Failed Algerian Asylum Seeker Jailed For £370K Benefit Fraud

Boudemagh: £370k Benefit Fraud

A failed Algerian asylum seeker, who used five other identities during a £370,000 benefit fraud, has been jailed for five years.

Saif Boudemagh, 41, used a forged French identity card to illegally enter the UK in March, 2000 and when his asylum appeal failed he successfully obtained residency via marriage to a UK citizen after another appeal.

The father-of-one, who was given a one-bed council flat at Blake House, Brecknock Road Estate, Upper Holloway immediately began claiming benefits once he received his National Insurance number.

Between June, 2007 and April, 2015 he made multiple claims in fake French identities for Housing Benefit, (HB); Council Tax Benefit (CTB); Income Support (IS); Carer’s Allowance (CA); Incapacity Benefit, (IB); Employment Support Allowance, (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance, (DLA).

Remarkably Boudemagh was still in receipt of HB and Child Tax Credits up to the day of his imprisonment, but he will not face confiscation proceedings because no assets have been found.

The Department of Work & Pensions say the only way they can recover any money is by making small deductions to any benefits he receives after his release.

Boudemagh, who received full British citizenship in October, 2007 was convicted of twelve counts of fraud by a Blackfriars Crown Court jury and acquitted of five more, totalling £100,000.

As well as his own bogus applications Boudemagh also claimed £16,798 in CA for looking after non-existent pal Jamel Bensaid, 42, whose id pocketed £25,618 in IB; £16,849 in ESA; £32,104 in DLA; £95,443 in HB and £5,790 in CTB.  

He Even Enjoyed Free Disabled Travel

A fake French passport was used by Boudemagh to establish identity.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Evans told the jury: “However, this was not a genuine document and the Home Office has no record or trace of an identity in that name.

“There is conclusive evidence that some of the forms relating to benefit claims in that name were completed in the defendant’s handwriting.”

Boudemagh told the jury he was innocently completing benefit claim forms as an English-speaker for members of the close-knit north London Algerian community.

Benefit claims also made in the name of Sidhamad Ayad, 39. “A false French passport was also submitted as proof of identity in support of these claims and the photo on this passport is that of the defendant,” said Mr. Evans.

“His mobile phone number is given as the claimants’ contact number.”

Another Forged French Passport

This identity received a total of £41,746 in IB and ESA after Boudemagh concocted a bogus tale this claimant needed a walking stick and toilet hand rails.

Another £14,251 was paid out in DLA and £22,519 in HB.

He also used fake French identity documents to make benefit claims in name of Allel Zerabib, 44, and Taric Ziad, 45, and “hijacked” the genuine identity of Frenchwoman Nadia Regad, 42.

By now she was a married mum-of-two living in Paris, but her identity was used to claim £4,235 in CA for ‘Mr. Zerabib’ who received ESA totalling £16,172 and £17,195 in DLA.

This id was also exploited to collect £46,172.15 in HB and CTB.

Boudemagh pocketed a further £14,626 in DLA using the Ziad identity.

The Department for Work & Pensions paid benefits on the basis the claimants had depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, varicose veins, lower back pain and in one case a disabled finger.

Boudemagh’s flat was raided on April 7, 2015 and documents were found in the names of the false claims and bank cards for accounts the money was paid into.

He even used a disabled Freedom Pass in a false identity to enjoy free transport around the capital.

“This defendant played a leading role in the offending, involving at least one other,” said Mr. Evans. ‘It was a sophisticated offence requiring planning and the hijacking of identities to claims benefits and completion of medical evidence.”

Benefit fraud was a family affair, with his brother Redouane Boudemagh, 46, an illegal immigrant, receiving three years imprisonment for a £218,000 scam last year.

Boudemagh applied for asylum on arrival in 2000, which was refused and he was issued with a notice for removal from the UK.

On January 30, 2002 he applied to stay as a spouse of British citizen, which was refused, but Boudemagh successfully appealed on April 15, 2004.

He immediately began claiming benefits as the carer of his wife, Paula Boudemagh, and since February, 2009 claimed Income Support as single-parent of their son, now aged fourteen years-old.

He claimed HB and CTB at three different addresses they have resided at since.

After the police and DWP raid he refused to answer questions at Islington Police Station. 

Judge Jane Sullivan told him last week: ‘It cannot be said you showed remorse. You fought the case in the face of overwhelming evidence.”

