Ex-Cop Rogue Trader Who Ripped-Off Homeowners Jailed For 18 Months

A disgraced ex-police officer turned rogue trader, who ripped-off homeowners he charged £112,900 for shoddy work, has been jailed for eighteen months.

Plumber Steven Trendell, 42, who admitted fraudulent overcharging, resigned from the Met a decade ago when prosecuted for moonlighting while on sick leave.

Last October he was given a five-month window of opportunity to start compensating his victims and save himself from prison, but did not pay a penny.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Judge Andrew Campbell told him: “I’m not going to describe in great detail the appalling consequences of those you cheated.

“It has caused them a great deal of anxiety and a great deal of money.

“You have left behind a trail of destruction. I gave you the opportunity to make some reparations, but you failed to do so.”

Trendell, of Monks Green, Fetcham, Leatherhead pleaded guilty to participating in a fraudulent business, namely Home Edge Plumbing & Heating, between August 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.

The charge relates to work at neighbouring properties in Evesham Terrace, Surbiton for two loft conversions and an extension and trading standards say the overcharging equalled £51,200.

He also pleaded guilty to making a false representation to the occupiers of a property in Ravenscar Road, Surbiton, David and Elizabeth Anderson, namely that he provided a genuine gas safety certificate and was FENSA-registered.

“We have lost our entire life savings and are in serious debt and could lose our home,” said one of the Evesham Terrace couples, who paid Trendell £57,200.

The loft extension of their £800,000 home needed to be ripped down and rebuilt and the extension re-roofed, with an extra £30,000 needed to put things right.

The front door did not close properly, the hall floor was rising, the staircases did not comply to regulations, sink waste drained into their dishwasher and the drains were unfinished.

Their next-door neighbours also hired Trendell, who told them he was a former soldier, who served in Bosnia and protected the US President and other VIP’s for the Met’s protection division.

The court heard Trendell claimed he retired from the force on medical grounds and not because he received a suspended prison sentence for deception in 2006.

They paid him a total of £55,700, but an independent expert valued the work at £17,500 with more money needed to complete the project.

Judge Campbell said the first couple had lost over £90,000 and their neighbour’s Matthew and Rachel Williams £36,000.

He lied to the Anderson’s he was FENSA-registered - a window-fitting competency scheme - when charging £40,000 to convert their property to a single dwelling. 

Trendell also left behind a bogus gas safety certificate and when investigated by the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames refused interview requests.

He was also sacked by his solicitors because he refused to pay them and fought the case until shortly before his trial was due to begin.

Regarding the first couple Judge Campbell told him: “There is no doubt the effects have been devastating and they had to borrow money from relatives.

“It’s a trail of destruction and they’ve suffered torment.”

Trendell told the judge: “It is regrettable what happened. When I embarked on these projects I hoped they would come to a conclusion where everybody was happy.

“Thank-you for the opportunity you gave me to pay both the victims, but the job that was due to start in November was put back to January and it has not been finished yet, so I have not been paid.

“I was relying on that to pay back the money.”

Investigators found £120,000 his business received ended up in his wife’s bank account, but Trendell claimed: “There is very little left. Most was paid to sub-contractors and for materials.

“I have been suffering with depression. It has been a pretty tough time and I’ve just ben trying to support my family.

“I am regretful, remorseful and very sorry for everything that happened.”

Fireman Claims 'Witch Hunt' Behind Police Drugs Raid

A respected life-long fireman's career is on the brink after a police raid on his home found cocaine, cannabis and an electric stun gun.

John Chart, 47, was arrested on October 12, 2015 at the address in Bouverie Lodge, Rectory Road, Beckenham, but was only sentenced this week after fighting the case for two-and-a-half years.

The amateur power lifter had been suspected of supplying anabolic steroids, but no charges were proved regarding the muscle-boosting drugs.

Chart claims he is the victim of a 'witch hunt' within the London Fire Brigade (LFB) after making a complaint of bullying and was set up.

However, following a Croydon Crown Court trial he was convicted of possessing just under 10 gms of cocaine, 50 gms of cannabis and the stun gun, which he said a visitor had left behind at his home.

Last November he was sentenced for selling stolen clothing on eBay.

