Dragon's Den Fraudster Gets Suspended Sentence On His Red Letter Day

Den of Dishonesty: Selvathiravam

An accountant for Dragon’s Den stars Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis has received a suspended prison sentence for a £33,000 forged cheques fraud on their company.

The pair run Red Letter Days - a company specialising in experience days vouchers as gifts and corporate rewards - where employee Akilan Selvathiravam, 34, worked as their finance officer.

The married dad-of-one, of Church Drive, Kingsbury pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between January 1, 2016 and February 20, this year.

The Den duo bought the company out of administration after it had been founded by former-Dragon Rachel Elnaugh and ran into financial difficulties.

Qualified chartered accountant Selvathiravam was employed at the company’s head office at 100 High Street, Southgate, north London.

He was sentenced to twenty months imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to perform 200 hours community service work and repay the entire sum.

Prosecutor Miss Linda Shamel told Wood Green Crown Court: “He was entrusted with the safekeeping of cheques and money in the safe.

“He falsified the cheques and forged the signatures, claiming they were corporate refunds and then cashing them individually at the bank.”

Selvathiravam was exposed by a company internal audit in February. “There were a large number of cheques falsified and put through the system,” added the prosecutor.

“CCTV evidence shows the defendant cashing cheques in branches of Barclays Bank.”

He defrauded a total of £32,955.99 and relatives have rallied around to repay the sum.

Selvathiravam was reported to the police by the company and arrested and quizzed. “He admitted he falsified the cheques  because he had a gambling addiction.”

The court heard Red Letters Days have not reported him to The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAS) and he attended a job interview with a bank shortly before the court hearing.

“His former employers support his continued employment in the financial sector and a glowing reference has been provided,” said Mr. Brad Lawlor, defending.

“Family members have grouped together to pay the full amount. He was desperate, he’s been struggling with a gambling addiction and been to rehab.”

Judge Joanna Greenberg QC announced: “This was a breach of trust over a considerable period of time.”

Red Letter Days have been fully compensated by Barclays.

American Accused Of Trolling Parents Falsely Accused Of Satanic Cult

An American blogger harassed the Hampstead parents of children involved in discredited satanic paedophile ring allegations - posing outside their primary school while saying he was armed with a knife - a jury heard today.

Rupert Wilson Quaintance, 38, a self-styled political activist and investigative journalist also posted a youtube clip in which he warned he would: “Kick down doors to take blood.”

Supporters financed the trip after also hearing him on the web’s ‘American Freedom Radio’ announcing: “I don’t want to kill them, just beat them up pretty good.”

He has pleaded not guilty to putting four mothers and a father of pupils of Christ Church Primary School in fear of violence between February 1 and September 30, last year.

Organisational Management graduate Quaintance, travelled from his home in Charlottesville, Virginia and was staying at an address in Mill Road, Erith, where he was arrested on September 13, last year.

One of the mum’s told Southwark Crown Court: “Things were put next to my daughter’s name that were horrifying, her photo was all over the internet.

“I was petrified. This man’s coming across quite violently, everything that comes out of his mouth is a violent attack.

“I have CCTV outside my house because my daughter has been identified. What do I do if I am seen outside with her? How do I keep her safe if he approaches me or comes to my house?

“My name was on the internet on a list of twenty parents and our addresses and he was coming to kick out doors down.”

The school pic was posted by Quaintance on his facebook page on the first day of term. “I was putting everything in place to protect my child and he was just feet from the entrance to the school and said he had a knife on him.”

Prosecutor Mr. Martyn Bowyer told the jury the father targeted by Quaintance was the parent of a girl, aged nine, and a boy, aged eight, known as ‘P’ and ‘Q’ who were at the centre of the allegations.

“The allegation was they were part of a large group of children in Hampstead, who had been sexually abused as part of a satanic cult in which there were human sacrifices and paedophile behaviour.”

“At the centre of the allegation was Christ Church and the father of P and Q was said to be the head of this satanic cult.”

