Benefit Cheat Sub-Let Council-Funded Flat In £64,000 Swindle

A benefit cheat, who lied she was a single-parent with little money, was secretly living with her husband and sub-letting her council-funded flat during a five-year £64,000 swindle.

Kenyan-born Gladys O’Brien, 44, collected money from tenants who rented her in-demand flat in Gilbey Road, near Tooting Broadway Underground Station.

She was also collecting housing benefit for the property while living on the other side of the capital in Lavender Grove, Hackney.

Now residing at a family address in Ibbertson Road, Bournemouth O’Brien pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances to the London Borough of Wandsworth.

Between April 26, 2010 and November 8, 2015 she did not inform the council she was in receipt of rental income.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “She was not entitled to that benefit because she was living with her partner at another address.”

O’Brien submitted the housing benefit claim on January 24, 2007 on the basis she was “a single-parent on a low income,” but began renting it out three years later.

“The defendant had not declared she was sub-letting the flat while living with her husband.”

Mum-of-two O’Brien married in 1997, but says she left her husband and successfully applied for a non-molestation order before reconciling and moving back in.

On March 7, last year she was called into a Jobcentre for interview, where she admitted living with her husband.

“She did deny renting out the flat in Gilbey Road and receiving rental payments for it since 2010 and continuing to sign new tenancy agreements with the landlord while sub-letting it.

“She accepted her actions were selfish.”

O’Brien initially repaid Wandsworth Council £1,777 per month until October 30, last year, but that has dropped to £50 per week since February 2.

“She informed the benefits agency she became unemployed.

The magistrates committed her to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for sentencing.

Benefit Fraudster's Secret Bank Accounts Revealed £27K Swindle

A benefit cheat grabbed his laptop and desperately began transferring money to his daughter’s account when investigators exposed his four-year £27,000 fraud. 

Francis Bowen, 65, had kept secret three bank accounts and a £20,000 lump sum payment he received from his former employers while claiming Employment Support allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

The father-of-two, Baker House, Winstanley Estate, Battersea yesterday received four months imprisonment, suspended for a year.

No order for compensation was made as Bowen, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is currently re-paying the Department of Work and Pensions £60 per fortnight and a lesser weekly sum to the London Borough of Wandsworth.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to three counts of of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances in relation to the three benefits on dates between June 5, 2012 and August 1, 2016.

Prosecutor Miss Amanda McCabe told the court Bowen’s savings disqualified him from receiving benefits and he should have declared all the money in his bank accounts.

“In April, 2012 he received a lump sum of twenty thousand pounds, his occupational pension from Lambeth Educational Department.”

He had an excess of £16,000 - the cut off point for benefits - split between three different bank accounts he never declared and was confronted with the evidence by investigators.

“He got angry about this in interview and got out his own computer and started transferring sums to his daughter’s account,” explained Miss McCabe.

The court appearance was the first time Bowen has left the council flat, at which he rides alone, in eight months.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

GUILTY: Gin Heir Sir Walter Gilbey Convicted Of Throwing His 95 Year-Old Mother To Floor

The heir to the world-famous Gilbey gin empire has been convicted of assaulting his 95 year-old mother by “violently” lifting her up and throwing her heavily to the floor.

Sir Walter Gavin Gilbey, 68, inflicted a large amount of bruising to Lady Elizabeth Gilbey when visiting her countryside home.

He pleaded not guilty to the assault at the £950,000 property, Little Paddock, Bury, Pulborough on August 26, last year, but was convicted after a two-day trial.

He also snapped her walking cane into several pieces during the row, which he claimed was about her continuing to drive with poor eyesight.

Sir Walter, of Torwood, Stafford Road, Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands gave police a prepared statement when quizzed, claiming: “She was in the process of assaulting me.”

However Horsham Magistrates dismissed his account and fined him £339, with £625 costs and ordered him to pay £200 compensation to his mother as well as a £33 victim surcharge.

He was also made subject to a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting Lady Gilbey for the next month and following that period only in the presence of her housekeeper or carer.

As well as the driving dispute Sir Walter - known as Gavin to friends - claimed the fabricated assault account was encouraged by his sister Lady Camilla Frederick, 64, in her quest to control their mother’s estate.

The magistrates rejected his evidence as “not truthful,” describing Sir Walter as evasive in the witness box and not calm during the incident.