The father-of-four, who once saved a colleagues life, is just three years short of full-term service for retirement purposes and will also face disciplinary proceedings within the LFB.

He was charged six months after the search has been suspended from service ever since.

Police acting on a tip-off also raided Chart's girlfriend's home simultaneously, which the fireman maintains was the result of a 'vendetta' within the LFB against him.

The cocaine was discovered in the glove compartment of his van, parked outside the address and the cannabis in his kitchen.

The stun gun, which was not charged, and had been left behind after a demonstration by another fireman a year earlier and was in the bedroom of the address, which Chart's mother was using at the time.

He was sentenced to 100 hours community service and ordered to pay £750 costs.

Plane Passenger Denies Being Drunk During Flight

Isleworth Crown Court

A Great Yarmouth plane passenger, accused of being drunk during the flight, has appeared in court via videolink and denied the charge.

Karl Foster, 36, of Kings Road, Gorleston, pleaded not guilty to being drunk on a Gulf Air flight from Bahrain to Heathrow on February 4.

Appearing via his local magistrates court at Isleworth Crown Court an obviously frustrated Foster, who was unrepresented, said: “How can I take action against the airline for failing in its duty of care.

“All because I had one pint in Bahrain? This is a waste of resources, money. It's stupid.

“Someone has a mental breakdown on a plane and they are charged. Is that it?

“This is absolutely ridiculous. I spent three weeks in India after someone was run over in front of me by my taxi driver.

“I was tired, I was fragile, I had not slept for three weeks. They filled me with vodka and I had a meltdown.”

A trial date was set for July 2 and Foster responded: “Five times I asked for help and now I'm asked to shell out s***loads of money.

“How do I take the airline to court? Why am I being screwed over and my life turned upside down?” 

Uninsured L-Driver Gave Old School Friend's ID To Police

Isleworth Crown Court

A cleaning company boss, who gave the identity of an old school pal to police when pulled over driving his Mercedes without a full driving licence and insurance, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Part-time football coach Shawn Brown, 33, was exposed when his old friend responded to a court summons and the police officer realised he was not the same driver he stopped.

He pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between February 22, last year and February 3 by giving a false name and address to police; driving without insurance in Kensington Church Street on February 2 and driving without a licence.

Prosecutor Mr. James O'Connell told Isleworth Crown Court: “The defendant is stopped three times by the police and gave the name Leon Bennett.

“At the magistrates court the police officer spoke to the person and recognised he was not the driver.”

Brown had also given false details when caught speeding and stopped with a flat tyre.

The Recorder of Kensington & Chelsea Judge Martin Edmunds QC announced: “He gives the impression of somebody not fully appreciative of his position.

“On three occasions you gave the name of an old school friend when stopped driving your car when you were not insured or licenced to drive,” the judge told the dad-of-one.

“That instance of criminal stupidity was repeated four months later. You are a coach and mentor to young people and what they'd make of your criminality I dread to think.”

He sentenced Brown to eight months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months, and ordered him to complete 250 hours community service.

The £50,000 a-year businessman, who has a property portfolio, must also pay a £5,500 fine and had eight penalty points added to his driving licence.

As an additional punishment Brown must also obey an electronically-tagged night time curfew for a month between 8pm and 5am.    

Rifle Company Boss Accused Of Illegally Importing Shotguns

The owner of a high-precision rifle manufacturing company appeared in court today accused of illegally importing two twelve bore pump-action shotguns from the USA.

Miodrag Maksimovic, 54, the boss of Boston-based Dolphin Gun Company, is fighting the case and will return to Isleworth Crown Court for trial on September 17.

He was prosecuted after the weapons, DP-12 shotguns, arrived at Heathrow Airport on June 21, last year.

Maksimovic, of Bank House, Scalp Road, Fishoft is charged with being concerned in the importation of a prohibited weapon between May 11 and June 21, last year and purchasing the guns without the authority of the Secretary of State.

Maksimovic claims there was nothing fraudulent about the online purchase, which was made in his name and under the belief the guns were lawful.

He is well-known within the shooting world, having competed all over the globe, often representing Team GB and is currently their manager.