The children were taken into temporary care, but all the allegations were dismissed by a High Court judge in March, 2015, who heard evidence from police, doctors and social workers.

Quaintance has blogged and broadcasted extensively on the case and under his Christ Church selfie pic, posted: “This is what my defiant face looks like.”

Mr. Bowyer added: “He gave the distinct impression he had in his possession a knife outside that school, but says it has all been a dreadful misunderstanding.

“He says it was an ‘in joke’ with a facebook friend in the U.S. and blamed differences in the cultures between the UK and USA.”

Police found Quaintance’s Excel spreadsheet titled: ‘Cult Details’ which had mostly blank columns headed with names, addresses, emails and phone numbers of parents, teachers and children.

Trial continues………….

Rapist Caged After Victim Recorded His 'Confession'

"Free Pass": Roser

A rapist is starting a lengthy prison sentence after unwittingly ‘confessing’ to the sex attack as his victim recorded his incriminating words on her mobile phone.

Amateur boxer and rock climber Rhys Roser, 24, was sentenced to seven years and eight months imprisonment today for the early hours rape of the 19 year-old.

The apprentice tree surgeon denied everything when arrested, but later went on the run after hearing the damning recording and pleaded guilty when he turned up for his trial.

“He had not heard the recording until earlier this year and that must have come as a shock to him, the clear evidence of it,” his lawyer Miss Marie Spenwyn told Harrow Crown Court.  

“We now have a man hanging his head in shame over his behaviour.”

Roser, of Bravington Road, Maida Vale pleaded guilty to one count of rape; attempted rape; sexual assault and assault by penetration at a Kilburn address on September 14, 2015.

He raped the teen in the flat’s shower after the victim fled to the bathroom because she was suffering a panic attack brought on by Roser’s unwanted advances.

Future Not Bright: Roser

“He made it plain he wanted to have sex and she didn’t,” said prosecutor Mr. Peter Clement. “The defendant became more demanding and somewhat bullying of her.

“He grabbed her by the arm, torso and neck and the more aggressive he became the more aroused he got.”

They were still in the bedroom when she grabbed her phone and began the audio recording, which later proved she was pleading: “Leave me alone.”

“He said he had a ‘free pass’ to have sex with her and by this time she was in tears, asking him to shut up and leave her alone,” added Mr. Clement.

She locked herself in the bathroom, but Roser persuaded his way in. “He locked the bathroom door and pushed her into the shower.

“He pulled her head back and bent her left arm behind her back.” The teenager was then raped.

Prison Is Pants: Roser

They returned to the bedroom, where the phone recorded Roser saying: “I was wrong in every way. I shouldn’t have done that, I don’t know what came over me.

“Don’t tell anyone please. You don’t want to do the whole court thing. You’re not going to stand up in court and tell everyone you were raped, way too embarrassing.

“You were kinda sexy because you had wetness on your face. 

“That’s the one thing that’s going to ruin my life. Don’t f***ing tell anyone, it’s real simple.”

In an impact statement fifteen months after the attack the victim said: “It has had a staggering effect on me,” explaining she had suffered depression, anxiety, insomnia, flashbacks and night terror.

Recorder Matthew Lowe told Roser: “Your subsequent conversations were recorded on that telephone.

“You were heard saying you had gone mad and were wrong in every way and went onto plead with her not to report what happened and put pressure on her.

“She describes it as emotional blackmail. What you did to her that night has had significant psychological and emotional effects.”

Acid Attacker Left Lone Victim Scarred For Life: E-Fit Released

Police hunting a late-night acid attacker have released this e-fit of their suspect.

The 32 year-old male victim was walking along High Street, Stratford, east London at 11.30pm on May 22 when he was approached by two men.

One of the men asked if the man wanted to buy cannabis and demanded money.

The victim refused and the suspect then threw a corrosive liquid in his face.

He ran to the nearby bus station station, where he was assisted by station staff and an ambulance called.

He was taken to an east London hospital, and later transferred to another hospital outside of London for further treatment.

