NOT GUILTY: Manager Cleared Of Groping Female Colleague

Innocent: Lumiere Chieh

A female manager at a City educational publishers has been cleared by a jury of sexually assaulting a drunken co-worker in a pub cubicle.

Senior digital project manager Lumiere Chieh, 31, insists the encounter at The Sea Horse pub, near the company’s Blackfriars office was consensual.

However, the complainant told an Inner London Crown Court jury: “I have had flashbacks of her putting her hand down my pants. 

“I think I was too drunk to consent.”

Openly gay/bisexual Chieh, of Spring Vale Terrace, Hammersmith pleaded not guilty to one count of sexually assaulting the woman on April 28, last year.

The complainant did not report the allegation to police at the time and the jury heard she only made the complaint with the encouragement of her HR team.

The allegation resulted in Chieh being sacked from the company, an industry leader in the educational field.

The complainant said she was sitting on the toilet when she suddenly became aware of Chieh standing in front of her.

However, Chieh insists the woman gave her a “nod” to enter the cubicle and when she kissed her the complainant kissed her back.

“I suddenly became aware of what was happening, that we were kissing,” added the woman.

“I remember my trousers being down and her hand being there.”

When asked if she recalled touching Chieh herself, she replied: “I can’t remember that.”

Chieh insists the woman was a willing participant until the moment she said: “Too much,” which ended the encounter.

The complainant, who describes herself as straight, denied “feeling bad” about Chieh then spending the rest of the works drinks night in the company of another woman.

The rest of her colleagues quickly heard about what happened, but the woman insisted this did not embarrass her.

That night on the same staircase from the downstairs toilet Chieh exchanged kisses with another female colleague and they quickly became a couple.

The complainant told the court her working relationship with the defendant suffered and Chieh was sacked after a grievance was raised with Human Resources after an office incident.

The defence suggested the assault allegation was made to bolster the complainant's own internal disciplinary proceedings.

Fake Doctor's Audacious Hospital Sex Attack On Pregnant Woman

A sexual pervert who posed as a private cardiologist so he could molest a heavily pregnant woman in a hospital ward has been jailed.

The woman in her twenties, who has a heart condition, thought she was receiving an informal second opinion, but instead was touched intimately while lying in bed.

Gregory Boyle, 59, who had told the woman's partner he was medically qualified and happy to assist, received six years and four months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to sexual assault and assault by penetration at Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, Kent on October 21, 2015.

Prior to the offence, the victim's partner had undertaken building work at Boyle's house and confided in him about her heart condition and pregnancy.

Boyle claimed to be a cardiologist and offered to assess the victim as a second opinion free of charge.

When the victim was admitted to hospital, her partner decided to take Boyle up on this offer as he was concerned for her welfare.

When he arrived at the hospital, Boyle introduced himself to the victim as a doctor, and, on the pretext of performing a medical examination, touched intimate parts of her body.

Immediately after this, a nurse walked in to find Boyle with the victim and challenged his presence on the ward.

Doubting his continued claims to be a private doctor, staff checked the General Medical Council register and could not find him listed, so called police.

Boyle was arrested at the hospital and was charged nearly a year later.

Detective Constable Paul Hill from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences (CASO) Command at the Metropolitan Police said: "Boyle targeted a vulnerable, heavily pregnant woman who was concerned for her health.

“He actively sought to deceive the victim, her family and the medical staff at the PRUH, giving the impression that he was a doctor.

"I would like thank the victim in this case and acknowledge her courage throughout this investigation.

"Thankfully this type of offending is rare, but should anyone recognise Boyle or believe they have been a victim at his hands, please contact the Metropolitan Police."

Theatreland Burglar Jailed For Entertainment Venue Break-Ins

An abseiling burglar with a taste for champagne, who raided a theatre and nightclub, has been jailed for twenty months.

Terence Carroll, 50, of Macklin Street, Holborn targeted commercial premises in London's Theatreland, breaking through a skylight and doors.

He pleaded guilty to burgling all three properties and was sentenced the same day at Blackfriars Crown Court.

The first break-in was on January 11 at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane.

The venue was closed when he broke in at approximately 6.00am by abseiling down a skylight, stealing 32 bottles of champagne worth about £2,400.

Carroll was seen carrying bin bags loaded with alcohol outside the property and was identified by officers following CCTV enquiries.