Teenage Girl Molested In Park: E-Fit Released

Police have issued this e-fit today of a suspect after a 17 year-old girl was molested in a Croydon park last summer.

The victim was alone near the ponds of Christie Drive at 7.00pm on July 19, last year when she was approached by a man who called himself 'Dave.'

He took her to a secluded part of the area, where he kissed her on the cheek before sexually assaulting her.

The suspect then took the victim to his car, where she was forced to undress.

She was then driven to an unknown location where she was sexually assaulted again.

The suspect stopped his attack after he believed he saw an unmarked police car drive by.

He then drove the victim back to the ponds and let her out of the car.

After speaking to her family, the victim was encouraged to report the incident to police.

The suspect is described as a white male, around 50 years-old, with short grey hair and stubble.

He was described as having very small lips and wore black rimmed glasses.

The victim noticed he smoked menthol cigarettes and wore a gold wedding ring as he said that he was married.

Detective Sergeant Ella Yardley, who is leading the investigation, said: "Alongside the e-fit, the victim has given a distinct description of the suspects habits and possible personal life.

“Does this sound like someone you know? Anyone with information is encouraged to contact us as soon as possible."

Those with information can call 02087214106, or call police on 101.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

East London Gunmen Caged After Shooting

Two “violent and dangerous” gunmen have been jailed after a gang-related shooting in east London over a woman.

Arif Ahmed, 21, (pic. l) of Durward Street, Whitechapel and 23 year-old Kasru Abdul (pic. r) of nearby Raine Street were sentenced at the Old Bailey.

Ahmed received 15 years imprisonment and Abdul 17 years.

Both were convicted of possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life.

A 21 year-old man was shot in the leg on a busy council housing estate and required surgery.

Detective Sergeant Barry Hart said: "Two violent and dangerous individuals have been taken off the capital’s streets, which is excellent news for Londoners."

Police, including specialist firearms officers, and the London Ambulance Service were called to Ernest Street, Whitechapel shortly after 7.00pm on September 24, 2016, following reports that a man had been shot.

During the trial the court heard that the motive for the shooting was a gang-related feud over a female.

Abdul and Ahmed were charged nearly a year later on June 30.

Jealous Ex Jailed For Stabbing Girl's New Man In Head

A heavily-tattooed thug, who stabbed his ex-girlfriend's new man in the head – fracturing the victim's skull - during a terrifying midnight attack, has been jailed for eight years.

Nathan Gunes, 38, of Cambus Road, Canning Town, east London followed the couple along Ingal Road, Plaistow on October 20, last year.

There was a brief confrontation at around twenty minutes past midnight resulting in Gunes stabbing the 28 year-old man in the head.

London Ambulance Service arrived at the scene and took the victim to an east London hospital.

His injuries were deemed to be non-life threatening.

Officers arrested and charged Gunes on the same day for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He was convicted of the offence at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Police Constable Meltem Duymus, of Newham’s Community Support Unit, said: “Justice has most definitely been served for the victim who sustained a brutal head injury for no reason of his own.

“This is a great outcome for the Community Support Unit in Newham who are committed to taking violent thugs, such as Gunes, off the borough's streets.”

Council Estate Rapist Who Targeted 16 Year-Old Is Caged

A rapist, who pounced on a lone 16 year-old girl as she walked through a council estate one night, has been locked-up for ten years.

Nael Khaliq, 36, struck up a conversation with the vulnerable teenager in Cambridge Estate, Kingston-upon-Thames at around 10.30pm on July 17, last year.

He led her into a car park, where he raped her and then fled in a vehicle.

The victim alerted police and an investigation was immediately launched.

Officers quickly carried out local CCTV enquiries and identified Khaliq's vehicle.

He was arrested the following day, charged that evening and remanded in custody.

Khaliq was on licence from prison at the time for theft offences and was found guilty following a week long trial at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Detective Constable Gregg Nicol said: "Khaliq's cowardice in attacking a vulnerable teenager almost beggars belief.

“She on the other hand has displayed incredible bravery and courage throughout the judicial process.

“Khaliq will now have plenty of time to think about what he has done in prison. I hope this will be of some small comfort to the victim as she moves on with her life."

