akintaro, of Pettacre Close, Greenwich pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud between August 1, 2014 and December 2, 2015.

Those charges were dropped against Nwogu, of Maryon Grove, Greenwich, who pleaded guilty to one count of laundering £3,490 between  April 29 and May 6, 2015.

Cash: Victoria Nwogu

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Fraud and Linked Crime Online (FALCON) squad began investigating cons involving four of the men who had reported the scam to Action Fraud.

Further three victims were found during the investigation and all seven had been Match.com customers.

The fictitious Amanda Jenson asked for travel costs to meet up then for short term loans to cover rent and other expenses.

Forged documents were used to trick the victims into accepting ‘Amanda’ was due an inheritance and could repay the money.

One man lost £46,000 and another sent money he received from his late wife’s death in service insurance policy.

Others used up lumps of their pensions and one took out an equity release on his house to help ‘Amanda’.

The audacious fraudsters even tried to prise extra cash from one victim who agreed to meet ‘Amanda’ at an airport and was told to pay a customs charge to facilitate her release.

A photo of the fake ‘Amanda’ was found on Akintaro’s phone and most of the bank accounts were registered to her address. 

Police know Akintaro visited bank branches at least sixteen times, withdrawing £23,000 of the victims’ cash.

Ironically she told the court: “I was naive and used by this person I was in love with.”

The total loss is £104,962 and prosecutor Mr. Kevin Dent said: “The amounts going through Miss Akintaro’s bank accounts add up to just over one hundred thousand pounds and directly link with the seven victims.”

Akintaro used her three bank accounts and a paypal account to transfer the money, but claims all she has to show for it is a £5,000 Renault Clio and a few hundred pounds.

“It was not a peripheral role because she was talking over the net,” said the judge. “We are looking at high culpability because of the high number of victims and long period of time.

“These were romance frauds and the fact I am ordering a pre-sentence report is no indication as to the sentence. There is a real prospect she will go to prison.”

Mr. Dent added: “There would have to be a female involved and that was Miss Akintaro. She may not have been at the top of this, but played a role over a period of time.”

They will return for sentencing on June 20.

Not Guilty: London Visitor Cleared Of Damaging Ghandi Statue

A Milton Keynes man has been cleared of damaging a landmark statue of Ghandi, but convicted of having cannabis and assaulting a cop after his arrest.

Jobless Simon Francis Bradley, 33, of Felbridge, Kents Hill did not even turn up for his trial and will now suffer cuts to his benefits after being fined.

He always denied the charges and was cleared of causing criminal damage to the statue of the Indian independence leader in Tavistock Squre, Bloomsbury on July 17, last year.

Bradley was also found not guilty of threatening behaviour at the same place.

However, he was convicted at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of possessing cannabis in Tavistock Square and was fined £100, with £100 costs and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge.

Bradley was taken to Holborn Police Station where he was convicted of assaulting PC Basill on the same day and fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.

Young Drug Dealer Gets Suspended Sentence

A young Scot, caught street-dealing nine ounces of cannabis in London last summer, has received a suspended prison sentence.

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

He had initially 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 at the time.

Claydon was sent to Inner London Crown Court, where he received six months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay £170 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Dad Gets Suspended Sentence For "Metal Iron" Punch On Son After 'Boro's Play-Off Loss

Punch: Mark McKenna Sr.

A drunken father, who busted his teenage son’s jaw with a single punch after enduring Middlesbrough FC’s play-off final defeat two seasons ago, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Off-shore oil rig scaffolder Mark McKenna ,46, decked Mark McKenna Jr., 18, with a blow the teenager compared to a “metal iron.”

The pair and other relatives had been on a 48-hour drinking binge, which continued in a pub near Wembley Stadium, where their team had just lost 2-0 to Norwich City.

McKenna, of Matford Avenue, Middlesbrough was convicted by a jury of inflicting grievous bodily harm on his son, who was left spitting blood, on May 25, 2015.

Sentencing him to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years, Wood Green Crown Court Recorder Harold Persaud said: “There is no doubt Mark annoyed and irritated you greatly, but you struck him in such a way that it fractured his jaw.

“He said it was like getting hit with a metal iron. That was some strike wasn’t it?

“Both of you were under the influence of alcohol, having been drinking since you arrived in London the day before.”  

McKenna Sr. claimed he was the peacemaker during the family’s post-match drinking session and was leading his son away from a row with his cousins.

“He expresses deep remorse and says he feels terrible that he had to hit his own son and it kills them both to this day,” explained his lawyer Mr. Daniel Jones.

Fractured Jaw: Junior

“Mr. McKenna senior says their relationship now is: ‘Brilliant.’ His son says his father has helped him with his scaffolding qualification and says his own anger issues contributed to this offence.”

The court heard it is not the first time the defendant has been in trouble. “He’s not a man of good character, in the past there are serious offences of violence,” said prosecutor Mr. Edward Lewis.

Doctors later discovered McKenna Jr’s jaw was fractured in two places and the teenager had been brawling all weekend with family members and had a pre-trip fight.

McKenna Sr. told police he had nine beers that day and intervened outside a pub when his son attacked his cousin Sam just before midnight.