On Wednesday, January 17, Carroll targeted a dental surgery on Short Gardens.

He broke into the premises whilst it was closed and stole a television and a camera.

DNA evidence linked him to the scene.

The third incident relates to a burglary at Bunga Bunga, Drury Lane on Thursday, April 12.

At approximately 5.06am, Carroll broke into the premises by smashing through a back door.

Whilst inside, he stole a Samsung tablet and bottles of champagne, vodka and rum.

PC Alvaro Aracena-Fuentes, from Camden’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Carroll is a prolific offender who targeted local businesses in an attempt to steal high value goods.

"This sentence sends a clear message that those engaged in this type of crime will be brought to justice.

"I would like to thank officers in Holborn and Covent Garden for their dedication and perseverance in linking this man to a series of burglary offences in Camden this year."

Ex-UKIP Candidate Whacked Landlady With Scissors

Guilty: Juliette Nibbs

A failed UKIP candidate has been convicted of striking her landlady with a large pair of scissors during a microwave row.

Trainee teacher Juliette Nibbs, 41, who stood in the Kensal Green ward during Brent's 2015 council election, only polled 2.18% of the vote.

She was convicted at Willesden Magistrates Court of assaulting Imtiaz Bibi at an address in Crest Road, Cricklewood on April 11 and was bailed until June 6 for a pre-sentence report.

The magistrates ruled the offence was not racially-aggravated even though Mrs Bibi told them Nibbs shouted: “You are a Paki. You go back to your f***ing country, you f***ing bitch.”

The family had rented out a room to Nibbs, who has since moved out to Knowles House, Longstone Avenue, Harlesden, to help them with the rent to the owner of the property.

Mrs Bibi told the court an argument began over the defendant's use of a microwave oven.

“I told her I thought it was dangerous that she left the microwave running and it was something that happened previously.”

“She said: 'You are lying. It's not on,' and she made faces at me.

Scissors: Imtiaz Bibi

“She turned to her room and returned with a pair of scissors and her gestures were very strange and she made faces.

“As she was swearing at me she was waving her scissors at me. They were eight to ten inches long, the type you'd normally see being used by a tailor.

“They were heavy scissors, due to the bruises I got.

“She was at the top of the stairs and I was two steps down and the scissor blades hit my right hand by the wrist as I moved my hands in self-defence.

“It was quite painful and the x-ray showed tissues had been damaged in my thumb.

“The impact was quite deep, with bruising and swelling.”

Nibbs told the court she had no access to the kitchen facilities even though she had rented a room at the house for four years.  

Two Ex-Scout Volunteers Accused Of Sex Offences Against Young Boys

Paul Santon

Two men accused of sex offences against young Harrow scouts four decades ago have appeared in court for the first time.

Philip Levi, 73, of Vinery Court, Ramsey, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire and Paul Santon, 68, of Cotlandswick, London Colney, St. Albans, Hertfordshire were sent to the crown court.

They both appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court, where they were bailed to appear at Harrow Crown Court on June 20.

Levi is charged with six counts of indecently assaulting one boy between October 12, 1972 and October 11, 1974.

Santon is charged with one count of indecently assaulting the same boy between October 12, 1972 and October 11, 1973 and indecently assaulting a second boy between April 19, 1978 and September 18, 1980.

Levi faces seven further charges of indecently assaulting another boy between January 15, 1980 and January 14, 1985.

He is further charged with four counts of indecent assault against another boy between December 31, 1982 and January 1, 1984.

Levi is also charged with indecently assaulting three other boys on dates between June 22, 1976 and May 23, 1982.

All the offences are alleged to have occurred at various Harrow addresses and at Lasham Airfield, Alton, Hampshire.

Ex-British Judo Champ Guilty Of Road Rage Assault

Judo Champ: Lionel Hibbert

A former British judo champion was convicted today of knocking a mini-cab driver to the ground after spitting in his face during a road rage confrontation.

Lionel Hibbert, 53, who won the title in 1992 and now teaches kids got into a confrontation after both drivers competed for the same lane in heavy traffic.

The social housing builder, of Wood Close, Kingsbury, an instructor at Pride Judo Club, Vale Farm Sport Centre, North Wembley, says he’s been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. 