The victim suffered serious burn injuries, causing permanent scarring.

Despite carrying out CCTV enquiries, no arrests have been made and police from Newham borough are now releasing this e-fit of the suspect.

He is described as a man in his late twenties, of Mediterranean appearance, and of slim build.

He was clean shaven, spoke with a London accent and was wearing a bright red hooded-top, a dark-coloured baseball cap and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Suhal Miah of Forest Gate CID said: "This was a horrific attempted robbery where the suspect didn't hesitate to spray his victim with a corrosive substance, knowing full well that it would likely cause life-changing injuries to his victim.

"We need to identify the man responsible, and we would urge anyone who thinks the e-fit looks familiar or knows anything about the incident to come forward and talk to us."

Any witnesses or anyone with information about this robbery can call Forest Gate CID on 0208 217 5820, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.

Rape Hunt After Nightclub Woman Approached In Park

Police are hunting this suspected rapist after a woman believes she was attacked in a park after leaving a nightclub alone.

The woman, aged in her thirties, has no recollection of being raped, but remembers the man approaching her and subsequent checks revealed sexual activity had occurred.

This CCTV still was taken at the club – Zumbale – in High Road, South Tottenham in the early hours of May 28.

The woman was enjoying a night out with work colleagues and says she spoke to the suspect during the evening.

She left at 4.40am and while walking home was approached by the same man in a local park.

The next thing she recalls is arriving home at 6.00am, feeling something had happened to her.

A medical examination revealed penetrative sex had occurred.

After speaking to the victim, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command were able to identify this suspect on CCTV from the club.

The suspect is described as a clean shaven thin man of Spanish or Portuguese origin, around 5ft 7inches tall.

He has black bushy hair, was wearing an orange t-shirt and carrying a bag. He was also wearing a star-shaped pendant.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and speak to police.

Any witnesses to the incident are also asked to contact officers on 101 or tweet at @MetCC.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Young Pianist Incited Love-Struck 12 Year-Old Girl For Sex

Piano Man: Eglinton

A talented young pianist-to-the-stars, who has performed at the Savoy hotel and Wentworth Golf Club, has received a suspended sentence for inciting a 12 year-old girl to have sex with him.

Jazz and Blues musician Matthew Eglinton, 26, has played for the late Sir Bruce Forsyth and Des O’Connor and accompanied comic Bobby Davro’s stage show.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard the schoolgirl, who dreams of becoming an actress, would climb out of her bedroom window for secret late-night dates with the pianist.

He sent her explicit texts and facebook messages boasting of his size and sexual prowess, fantasising about what he would do to her and vice versa.

Eglinton, of Clover Rise, Plymouth, Devon pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity between July 1 and September 30, last year while he was living in Twickenham.

An additional count of grooming the youngster for sex was dropped by the prosecution. The maximum sentence he faced was 14 years.

He moved to London to advance his career and has also played at the Oval Cricket Ground; the Four Seasons Hotel, Canary Wharf; Elstree Film studios and live venues including the Alleycat Club and Phoenix Artists Club.

Prosecutor Miss Fern Russell said the girl revealed everything to a school youth worker last September. “She told the worker she was dating a ‘Matthew’ and they loved each other.

“He treated her like a china doll and she felt loved and said she felt so strongly she would self-harm or commit suicide if there were any consequences, like prison, for him.”

The girl initially told Eglinton she was 16 years-old, but then said she was only 13 years-old and he told her he was twenty.

Court Date: Eglinton

“He took a naked upper torso photo of himself and told her he would like to engage in sexual activity with her.

“He said what he would like to do to her and what he would like her to do with him and it was graphic and forceful.

“He told her she was gorgeous and attractive and asked her to engage in sexual acts.”

The girl told police they kissed passionately, describing it as “snogging”, but Eglinton initially told police there was no physical contact.

As well as meeting in Eglinton’s back garden the pair met in local parks, exchanging kisses while sitting on a bench. 

