Transport For London Employees "Cynical" £15K Oyster Card Scam

"Cynical": Cornel Dobbs

Two greedy Transport for London Oyster card customer call centre employees created bogus accounts to refund themselves a total of £15,482.

Ainsley Cornel Dobbs, 32, and graduate Melissa Cantoni, 25, created unique emails for non-existent customers and paid themselves Oyster and season ticket and travel card refunds.

Judge Alexander Milne QC said: “The charges reflect the combined efforts of the defendants to defraud Transport for London (TfL) over a considerable period of time using false names, concocted email addresses and Oyster card accounts.

“It was a cynical and well thought out fraud over a considerable period of time, breaching a position of trust placed in both of you.”

Today father-of-two Cornel Dobbs, of Loveland Mansions, Upney Lane, Barking received 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months and must complete 150 hours community service work.

Italian-born Cantoni, of The Manor, High Street, Hornsey received 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months and must complete 100 hours community service.

Prosecutor Mr. Mark Hunsley told Blackfriars Crown Court Cornel Dobbs was responsible for 57 bogus refunds totalling £12,634.85p and Cantoni 9 refunds totalling £2,847.65p.

"Breach Of Trust": Cantoni

“Both these defendants were employed at the TfL call centre in Greenwich and had access to the customer online accounts system and refund system for people who did not properly tap in or out or had to cancel a season ticket or travel card.

“It was their job to process these refunds to customers.”

Fraud analyst John Mulligan reviewed the high-value refunds on the TfL system. 

“It seemed to suggest these defendants were processing artificial refunds to their own accounts or to the accounts of people connected to them,” said Mr. Hunsley.

“They set-up online Oyster accounts using an email or a dormant account and drafted an email pretending to be a customer requesting a refund.

“They would then allocate these customers to themselves when they arrived at work and process them.”

They were both arrested at the Greenwich centre on June 5, last year and had their mobile phones seized, which contained incriminating messages.

“There were a number of messages sent to friends and family requesting or arranging for money to be paid into their accounts,” explained Mr. Hunsley.

Cornel Hobbs even paid some of the stolen money into his mother’s account, but said nothing to police when questioned.

Cantoni admitted everything. “She said Cornel Dobbs showed her how to do it and her boyfriend at the time had gambling problems and she did it for the money.”

Cantoni had never been in trouble before and Grenfell Tower fire volunteer Cornel Dobbs has convictions for assault.  

“The offences are relatively sophisticated and took place over a long period and they were in a position of responsibility,” added the prosecutor.

Cornel Hobbs’ lawyer Mr. Anthony Heaton-Armstrong told the court the defendant also has responsibility for his girlfriend’s two older children as well as their eight-month old baby and his older daughter.

“He is very sorry about the position he has put his dependants in. He is very chastened. His financial situation is pretty grim at the moment.”

Cantoni’s lawyer Mr. Martin Taylor said: “She has genuine remorse. The boyfriend she was living with had a serious gambling habit.

“It is not for TfL to shoulder the responsibility of her boyfriend’s gambling habit. 

“She tells me she always expected to be found out because it was all traceable, all there. An act of ridiculous folly on her part.”

Cantoni is now in a better-paid job. “She has gone back to a normal, honest life.”

Neither were ordered to pay compensation, but must pay £500 costs and a £140 victim surcharge each. “It lies in the hands of TfL to pursue you through the civil courts,” said the judge.

“These are perhaps exceptional circumstances. Theft from employer is taken very seriously indeed.”

Cornel Hobbs pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between September 28 and October 31, 2017, plus fraud with Cantoni between October 30, 2017 and May 30, last year.

Cantoni pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position between October 31, 2017 and May 29, last year.

Midwife Denies Murdering Long-Suffering Husband Who Had 68 Injuries

A midwife murdered her musician teacher husband, who received 68 separate injuries at the heavily bloodstained Buckinghamshire home they shared with their four children, a court heard today.