Bench chairwoman Lesley Overington said: “In a moment of anger and frustration he intentionally assaulted Lady Elizabeth by grabbing her arms, pulling her out of the chair and he flung her to the floor face forward.

“Sir Gavin’s evidence was considered and not truthful. His answers to cross-examination were often evasive and off-point.

“After the incident and during his 999 call to the police he was advised to redial 999 for an ambulance, or phone 111.

“He did neither, despite his mother having gone to the neighbour’s house, where she was screaming, shouting and making accusations.

“We don’t accept he was calm during the incident. We find he did break the walking stick as described by Lady Elizabeth.

“As magistrates we have found this to be a very sad case to hear. Having assessed all the evidence we find Sir Gavin Gilbey guilty of assault by beating.

“We heard live evidence from Lady Elizabeth, whom we found to be credible on the issue of whether her son assaulted her. She was very clear about the details of the assault.”  

At the start of the trial prosecutor Miss Amanda Burrows told the court: “This is concerning the assault of 95 year-old Lady Elizabeth Gilbey. The defendant is her son, Sir Gavin Gilbey, who is 68 years-old.

“Essentially on the twenty-sixth of August, last year Lady Gilbey was at her home address. The defendant had been staying with her some days and her housekeeper was away and there was nobody else in the house.

“Lady Gilbey says the defendant came into the room where she was watching television and they started arguing and she says her son came towards her in a threatening manner.

“She placed her walking cane in front of her and he snatched it and broke it into several pieces.

“He grabbed her violently from her chair and she fell to the ground so hard her hearing aid fell from her ear.”

Lady Gilbey went looking for her neighbour Mike, who spoke to Sir Walter and the police were not called.

She contacted police on September 1 and the investigation began.

“There are photographs of Lady Gilbey’s chest, which the Crown say are consistent with what she said and they were taken by her daughter Camilla Frederick.

“Lady Gilbey suffered significant bruising to the left side of her chest, the breast area.”

She saw her GP Dr. Timothy Fooks on September 5. “He observed an area of large bruising on Lady Gilbey’s chest and took an assessment of her mental capability and reaches conclusions about that.”

Sir Walter’s lawyer Mr. John Blandford told the court Lady Gilbey invented the allegation in revenge for her son hiding her car keys to prevent her driving.

“Lady Gilbey was driving on a regular basis even though she has glaucoma, which she should have informed DVLA about.

“The defendant was very concerned she was driving and causing a risk to other road users and on two occasions took her car keys away.

“This led to rows and threats and that is the reason for the false allegation.” 

Miss Burrows told the court Sir Walter refused to answer police questions after giving his statement. “He failed to account for how the cane was broken.”

Sir Walter told officers: “I deny assaulting my mother in any way whatsoever. I have not acted in any way that is considered threatening or intimidating.

“I did not cause any injury or bruising to my mother.”

Lady Gilbey, who has a history of falls, saw her GP with her daughter. “I was told ten days prior to her attending she had been in an altercations with her son at her home,” said the doctor.

“During that event she told me she was pulled forward in such a way that she fell on to her chest an that’s how the bruise was caused.

“I observed quite a large bruise on her breast. The injury I was shown was a significant bruise in keeping with what I had been told and I stand by that.”

Sir Walter is the 4th Baronet of The Gilbey Baronetcy and the title’s seat is Elsenham Hall, Essex.

The title was created on September 4, 1893 for the wine merchant, stock-breeder, agriculturalist and philanthropist Walter Gilbey.

He was chairman and co-founder of W & A Gilbey, established in 1857, a wine merchants and distillers most famous for London dry gin.

The brand is now owned by industry giants Diageo.

Twice-divorced Sir Walter is known by his middle name Gavin and the Eton-educated businessman was a director of Giblet’s International Inc between 1986 and 1992.

He succeeded as fourth Baronet on October 29, 1991.  

Gilbey Gin Heir Describes Sister As "Menace" To Their Mother

Sir Walter Gilbey told the trial his sister Lady Camilla Frederick, 64, was an ex-drug user determined to get her hands on their mother’s estate and supported the bogus assault allegation.

“My sister was just trying to control, take control of my mother’s money. She’s had a lot of problems, she a recovering heroin addict I witnessed giving marijuana to her children.

“A complaint was made to the Public Guardian that I was stealing my mother’s money. My sister made the same complaint to the police, a doctor and her daughter.”