The prosecution say the explicit messaging and meetings lasted between two and four weeks. 

Eglinton initially fought the case, forcing the girl to give evidence and accusing her of “making it up”, but changed his plea and also admitted the kissing.

His lawyer Miss Hannah Duncan told the court today: “He is a young twenty-six year-old in looks and behaviour and at that time was extremely naive.

“So many people speak of him so highly. He has genuine remorse and the ability to change.”

Eglinton’s parents, brother and 28 year-old girlfriend were in court supporting him, with his father addressing Judge Timothy Lamb QC, and asking for “leniency.”

The pianist, who has also performed in the south of France and Tokyo, is also one-half of jazz duo ‘Blue Croon’ and plays at weddings and parties.

Mugshot: Eglinton In Custody

He has also been the  musical director for shows as Guildford County Club, the Theatre Royal Winchester and Waterloo East Theatre, which included a production about the life of French singer Edith Piaf, called ‘Love Conquers All.’

“The most recent suicide attempt was no more than a month ago,” added Miss Duncan. “A custodial sentence would effect him perhaps more than some others, he’s not mentally strong, not equipped for custody.

“It’s been absolute hell this potential custodial sentence hanging over him.”

Judge Lamb sentenced Eglinton to two years imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered him to pay £1500 costs.

He must also attend thirty days rehab, plus up to 100 days of a sex offenders programme.

An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was made and Eglinton must also sign the sex offenders register.

“It is not said that the complainant has suffered severe psychological harm from this relationship,” announced the judge.

“Indeed, she declines today to give a victim impact statement and I am told she is troubled by the prospect of the defendant losing his liberty.”

Acid Clampdown: Twelve Months For East Londoner

A young man caught with a bottle of bleach-type acid near the scene of a street mugging has been caged for a year.

Bradley Kerr, 21, was stopped by police in Eleanor Street, Bow, east London in the early hours of July 18 after a man reported he had been robbed by a group of males.

In his bag, officers discovered a soft drink bottle containing a fluid they suspected contained a noxious substance.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Kerr pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an offensive weapon.

Tests later revealed that the substance had a high ph level and it was confirmed as a bleach-type acid that would cause injury if thrown at somebody.

Detective Sergeant Mike Stubbins, of Tower Hamlets CID, said: "This is an excellent result and the sentence reflects how seriously the police and the courts view the possession of acid and noxious substances.

"There was no good reason for Kerr to be carrying this fluid around with him and this sends out a message that police will not hesitate to arrest anyone believed to be carrying these types of substances, and pursue prosecutions vigorously.

"These substances can be, and unfortunately are, used in the commission of crimes which have a huge impact on victims’ lives."

If you would like to report anyone you suspect of carrying a noxious substance, or if you are a victim or a witness to a crime involving a noxious substance, call police on 101.

Call 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, tweet Met Police via @MetCC.

Ex-CPS Lawyer Sentenced In Courthouse She Once Prosecuted Criminals

"I'll Cut Your Throat": Anne

A Crown Prosecution Service lawyer, who flung her 69 year-old mother-in-law onto a sofa shouting: “If you open your mouth I’ll cut your throat,” was sentenced today.

Solicitor Anne Murgai, 42, dominated the £375,000 house her husband bought with his mother and put the pensioner in fear of another assault the next day.

She was convicted of both incidents, despite fighting the case during an all-day trial, and was ordered to complete 80 hours community service.

“She did not want me to come, she did not like my presence,” petite Usha Kariholoo told Croydon Magistrates Court, explaining she was attacked during a row over chores.

“She came to me and said: ‘I’ll show you,’ and pushed me three times and fortunately I fell on the sofa. I could have fallen on the floor for all she cared,” added the mother-in-law.

“She hit me two or three times on the shoulder and said: ‘I’ll kill you.’ I was shivering.”

The pensioner had just bought the house with son Rakesh Kariholoo, 45, for his wife and son Andrew, 2, and they were joined by Murgai’s 80 year-old mother.