Hannegret Donnelly, 54, confessed to striking 55 year-old Christopher Donnelly with a rolling-pin at the Berryfields, Aylesbury house, the jury were told.

She called 999 on March 31, last year, twelve hours after Mr. Donnelly, a biochemistry graduate, died of bronchial pneumonia on the bathroom floor while his entire family were at home.

Prosecutor Eloise Marshall QC told the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury: “In the last year of his life Mr. Donnelly was subjected to repeated serious domestic abuse.”

She said the victim had 68 exterior visible injuries, plus fractures to both shoulders; his back; neck and voice box.

“The majority of the injuries were caused by blunt force trauma, mostly to the head, neck, shoulders and back.

“The Crown’s case is Mrs Donnelly murdered her husband by repeatedly inflicting injuries on him that resulted in his poor health and eventual death.”

The court heard paramedics felt the Christian family, who had become increasingly isolated, were strangely detached from Mr. Donnelly’s death.

“They noticed his head was covered in multiple wounds, gashes, about twenty in all,” added the QC.

The defendant told the paramedics they occurred two weeks previously. “I did hit him over the head with a rolling pin after a falling out,” she told them.

“Christopher wouldn’t have wanted to go to the hospital. He doesn’t like doctors,” added Mrs Donnelly.

Old blood staining from the victim was found on the walls and ceiling by the front door, hallway, staircase, dining-room, kitchen and bathroom, plus on radiators, furniture, window blinds and wall tiles.

Mr. Donnelly was described as a “talented musician” who studied at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama and played the saxophone and clarinet.

He met German-born Hannegret in 1992 and the couple’s four children are aged between fourteen and twenty-two years-old.

“Their household was a complex and strange one and even though they seemed a conventional family over the years they withdrew from life outside and the children were home taught.”

Family members described the defendant as “controlling” the jury were told, with the couple having “lost a grip on reality” and talking about “living in end times.”

When Mrs Donnelly was asked by the 999 operator why she waited so long to raise the alarm, she replied: “We wanted to grieve.”

Paramedics arrived at the cluttered home and felt a strange atmosphere, explained Ms Marshall. “The defendant did not appear panicked or distressed.”

They noted Mr. Donnelly’s nose was flat, with a large wound across the top and his face and ears were deformed.

The jury were told the blood staining was consistent with more than one strike with a blunt object and Mrs Donnelly repeated her rolling pin story to the police, but now said it was months previously.

“She told the police she hit him with the rolling pin in self-defence and said: ‘I had to defend my corner somehow.’

“Even if violence occurred in 2015 as she said it is minimal compared to the injuries she inflicted on her husband.

“He appears never to have retaliated when she inflicted these injuries.”

Police found her diary, which included an entry in January, last year, which translated as: ‘I didn’t let him go to the toilet.’

“This exhibits the control she had over Mr. Donnelly,” said the prosecutor.

Mrs Donnelly has pleaded not guilty to murdering her husband on March 30, last year and inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, between March 30, 2016 and March 30, 2018.

The trial is expected to last three weeks…….. 

Baby's Buggy Crashed Into On Zebra Crossing: Driver Jailed

A dangerous hit-and-run driver, who crashed into a 13 month-old child's buggy on a zebra crossing, has been jailed.

Mantas Kaupas, 37, of Sherrard Road, Forest Gate received 18 months imprisonment for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and dangerous driving.

He was also banned from driving for 33 months.

At approximately 10.55pm on May 22, 2017 a couple were walking with their child - who was in a buggy - along Upton Lane, Forest Gate.

As they used the zebra crossing close to the junction with Dunbar Road a white BMW collided with the buggy.

The driver sped away from the scene before going through a red traffic light.

Officers attended and the child was taken by the London Ambulance Service to the Royal London Hospital where he received treatment for a head injury.

He was discharged a week later.

The BMW was found abandoned less than a mile away from the collision.

Kaupas was identified as the owner he was arrested the next day, but denied driving the car, claiming that he had stayed in all night.