Sir Water was cleared of the allegations. “My conduct was exemplary. I’d like to think I’m a good man of moral character.”

Sir Walter Gavin Gilbey, 68, of Torwood, Stafford Road, Dornoch denies assaulting his 95 year-old mother Lady Elizabeth Gilbey on August 26, last year at her home in Little Paddock, Bury, Pulborough.

Trouble began when he snatched his mother’s car keys from the ignition two days before the assault claim. “She responded by wailing, screaming and pounding the steering wheel with her fists.

“She said: ‘You’re ruining my life. I hate you, I will get you for this.

“The second time I did it she got out of the car and started hitting me with her stick and that’s when I broke it in two pieces.”

He said of the assault allegation: “This is fantasy. My sister has been nothing but a perpetual menace to my mother this last year.

“I believe without any doubt my sister has groomed our mother to gain control of our mother’s assets. This is the motive.”

Sir Walter said the bruise must have been caused by an innocent fall. “She’s done it several times before. I’ve seen her staggering, stumbling, she’s very unsteady on her feet.”

His sister Lady Camilla said of her mother: “The fear and terror is etched into her brain.

“How would you feel about your brother doing this to your mother?” she asked, rejecting Sir Walter’s claim she was jealous of him.

“I did not want him or myself to have POA or be executors of the will to end the family dispute.”

She dismissed her brother’s suggestion she plotted with her mother to frame him, telling defence lawyer Mr. John Blandford: “Don’t be so ridiculous, that’s laughable.

“You’re a joke, you’re a joker. I totally reject it, it is nonsense, ridiculous.

“I’m a mastermind? I did that did I? To insinuate I did that is disgraceful, disgusting, you’ve been instructed by someone quite weird.”

The trial, at Horsham Magistrates Court, continues.........

Gilbey Gin Heir Sir Walter Claims Sister Encouraged Assault Claim To Seize Mother's Estate

The mother of gin heir Sir Walter Gilbey told the trial, via a video link, how her son angrily confronted her and dragged her out of her seat during a row.

Lady Elizabeth Gilbey, 95, who shares her home of twenty years with her 86 year-old housekeeper, told the court it was approaching 5.30pm when Sir Walter assaulted her.

“I was sitting on my sofa in my little sitting-room, reading. He came into the room, we had an argument and he came back into the room with a rather menacing look on his face.

“I raised my stick to defend myself and he has mentioned that I hit him, which I never did, I don’t even hit my dog.

“He snatched the stick from me and broke it into five pieces. He grabbed my arm and flung me on the floor and I landed on my face.

“I tried to get up again and he just stood over me. I was so scared I ran into the neighbour’s house for protection.

“The hearing aid was in my ear and when I hit the floor it came out of my ear and shot under the stove.

“I went to my bedroom and barricaded the door with a lot of chairs and went to bed. He pushed the barricade of chairs and came into the bedroom.”

Sir Walter lost Power of Attorney in 2014 and his lawyer Mr. Blandford suggested: “You and your daughter Camilla have put your heads together to ensure he is out of the picture and Camilla has control of the estate.”

He lost POA after an enquiry by the office of Public Guardian and prosecutor Miss Burrows asked: “Is the defendant so incensed that POA was removed he’s gone out of him way to portray his mother as someone losing her memory, losing her marbles.” 

Lady Gilbey said it was nothing to do with her daughter and also dismissed her GP’s evidence of a history of falls. “I’ve never fallen. The only falls I’ve had is when he yanked me out of the chair and flung me on the floor.”

She said “hatred’ was too strong a word to describe her son and daughter’s relationship “Maybe dislike. She’s with me know, she’s a very dutiful and beautiful daughter.”

Sir Walter says his mother has struck him with her walking stick, shouting: “You’re ruining my life,” when he took her car keys.

“It is very important for me to be able to drive. I live right out in the country, I have to drive,” said Lady Gilbey, giving evidence via a videolink.

Sir Walter says his mother struck him on August 24 and 26, last year, forcing him to confiscate her walking stick and telling her: “Mum, you’ve got to stop hitting me.”

However, she insists he was the aggressor. “The way he came into the room in such a threatening manner and when I put my stick up he snatched it in such a menacing manner.

‘I landed on my face and missed the metal stove by a matter of inches. That might have killed me.