Croydon Bus Pervert Hunted After Woman Groped

Police hunting a bus pervert of Indian/Pakistani appearance, who groped a female passenger, have released these CCTV images of their suspect.

At around 5.30pm on Monday, December 18, last year the 29-year-old woman boarded a 109 bus travelling towards Brixton at the Whitgift Centre stop in Croydon.

She sat on an aisle seat on the bottom deck of the bus by the driver’s cabin.

A man boarded the bus at West Croydon Station, at around 5.45pm and stood close to the woman before sexually touching her.

She managed to get out of her seat and left the bus at the Broad Green Avenue stop in Croydon.

The suspect got off the bus at the same stop, but went in a different direction.

The suspect is described as being an Asian man in his thirties, around 5ft 8ins tall, with short dark hair and a short beard and moustache.

He was wearing a grey hooded jumper with white writing on the front which said: “Made for fitness” and dark tracksuit bottoms.

He was also wearing dark coloured trainers with white soles and was carrying an orange carrier bag.

If you can identify this man, or can offer any information to progress this investigation, please contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Drug-Dealing Gunman Caged

An audacious gunman, caught by police with a loaded weapon stuffed down his trousers a few months after he was busted for drug dealing, is starting a fifteen-and-a-half year prison sentence.

Brian Odour, 27, of Richford Street, Hammersmith was arrested by police from the Organised Crime Command in a targeted operation.

He was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life and possessing ammunition, with intent to endanger life.

Odour had already pleaded guilty to possessing a blade, which officers found during a search of his car.

He was stopped by officers on September 26, last year on suspicion of having a firearm.

He was searched and, in the waistband of his trousers, the gun was found.

The firearm was examined and was found to be in full working order with four rounds of ammunition.

A few months earlier, on May 11 police found cocaine, ecstasy and Ketamine during a search of his car and Odour pleaded guilty to possessing those drugs, with intent to supply.

Detective Constable Richard Vanderpuije, of the Organised Crime Command, said: "As a result of a proactive investigation a dangerous firearm has been taken off the streets of London.

“The lengthy sentence handed to Odour reflects the potentially fatal consequences of having a firearm in a public place."

Man's Life Destroyed By Snooker Hall Fight A Decade Ago: Police Renew Appeal

Marcus Bouskill Has Never Recovered

Detectives investigating a fight outside a bar in south-east London ten years ago, which left a man needing constant hospital care continue to appeal for information. 

On Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Marcus Bouskill, then aged 35, was found collapsed at his home address in Parkfield Road, New Cross.

He had been involved in an altercation three days before in the early hours of Saturday, February 23 outside Racks Snooker and Pool bar in Well Hall Road, Eltham.

In the lead up to the incident, Marcus had been to the Crown pub on Court Road with colleagues and friends after work on the Friday evening.

He went on to visit Racks Snooker and Pool bar at about 11.00pm.

Marcus agreed with a colleague that he would be picked up for work at 8.30am the following morning to travel to work.

It is then believed that Marcus and two of his friends got into an altercation with a group of youths in the bar.

When they were removed from the premises by security staff, a fight is believed to have continued outside.

At 1.30am, Marcus called his colleague who was due to pick him up for work to say that he would not be able to attend work later that morning.

He explained that he had suffered a ‘bit of a hiding’ but was ok.

Marcus refused medical treatment and made his way home on foot.

At approximately 9.30am that same morning, the colleague who was due to pick him up for work paid a visit to Marcus’s home to check he was ok.

He was found covered in blood with a black eye and broken nose and was unable to recollect who had attacked him or why.

At this time, Marcus was in a stable condition and his colleague stayed with him until midday and left after Marcus explained he didn’t wish to attend hospital.

In the coming days, Marcus’s condition deteriorated and despite his friends and family making calls to check on him, he wasn’t heard from for the next two days.

On Tuesday, his mother went to his home and could see Marcus inside the address; collapsed on the floor.

Officers forced entry into the property and Marcus was found in a life-threatening condition.

He was taken to a south London hospital where he now requires constant medical attention.

Numerous arrests have been made and have all since been released with no further action.

Police from Greenwich CID continue to investigate to bring those responsible to justice.

During the course of the investigation detectives have followed and eliminated numerous investigative leads, viewed many hours of CCTV and have spoken to a large number witnesses.

Even after ten years there are still ongoing enquiries into a number of lines of enquiry.

Detective Inspector Edward Wilkinson, who is leading the investigation, said: "Throughout the last ten years we have spoken to a number of witnesses in an attempt to find out exactly what happened on the night of the attack.