Enquiries established that Kaupas had been travelling around the Newham area that night.

He was charged on June 26, last year.

Detective Constable Adam Daisley, from the North-East Command Unit, said: "It is only a matter of luck that the child did not suffer more serious injuries.

“Kaupas's driving was unacceptable and the fact that he drove away shows his distain at what he did.

"He lied to officers about this whereabouts that night, but his alibi was quickly disproven by thorough investigative work."

Death-Driver Jailed For One-Way Tragedy

A hit-and-run driver, who killed a 63 year-old pedestrian while reversing the wrong way down a one-way street, has been jailed.

Adrian Knox-Hooke, 30, of Baker Street, Enfield, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving at the Old Bailey.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for eight years.

The court heard that at around 11.50pm on Saturday, August 5, 2017, Knox-Hooke reversed his Mercedes A180 around 20 metres down Gladstone Way, a one-way street in Harrow.

As he carried out the illegal manoeuvre, he collided with Rajesh Naik, who was crossing the road.

Officers attended the scene alongside London Ambulance Service and found Mr. Naik with a serious head injury.

He was taken to hospital where he died a few days later.

Knox-Hooke failed to stop at the scene and although he returned on foot minutes later, he failed to inform officers of his involvement.

An investigation was launched and he was arrested the next day and subsequently charged.

Detective Sergeant Ben Massink from the Met's Road and Transport Policing Command, who led the investigation, said: "The sudden death of Mr. Naik was brought about solely by the dangerous and dishonest actions of a man who has now been sentenced to six years in prison.

"Although this outcome will not bring Mr Naik back, we hope it will bring them some comfort and closure.

"This was what can only be described as a tragedy and our thoughts remain with Mr Naik's family and friends."

Mr Naik's son, Kaushil Naik, spoke on behalf of the family.

He said: "It is hard to put into words how painful this incident has been for us, and to try to convey the grief and loss we feel at the death of my father.

“It is beyond words. We are such a close family and all truly love each other so much, and my father was such a big part of that.

“Losing him has left a void in our family that only he could fill."

Plastic Bottle Thrown At Delli Ali: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected football yob after Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Delli Ali was hit on the head by a bottle during their Carabao cup-tie against Arsenal.

This CCTV image has been released of the fan who attended the quarter-final at the Emirates stadium on December 19, last year.

At approximately 4.20pm Delli was struck on the head by a plastic bottle.

Since the incident, officers from the public order investigations team have been working with Arsenal Football Club to identify the suspect.

Officers would like to identify the man pictured in the image and are appealing for anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.

No arrests have been made, enquiries continue.

PC Jonathan Fryar who is leading the investigation said: "This was a disrespectful act which showed complete disregard for both the players and the fans wishing to enjoy a peaceful match.

"The incident is being taken seriously and we have been working closely with Arsenal Football Club to thoroughly investigate."

"We want those attending football matches to enjoy safe and enjoyable events and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0208 246 0076. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mother And Daughter Accused Of Plundering OAP's £230K Savings

Maria Santos

A mother and daughter swindled an elderly infirm spinster, who employed them as her carers, out of £230,000 - even remortgaging her house after emptying her accounts, a court heard.

Maria Santos, 58, and Lucinda Johnson, 38, wrote themselves cheques for £5,000 a time, obtained a £67,000 equity release on the octogenarian’s Harrow apartment and even got themselves included in her will, the jury were told.

Sadly Audrey Evans, of Woodgrange Court, Woodgrange Close died, aged 89 years-old in 2015, but the Harrow Crown Court jury still heard from her via a police video-recorded interview she gave a year before her death.

Santos, of Haydock Green, Northolt and Johnson, of Westbury Avenue, Southall have both pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud by abuse of position between September 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012.

The charges include the equity release, plus £32,000 from LloydsTSB; £77,000 from Nationwide; £13,522 from Bank of Scotland and £41,000 from the Halifax.

