Notting Hill Carnival Finance Boss Denies Swindling £784,000

Camera Shy: Ali

The finance officer of the Notting Hill Carnival has denied swindling over three quarters of a million pounds out of the annual event.

Nadia Chase Ali, 34, from the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago claims there was no dishonesty when making bank transfers to her own personal account.

She appeared at Isleworth Crown Court today, where she will return for her trial.

Ali, of Bonchurch Road, North Kensington pleaded not guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position between March 6, 2014 and December 2, 2016.

It is alleged that while occupying the position of finance officer at The Carnival Village Trust in Powis Square, Notting Hill she abused that position to dishonestly make a gain of £784,262.56p.

She also pleaded not guilty to one count of theft, namely stealing financial documents and letters belong in to The Carnival Village Trust.

Ali, who has a young four month-old child, is alleged to have transferred quantities of money to her homeland.

She remains on bail on condition she resides at her recorded address, does not leave the UK and surrenders her passport to police.

Hunting Knife Robber Raids Shop: CCTV Released

Police searching for a convenience store robber armed with a fearsome hunting knife have issued this CCTV image of their suspect.

At 8.15am on Thursday, February 1, the suspect walked into a mini supermarket on Brook Street, Erith, south-east London.

Waving the large hunting knife, he threatened the 45-year-old store owner, and demanded cash from behind the counter.

Fearful for his safety the victim went behind the counter and opened the till and the suspect emptied the till’s contents into a white plastic bag.

As he was interrogating the owner as to where more money was kept, a woman and child entered the store.

They were both asked to wait outside.

The suspect went outside, spoke to the woman and boy and asked them what they wanted.

He then re-entered the store and took eight packets of cigarettes, two canned drinks and some sweets which he handed to them before walking off into Northumberland Heath Park.

The suspect is described as a black man, approximately 5ft 6ins tall.

He was wearing dark coloured clothing, including a black Nike tracksuit, scarf, hat and gloves.

Detective Constable Maxine Hudd, investigating officer from Bexley CID, said: “We believe that this could possibly be linked to a number of robberies that have taken place in the Erith area since December fifteen, last year.

“Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident, specifically the woman and child, who were outside the shop, or anyone who saw the suspect enter or leave the park.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bexley CID on 020 8284 9146 or the police non-emergency line on 101.

Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fraudster Wanted For Defrauding 96 Year-Old Pensioner

Police have issued this CCTV image as they appeal for help to identify a man wanted in connection with a fraud committed against a vulnerable 96-year-old pensioner.

At 11.05am on Wednesday, January 10 the pensioner received a call at his home address near Carshalton Park from a person pretending to be from his bank.

During the call, the victim gave his personal details and PIN and the caller said someone would come round and collect his bank cards.

Around 30 minutes later, the suspect arrived at the victim's address to collect his bank cards and reassured him that replacement cards were in the post for the following day.

The suspect subsequently withdrew £300 from an ATM outside Barclays Bank in Wallington.

A further withdrawal of £1800 was made inside the branch at a second machine.

Police Constable Lewis Stevens of Sutton Case Progression Unit said: "The suspect targeted an elderly man by convincing him that he worked for his bank.

"The victim soon realised that he had been the victim of a fraud, but by then it was too late."

CCTV footage and a still image released by police show a man who police want to speak with in connection with this incident.

He is described as a black man, around 5ft 6inches tall and aged in his thirties.

He wore a black baseball cap over short black hair, glasses, black coat and blue jeans.

He wore light blue trainers and is seen in the bank with a small blue bag over his hip.

He arrived at the victim's home in a large dark car.

Anyone who recognises the man pictured or has information concerning this incident is asked to call police in Sutton on 020 8649 0532.

Chemsex Drug Dealer Jailed For Supplying Gay Scene

A notorious drug dealer on the gay 'Chemsex' scene is starting a lengthy prison sentence after a police raid on his south London home.

Portuguese Angelo Jardim, 49 of Landor Road, Stockwell was arrested on September 15, last year by Lambeth Borough officers after a tip-off.

Police searched his property and seized Class A drugs and around £13,000 in cash.

During the raid, officers found Jardin had access to another address in Voltaire Road, Clapham.

They carried out a raid on this property and found large quantities of Class A and C drugs.

He was charged with six counts of possession to supply Class A, B and C drugs.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court and was sentenced to nine years and ten months imprisonment.