He claims he only spat at mini-cab driver Zabihullah Habib’s windscreen after receiving racial abuse and used just his left arm put him to the floor in self-defence.

Hibbert was convicted of assaulting Mr. Habib in Watford Road, Wembley on March 12 and must return to Willesden Magistrates Court for sentencing on June 8.

The incident was captured on video by a passing motorist, which Hibbert says exonerates him, but the court refused to admit it as evidence.

The victim told the trial Hibbert cut him up in the middle of busy rush-hour traffic at 5pm.

“He managed to get in front of me when he should not have been in the bus lane to do it and caused the traffic to come to a standstill as he blocked both lanes and I sounded my horn.

“He put his head out of the window and started swearing at me and got out of the vehicle. He was very angry, very aggressive, swearing at the same time.

“I got out to tell him he had to move, that he was in my way and he spat at me. It landed on the left-hand side of my cheek.

Road Row: Zabihullah Habib

“I returned to my car to make a note of his registration number and asked my cousin to call the police.

“As I was trying to take a note I suddenly received a punch to the back of my head, the right side of my neck.

I fell to the ground and landed on my knees and started to feel pain and my right arm started to bleed.”

The cabbie claimed Hibbert tried to flee in a panic. “I opened his door to stop him and he got out of his car and ran after me, trying to hit me.”

Hibbert told the court he exchanged glances with Mr. Habib as they fought for road space. “He drove straight towards me and hit my wheel arch and just carried on.

“I said to him: ‘Are you f***ing crazy?’ He stood in front of my face and called me a dirty black b******.

“I was shocked and thought he was going to do something and there were a few more racial overtones. It was wrong, but I spat on his windscreen.

“He made a very aggressive walk towards me and made a bit of a lunge and I thought he was going to punch me.

Tarmac Tatami: Habib Goes Down

“I pulled him towards me, spun him around and set him on the floor. I never punched him.”

Hibbert told the magistrates: “I represented Great Britain for over fifteen years all over the world competing.

“It was minimum force. I just grabbed him and put him on the floor before he could throw a fist at me.”

An eye witness came forward to say Hibbert was aggressive and angry and at one point had Mr. Habib in a headlock and the cabbie’s cousin backed-up his account.

Hibbert spent over fourteen hours in police custody afterwards. “They just handcuffed me and put me straight in the van.

“I don’t see why as a big black geezer I’m pointed out as the aggressor.”

Police Hunt Suspect After 16 Year-Old Boy Stabbed

Police hunting another suspect after a 16 year-old boy was stabbed in east London have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Detectives from Tower Hamlets have appealed for the public's help in their efforts to trace the unknown male.

The teenager was stabbed in St. Leonard's Street, Bow at approximately 6.00pm on April 1.

Officers from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets are leading the hunt.

Police administered first aid prior to the arrival of London Ambulance Service (LAS).

The boy was taken by the LAS to an east London hospital for treatment.

He has since been discharged.

Six teenage males, two aged 15 years-old and four aged 16 years-old have been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm in connection with this incident.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC - please quote CAD 5293/01Apr.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

City Publishing Manager Denies Fondling Female Colleague In Pub Toilet

A female manager at a City educational publishers followed a drunken woman colleague into a pub’s toilet, where she sexually assaulted her in the cubicle, a court heard.

Senior digital project manager Lumiere Chieh, 31, insists the encounter at The Sea Horse pub, near the company’s Blackfriars office was consensual.

However, the complainant told an Inner London Crown Court jury: “I have had flashbacks of her putting her hand down my pants. 

“I think I was too drunk to consent.”

Openly gay/bisexual Chieh, of Spring Vale Terrace, Hammersmith has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexually assaulting the woman on April 28, last year.

The incident resulted in her being sacked from the company, an industry leader in the educational field.

The complainant said she was sitting on the toilet when she suddenly became aware of Chieh standing in front of her.

However, the defendant insists the woman gave her a “nod” to enter the cubicle and when she kissed her the complainant kissed her back.

“I suddenly became aware of what was happening, that we were kissing,” added the woman.

“I remember my trousers being down and her hand being there.”

When asked if she recalled touching Chieh herself, she replied: “I can’t remember that.”

Chieh insists the woman was a willing participant until the moment she said: “Too much,” which ended the encounter.