Prosecutor Mr. Richard Hearnden told the court: “The case concerns a pensioner who had her hard-earned money stolen from her by two people she thought she could trust, carers, home-helps.

“The stealing was carried out in a number of ways, including equity release that allowed borrowing against the value of Ms Evans’ home and money she had in savings accounts was also taken.

“She trusted these defendants and they abused that trust to make gains for themselves.”

Miss Evan, who was engaged to be married in the 1980’s until her fiancé sadly died, had bone-weakening condition osteoporosis and needed a Zimmer-frame to get about.

Lucinda Johnson

She privately-employed Santos and Johnson to get her up in the morning and put her to bed, plus prepare meals and do her shopping and cleaning.

“She had a number of bank accounts and they ran down the balances and by 2011 more money was needed,” added Mr. Hearnden.

“The defendants were behind a plan to increase the amount of money they got from Miss Evans by equity release and the application form was filled-in almost certainly by Santos, who was the contact on the form.

“Ten thousand pounds was being withdrawn per month from her LloydsTSB account and there were ATM withdrawals of one thousand pounds a time and spending in restaurants and High Street shops.”

The jury were told the pair wrote cheques totalling £29,000 ‘to cash’ usually in £5,000 chunks. “This pattern was accompanied by a five hundred pound cash withdrawal.

“You cannot ignore the fairly large, substantial spending in shops and restaurants, plus a £9,400 car purchased by Johnson.

“Miss Evans said she felt scared of being left alone and they threatened to leave. She even changed her will in their favour, but changed it back when she realised she had been taken advantage of.”

Their employment ended in October, 2012 when Miss Evans had to go into hospital and her next-of-kin reported the mother and daughter to the police.

Johnson was arrested at home on June 12, 2014 and police noted she had a high-end washing machine and dryer, worth over £1,000 each.

She gave a ‘no comment’ interview and when her mother, who had treated herself to designer goods, expensive dinners out and theatre tickets was arrested she denied taking money without Miss Evans’ permission.

In her video-recorded interview Miss Evans said: “They were mother and daughter. I thought they were lovely people and they were with me for years.”

However, Santos persuaded the OAP to hand over her bank PIN after claiming to be embarrassed when subjected to security checks at the local branch when withdrawing money.

“She said it was embarrassing at the bank because she was asked all kinds of questions in front of people and said she could not do this so I foolishly gave her the PIN number.”

Trial continues………..

Ex-PE Teacher Admits Downloading Child Pornography

A PE teacher, who runs an educational company, was told today he faces imprisonment for downloading sickening videos, which include a five month-old baby being raped.

Julian Sebastian Derrington, 62, was caught by Operation Bellona Metropolitan Police officers during a raid on his suburban home on September 5, last year, from which he runs Timelord Education.

Until recently Derrington, of Hampton Road, Worcester Park was employed by Raynes Park High School in south-west London.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to making 47 Category A indecent moving and still images of children.

He similarly pleaded guilty to making 92 Category B and 31,309 Category C indecent moving and still images of children.

Derrington also admitted possessing a prohibited image of a child and possessing 52 extreme pornographic images of people have sex with horses and dogs.

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told the court: “This was the result of a Met Police operation targeting people accessing indecent images on the internet.

“Twenty-two devices were seized, such as laptops, tablets, hard drives and cameras and there was a very high number of indecent images on two of these devices.

“One Category A video is almost fifty minutes long and includes a number of children being raped and the youngest is said to be five months-old.

“There is obvious distress to the children and some of them are crying.

“The defendant was a teacher at the time prior to his arrest.

“The guidelines suggest a starting point regarding sentence of twelve months imprisonment.”

Derrington was bailed to appear for sentencing at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on condition he does not contact any children or allow them into his home; doesn’t seek employment in the education field and resides at his address.

“Obviously the offences are of a very serious nature considering the number of videos and the distress caused to the victim,” said magistrate Amanda Ottway.

“They are so serious you need to go to the Crown Court for sentencing,” she told first-time offender Derrington.