Police Constable Francis Stanton, attached to Lambeth Proactive unit, commented: "Jardim was a prominent member of the Chemsex scene; organising parties and selling drugs to a large amount of men he met on the dating app, Grindr.

"Previously, a lot of Chemsex scene criminals were going under the radar, and not being detected, however we are making significant headway in the way we catch these criminals.

Not only do they break the law by dealing drugs, but they also have a negative impact on families, and communities, by getting people addicted to illegal substances."

Banned Motorcyclist Inflicted Multiple Fractures On Woman Pedestrian

A disqualified and uninsured motorcyclist, who inflicted seven serious fractures on a female London Ambulance Service employee he ran over, has avoided being locked-up.

Timi Joe, 25, knocked 37 year-old Lisa Brown twelve feet through the air, causing four pelvic fractures, plus a broken shoulder, ankle and leg.

She also suffered dislocations to both shoulders and a cut to her eye socket and may need a third operation for the injuries caused while using a pedestrian crossing.

The courts have been given the power to imprison such banned drivers for up to four years, but Joe, of Stanswood Gardens, Camberwell received twelve months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

“He should not have been on the road,” said Lisa, who is still receiving physio, after the case. “The injuries he caused were horrific.”

Joe pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to one count of causing serious injury while driving disqualified in Putney High Street on July 15, last year.

Joe also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and jumping bail and must also complete 120 hours community service and obey a tagged night time curfew from 9pm to 6am for three months.

He has now swapped his three-wheeled Piaggio for a bicycle and is a food courier for Deliveroo.

After the collision he dumped the motorbike as well as his crash helmet and jacket as he fled towards Putney Bridge and gave a false name to police.

Ms Brown was bed bound for six weeks afterwards and then had to use a wheelchair. She has still not returned to work seven months after the collision.

“His view of the crossing was obscured by a stationary bus as he accelerated within the speed limit,” said prosecutor Mr. Andrew Johnson. 

“He failed to take necessary action to avoid the collision and the tread on one tyre is described as virtually non-existent by the officer on the scene.”

On May 17, 2016 Joe was banned for a year for driving while under the influence of drugs and on June 20, last year he received an eighteen-month disqualification for driving without insurance.

He claims he was unaware of this latest ban, imposed just four weeks before the collision.

Joe also says the traffic light was green in his favour when Ms Brown was crossing the road in full uniform on the way to her shift and there is no suggestion he jumped a red light.

It is accepted he was probably travelling at around 20-25mph.

“He’s a young man that took risks and those risks were devastating for the complainant in this matter,” said Miss Mandisa Knights, defending.

Judge Georgina Kent told Joe: “Lisa Brown stepped onto the crossing in front of a stationary bus either as the lights changed from red to amber or to green.

“The bus was obstructing your view. You overtook the bus and collided with Lisa Brown.

“She was struck by the moped and thrown into the air.

“She suffered two dislocated shoulders, four pelvic fractures, a fractured shoulder, tibia, ankle and a cut to her eye socket.

“She needed operations and rods inserted and may need a third and has received months of physio and remains off work.

“She is not sure if she will ever be able to go back to work. This accident was devastating for her and will have a long-lasting impact on her.

“Even though the lights had just turned green you would be expected to check if pedestrians were crossing.

“You should have had regard for the fact someone may have been crossing in front of that bus  

“You say you were unaware you were disqualified and that is complete irresponsibility on your part for not keeping your address up to date with DVLA.”

Joe was disqualified for three years and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence and was ordered to pay £670 costs.

Maserati Driver Jailed For Running Over Two Police Officers

A Maserati-driver, who lost control of the vehicle in the early hours and crashed into two police officers, has been jailed for three years and four months.

The officers suffered multiple fractures and internal bleeding after 48 year-old Mohammed Shaikh mounted a footpath on a bend of the busy North Circular Road at 3.40am.

Shaikh, of Amberden Avenue, Finchley Central pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on December 17, last year.

He also admitted failing to provide a breath specimen at the scene to determine whether he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Shaikh was also disqualified from driving for a total of six years and three months, and will be required to take an extended driving test before his licence is restored.

Harrow Crown Court heard the two officers from Brent Borough - PC Christopher Appleton and PC Samantha Clark - were carrying out an area search to trace a suspect who had decamped from a vehicle to the north-side of the A406.

The two officers were on a footpath adjacent to the North Circular Road when the white Maserati, driven by Shaikh, travelling eastbound towards Brent Cross, came around the left hand bend and mounted the footway.

He collided with another vehicle and the two officers; PC Appleton was struck first while PC Clark was trapped between the vehicle and a house.