Murgai, of 70 Ridgewell Close, Lower Sydenham was found guilty of assaulting Usha at the matrimonial home at nearby 25 Elfrida Crescent on September 26 and 27, last year.

She shook her head in the dock of the courthouse, where she has prosecuted hundreds of cases as the magistrates announced their decision.

"Disbelief": Rakesh

“I also shook my head in disbelief at what she did to my mother,” said Rakesh afterwards. “I wondered: ‘How has it come to this?’

Usha told the trial: “I was not allowed to touch or feed the child and there were arguments between her and Rakesh, with her telling him: ‘You don’t do this and you don’t do that.’

“I told her Rakesh is doing enough and she should help him. She was not working, she was sitting at home all day and did not like that I called her a housewife.

“Rakesh had two jobs at the time and she was telling him: ‘You don’t do the garden, you don’t do the toilets.’

“I told her Rakesh is doing everything and she should also help and that it was very honourable to be a housewife, but that created a reaction,” added Usha.

The “housewife” remark triggered the assault, said Usha, denying Murgai’s claim she kicked her three times in the stomach while shouting and swearing aggressively.

The next day Usha was hanging her son’s laundry in the back garden. “She had a fist and I knew she was going to push me again, she tried to push me.

“She said: ‘I’ll show you,’ and came forward. If I fell on the ground I could have broken my head.”

Usha told the court she heard Murgai tell her husband: “When you’re not here you’ll see what I’ll do to your mum.”

Rakesh slept on a downstairs couch and left his mother in a hotel while he was at work, calling the police eight days later.

Sofa: Usha

“I did not want to call the police, it was my son’s idea,” said Usha. “He couldn’t take it any longer.” 

Rakesh witnessed both assaults and said: “The first time she was shaking and pushing her at the same time.

“The next day in the garden my mum was shouting: ’Please neighbours help me, she’s going to kill me.”

Murgai told the court her husband and his mother physically tried to push her out of the house and twice snatched a phone out of her hand when she tried to call 999.

“It’s a load of nonsense, it’s all lies. I was told in a lie the house was for myself, Rakesh and Andrew.

“She was shouting, swearing and being abusive while she was putting the laundry out. It was a set-up by her, she knows there’s CCTV in the garden.

“That home was a toxic environment and Usha wants to control her son and married life. She sees her life as with Rakesh, she’s married to him.”

The defendant said Usha told her: “I will slit your throat and kill you if you don’t get out of the house.”

Murgai now lives with her mother and has objected to her ex-husband having any contact with Andrew.

District Judge Kamlesh Rana told Murgai, who mow lives on benefits: “An assault on a lady of this age in her own home, where she is entitled to feel safe, must be reflected with some degree of seriousness.”

Murgai, who still protests her innocence, was placed on twelve months probation and also ordered to pay £200 costs and £100 compensation to Usha.

She must also comply with a twelve-month restraining order, prohibiting contact with her mother-in-law and attending the former matrimonial home.

Blackmailer's £10K Benefit Threat Bid Against Ex-Mum-In-Law

A penniless dad, who tried to blackmail his ex-mother-in-law out of £10,000 by threatening to report her for benefit fraud, received a suspended prison sentence today.

David Ward, 32, had a “sense of entitlement” to the 60 year-old woman’s cash, feeling she had done little to financially assist him and his family.

He sent his ex texts including: ‘I want £10,000 off your mum or I’m taking her to the cleaners’, ‘I’m not greedy, she’s got a lot of money’ and ‘If you call the police your mum will go to prison.’

Ward, of Lyham Road, Brixton pleaded guilty to one count of blackmailing Christine Anne Gullefer on May 13 at her home in Felmersham Close, Clapham.

“You must have known you were not entitled to that ten thousand pounds even though it’s said you had a sense of entitlement,” Recorder of Southwark Judge Usha Karu told him.

Inner London Crown Court heard Ward, who has since obtained a welding job, owed £2,600 in rent, plus council tax.