Woman Sexually Assaulted After Getting Off Bus

A woman travelling home from last year's Notting Hill Carnival was molested by a man who followed her off a bus.

Police have released this bus CCTV image of the suspect they are hunting.

On Sunday, August 26 at around 9.00pm, the 30 year-old woman was travelling on a Route 2 bus towards Vauxhall when the male got on.

They both left the bus and he followed and sexually assaulted her in a communal garden in the Pimlico area.

The victim pushed the male away, at which point he said "come with me".

The victim then ran away and got on to another bus.

The suspect spoke with an Asian accent and appeared to be wearing a religious skull cap.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 referencing CAD 3349/27 Aug 18.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Machete Robber Jailed For Nicking Watch

A robber, who threatened his victim with a fearsome machete and snatched the £8,000 watch his father gave him, has been caged.

Abdalla Zachriah, 20, of Oxford Gardens, Ladbroke Grove, North Kensington received six-and-half years.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of robbery and possession of a knife.

Zachriah robbed his victim, who he knew, near Acklam Road in Ladbroke Grove on the afternoon of July 5, last year.

He demanded his watch after a brief exchange of words and lifted his shirt to reveal a large machete-style knife with a blade measuring nearly half a metre.

The victim resisted, but Zachriah managed to unclip the watch strap and take it from him.

Police were called and after getting an account of the incident they located Zachriah a short distance from where the robbery took place.

Officers recovered the knife - concealed in the waistband of his trousers - and watch, a gift given to the victim by his father and worth around £8,000.

Detective Constable Lee Moon, of Kensington and Chelsea CID, said: “This was a terrifying robbery, committed against the victim by someone he knew as an acquaintance.

“Zachriah was arrested within an hour of the incident, and officers recovered a large machete from his waistband.

“Carrying a knife in public itself shows intent to either threaten or cause serious injury to others, and in this case it was used to commit a robbery.

“I hope this sentence sends out a clear message that we are committed to ridding London’s streets of dangerous weapons, and that both police and the courts deliver firm justice to anyone who is intent on carrying them.”

Night Bus Snoozer Wanted For Thumping Driver Who Woke Him Up

Police are hunting this night bus passenger, who punched the driver in the face when woken from his snooze on the top deck.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released this image of the suspect.

The driver was attacked on board a Route N279 bus after parking at its terminating stop outside South Africa House in Trafalgar Square in the early hours of December 2, last year.

The suspect was asleep on the upper deck when the bus went out of service.

The 55-year-old driver went to wake the suspect and was then pushed and punched in the face

He suffered facial injuries.

No arrest has been made and officers are now releasing CCTV stills of a man they want to identify and speak to.

He is described as aged in his thirties, with short black hair and a beard.

Anyone who recognises the man or with information is asked to contact the RTPC Reactive Crime Team by calling police on 101 quoting reference 1769/02DEC18, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sex Pest Wanted For Striking On Four Buses

This suspected bus sex offender, who left women passengers “frightened and violated,” is being hunted by the police.

He is believed to have struck on four different buses in north and east London during a two-month span last year.

At 1.30pm on Tuesday, September 11 on a route 253 bus near Camden Road Station, Camden.

At 7.43pm on Wednesday, November 21 on a route 149 bus near St Leonard’s Hospital, Islington.

At 11.58pm on Saturday, November 23 on a route 91 bus near King's Cross Station, King's Cross.

At 7.46pm on Tuesday, November 13 on a route 38 bus near Hackney Central Station, Hackney.

In the first three cases, the suspect sexually assaulted the victims.

The fourth offence was one of outraging public decency.

The women are aged between 19 and 31 years-old.

Detectives have released this CCTV footage recovered from a bus showing images of the man they are appealing to the public to identify.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 25 and 35 years-old, around 6ft tall with short black hair.

Detective Constable Clare Beauchamp, from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “These incidents have left the victims feeling very frightened and violated.

“I am appealing to the public to help identify and locate this man as quickly as possible.