Colleagues from Brent Borough responded and PC Clark was removed from beneath the vehicle before both officers were taken to hospital.

Shaikh was arrested at the scene and taken to a north London police station, with the investigation being led by the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC).

Both of the officers were critically injured, sustaining multiple fractures and internal bleeding.

Superintendent Andy McNaughton, Acting Borough commander for Brent, said: “Shaikh's dangerous driving led to a collision with two of my officers who sustained serious injuries.

“Were it not for the actions of their colleagues at the scene, their injuries may well have proved fatal.

“Sam and Chris are exceptional officers who have demonstrated extraordinary courage.

“They have had extensive surgery and are on a long and painful rehabilitation programme.

“They are both fully committed to getting back to work which speaks volumes of their character.

“With the support of their families and colleagues I have no doubt they will achieve this.

“Police and other emergency services routinely deal with road traffic collisions where people have been injured, but this was particularly harrowing for the officers who attended to their injured colleagues.

“Shaikh was swiftly arrested, and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

The sentence handed down reflects the severity of the collision and the injury caused.”

Bus Pervert Appeal: Suspect In Court Charged With Sexual Assault

Abdi Ikken 

An alleged bus sex pest, accused of molesting two young women, has appeared in court after a police appeal to identify their suspect.

Abdi Wahab Ikken, 41, of Sycamore Road, Dartford, Kent denied the charges when he appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court today.

He pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a 17 year-old female on a number 96 bus in Woolwich on August 28, last year and a second young woman on number 53 on September 25.

Prosecutor Mr. Brinkman May told the court: “Both victims are assaulted on a bus sexually by this defendant. 

“He is identified via CCTV. There was a national appeal for his identity and police received information and they go to an address and arrest him.

“The Oyster card is linked to him travelling on those buses.

“The charges relate to him sitting next to them and rubbing against them and on one occasion placing his hand on the thigh of one of the females.

“He is rubbing himself up against the ankles of one lady. Rubbing against the leg and touching the thigh of the other.”

That trial will take place at Croydon Magistrates Court on April 16.

Ikken, who needed an Arabic interpreter, is also accused of using a bogus French passport to illegally secure employment and that case was sent to Inner London Crown Court.

He is charged with fraud by false representation between October 1 and December 24, 2013, namely dishonestly gaining employment at Southwark Council, Unit 9, 57 Sangate Street, Peckham.

Bus Pervert Appeal CCTV

Ikken is further charged with possession of an identity document, with intent to establish personal information, on January 19, 2015.

He is also charged with stealing an Oyster card and £55 credit between July 1 and July 31, last year.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command led the enquiry into identifying their suspect, who boarded the 96 bus outside Dartford Magistrates Court at 6.30pm.

The suspect sat upstairs next to the 17 year-old despite other seats being available and touched her.

She confronted him and got off at Plumstead Corner and the suspect alighted shortly afterwards.

Ikken was bailed on condition he resides at his address, reports three times a week to Bexleyheath Police Station and does not board a number 93 or 53 bus.

Theatreland Rapist Hunted By Police

Police hunting a West End rapist, who pounced on a woman in the early hours, have released this e-fit of their suspect.

The victim was raped by the unknown male at around 1.30am on October 25, last year in the busy Charing Cross Road area.

he managed to flee and reported the incident to police after assistance from members of the public.

The suspect is described as a black male, aged in his mid to late twenties, with short black hair.

He has mottled skin or cigarette scars on his face and arms, with a tattoo of wording on the side of his neck.

Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command investigate.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command on 020 8733 5999 or 101.

Uber Driver Convicted Of Grooming 14 Year-Old Passenger For Sex

An Uber driver, who groomed a tipsy 14 year-old schoolgirl for sex, was warned by a judge he faces being locked-up after a jury convicted him today.

Spyros Ntounis, 35, of Luminosity Court, 49 Drayton Green Road, West Ealing was later black-listed by the company after complaints from three others female passengers.

“It is troubling, the circumstances of this offence, particularly as I heard about his previous behaviour in an Uber taxi that the jury did not hear about,” said Judge Timothy Lamb QC.

“His services were dispensed with by Uber because of complaints by three females about his conversation in the car.”

The Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury unanimously convicted Ntounis of one count of attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming between April 21 and 25, last year.

He showed no reaction as the guilty verdict was read and will be sentenced on March 19.

“You have been convicted by the jury, I need a report on you,” Judge Lamb told him. “I’ll give you your liberty for the moment, but don’t think that because I’m doing that you will avoid a custodial sentence.