"We have attempted to trace Marcus’s exact whereabouts and establish what lead to the fight breaking out.

"We believe a number of white youths were involved that Marcus had previously met at the Post Office pub just a few weeks earlier, however the cause of the altercation remains unclear.

"Marcus is described as a friendly and well-liked man who got on with everybody.

"Work will continue to find out exactly what happened on the night of the attack which led to Marcus sustaining brutal and shocking injuries which he will sadly never recover from.

"I know there were a lot of people in the area at the time of the incident and indeed many people who were even in contact with Marcus in the days before he was discovered by police.

"Did you see him that night?

"Whilst we have made significant progress in establishing what has happened, I am appealing directly to those who have not yet come forward.

"Any information, no matter how small could be of vital use."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Greenwich CID on 0208 284 9425; or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Son Of Olympic Gold Medalist Sprinter Linford Christie Denies Dealing Crack And Heroin

The son of former sprint star Linford Christie pleaded not guilty yesterday to dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

Liam Oliver-Christie, 32, of Lakeside Road, West Kensington appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

He denied one count of possessing crack cocaine, with intent to supply, on November 9, last year.

Oliver-Christie also pleaded not guilty to possessing heroin, with intent to supply, at his home address on the same date.

He also denied two alternative lesser accounts of simply possessing the two drugs.

He was bailed unconditionally to return for a two-day trial on October 1.

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.

Executor Admits £77K Will Fraud

The trusted executor of a will cheated three beneficiaries of around £77,000 they were entitled to.

David Coddington, 79, of Ormonde Court, Upper Richmond Road, Richmond-upon-Thames admitted the fraud yesterday.

The life-long bachelor will return for sentencing at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on May 15.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by abuse of position between February 12, 2012 and October 30, 2015 while the executor of the estate of James Brendan Connolly.

The three counts relate to failing to distribute the estate to Tony Connolly; Eileen Loakman and Anne Downey.

The first-time offender claims the sale of his sister’s flat - that he lives in - will compensate the beneficiaries.

Pensioner Accepts Restraining Order Against Ex

A pensioner, who was charged with harassing his ex, has been slapped with a restraining order which bans him from contacting the woman anymore.

Anthony Garrett, 69, of Tandridge Road, Warlingham, Surrey had always fought the charge and it was dropped yesterday on the day of trial.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court then made the order, which has the consent of both Garrett and his ex, for the next twelve months.

He was found not guilty of harassing Valerie Mair between July 31 and September 10, last year by sending messages and texts.

Prosecutor Carly Loftus told the court the couple's six-year relationship ended in June, last year.

“This defendant continued to contact the complainant and when she sent him an email confirming the relationship was over he replied: 'You're in trouble.'

“She heard a noise late at night at her home on August 18 and saw the defendant walking back to his car.

“He tried to add her to a WhatsApp group on August 31 and in September contacted her on WhattsApp.”

The court heard the woman also received bank transfers into her account of 69p which had the references 'Tony', 'Val' and 'Old Times.'

She was also sent fake tattoos and between September 3 and 6 Garrett tried to contact her via email and facebook.

The last attempted contact was on September 6, last year and there had been no complaints from the woman since.

Bouncer Put On Sex Offenders List For Cabaret Club Grope

Midnight Grope: Proud Cabaret

A bouncer at a landmark cabaret club in the heart of the City who sneaked up behind a female customer, held her hips and kissed her on the neck, has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for five years.

Desmond Augustus Young, 51, was convicted of sexually assaulting the woman, who attended the 1920's-themed Proud Cabaret with a group of friends, on January 27.

He claimed he was merely trying to usher her away from an area of the club she should not have been standing in.

However, City of London Magistrates Court rejected his claim and found him guilty of one count of sexual assault after a trial.

Young, of Aberdeen Road, Edmonton, north London was today sentenced to 150 hours community service and ordered to pay the victim £100 compensation, an £85 victim surcharge and £200 costs.

Prosecutor Miss Carly Loftus told the trial it was half an hour after midnight when the complainant arrived at the nightspot, which boasts burlesque and jazz amongst its live entertainment.

“The defendant was working as security staff and checked the woman and her friends' ID as they entered the club.

“Once inside he approached her from behind, held her hips, pressed himself against her and kissed her neck.”

The woman reported the incident to the club and the police were called.

CCTV was seized, which captured the incident.