The complainant, who describes herself as straight, denied “feeling bad” about Chieh then spending the rest of the works drinks night in the company of another woman.

The rest of her colleagues quickly heard about what happened, but the woman insisted this did not embarrass her.

In a phone conversation the next day with Chieh the woman told the court the defendant described her behaviour as “predatory.”

“She did say that. It stuck in my mind. I remember her clearly saying her actions may have seemed predatory.”

That night on the same staircase from the downstairs toilet Chieh exchanged kisses with another female colleague and they quickly became a couple.

That colleague told the jury six weeks after they began dating Chieh confessed she had “hooked up” with another woman the night they met.

The complainant told the court her working relationship with the defendant suffered and Chieh was sacked after a grievance was raised with Human Resources after an office incident.

“She came into my space at work. I found it extremely distressing.”

The woman confirmed she did not report Chieh to the police until it was suggested by Human Resources.

The defence suggest this was done to bolster their own internal disciplinary proceedings.

Trial continues………..

Bus Station Controller Guilty Of Groping Two Female Drivers

A bus station controller groped two female drivers, asking one: “How do you like your eggs in the morning? I’ll fertilise them for you.”

Scott Robert Cairney, 55, grabbed the womens’ bottom’s while hugging them in the middle of busy Cromwell Road terminus, Kingston-upon-Thames, south-west London.

The Scotsman was convicted of sexually assaulting both women on July 10, last year, then sexually assaulting one of them again on July 14. 

Ex-Transport for London employee Cairney, of Park Road, Dunoon, Argyll fought the case at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where he will return for sentencing next month.

The former Dunoon Grammar schoolboy complained his life was ruined by the complaints, forcing him to return to his native Scotland after over five years in the post.

The first victim was beckoned over with her female colleague by a seated Cairney. 

“He is the controller so has some senior authority at the station.

“He pulled me down by my left arm on top of him and squeezed my behind and moved his hand between my legs,” she told the court.

“It was my left cheek, he squeezed it twice and moved his hand in between.

“I pulled back and went off I was shocked and didn’t say anything to him. It caused me stress, I felt violated, someone touching my private parts.”

Her colleague said: “He opened his arms for a hug, which was not unusual and he hugged us together and squeezed my right butt cheek.

“Previously we had hugged him, that was the drill. I did not know what to think to be fair.”

They women exchanged texts afterwards with the first victim asking: ‘Did he feel up your arse? F***ing pervert. He’s a bock eyed tosser.’

The same woman was groped again four days later. “Someone came up behind me and put their arms around me like a bear hug.

“He was trying to kiss the back of my head. He let go and as I walked he grabbed my bottom again.

“I said: ‘Leave it out’ and he said: ‘What’s the matter with you?’ and I told him to: ‘F*** off.’

“He said: ‘How do you like your eggs in the morning? I’ll fertilise them for you.’

“He also said he wanted to strangle my boyfriend so he could be with me.”

Cairney denied groping the two woman. “I said: ‘C’mon over here.’ I put my arms out and the two of them leant over and I gave them a little hug.

“I didn’t touch anyone’s bottom and I certainly didn’t squeeze anyone’s bottom. That would be a disgusting thing to do.”

Regarding the second incident, which was caught on CCTV, he told the court: “I kissed her on the back of the head and said: ‘Okay sweetheart?’

“They are both lying. I did not touch their bottoms.”

He complained his life had been destroyed by the allegations. “How’s it effected my life? Where do I start?

“First of all I lost my job, my house, my car, my health. I had to move back to Scotland and to round it off I appeared in the local newspaper.”

District Judge Barbara Barnes told Cairney: “They both described how shocked and upset they were and one said she simply did not know what to do.

“The text exchange does support their account.

“The CCTV clearly shows you approaching her from behind and encircling her with your arms and kissing the back of her head.

“She extricated herself rapidly from your embrace.”

Seventeen Years For Killer Who Beat Pole To Death In West London Alleyway

17 Years: Vitalie Daikov

A killer who beat to death a Polish father, who travelled to the UK for a better life for himself and his family, has been locked up.

Homeless Vitalie Daikov, 26, attacked 31 year-old Kamil Metler after the victim joined him in walking down alleyway with a prostitute late at night.

At the Old Bailey he received 17 years imprisonment for manslaughter and must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before he can be released.