Detective Inspector Simon Cowling said: "This was a terrible crime and a lone and vulnerable woman.

“Her prompt action in alerting police meant we could preserve and gather the evidence that quickly identified, and subsequently convicted, Khaliq.

“This case demonstrates that the Metropolitan Police Service is determined to support victims and bring sexual predators to justice.

"I must also thank both the response officers who attended that day and my team for their professionalism, both contributed greatly to the successful outcome of this case."

Jealous Thug Blinded Girlfriend With Single Blow

A jealous thug, who blinded his girlfriend in one eye with a single savage punch during a row outside her house, has been locked-up for eleven years and four months.

Dee Hunte, 35, of Mary Seacole Close, Hackney pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm at the Croydon address on November 18, 2016.

Croydon Crown Court heard the victim returned home to find Hunte, waiting outside her property.

He asked for her door keys and mobile phone to check on who she had been with.

When the victim refused, Hunte became very aggressive, placing both hands around her throat and squeezing tightly, warning her: ”Don’t scream or I’ll kill you!”

He then punched her in the face causing the injury to her right eye and eye socket.

She fell to the ground and Hunte stamped on her back a number of times before running from the scene with her mobile phone.

Passers-by came to her aid and police and the London Ambulance Service were called.

The victim was taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit at Croydon University Hospital, and later transferred to St Georges’ Hospital where she was treated for her life changing injuries.

An investigation was launched by officers from Croydon Community Safety Unit and Hunte was soon identified, but in the weeks and months following the incident, he managed to evade police.

On July 25, last year he was arrested in the Westminster area, and subsequently charged.

PC Asiri Hamidi, of Croydon Community Safety Unit, said: “Hunte is a dangerous and violent individual with a predisposition for extreme jealousy and controlling behaviour.

“The sentence he received reflects the danger he poses to the public.

“His victim was left with life-changing injuries, and understandably remains very traumatised by the incident, but I hope this result will give her some comfort.

“We take a zero tolerance approach towards perpetrators who inflict such violence and are determined to provide justice for victims and judicial sanction for those responsible.”

Bus Garage Supervisor Accused Of Touching Two Women

A bus station supervisor, accused of touching two females while working at the busy garage, has appeared in court.

Scott Robert Cairney, 54, of Park Road, Dunoon, Argyll denies the allegations and will return to court for trial on May 21.

Cairney, who attended Dunoon Grammar School, was employed by Transport for London at Cromwell Road bus terminus in Kingston-upon-Thames, south-west London.

He held the post from April, 2012 until September, last year.

Cairney appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with sexually assaulting one woman on July 10 and 14, last year and a second woman on July 10.

The Crown Prosecution Service allege they were both touched inappropriately over their clothing.

Killer Inflicted 67 Injuries On Sister's Male Friend

Guilty: Marc Croxson

A violent thug, who inflicted 67 seperate injuries on his sister's male friend, has been convicted of murder.

Marc Croxson, 47, killed 51 year-old Rodney Parlour at the victim's east London home.

Police were called to the address in Hood Road, Rainham at 11.30am on October 2, last year by a concerned neighbour.

Inside they found the body of Mr. Parlour, who had been attacked by Croxson - a rough-sleeper in local parks - on September 30.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on October 4 at Queens Hospital in Romford, and gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.

In total 67 injuries were inflicted on the victim.

Croxson was arrested on suspicion of murder on October 5 and was taken to an east London police station, where he was later charged.

67 Injuries: Rodney Parlour

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: "Croxson is an extremely violent individual who has years of violent offending history.

“He showed no mercy to his poor victim, who suffered horrific injuries at his hands.

"Having been convicted of murder, Croxson now faces a lifetime in prison where he can no longer pose a threat to the public."

He will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on April 20.

Elevator Sex Pest: CCTV Released

Police have released this image of a sex pest who followed a lone woman into a lift at her apartment block at midnight.

The suspect followed her into the building in Mildmay Avenue, Islington on October 21, last year.

He also followed her into the lift and began making sexual comments.

The suspect also stroked her leg.

The woman exited the lift at her floor and went into her flat.

She did not know where the suspect went at this point.