“You could be going to prison.”

Ntounis’ lawyer Miss Laurie-Anne Power asked: “In the circumstances and because of the nature of the offence my application is for a pre-sentence report.”

The court heard Ntounis has one previous conviction from Harrow Crown Court for dishonestly making a false representation, for which he received twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years on October 13, 2014.

During the trial the girl told the jury: “He was saying that I was hot and I had nice lips. I thought he was being nice, but then I thought it was a bit odd.

“As he got close to my house he started driving slowly because he said he wanted to spend more time with me, which I thought was odd.”

Prosecutor Mr. Allister Walker said: “At the time of the offence the defendant was a mini-cab driver working for Uber who collected the complainant from her friend’s address at 9.30pm.

“During the short journey he made inappropriate comments and obtained her phone number and over the next few days he sent her messages, asking her to meet him.

“The prosecution say this was for some kind of sexual activity.”

GPS tracking proves Ntounis slowed his car to a crawl of 5mph as the journey concluded and he admitted to police this was to extend his time with the teen.

“She had drunk some rum and coke with her fiends and says on a scale of drunkenness she was ‘five or six’ out of ten.”

Her 15 year-old boyfriend had seen her off on the cab ride from Barnes to Kingston-upon-Thames and her middle-class parents confiscated her phone because she exceeded her curfew.

“The driver, this defendant, asked her how old she was and how old her boyfriend was and she told him she was fourteen.

“He put the internal light on and looked at her via the rear-view mirror and told her she was ‘hot’ and had ‘nice lips’ and gave her chewing gum.”

This was to mask the smell of alcohol on her breath from her anxious parents.

“He told her to text him her name and during the journey the complainant sent a message to her friend, indicating her discomfort.”

Balding Ntounis knocked nearly a decade off his age, claiming to be only twenty-six, the jury heard and over the next few days sent WhatsApp message to her.

“He said: ‘I can give you lessons in whatever you want’ and: ‘When are you out next time.’

“He asked: ‘Do I pass the age test?’ and: ‘I would love it.’

“The complainant blocked him on WhatsApp and told her mother, but the defendant then began sending ordinary phone texts.

“He wrote: ‘We can be friends and I can help you if you want with a taxi. I can give you a free ride sometime.”

Ntounis handed himself into Islington Police Station a month later and told officers he recalled little of the journey.

“He now admits the texts, saying there were innocent motives and he wanted to support her,” added Mr. Walker.

“However, the prosecution say he took advantage of his position with her and the motive was to have sexual contact.

“His intention was to meet her later for sex.”

The girl added: “The next day I had a text from him and he started asking to meet up with me and I got a bit concerned so I blocked him.

“He was sending me quite a few texts, one after the other and he told me he was twenty-six and I told him I was a bit young.”

The court made a temporary Sexual Offenders Prevention Order, which bans Ntounis from having a female passenger in his car, aged under eighteen years-old, without permission from her parent or guardian.

He must also notify his Public Protection Unit officer of any passenger of that age and identify any vehicle he drives to that officer.

Ntounis must not contact any person under eighteen via the internet or via any other mobile device.

Transport For London have removed his licence, but Ntounis is still potentially free to work as a mini-cab driver outside the capital.

“If he disappears he will be sentenced in his absence,” announced the judge, ordering Ntounis to reside at his home address; obey a nighttime curfew; not contact the complainant or apply for travel documents.

Police Hunt Knife-Wielding Mugger Who Stabbed Lone Victim Four Times

Police hunting a knife-wielding robber, who chased and stabbed his 20 year-old victim four times in the early hours, have released this CCTV image.

The victim was walking home at 3.45am on February 3 in Marcia Road, near Old Kent Road, Walworth after a night out when he was grabbed from behind.

A knife was held to his throat and the suspect demanded that he hand over his mobile phone.

The victim initially managed to escape but fell while running.

The suspect caught up to him and stabbed him four times before fleeing without the victim’s mobile phone.

The victim's injuries were not life-threatening and he has since been discharged from hospital.

Detective Constable Samuel Cafferty, from Southwark CID said: "It was fortunate that the victim in this case did not sustain more serious injuries.

“The level of violence used against him was shocking when weighed against the suspect's aim of stealing a mobile phone.

"I am very keen to hear from anyone who can name this person.

“Although the image is not particularly clear, I am convinced that anyone who knows him would recognise him from the image and I urge them to contact me immediately."