Police, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance helicopter were called to Montague Road, Hounslow, west London at 2.52am on October 8, last year.

At the scene they found Kamil unconscious in an alleyway between Lampton Road and Montague Road.

He had suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene a short time later.

Witnesses told officers that they had seen Kamil being kicked and stamped on the head as he was on the ground.

A post-mortem examination held at Uxbridge Mortuary gave cause of death as head injuries.

Detectives established that a few hours before his death, Kamil had been in the Yates pub on Bath Road.

He left the pub and was seen on the street outside talking with the prostitute before they, and a man, moved along Lampton Road to the alleyway.

The woman was seen to run out of the alleyway back into Lampton Road shortly after and the man - identified as Daicov - walked out of the alleyway in the opposite direction.

In this alleyway Kamil received his injuries from Daicov, who argued that he feared he had been set up and was about to be robbed.

Beaten: Kamil Metler

When officers located Daicov, they discovered that he had not met Kamil before that night.

He was charged with murder, was found not-guilty of this offence.

The woman was not arrested.

Detective Inspector Will Reynolds, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Dailkov’s uncontrolled rage has taken the life of a man who had come to Britain in search of a better life and to enable him to support his young son.

“I sincerely hope that the sentence handed down today brings a measure of comfort to Kamil's family."

Kamil’s mother said: "I have not reconciled myself and I dare say I never will reconcile myself to the fact that my son is dead.

“I even feel a sort of emptiness, a void between his life and the grave. I did not see him dead and all of that has not got through to my consciousness.

"I try not to think about that, but the image of my son keeps coming back on sleepless nights and I feel a huge pain when I think how much he must have suffered when he was lying, having been beaten mercilessly by Daikov.

“Daikov left him dying slowly while he quietly strolled about the streets of London, he did not help him, he did not call the emergency services, he took no interest in what was happening to him."

Knifeman On Two Wheels Behind Bars After Police Crackdown

A motorbike-riding knifeman is behind bars after a police crackdown – nicknamed Operation Venice - on two-wheeled crime in Islington.

Harry Schick, 24, of Holland Road, West Kensington had three knives on him when he sped away from officers on his uninsured bike, which he was banned from riding.

He appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to possessing a lock knife and two other blades.

Schick also pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance and failing to stop for a police officer.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing at Blackfriars Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.

On Wednesday May 9, Schick was observed by officers riding his 125cc Honda motorcycle in Pentonville Road, Islington.

On seeing police, Schick rode off at speed, passing through several red lights before colliding with a vehicle near the junction with Hermes Street.

He ran off into Cynthia Street where he was detained by police, with the assistance of a member of the public, after a short foot chase.

Schick was found to be in possession of a lock knife and two large knives.

Police Sergeant Tony McGovern from Operation Venice said: "I am proud of the actions of the first responders to this incident and the support shown by the member of the public.

"We will continue to pursue those involved in moped enabled crime, who pose a risk to themselves and our communities.

"London has been subject to an increase in knife and moped enabled crime, but with new tactics and increased police presence on the streets, we will maintain our stance in tackling this issue and those responsible."

Detective Constable Colin Anderson from the Met's Central North Command said: "Schick displayed a sheer lack of consideration for his own safety and that of the public. The end result could have been very different.

"We will continue to tackle this problem and ensure that offenders are brought to justice for their actions."

Benefit Cheat Admits Continuing Claims When Abroad

A woman who continued claiming four different benefits while abroad during a three-and-a-half year scam, admitted the offences today.

Lorraine Thomas, 60, of Bevington Road, North Kensington claims she had to flee the UK due to violent domestic abuse.

She will return to Southwark Crown Court for sentencing on June 22.

Thomas pleaded guilty to five separate counts of dishonestly failing to disclose information to the Department of Work & Pensions and the London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, namely that she was not a UK resident.

The charges relate to claims for Income Support; Employment Support Allowance; Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit between February 22, 2012 and August 2, 2015.

Thomas, a first-time offender, displayed mobility issues entering and exiting the secure dock.

She was bailed for a pre-sentence report by the judge, who told her: “These are serious offences over a long period of time.

“The fact I’m adjourning for a report is no promise as to the sentence.”