“I went to my doctor to show him all the bruising because I thought I’d broken my ribs.”

Sir Walter, 68, of Torwood, Stafford Road, Dornoch denies assaulting his mother, while visiting from the Scottish Highlands, at her Pulborough home in Little Paddock, Bury on August 26, last year. 

Trial continues……………

Heir To Gilbey Gin Empire Sir Walter Denies Knocking His 95 Year-Old Mother To Floor

Sir Walter - Known As 'Gavin' To Friends

The heir to the world-famous Gilbey gin empire broke his 95 year-old mother’s walking cane before “violently” lifting her up, causing her to fall heavily to the floor, a court heard yesterday.

Sir Walter Gavin Gilbey, 68, denies inflicting a large amount of bruising to 95 year-old Lady Elizabeth Gilbey when visiting her countryside home.

He has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Lady Gilbey at her £950,000 property, Little Paddock, Bury, Pulborough on August 26, last year when visiting from his home in the Scottish Highlands.

Sir Walter, of Torwood, Stafford Road, Dornoch gave police a prepared statement when quizzed, claiming: “She was in the process of assaulting me.”

Prosecutor Miss Amanda Burrows told Horsham Magistrates Court: “This is concerning the assault of 95 year-old Lady Elizabeth Gilbey. The defendant is her son, Sir Gavin Gilbey, who is 68 years-old.

“Essentially on the twenty-sixth of August, last year Lady Gilbey was at her home address. The defendant had been staying with her some days and her housekeeper was away and there was nobody else in the house.

“Lady Gilbey says the defendant came into the room where she was watching television and they started arguing and she says her son came towards her in a threatening manner.

“She placed her walking cane in front of her and he snatched it and broke it into several pieces.

“He grabbed her violently from her chair and she fell to the ground so hard her hearing aid fell from her ear.”

Lady Gilbey went looking for her neighbour Mike, who spoke to Sir Walter and the police were not called.

She contacted police on September 1 and the investigation began.

“There are photographs of Lady Gilbey’s chest, which the Crown say are consistent with what she said and they were taken by her daughter Camilla Frederick.

“Lady Gilbey suffered significant bruising to the left side of her chest, the breast area.”

She saw her GP Dr. Timothy Fooks on September 5. “He observed an area of large bruising on Lady Gilbey’s chest and took an assessment of her mental capability and reaches conclusions about that.”

Sir Walter’s lawyer Mr. John Blandford told the court Lady Gilbey invented the allegation in revenge for her son hiding her car keys to prevent her driving.

“Lady Gilbey was driving on a regular basis even though she has glaucoma, which she should have informed DVLA about.

“The defendant was very concerned she was driving and causing a risk to other road users and on two occasions took her car keys away.

“This led to rows and threats and that is the reason for the false allegation.” 

Miss Burrows told the court Sir Walter refused to answer police questions after giving his statement. “He failed to account for how the cane was broken.”

Sir Walter told officers: “I deny assaulting my mother in any way whatsoever. I have not acted in any way that is considered threatening or intimidating.

“I did not cause any injury or bruising to my mother.”

Lady Gilbey, who has a history of falls, saw her GP with her daughter Mrs Frederick, 64, a mother-of-two. “I was told ten days prior to her attending she had been in an altercations with her son at her home,” said the doctor.

“During that event she told me she was pulled forward in such a way that she fell on to her chest an that’s how the bruise was caused.

“I observed quite a large bruise on her breast. The injury I was shown was a significant bruise in keeping with what I had been told and I stand by that.”

Sir Walter is the 4th Baronet of The Gilbey Baronetcy and the title’s seat is Elsenham Hall, Essex.

The title was created on September 4, 1893 for the wine merchant, stock-breeder, agriculturalist and philanthropist Walter Gilbey.

He was chairman and co-founder of W & A Gilbey, established in 1857, a wine merchants and distillers most famous for London dry gin.

The brand is now owned by industry giants Diageo.

Twice-divorced Sir Walter is known by his middle name Gavin and the Eton-educated businessman was a director of Giblet’s International Inc between 1986 and 1992.

He succeeded as fourth Baronet on October 29, 1991.  

Trial continues…………

Solicitor Back In Dock: Bit WPC After Being Tasered Outside Home

A lawyer, who viciously scratched a WPC after she was tasered outside her £800,000 home, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Family Law specialist Ofra Freedman, 52, was challenged because she had a kitchen knife in her pocket, but refused to comply with police instructions.