He is described as black, aged in his early twenties, of slim to medium build and 5ft 5ins in height.

He was wearing a red T-shirt, blue jeans, a green baseball cap, black shoes and a multi-coloured jacket.

If you can identify this man, or can offer any information which could help progress this investigation, please call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC.

Suspended Sentence For Uber Driver Who Groomed 14 Year-Old Fare For Sex

An Uber driver, who groomed a tipsy 14 year-old schoolgirl for sex, has avoided prison with a suspended sentence.

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

He received 20 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months and must comply with an electronically-tagged night time curfew between 8pm and 7am for the next four months.

Ntounis must also complete 60 days rehabilitation and 60 days of a group sexual offenders programme. 

“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.

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.”

Ntounis was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, was placed on the barring list, which prohibits employment with potentially vulnerable people and must sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years.

Dangerous Criminal Back On London's Streets

A notorious killer and double-rapist is back on the streets after magistrates decided not to trigger a suspended prison sentence when he spat at a policeman and struck a care worker with his Zimmer frame.

Leeds-born Stuart Durkin, 56, was conditionally discharged at City of London Magistrates Court, allowing him to disappear into the unsuspecting crowds of workers in the busy Square Mile.

The violent thug has been in and out of prison all his life and was only released from his most recent sentence, two months for racially-aggravated threatening behaviour at a Southend shopping centre, on March 9.

He was conditionally discharged for six months after pleading guilty to assaulting PC Christopher Walker and care worker Ttofis Andreas at the Look Ahead Hostel, Great Peter Street, Westminster on January 25, where he also admitted using threatening behaviour.  

This put him in breach of a 28-day suspended prison sentence for assaulting another police officer, but this was not enforced.

“This is very unfortunate, where you have allowed yourself to lose your temper,” magistrate Sonia Henley told Durkin, who is currently nursing a broken hip after being struck by a bus.

“This is unpleasant, spitting at a police officer and a care worker when they are doing their duty and what you said was sexually offensive to Mr. Andreas.”

Durkin was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to each victim, plus £85 costs, which will come out of his benefits.

He had been rehoused in Southend, but is now banned from the town for two years after shouting “go back to your own country” at a community worker at council-run advisory hub within weeks of arriving.

Durkin, now living at St. Mungo’s hostel, Harrow Road, Paddington was jailed in Sweden for killing his wife, received 12 years for the bedsit rape of a virgin and thirteen years for the rape and attempted murder of a 30 year-old tourist in Rome, who he beat with a rock when she resisted.

He was repatriated to the UK on April 14, 2003, released on June 1, 2007 and given a council flat at 2 Derry House, Church Street Estate, St. John's Wood. 

His lawyer Matthew Humphreys told the court: “He is not a well man as well as the recent hip fracture has gout in the other leg and last week was rushed to hospital with deep vein thrombosis.

“He has made very limited, but some progress in getting his life in order and finding accommodation at St. Mungo’s and is subject to post-sentence supervision and is monitored by the Probation Service.

“He is in the process of signing-on for benefits. He has been bouncing in and out of custody for a few years and spent a lot of time as street homeless.”

Prosecutor Miss Sian Morgan said: “Mr. Andreas is a care worker at the hostel, where Mr. Durkin had resided and at 5.30pm the defendant was seen in the canteen muttering to himself.

“Mr. Andreas enquired if anything was wrong and Mr. Durkin said he needed more care and was told he would have to do that through his own care worker.

“He replied with abuse, referring to Mr. Andreas’s Greek ethnicity and used a word that meant queer. 

“Later that day he was shouting at other members of staff and further abusive language was used.

“He swung the Zimmer frame he was using, hitting Mr. Andreas on the back and then threw a bottle of milk at a door.”

Staff called the police and Durkin confronted the officers. “He spat into his right hand and threw it at the officer and it landed on his stab-proof vest, shouting: ‘Arrest me.’

“He then threw cigarette butts and bits of chocolate at the officer and slapped his body-worn camera. 

“Mr. Durkin was placed in handcuffs and again spat a the officer.”  