Sex Video Boyfriend Of Woman Who Plunged To Her Death Gets Suspended Jail Sentence

A masters degree student, who shared a sexually-explicit clip of his girlfriend performing oral sex on him in a phone box a week before she plunged to her death, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Alessio Bianchi, 26, also admitted throttling her on the balcony of their eighth-floor flat - claiming he was trying to stop her jumping.

The Italian pleaded guilty to assaulting Miss Damilya Jossipaliyena, 24, on June 2, last year at his home at Sunken Beck Building, 5 Hermitage Street, Central London.

He says he was trying to save the life of Damilya, originally from Kazakhstan, who was threatening to jump, but she sadly apparently took her life shortly afterwards.

Bianchi, who studies at Regent’s College, also admitted disclosing private sexual images of her without consent, with intent to cause her distress on May 25.

He sent a clip to a friend of Damilya performing the sex act on him, which made its way back to her. 

At Southwark Crown Court he was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

Bianchi must also complete a thirty-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £250 costs.

Prosecutor Mr. Edward Cohen told the court on a previous occasion: “In terms of the assault the Crown’s case is the assault started upstairs in the flat between the defendant and the complainant.

“He grabbed hold of her throat and hit her on top of the head and punched her several times.

“He says he was trying to stop her jumping out of the window.”

The struggle continued in a downstairs courtyard. “It is alleged by the Crown he grabbed hold of the complainant and pulled her into a fountain in the building and shoved her head onto a chair.

“He accepts there was a struggle downstairs and she ended up in the water.

“The complainant in this case sadly committed suicide not long after this assault allegation.”

Bianchi’s lawyer Mr. Steven Powles said: “The defendant’s position is inside the flat the complainant was attempting to jump off the eighth floor of the balcony.

“This was not the first time time she attempted to take her life. Outside she was attempting to re-enter and in the course of that is how she ended up in the water.

“In her own statement she says there was pushing into the water. She did not mention slamming into the chair.”

Heartbroken Mayfair Art Gallery Boss Slapped With Restraining Order For Stalking Ex All The Way To Australia

Perp Walk: Navratil

A heartbroken Mayfair art gallery boss, who flew 10,000 miles to Australia to continue stalking his terrified ex on a Sydney beach, will have to wear an electronic ankle tag for the next three months.

Jan Navratil, 35, shipping and bond manager at the Halcyon Gallery, admits he could not cope after the split with internet date Sophie Davis, a Cheam veterinary nurse with whom he had a six-month relationship.

The Czech-born university graduate, of Fleming Mead, Colliers Wood received a four-month community order, which includes a three-month tagged home curfew between 9pm and 6am when he appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

He was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with Sophie and was also ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to stalking Sophie between February 7 and April 3.

“This is serious and we have all heard her personal statement and the effect your behaviour had on her,” District Judge Barbara Barnes told Navratil. “If you repeat this sort of behaviour you put yourself at risk of a custodial sentence.”

Australian-born Sophie moved in with Navratil while recovering from an operation, but reported him to the police for taking her passport and moved into Wimbledon’s Antoinette Hotel.

“Four hours later she started receiving messages that he was going to kill himself and received a picture of the hotel from the defendant saying he wanted to be close to her,” explained prosecutor Miss Dami Eniola.

“She received multiple messages throughout the night and he later sent a picture of himself wearing her clothing.”

Navratil says this was simply a unisex t-shirt and was an item of clothing they shared when living together.

“When she attended a medical appointment near Buckingham Palace she received a picture of the building and a message from the defendant saying: ‘I feel close to you.’

Pre-Split: Jan & Sophie

“She said she felt he was following her that day and later when travelling to Australia he was waiting for her, wearing a backpack, when she left the ladies toilet at the airport.”

The couple had booked the Oz trip - travelling a week apart - when they were together, but Sophie had split with Navratil by now and even if he decided to fly Down Under his flight was to Melbourne.

“On the second of March she went to the beach in Sydney and saw the defendant waking along the path towards her. She confronted him, but he pretended he did not see her,” added Miss Eniola.

She was hospitalised while in Australia, where she was also communicating with another man, and received Facebook messages from Navratil. “He had accessed her account and wrote: ‘It’s Jan. You care more about this Sam.’

“Back in the UK she received multiple messages that he wanted to be with her and on the third of April he boarded her 93 bus as she travelled to work.

“He tried to sit next to her and she shouted at him to get off the bus and he followed her downstairs and tried to sit next to her again.”