“Although none of the victims have suffered physical injury, the effects of becoming a victim of sexual assault can be lasting and traumatic.”

If you can identify this man, or offer any information to assist the investigation, please contact police on 101 and quote CAD5629/20JAN19 or tweet @MetCC.

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

Death Driver Still Using Cannabis

Court Date: Foames

A drug-driver, who served time for killing a mum-of-two he ran over, has again been convicted of another cannabis offence.

Billy Joseph Foames, 37, failed to learn the lessons from the tragedy and today appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of cannabis at The Rookery car park, Streatham Common on February 7.

Three years ago Foames, of Wigmore Road, Carshalton, was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment for driving while unfit through drugs and without insurance.

On that occasion he was arrested after running over mother-of-two Maria Bridge, 32, on Boxing Day, 2014 after smoking cannabis.

Today he was conditionally discharges for twelve months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Mother And Son Accused Of "Death By Fire" Chants At 'Witch' Neighbour

Mother and son born again Christians, accused of harassing their young mum neighbour with ‘death by fire’ chants, told a court today they were protecting themselves against witchcraft.

Leonora Joseph, 76, and her son Mark Joseph, 56, claim their neighbour, who has a young child, is possessed by the devil.

The Joseph’s, of Cromwell Road, Wimbledon have both pleaded not guilty to harassing neighbour Samantha Ginsburg on August 27, last year.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard they shouted and chanted: ‘death to Samantha’ and ‘death by fire’ outside the converted property despite previous police harassment warnings.

Today District Judge Andrew Sweet set a new trial date for March 28.

Mrs Joseph told him from the dock: “We are born-again Christians. This witchcraft is not practised openly and in past times they were burned at the stake. 

“The devil is the deceiver. He does everything in secret.

“They are always accusing the person they have attacked and they now use witchcraft as entertainment, magic.”

Mrs Joseph told the court she was simply quoting Psalm 94 Verse 1 of the Bible to protect herself from witchcraft.

Her son told the court they were living in “relative peace” with Samantha and her partner as neighbours for seven years until mysterious things began happening.

“There was a deterioration in our living standards that we have not experienced before.”

He claimed his mother was struck by a mysterious life-threatening illness in 2016. “Her vital signs were shutting down for a minute or so.

“For the first time in her life she had to go to hospital for a life or death issue.

“Over a period of time she was unable to walk. She was virtually bedridden for months, unable to go to the bathroom because she had becomes weak.

“There were a number of sicknesses and there was no diagnosis.”

Mr. Joseph said his mother spent 18 days in hospital. “They were unable to work out what was wrong with her.

“Now, thanks to God, she is able to move around and had her health.”

Regarding the charges he added: “This is a spiritual matter, not something that can be dealt with by any court of law or the police.

“We had been praying the word of God as our only defence, reading from the word of God. This is our way of dealing with it spiritually.”

Blackmailer Demanded £1,000 From Boyfriend

A woman who made a £1,000 blackmail demand against her boyfriend – threatening to continue a bogus assault claim to police – received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Joanne Singh, 33, of Southfield Road, Enfield claims there was no financial motive behind her actions, insisting she was trying to protect her own safety.

She pleaded guilty to blackmailing the man between March 1 and May 29, last year and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Singh must also complete a probation-ordered rehabilitation activity requirement of up to forty-five days.

Southwark Crown Court Judge Nicholas Lorraine-Smith told the first-time offender, who has been diagnosed as bipolar: “You are a vulnerable who needs to take care of herself.”

The court heard she has a background of psychotic episodes and was diagnosed with depression in 2014.

“Throughout your relationship you were not taking your medication,” the judge told Singh. “Your relationship was obviously pretty volatile and both of you say the other was at times controlling and he had autism.

“Blackmail is always treated seriously. When you demanded the money you said it was for a security and insurance against physical harm.

“This is a very odd offence of blackmail, not motivated by the usual financial motive,” the judge added. “It was a horrible, terrible ordeal that you subjected him to.