Prosecutor Mr. Peter Lancaster told the court Ward had a seven-year on-off relationship with the victim’s daughter and the couple have a three year-old son.

The court heard they split in May due to the daughter’s infidelity and Ward turned up on the widow mother’s doorstep a week later.

“The victim has health issues, depression and asthma and receives income support a disability living allowance.

“He said he wanted to speak about her daughter and naively she let him in and said she did not want to get involved.

“He raised his voice and said he wanted ten thousand pounds and gave her until six pm or he would contact social services and say she made false claims.

“He said she had not financially supported him, her daughter or their child.”

The victim immediately contacted the police. “When the officers arrived at her house she was in fear and felt intimidated.”

She revealed Ward previously accompanied her to the bank and knew she had savings.

His lawyer Mr. Robin Ghosh told the court: “The complainant was fairly well to do in his eyes and he felt this was unfair.”

Judge Karu sentenced Ward to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two year and ordered him to complete 150 hours community service work.

“This lady has some significant health issues and you took advantage of that by threatening to report her for making a false claim,” she told him.

“You had been to the bank with the mother and knew she did have some savings. 

“She must have been shocked and frightened when in her distressed state a young man turned up on her doorstep and demanded money.”

Rio Ferdinand Stalker Gets October Trial Date

Court Date: Ibru

A former model, who stalked footballer Rio Ferdinand, is accused of signing-up with his personal trainer and sending texts referring to the star despite a restraining order.

Susanne Ibru, 44, of Halifax Way, Christchurch, Dorset was locked-up for a week after her arrest for breaching the order, imposed by magistrates in 2011.

Today at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court her trial was adjourned to October 6.

Ibru - who has changed her name to Okoya - had already pleaded not guilty to harassment on May 4 and was released on bail after a week on remand.

“I’ve read his witness statement that says the stalking has continued,” said District Judge Susan Green during a previous hearing. “It says she continues to effect his day-to-day activities.

“I want enquiries made to Rio Ferdinand if like that statement says there has been a continuous course of conduct.

“Is she targeting this personal trainer because of her history with Rio Ferdinand. It’s not coincidental. She must have known he had a connection with Rio Ferdinand.”

The charge arises from two text messages Ibru sent Teddington-based ex-rugby pro Mel Deane, one of which read: “I think you are going to have to ask Rio to pay for the session. LOL.”

Prosecutor Miss Angela Mahadeo told the court: “This is the second breach, the first was in 2012. 

“The issue of the case is text messages sent to a third party in relation to outstanding payments for training sessions.

“The Crown say if she is granted bail she will interfere with witnesses. She admitted in interview she did send the text messages.

“The fact the text messages have been sent, even third party, we say is indirect contact. We say she will continue now to do it.”

Ibru’s lawyer Deborah Hogg told the court: “It’s all about two text messages she sent to the personal trainer of Rio Ferdinand and it’s about what her intention was and why she sent these text messages.

“She knows where Rio Ferdinand lives and where his grandmother lives in Peckham, her family live in Peckham,” added the lawyer.

“She says: ‘It wasn’t my intention to to contact a third party to get in contact with him.’

“She says these texts were jokey in context and she had a training session afterwards with Mr. Deane.

“She lives and hour-and-a-half away in Christchurch and works from home, a travel agency franchise and receives working tax credits.”

Ibru, dressed in maroon leggings, a white long-sleeved top and white patterned scarf around her head insists she did not initially know Mr. Deane, 42, trained Ferdinand.

She remains on bailed on conditions she resides at her recorded address, does not enter any London borough and does not contact Deane or Ferdinand.

Drinker Beaten Unconscious After Leaving Pub

Colin Flett Suffered Serious Injuries

A middle-aged man was beaten unconscious by three violent thugs after leaving a pub, where he had just bought a bike from a passer-by.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information to the unprovoked attack, which left him hospitalised and temporarily unable to speak.

Colin Flett, 52, was found unconscious in Skardu Road, Camden at around 11.30pm on Friday, July 7.