"Anxious": Sophie Davis

When she arrived at work Sophie called the police and Navratil was arrested. “He said he was distressed and could not sleep and got pills from his doctor.

“He said he missed her and was angry that she left him. He said he had seen her in Australia, but that was accidental and they spoke for thirty minutes and she gave him a hug even thought at first she was not pleased to see him.

“He said he only wanted to giver her hairdryer back on the bus and apologise, but she did not take it well. He admitted taking the passport as an excuse to see her again.

“He went into her Facebook daily to read her messages and said he was very embarrassed he did that. He said he did not want to scare her and would not contact her again.”

Sophie told police: “He took it very hard. When I was in intensive care I think he thought this shared experience brought us together.

“I tried to end the relationship in December, but felt responsible for his mental instability.

“When taking my suitcase outside he secretly took my passport to have a bargaining tool to later meet up. He repeatedly threatened  his life and said I had destroyed his.

"Look Over My Shoulder": Sophie

“My sadness turned to concern for myself, I have been anxious and have not been able to sleep properly. 

“I feel it has put me back in a dark place and it has sadly impacted my life. I’d love to move forward and not have to look over my shoulder.

“I’m sad it has come to this, but it is necessary.”

Navratil’s lawyer Miss Danielle Burns told the court: “He wants to express his remorse and apologise to Miss Davis. 

“When she went to Australia he thought he was not going to see her again and it was too tempting not to check up on what she was doing in Australia.”

Tube Train Pest Filmed Women On Phone

A tube train commuter has been caught filming female commuters' legs on his phone.

Harry Joseph Hare, 32, of Old Park View, Enfield was travelling on the busy Northern Line towards Moorgate Station.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to two counts of outraging public decency on November 3 and December 14, last year.

The court heard the first-time offender targeted a woman whose handbag was between her legs during the morning commute.

This resulted in them being slightly open and Hare pointed his phone towards them.

He was challenged and the one-minute clip was found on his mobile as well as a similar clip from the previous month.

The court bailed Hare for a pre-sentence report and he will return on April 30.

Drunk Eurostar Passenger Had Taken Five-Year Old To Disneyland Paris

A woman who got drunk on Eurostar while taking care of a young girl, who had just celebrated her fifth birthday at Disneyland Paris, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Abusive Yazmin Khan, 25, was filmed by shocked fellow-passengers and she was arrested when the train arrived at St. Pancras Station.

“Because of the language you used and the long period of time this lasted these offences are very serious,” District Judge Richard Blake told her at Westminster Magistrates Court.

“This was so serious members of the public filmed your behaviour,” he added, sentencing Khan to twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

Jobless Khan, of Spring Plat Court, Blackwater Lane, Pound Hill, Crawley pleaded guilty to being drunk in charge of a child on the train on November 15, last year.

She also pleaded guilty to neglecting the little girl in a manner likely to cause unnecessary injury or suffering and was also ordered to complete 25 days of rehab and pay a £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Her lawyer Mr. Joe Davidson told the court: “She accepts this was an ugly and regrettable incident. She knows how wrong her conduct was.

“She made no attempt to hide her offending and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

“Her remorse is palpable and she feels the full weight of her guilt everyday.

“This was a stupid one-off mistake and she does not remember what happened, but did not try to wriggle out of responsibility.”

District Judge Blake added: “I have been in court many years and find this case upsetting. This trip should have been a good memory for her.

"Don’t go on adventures to Paris that are going to end in difficulties because you are under pressure.”

Moped Mugger Caught In 'Hue And Cry' Jailed

Moped Mug: Dean Flemming

A moped bandit who snatched a mobile phone, has been jailed after his victim gave chase and beat him up with the help of passers-by - all captured on video.

Serial thief Dean Flemming, 23, threatened to stab the have-a-go-heroes in Knightsbridge and spat into the face of one man who joined the old-fashioned hue and cry.

“People in London are frightened to get their phones out,” said Westminster District Judge Richard Blake, jailing Flemming for twenty-six weeks.

“These type of offences are prevalent throughout the UK and particularly in London,” he told him. “People get their phones out and they are snatched from them.

“I’m sorry you received injuries when invoking the rage of the person you stole from.”

Fleming, of Riversdale Road, Highbury appeared in custody wearing a hospital gown, with his right arm bandaged, describing his nationality as ‘white British.'