Former Sprint Star Linford Christie's Son In Court On Drug Charges........Again

The son of former sprint star Linford Christie has appeared in court, accused of dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

Liam Oliver-Christie, 32, of 62 Lakeside Road, West Kensington appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court.

He is charged with possessing crack cocaine, with intent to supply, in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham on November 9, last year.

Oliver-Christie is also charged with possessing heroin, with intent to supply, at his home address on the same date.

The court declined jurisdiction and he will next appear at Isleworth Crown Court on April 18.

His father won gold for Britan in the 100m at the World, European and Commonwealth championships and his national record of 9.87 secs set over twenty years ago stands to this day.

Liam's mother is former typist Yvonne Oliver, who had a short relationship with the athlete and he has a twin sister Korel.

Fashion Stylist-To-The-Stars Rented Out Council Flat While Working For Prada In Milan

Marvin Maddix & Tom Cassani

A fashion stylist-to-the-stars illegally rented out his council flat for over three times more than he paid while working for style giants Prada in Milan.

Fashion and apparel university graduate Marvin Maddix, 27, says in his online profile he personally styled Victoria Beckham while employed at her New York business.

He was convicted at Ealing Magistrates Court yesterday of sub-letting his one-bedroom flat in nearby Endsleigh Road via Airbnb between January 14 and April 17, last year.

The court heard he rented out the £81 per week top-floor council flat in a converted Victorian for £265 per week, yet claims he was not motivated by profit.

Maddix, who says he’s also styled hot felon Jeremy Meeks, US singer-songwriter Sophie Beam and model twins the Quann Sisters, now edits fashion magazine FGUK.

He has also been employed as a merchandiser for TopShop and as a fashion trend forecaster 

Magistrate Rita Biddulph told him: “You must realise council property is scarce. There are vulnerable families with children and old people desperate for properties.

“Families are stuck in hostels and much smaller accommodation and you, as a young man, were given this property to live in so you should be grateful and aware of how lucky you are.

“You must be one of the luckiest young men to have come before this court to be given a lovely flat by the council and you have made a profit from it.”

Maddix has been housed by Ealing Council since he came out as gay, aged 15 years-old, and was abandoned by his mother.

Despite the heavily subsidised rent he continues to claim housing benefit, yet is concerned he is now disqualified from having the lucrative right to buy with the council seeking his eviction.

Once the sub-let was exposed Maddix played the race card and claimed a neighbour was subjecting him to racist and homophobic abuse.

This would have given him a legitimate defence for leaving the property for three months, but records proved he had not lodged complaints with the police or the council.

Prosecutor Miss Hatoon Zeb told the court Maddix moved in on November 2, 2011 after his previous council flat was demolished.

He was quizzed by council investigator Soraya Bux on September 21, last year after three different online rental ads were discovered.

“He began by denying repeatedly he ever sub-let the property or received four separate payments into his bank account and denied any rental agreement with Hannah Miles,” explained Miss Zeb.

“At the end of the interview he said he secured work for Prada in Milan and did sub-let to Hannah Miles and financially gained from renting the property.”

Maddix had not even returned after three months and Hannah, who also had to pay for gas and electricity on top, returned the keys to his sister.

He told the investigator: “No, I’ve not sub-let it. I was just happy to be off the streets, you know.

“I’d found a job at Prada and it was an amazing time for me. I needed a bit of extra money while I was away.”

Investigator Ms Bux added: “He told me it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work for Prada and he did not want to miss out.”

Maddix stayed with the family of his Italian boyfriend, Tom Cassani, while interning at Prada and his partner also gave evidence to the court.

“It was not about profit, but covering my debt and not losing my home,” Maddix told the magistrates, revealing he was also in rent arrears with the council.

He was ordered to pay £1,901 under unlawful profit legislation as well as £1,750 costs.

“We don’t think the racial harassment was made out,” said Mrs Biddulph. “Ealing Council expect their properties go to deserving tenants.

“You’re an intelligent man, you are an editor. You should have known better.”

Maddix’s lawyer Mr. Meredoc McMinn said: “He has gone on to obtain qualifications in fashion after a difficult background.

“He has not profited enormously, it is not a huge amount of money and nobody would do it unless they had to.

“As a result of this verdict he is going to lose his home so the consequences are severe.”