The assault was not reported to police by his family until several days later - and Colin spent several weeks unable to speak to either his family or officers waiting to interview him.

His sister told officers that her brother had been drinking in the Beaten Docket, Cricklewood Broadway that night.

While sitting outside the pub he bought a blue Reebok pedal cycle from man who he had not met before.

He left on the cycle and turned into Skardu Road, he remembers encountering three white men who pushed him off the bike.

He was unable to recall any more details.

Colin sustained a spinal injury and medical staff assessed him as needing a long period of recovery in hospital.

Detective Sergeant Richard Greenwood from the Central North Area Command said: "This was a vicious attack that has left Colin with life-changing injuries, in a very vulnerable state, and has had a devastating effect on his family.

"We would urgently ask any person with information, however inconsequential they may think it is, to come forward and pass this to us directly or via a third party. They will be treated in complete confidence."

The men who attacked Colin are all described as being white and aged between 20 to 30 years-old.

Anyone with information can call the unit's CID number on 0766 781 861 on or 101 or Tweet @MetCC.

Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

More Detention For Paedo Ex-Schoolteacher

A schoolteacher serving time for preying on young boys four decades ago has received an additional two years after another victim came forward.

Harvey Franks, 76, pleaded guilty to three further offences of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14 years of age in 1974.

He is already serving 15 years’ imprisonment for rape and sexual assault offences against young boys.

At Croydon Crown Court he was sentenced to the further period of custody.

The victim came forward in March, last year and reported that Franks abused him at Sedgehill Secondary School in Catford, south-east London.

He had abused him multiple time for around twelve months, starting in November 1974, when the victim was 11 years-old.

An investigation by one of the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse Investigation teams then began and Franks was arrested.

The court heard Franks was already facing trial for other offences of sexual abuse for which he was later convicted of and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment in August, last year.

His new sentence will run consecutively.

Detective Constable Tony Roper said: “Franks stole the victim's childhood, causing him extreme distress and pain throughout his life.

“He bravely came forward to report the crimes to the police.

“Franks had continued with his life as normal, but he has now been brought to justice.

"This case highlights that no matter the length of time that has passed, the public should feel reassured that the Met will thoroughly investigate non-recent offences and support and work with victims throughout.”

"Ruthless" Robber Locked-Up

A “ruthless career criminal” is starting a long prison sentence for terrorising staff at bookies shops during a series of armed raids.

Marcus Moore 33, received 17 years and 4 months after he pleaded guilty to seven charges of possession of an imitation firearm, four charges of robbery, three of attempted robbery and one charge of theft.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad arrested Moore on February 16 after analysis of CCTV footage linked him to a series of robberies and attempted robberies.

Moore armed himself with an imitation gun to carry out the crimes at bookmakers in Bromley, Newham and Essex.

A robbery was also carried out at a Post Office in Bromley.

The total amount of cash stolen by Moore was £4,818.

During his police interview, Moore said he had committed the offences to fund his heroin addiction.

Detective Constable Katie Scott said: "The recent spate of robberies posed a serious danger, not just to the employees of the bookmaking industry, but to the people of London as a whole.

"Marcus Moore is a ruthless, career criminal who carried out these acts of violence to fund his drug addiction.

"As a result of this prosecution Moore is now behind bars for a significant period of time.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victims and witnesses of these frightening offences who had the bravery to support the investigation."

Moore pleaded guilty to the following charges:

Attempted robbery at a bookmakers in Sidcup on 1 February.

Attempted robbery at Post Office in High Street, Sidcup on 6 February.

Robbery at a bookmakers in Newham on 10 February.

Robbery at a bookmakers in Newham on 13 February.

Robbery at a bookmakers Essex on 13 February.

Attempted robbery at a bookmakers in Newham on 15 February.

Robbery at a bookmakers in Newham on 15 February

Seven charges of possession of an imitation firearm relating to each of the robbery offences.

Theft of ID cards and a TV from an address in Bromley on 9 February.