He pleaded guilty to stealing the phone from Omar Mahmoud; assaulting Patrick Mascott and riding the moped while disqualified and without insurance on April 6.

Caught In The Act, Fact: Flemming

Flemming, who has 50 previous convictions and was on licence from his latest prison sentence at the time, whined about his treatment from his captors.

“The victim and two friends beat him up so badly he ended up in hospital with injuries to his arm and ribs,” said Miss Sonia Antolin, defending.

The video clip, filmed in Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge, shows three men holding balaclava-wearing Flemming down on a car bonnet. 

Prosecutor Miss Carly Loftus told the court Mr. Mahmoud was out strolling with his girlfriend and was talking on his mobile phone.

“This defendant approached from behind on a black moped and snatched the phone and rode off.

“The victim and other passers-by gave chase, keeping the defendant in sight, and they caught up with him when he crashed the moped into an Audi car, ripping off it’s wing mirror. 

“He resisted their attempts to try and restrain him, by flailing his arms around and spat in the mouth and face of Mr. Mascott.

“He was shouting at them: ‘I’ve got a knife, I’ve got a knife.’

“He asked them to let him go and told Mr. Mahmoud: ‘Your phone is over there.’

Future Not Bright: Flemming 

“It was an opportunistic snatch although there is some planning and he has previous for it and was aggressive when detained.”

This was recorded and posted on the internet by a passer-by.

The moped’s VIN had been erased to prevent proper identification and Flemming was already disqualified from driving until July 6, next year.

The court heard his last prison sentence was for a series of thefts and attempted thefts, plus aggravated taking and driving away and dangerous driving.

He has now also been recalled to prison to serve the remainder of that sentence after being released early on licence last September.

Fleming received twenty-six weeks for the theft, plus sixteen weeks for the assault and driving while disqualified offence to run concurrently.

He must pay a fine of £500 or serve one day in custody for having no insurance, pay £300 compensation to Mr. Mascott, £85 costs and received six penalty points on his driving licence.

Blackmailer Stalked £130m Hedge Fund Boss After Pool Game Headbutt

A blackmailer stalked a £130m hedge fund boss as he tried to extract £15,000 for a nose job after the finance expert headbutted him during an ill-tempered game of pool.

Waiter Alexander Khlaf, 20 - posed as ‘Charlie Rich’ from Goldman Sachs -  as he pursued the pay-out while making threats to the victim.

He pleaded guilty to making an unwarranted demand with menaces between December 19, 2016 and January 17, last year and was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

“It’s obviously really scary for someone, the amount of money was ludicrous in the extreme,” said Southwark Crown Court Judge Joanna Korner QC told Khlaf.

“For over a month you subjected him to a form of terrifying blackmail that amounts to a stalking campaign.”

The court heard Khlaf, of Chatsworth Court, Kensington, was in a West End nightclub in the early hours of December 18, 2016 when he challenged the victim to a wager over a game of pool.

“The game escalated into an argument and there was shouting an pushing and shoving caught on CCTV,” said prosecutor Mr. Paul Addison.

“The CCTV captures the complainant head butting this defendant and they had to be separated by security, with this defendant refusing to shake hands afterwards.

“He then commenced for the next few weeks to extract a sum of money from the complainant for a claim of personal injury.”

Khlaf had read about the victim’s recent £130m City deal, quoting it during his blackmail of the Holborn-based hedge fund manager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

He posed as a ‘Charlie Smart’ phoning from Goldman Sachs to get through to the victim and demanded money for an operation on his broken nose.

“He made comments about the complainant’s occupation, where the complainant’s parents lived and he would meet him with his own personal security team,” explained Mr. Addison.

There were multiple calls and emails, ending with a demand for £15,000 and on December 23 Khlaf turned up at his office building and phone from the reception area.

On January 11 the victim received two more calls from Khlaf, who was obviously in the building and the next day he tried to get in again, but was blocked by security staff.

He then sent a picture he had taken of the victim’s office boardroom to him to show he had access to the building.

On January 13 Khlaf phoned him at midnight. “He threatened to contact the complainant’s colleagues and finalise press coverage and call the police.”

By now the victim had reported Khlaf to police and he was arrested outside the office on January 19 while pretending to be on the phone to a private detective.

The victim told officers: “All these incidents left me worried. The threats were unjustified and I was scared at what he would do next.

“I was scared every time I left my office and would rush to a waiting taxi outside.”

Khlaf was also made subject to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with the vicim, must pay him £500 compensation and attend 20 days of rehab.