“You pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and expressed remorse to me in a letter and to the psychiatrist.”

NOT GUILTY: German Couple Cleared Of Stalking Ex-Neighbours

100% Innocent: Christoph & Sylvia Hons

A vegetarian couple, accused of stalking their ex-neighbours after claiming they endured intense “rotten meat” cooking smells from next-door, were yesterday cleared by a jury.

Senior restaurant sommelier Christoph Hons, 50, a wine and beverage expert at Mayfair’s Park Chinois and wife Sylvia Hons, 45, an architectural technician walked free from Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

The jury, which had been reduced to ten because the anticipated four-day trial lasted eleven days, found them not guilty by a 9-1 majority.

The German couple, who wasted £5,000 pursuing a civil claim against former neighbours Scott Lawrence and his wife Jessica Parker, insisted they always had their phones at the ready to record potentially anti-social behaviour. 

The Hons’, of Westmorland Close, St. Margarets, Twickenham always denied stalking the couple in the local area by filming them on their phones between January 15 and April 29, last year.

They were accused of filming their former next-door neighbours while observing from local cafes and as they ran past with the Bearcat Running Club.

Both couples ended up filming each other with their phones and Go-Pro’s and Christoph, whose home is equipped with multiple CCTV cameras, was issued with a police harassment warning along with his wife and Mr. Lawrence.

Commuter Admits Distributing Racially-Offensive Pokemon-Themed Stickers

A commuter placed racially-offensive Pokemon-themed stickers demanding the deportation of muslims as he travelled around London, a court heard today.

Company director Neil Froggatt, 48, admitted sticking them on London Underground walls as well as local noticeboards and other locations around the capital.

“You pleaded guilty to these matters, which the court considers serious,” Blackfriars Crown Court Judge Ian Darling told the first-time offender, who was bailed until March 11 for sentencing.

A previous hearing was told one sticker read: ‘Gotta catch and deport them all.’

Froggatt, of Stroudes Close, Worcester Park, Kingston-upon-Thames pleaded guilty to racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage between November 16 and November 29, 2016.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing articles, namely the stickers, with intent to destroy property between November 16 and December 2, 2016.

“There is clearly going to have to be reports. All options are open,” added the judge.

The court heard Froggatt placed the stickers on a wall and stairway at Kennington Underground Station; a Tesco’s cashpoint in Worcester Park; a Sutton council noticeboard; the Plough Inn pub, Kingston and a Martins Newsagents noticeboard in Old Malden.

At the end of 2016 there were reports of racist Pokemon-themed stickers being plastered on tubes, trains and buses all over London.

One featured former US president Barack Obama, described as: ‘USA’s Muslim in Chief who has protected Islamic causes over those of the rest of the world.’

Another was of ‘Ginger Jihadi’ Jordan Horner, dubbed on the stickers as: ‘Gingermo’, whose weakness was being ‘allergic to sunlight.’

Also featured on the cards was London Mayor Sadiq Khan - worth the maximum 200 ‘terror points’ - and convicted hate preacher Anjem Choudary.

A website openly sought recruits to distribute the stickers, which were also seen in West Berkshire and at an M6 service station near Knutsford, Cheshire.

The court did not go into detail concerning which particular stickers Froggatt distributed and had in his possession.

Boozy Plane Passenger Jailed

An Great Yarmouth plane passenger was jailed for six months on Friday for being drunk onboard a Gulf Air flight from Bahrain to Heathrow Airport.

However, Karl Foster, 37, of Kings Road, Gorleston remains at liberty after jumping bail and failing to appear for his trial.

He was convicted in his absence by an Isleworth Crown Court jury of being drunk on flight GF007 on February 2, last year and a warrant remains for his arrest.

Foster did appear via videolink from his local magistrates court at a pre-trial hearing, where his frustration with the case was obvious.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and asked: “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.”

When told the jury trial would go ahead Foster said to the judge: “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?”

He was also sentenced to an extra fourteen days to run consecutively to the six months for breaching his bail.