She pleaded guilty to possessing a blade in Tenterden Drive, Hendon on December 1, last year and assaulting the officer at the Royal Free Hospital.

Freedman was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and must comply with ten days of Probation Service-ordered rehabilitation.

She must also pay the WPC £100 compensation; £200 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

“We are thinking about a risk assessment because now a knife is involved,” said Willesden magistrate Claudia Allen, ruling the offences were aggravated by causing an injury and a previous conviction for assaulting police.

Prosecutor Me. Terence Enewman told the court: “It was 2.45pm when police were called by a member of the public to reports of a female armed with a knife.

“In Tenterden Drive they saw the female had a glazed expression and was red-dot challenged with a taser because a knife was sticking out of her jacket pocket.

“She reached for her pocket and the taser was deployed, but was ineffective.”

A bodyworn police camera showed the taser striking Freedman, but having no obvious effect.

She had a cut to her finger and was taken to the local Royal Free due to her aggressive and erratic behaviour.

“She dug into the arm of the police officer with her fingernails, causing several scratches and abrasions.”

Freedman says she has developed a phobia of police officers and produced a letter from her GP to support the claim.

“I went into a state of shock and panic when stopped by the police and I went into a seizure,” she told the court.

“At the hospital I was anxious and worried and I accept I was reckless, it was not a deliberate assault on the officer and was brought on by my phobia.”

Freedman, who has enjoyed a twenty-five year career in the legal profession was convicted in February, last year of assaulting two police officers during an alcohol-fueled disturbance at her house.

After downing four bottles of wine and a bottle and a half of vodka she kicked one PC in the knee and aimed a spit at a WPC.  

She is currently subject to a suspended sentence from Harrow Crown Court for a racially-aggravated public order offence and has another conviction for causing criminal damage.

Freedman told the court she stopped drinking last summer. “A jewish charity is helping me with agoraphobia and issues of depression.”

Freedman says she was walking to a local park on the day with some fruit to have an impromptu picnic to raise her spirits and had no intention to harm herself or others with the knife.

She was unhappy about the presence of a reporter in court and asked: “Can I object to the press being here?”

Outside she said: “These stories about me are ruining my life. I’m a solicitor for God’s sake and I have not done anything wrong.”

Thug Wanted For Punching 79 Year-Old Man To Ground After McDonald's Row

A 79 year-old pensioner suffered a deep cut to his head and a fractured hip after being punched to the ground following a brief dispute in a north London McDonald's.

Detectives are trying to identify their suspect (pictured) who was a customer at the fast-food outlet's Highgate Hill restaurant on December 31, last year.

The victim and suspect had both been in McDonald's, near Archway Underground Station, just before 3pm and there was a brief exchange of words between them before the suspect left.

He exited and walked towards Holloway Road, with the victim following in the same direction a short time later.

Approximately two metres from the exit of the restaurant the suspect turned around and approached the victim.

The victim was punched in the face by the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground.

The suspect then made off in the direction of busy Holloway Road and Archway Underground Station.

The victim was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service after suffering a deep laceration across his forehead and a fractured hip.

The suspect is described as a white man, of average build, aged between thirty and forty years of age.

He has short dark hair with a receding hairline.

Detective Constable Darren Burt, of the Central North Command Unit, said: "This appears to have been a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man, whose life may now be changed forever due to his injuries.

"Over a month later, the victim is still in hospital following hip surgery.

“We urge anyone who recognises this man or has any information to come forward and contact police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting CAD 4091/31 December. 

Scissor-Wielding Sex Attacker Pounced On Bakery Teen In Early Hours

Police are hunting a dangerous sex attacker, who pounced on a teenager working in an east London bakery at 4.00am after tricking his way in.

On December 21, last year the 18 year-old victim allowed the suspect in to the Cranbrook Road, Gilford business, after he claimed to know the owner.

The woman opened the door and the suspect pushed his way in, before grabbing her and dragging her to the rear of the shop, where he sexually assaulted and tried to rape her.

The woman was forced to hand over her purse as the suspect held a pair of scissors to her throat.

The suspect left with her money and cash from the till.

Over £500 was taken.

The suspect is described as black man, aged in his thirties. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper, black jacket, dark grey trousers and black trainers.