He says his son then turned on him and McKenna Sr.’s father, Derek, 65, had to step in. “He attacked me and his grandad had to drag him off.

“I think I hit him back for hitting me, the top of his head, it was not hard. I was angry for him attacking me, there was no need for it.”

McKenna Sr. insists this blow could not have fractured his son’s jaw because it was aimed at the top of his head and didn’t knock him over.

Earlier McKenna Jr. reluctantly gave evidence and confirmed he had a fight in Middlesbrough on the eve of the trip that left his face swollen.

He had five or six cans of beer before the match and was angry with Sam. “He was winding me up and intimidating me, saying he was going to boot some respect into me.”

McKenna Jr. had three fights with Sam on the matchday, decking him twice and wanted to continue brawling when his father split them up.

He admitted punching his father, almost knocking him over, and “squaring up” as his dad tried to lead him away.

“I wanted him to get out of the way to get to Sam,” McKenna Jr. told the jury, admitting he was ready to strike his father again.

A passing police officer watched the confrontation and witnessed McKenna Sr. decking his son with a single blow.

Recorder Persaud also ordered a tearful McKenna Sr. to attend thirty-six days of rehabilitation, which will include ten days of a specific activity requirement.

“The offence is two years old and there has been no offending since that time,” he told McKenna Sr. “If I imposed a custodial sentence old wounds that have healed may be reopened again.

“That fact weighs with me and is in your favour.”

Benefit Fraudster Kept New Man A Secret During £48K Swindle

A mum-of-three secretly lived with her partner for six years while cheating taxpayers out of nearly £50,000 by claiming to be a single parent.

Serbia Khatun, 30, will not be pursued for compensation and will continue having £22 per week deducted from her current benefits.

At that rate it will take 42 years to repay the money.

Primary school lunchtime supervisor Khatun, of Cambridge Gardens, Kingston-upon-Thames now receives working tax credits.

She pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly failing to disclose to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that she was sharing a common household with her partner.

Khatun claimed income support; housing benefit and council tax benefit totalling £48,479 between May 2008 and June 2014.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard the DWP, acting on a tip-off, raided her council flat where they found a man still in bed.

His clothing was in wardrobes and cupboards and the man - the father of Khatun’s two youngest children - had written her an anniversary card celebrating “seven years” together.

The court heard she fled an abusive first marriage in Tower Hamlets and moved across London, where she was housed by the council.

She claims her second partner no longer lives with her and has on-off contact with his two children.

Recorder Richard Prior told Khatun: “You have made a full facts plea to serious counts of dishonesty sustained over six years, causing considerable loss to the public purse.

“Your conduct was so serious so as to pass the custodial threshold, fully meriting a custodial sentence.

“However, you have an unhappy history, you pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and there is evidence you are of positive good character.

“Your dishonest conduct is very serious and there must be a significant penal element.”

Khatun received thirty weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and was ordered to perform 250 hours community service work.

Academic Couple Split Over Pasta And Picture Frame Rows

Restraining Order: Prof. Squintani

A respected academic couple, who both hold professorships at leading universities, split after police were called to heated rows over pasta and picture frames at their £1m home, a court heard.

Francesco Squintani, 46, Professor of Economics at Warwick University was arrested after wife Leila Simona Talani, 46, claimed she was pushed over and punched and kicked.

She is the Professor of European Political Economy at King’s College London, having previously taught at the European Institute of the London School of Economics.

Prof. Squintani, of Neville Court, Castle Lane, Warwick has always denied assaulting Prof. Talani at the former matrimonial home in Lower Richmond Road, Putney on January 21.

He also pleaded not guilty to assaulting an 8 year-old boy on the same occasion and today at Wimbledon Magistrates Court the prosecution dropped the case on the day of trial.

However, due to a history of police call-outs during rows Prof. Squintani was made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him directly contacting his estranged wife or the boy.

Prosecutor Mary Lawrenson told the court: “There was an argument over picture frames and whether pictures should be up on the wall or not.

Split: Prof. Leila Talani

“The argument goes further than merely verbal and during the course of the row the complainant says this defendant pushes her in such as way that she goes to the floor.”

During a previous hearing the court heard Prof. Talani banged her head and received a punch and a kick from her husband and the young boy was pushed.

There was no bleeding, but Prof. Talani says she suffered pain to her head from the bump and to her upper body from the kick.

“There have been previous police call-outs to the address as a result of rows, including one when the wife was giving away pasta to charity,” explained Miss Lawrenson.

“The complainant is content with the restraining order and it is to protect both parties.”

District Judge James Henderson told Prof. Squintani: “Given the nature of these allegations and the fact there has been previous call-outs by the police there is a necessity to make a restraining order to protect your ex-wife from harassment from you.”

Prof. Squintani is the author of several publications on economics and is a founding editor of the journal of the European Political Science Association.

He has presented his work to research seminars at leading universities all over the globe and also held positions at the USA’s Princeton University and University of California Los Angeles.

Prof. Talani is also a multi-published author, who has lectured at the University of Bath and achieved a PhD with distinction at the European University Institute of Florence.

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.”