'Mr. Fancypants' Bus Pervert Caught Groping Young Women

A bus sex pest, who groped two females and was identified by his garish shorts caught on CCTV, was convicted today.

Algerian Abdi Wahab Ikken, 41, of Sycamore Road, Dartford, even used a stolen Oyster card to make the journeys in south-east London.

He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 17 year-old on a number 96 bus in Woolwich on August 28, last year and a second young woman on number 53 on September 25.

He was also convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court of stealing an Oyster card with £55 credit between July 1 and July 31, last year.

When police from the Roads and Transport Policing Command raided his home they seized the distinctive shorts Ikken was wearing during the first assault and the Oyster card he used to tap-in both times.

He boarded the 96 bus outside Dartford Magistrates Court at 6.30pm and the teenager, who had been shopping in Bluewater, told the trial: “He was squished up against me and his leg was touching mine.

“I could feel the hairs of his leg on me. It just carried on until his leg stopped and he then used his hands,” added the teenager, who was wearing a summer dress.

“He put his elbow on my hip and pushed down really hard. It hurt, I felt he was trying to hurt me.”

The tearful teenager, who Ikea sat next to despite other seats being available added: “It then started with his fingers feeling my leg at the side of my thigh on my skin. I wasn’t wearing any tights.

“I was in disbelief at first. As I looked down he moved his hand around my thigh.

“I said: ‘You’re disgusting. Why are you trying to touch me on the bus?’

“I was scared. I was unaware of his intention and what he was going to do and if he was going to follow me.”

A second woman, in her twenties, was travelling towards Whitehall at 1.30pm when Ikken deliberately plonked himself next to her despite others seats being available.

“He immediately spread his legs so his right leg was touching my left leg. It felt uncomfortable.

“I felt it next to my thigh and the rest of my leg. He apologised, but then spread his legs again and I asked him to move.

“He spread his legs a third time and I felt his ankle move against mine very slowly and i felt it was deliberate rubbing against my skin.

“It went on for a while and I was feeling quite irate and said: ‘Can you keep your legs to yourself?’

“He said he did not want to because I was so beautiful and I told him: ’That’s really creepy, get away from me’

“He was grinning in what I’d say was a lecherous way.

“This was a person who knew how to sexually assault someone without it being shown on camera and it made me think he’d probably done it before.

“He spoke like he was very pleased with what he had done. I’ve been sexually assaulted before and this brought it back to me.”

When questioned by police Southwark Council cleaner Ikken, who needed an Arabic interpreter throughout the trial simply said: “It wasn’t me,” and refused to answer any questions.

Retired Account Conned Relatives Out Of £93K Will

A greedy retired accountant, trusted by a deceased pal to share his will amongst his relatives, kept £93,000 for himself on top of money he also inherited from his friend.

David Coddington, 79, of Ormonde Court, Upper Richmond Road, Richmond-upon-Thames was the named executor of the estate, but for years got away with secretly keeping most of the cash.

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.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday he received fifteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and must obey a three-month home curfew between 6pm and 6am.

His sister has agreed to sell her flat so lifelong bachelor Coddington can pay compensation.

The three counts relate to failing to distribute the estate to nephew Tony Connolly, niece Eileen Loakman and relative Anne Downey.

The nephew only received £25,000 of the £93,000 due and said: “It is very distressing the wishes of my late uncle were not executed.”

The two women didn’t see a penny of the £13,000 they were each due to inherit and Eileen said: “I am sickened, saddened and disappointed that the wishes of my late uncle, who trusted David Coddington, were not carried out.”

Anne said: “I am angry, saddened and disappointed he did not carry out his duties.”

Coddington was investigated by the Serious Fraud Office after Tony Connolly reported him to Action Fraud.

It was discovered he used the late Mr. Connolly’s estate to pay his credit card bills, withdrew £13,000 from cashpoints and wrote cheques to himself.

“The estate was worth just over one hundred and thirty-five thousand pounds and there were five beneficiaries, with Mr. Coddington being one of them,” said prosecutor Ms Alexandra Boxhall.

Judge Timothy Lamb QC told him: “You let yourself, your family, the deceased and his family and friends down.

“You got away with ninety-three thousand pounds of someone else’s money secretly for a number of years. It’s a disgrace on you.

“There is no sense sending a man of your age, with your remorse and medical conditions outlined by your GP inside.”