Detective Constable Angela Nemeth, from the East Area Command, said: "The suspect has abused this woman's trust before forcing his way in and dragging her to the rear of the shop to attack her.

"We are appealing for any information as to the identity of this man."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Jail For Killer Who Threw Fatal Punch Outside Lap-Dancing Club

One-Punch Killer Chiakka

A one-punch killer is starting a six-and-a-half year prison sentence after fatally decking a Swedish tourist outside a West End lap-dancing club.

Antonio Chiakka, 21, of Enfield, north London had been downing champagne, cocktails and vodka Red Bull's inside Sophisticats during a four-hour binge.

Outside the Henrietta Place venue at 6.00am on July 29, last year he punched tipsy visitor Guzman Shannan, 49, who was seeking a taxi to return to the hotel his wife and him were staying at.

Greek-Cypriot Chiakka fled to the Mediterranean island, where he googled “one punch killer” and returned to the UK the day after Mr. Shannan died.

He suffered devastating head injuries as he fell to the pavement.

Another club customer, causing trouble, had approached Mr. Shannan outside and Chiakka was seen to roll up his sleeve before delivering the blow.

An Old Bailey jury convicted him of manslaughter after a trial, during which Chiakka claimed he was acting in self defence.

An ambulance crew rushed the victim, who was bleeding from his nose and ears, to hospital in a critical condition.

He died a few days later on August 2 from the head injury.

Council Tenant Accused Of Illegal Sub-Let

A council tenant, accused of illegally sub-letting his home, denied the charge when he appeared in court today.

Marvin Maddix, 27, of Endsleigh Road, West Ealing, west London entered a not guilty plea.

He was summonsed by the London Borough of Ealing.

Maddix is charged with sub-letting the property, in breach of his secured tenancy, between January 14 and April 17, last year.

The summons was brought under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act.

The council dropped a more serious charge of dishonesty in relation to the alleged sub-let.

He will return to Ealing Magistrates Court for a trial on March 21.

Rapist Caged For 17 Years

A rapist has been locked-up for 17 years after his victim - dressed in just a dressing-gown and slippers - raised the alarm at a local newsagent.

Darrel Rose, 31, of King Henry's Drive, New Addington, Croydon was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The victim was a woman who had been known to Rose for more than ten years.

Croydon Crown Court heard on March 25, last year police were called to the local convenience store in Hackbridge.

The victim told officers she had been raped at a nearby house and fled after rose fell asleep. 

Detective Constable Ellen Jones of the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: "The victim in this case has shown great bravery and courage in standing up to Rose and ensuring that he is made to answer for his actions.

"I would like to praise the strength and commitment she has shown throughout this case."

Bank Robber Claimed He Had Bomb

Hoodie: Police Are hunting This Suspect

Police hunting a knifeman, who robbed a high street bank while claiming he was also armed with a bomb, have released this CCTV still of their suspect.

The Flying Squad are investigating the audacious robby, which occurred in High Street, Hounslow, west London on January 19.

The robber entered the bank at 2.40pm and approached a female cashier.

He intimated he was in possession of a bomb and ordered her to follow him, stating “come with me, and don’t press the alarm”.

She was forced to go with the suspect into a staff area, where several of her colleagues were present.

The suspect said “this is a robbery” and “I need the money,” and then showed them a kitchen knife.

Initially, there were no other customers in the bank, but a female customer walked in and was approached by the suspect before being threatened with the knife.

He then ordered her towards the back of the bank with the staff members.

Again he stated that he had a bomb and forced a staff member to hand over cash.

During the course of this, a further three customers entered the branch.

They were all approached by the suspect, who repeatedly stated that it was a robbery and showed them the knife.

He then fled with a sum of money, pursued by two of the bank’s employees, who followed him in the direction of an alleyway adjacent to a McDonalds and Starbucks, before turning into Balfour Road.

He was lost after turning right into Montague Road.

There were no reported injuries to the staff or members of the public during the incident.

Though the suspect repeatedly threatened that he had a bomb, no device was seen.

Detective Constable Adrian Whitewhick, who is leading the investigation, said: “This man has subjected members of the public and the bank’s employees to a traumatic experience in which they feared for their lives. It is imperative that we catch him.

“The CCTV images we have are of a good quality and plainly reveal the suspect’s face; do you recognise this man?

“He may well be local to the area and I would urge anyone with information to tell the police immediately.”