The man pictured is believed to be a black male, aged between 20 and 25 years old, with a goatee beard and what is described as a south London accent.

He was wearing a black ‘puffa’ style jacket with hood, baseball cap, light-coloured jeans and trainers.

The CCTV still shows the suspect walking along the southern part of Dunton Road, just off Old Kent Road, following the attack.

Anyone with information should call Southwark CID by calling 020 7232 6120 or 101, contact police via Twitter @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Romanian Pimp Jailed After Police Raid Brothel

A Romanian pimp, who worked three young women from a suburban brothel, has been locked-up for 11 months.

Ionut-Daniel Bosoi, 29, fought the case, but was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of exploiting the woman for sex.

Police raided the brothel in Spring Grove Road, Hounslow on August 29, last year after a tip-off.

On arrival, Bosoi answered the door to officers and let them in, stating he had friends inside.

It was soon identified that Bosoi was making money from sexually exploiting three women.

He was arrested at the address on suspicion of managing a brothel.

During a search of the property, officers identified price lists and cash hidden under mattresses.

The investigation formed part of the Metropolitan Police's Operation Pathway - an initiative in Hounslow involving police, specialist charities and the local authority, to help individuals find a safe way out of the sex trade.

The lead investigating officer, Police Constable Imran Malik, said: "After coming to the UK from Romania in early 2017, Bosoi sought to make money by exploiting young women.

"The Met takes a hard line on sexual exploitation and this type of organised crime will be dealt with robustly."

Bosoi was ordered to remain in immigration detention after serving his prison sentence until he's deported to Romania.

Uber Driver Denies Grooming 14 Year-Old Passenger For Sex

An Uber driver groomed a 14 year-old schoolgirl for sex after picking-up the tipsy teenager from her friend’s house one night, a court heard yesterday.

Spyros Ntounis, 35, of Luminosity Court, Drayton Green Road, West Ealing, complimented the youngster on her looks and messaged her repeatedly, urging they meet up, the jury were told.

“He was saying that I was hot and I had nice lips,” she told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. “I thought he was being nice, but then I thought it was a bit odd.

“As he got close to my house he started driving slowly because he said he wanted to spend more time with me, which I thought was odd.”

Prosecutor Mr. Allister Walker said: “At the time of the offence the defendant was a mini-cab driver working for Uber who collected the complainant from her friend’s address at 9.30pm.

“During the short journey he made inappropriate comments and obtained her phone number and over the next few days he sent her messages, asking her to meet him.

“The prosecution say this was for some kind of sexual activity.”

GPS tracking proves Ntounis slowed his car to a crawl of 5mph as the journey concluded and he admitted to police this was to extend his time with the teen.

“She had drunk some rum and coke with her fiends and says on a scale of drunkenness she was ‘five or six’ out of ten.”

Her 15 year-old boyfriend had seen her off on the cab ride from Barnes to Kingston-upon-Thames and her middle-class parents confiscated her phone because she exceeded her curfew.

“The driver, this defendant, asked her how old she was and how old her boyfriend was and she told him she was fourteen.

“He put the internal light on and looked at her via the rear-view mirror and told her she was ‘hot’ and had ‘nice lips’ and gave her chewing gum.

“He told her to text him her name and during the journey the complainant sent a message to her friend, indicating her discomfort.”

Balding Ntounis knocked nearly a decade off his age, claiming to be only twenty-six, the jury heard and over the next few days sent WhatsApp message to her.

“He said: ‘I can give you lessons in whatever you want’ and: ‘When are you out next time.’

“He asked: ‘Do I pass the age test?’ and: ‘I would love it.’

“The complainant blocked him on WhatsApp and told her mother, but the defendant then began sending ordinary phone texts.

“He wrote: ‘We can be friends and I can help you if you want with a taxi. I can give you a free ride sometime.”

Ntounis handed himself into Islington Police Station a month later and told officers he recalled little of the journey.

“He now admits the texts, saying there were innocent motives and he wanted to support her,” added Mr. Walker.

“However, the prosecution say he took advantage of his position with her and the motive was to have sexual contact.

“His intention was to meet her later for sex.”

The girl added: “The next day I had a text from him and he started asking to meet up with me and I got a bit concerned so I blocked him.

“He was sending me quite a few texts, one after the other and he told me he was twenty-six and I told him I was a bit young.”

Ntounis has pleaded not guilty to one count of attempting to meet a child after sexual grooming between April 21 and 25, last year.

Trial continues…………….

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.