Jailed: Notorious Fraudster Gets More Time For Rolex And Jewellery Swindle

Jason Shifrin: £44K Bar Mitzvah

A notorious fraudster, who’s cynical Rolex and jewellery con funded his son’s £44,000 Bar Mitzvah celebration, has received an additional 18 months behind bars.

High-living salesman Jason Shifrin, 49, preyed on two investors, swindling £93,560 from one businessman and the £5,930 life savings from an unemployed man.

Harrow Crown Court heard £18,000 was also splashed on a Mini Cooper; £6,000 on a family holiday and the remainder deposited in the savings account of his wife Nicole Shifrin, 48.

The couple, of Stanborough Avenue, Borehamwood were both arrested and charged, but money laundering counts against Nicole were dropped and they exchanged a kiss as she left the dock a free woman.

Jason, who is currently serving three years and ten months at HMP Wormwood Scrubs for a similar scam involving a £40,0000 gold investment, had this sentence added to that term.

He pleaded guilty to defrauding Reza Zoje, 56, of £93,560 between March 1 and October 4, 2015 by falsely representing it would be invested in watches for profit.

He also pleaded guilty to defrauding the second man of £5,930 between February 1 and October 31, 2017 by falsely representing it would be invested in a Rolex, four necklaces, two rings and a bracelet for profit.

Nicole was charged with laundering the money from both cons through her bank account, but after pleading not guilty the prosecution offered no evidence.

“That’s a decision for the Crown Prosecution Service, but for me she is extraordinarily lucky on this occasion,” announced Judge Lana Wood.

Jason is the author of ‘Money, Money, Money’ in which he boasts of his goal to be as wealthy as his idol Alan Sugar, whose gold Rolls Royce he used to wash.

"Extraordinarily Lucky": Nicole Shifrin

He told the victims he specialised in selling expensive jewellery and watches to celebrities and footballers. 

Prosecutor Ms Leena Lakhani said: “The defendant persuaded these two individuals into investing into deals that didn’t exist and transfer money into his wife’s bank account with the proceeds spent on a luxury lifestyle.

“He chased these two men to invest in these deals on the agreement the money would be returned, plus profit.”

Jason duped the investors into believing his real name was ’Shipman’, even producing a passport in that name to prove his identity. 

“The money was not returned to the first victim within ten days as agreed and he used many excuses for the delay, even claiming he may have cancer,” added the prosecutor.

Eventually the first victim found an internet article on Shifrin, revealing his true identity, and won a civil case against him, but no money was ever recovered.

By the time the second victim asked for his money back Shifrin told him he was on the verge of bankruptcy and the cash was in his wife’s frozen bank account.

That man says “my life savings have been taken” and the first investor had to scrap a family trip to Australia and plans to buy his daughter a flat.

Nicole is still serving a two-year community order and 300 hours community service for laundering the profits of the gold scam.

“He has realised he has brought his wife’s good name into disrepute,” said Mr. Philip Sutton, defending. “She is an enabler as opposed to an instigator.”

Their son, now aged seventeen years-old has recently dropped out of school. “He realises the effect his behaviour has had on his wife and his son.”

The flamboyant salesman is now bringing his personality to smooth relationships between staff and prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs, the court heard.

“It is encouraging to see he is using his undoubted charisma and communication skills for good,” said the judge, who ironically spotted Shifrin when she visited the prison last week.

“I have seen with my own eyes what has been written about you and somehow out of this you are going to have to recover your self-respect.” 

“You persuaded both these men to invest in deals that were fictitious and used that money to fund your family’s luxury lifestyle.”

Sixty Year-Old Man Downloaded Sick Pics Of Kids

Trundell was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court

A Carshalton man, charged with downloading multiple videos containing sexually-explicit material involving children, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Paul Trundell, 60, of Buckhurst Avenue pleaded guilty when he initially appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court and was sent to the nearby Crown Court for sentencing.

After his arrest he was charged with three counts, covering Category A, B and C in levels of seriousness.

Trundell was charged with making an indecent photograph of a child on or before July 27, last year, namely 11 still and 50 moving images within Category A – the most serious level of abuse.

He was also similarly charged in relation to 38 still and 55 moving images within Category B and 256 still and 50 moving images within Category C, on or before the same date.

At Croydon Crown Court last Friday he was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

Trundell must also complete up to twenty-five days of rehabilitation.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of two laptop computers and a computer hard drive owned by him that were seized by the police.

He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, was added to the employment barring list for seven years and was ordered to pay £425 costs.

Policewoman Must Wear Electronic Home Curfew Tag For BMW Fraud

A female police officer, who defrauded her insurance company over her missing BMW, has been ordered to wear an electronic tag to keep her indoors at night.

Maisey Jayne Edmonds, 25, of Park Avenue, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, had originally denied the allegation and returned to court for a trial.

However, she instead admitted one count of fraud by false representation and received a community order, which includes a ten-week tagged curfew between 9pm and 6am.

Edmonds was also ordered to pay £400 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

She is based at Ealing Police Station, west London and after initially appearing at City of London Magistrates Court was bailed to attend a trial at Hendon Magistrates Court.

Edmonds was charged that on May 9, last year she stated to Diamond Insurance that she left the BMW locked and secure in Matlock Lane, Ealing and that it was stolen while she was in possession of the vehicle keys, with intent to make a financial gain for herself.

Prosecutor Mr. Trevor Green told City magistrates during that first hearing: “The defendant is a serving Metropolitan Police Officer at Ealing and the owner of a BMW insured since February, 2015.

“On May 8 the defendant reported to Diamond Insurance she parked the vehicle outside Ealing Police Station before duty and when she finished at 11.35pm the vehicle had been stolen.

“She retuned to Ealing Police Station and reported the matter.

‘The insurance company asked for both electric key fobs for the vehicle and the insurance company sent them to BMW for analysis and one didn’t belong to the vehicle.

“She said she had purchased a new key fob off eBay because the original one had broken.

“Believing the claim to be false the insurance company asked for £726 in investigation fees and she agreed to pay the costs.”

Her insurance claim did not proceed any further.

Naked Vet's Assistant Caught On Hotel CCTV In Wine Bottle Row With Boyfriend

Staff at a Bayswater hotel called the police after witnessing a naked female guest attacking her boyfriend in the corridor with a wine bottle, a court heard.

Veterinary assistant Amelia Oxenford, 21, had been out drinking all night with Alex Buttigieg, but turned on him during a 2.45am row at the Ascot Hyde Park Hotel.

CCTV footage - pixilated to protect her modesty - was played at City of London Magistrates Court showing Oxenford pursuing her boyfriend from the room.

Oxenford, of Cheyney Close, Steeple Morden, Cambridgeshire was convicted of assaulting Mr. Buttigieg on January 16 and causing £300 worth of criminal damage to his spectacles.

Prosecutor Mr. Trevor Green told the court she threw the empty wine bottle at the victim and slashed him across the face with a shard of broken glass when they returned to their room.

When police arrived they saw Mr. Buttigieg nursing a 2cm cut to his bleeding nose with a tissue, describing him as “shocked” and “rambling” as he unsuccessfully tried to stop the flow of blood.

The couple had dated for nine months and reunited after a one-month split, during which time Oxenford had seen another man, triggering the hotel row.

“This resulted in Ms Oxenford pushing him into the corridor and on the CCTV she can ben seen naked and lunging  at the victim,” explained Mr. Green.

“He said she threw an empty bottle of wine at him and there was a brief tussle when she reached out for the spectacles on his face and one of the arms were snapped off.”

Nude Oxenford locked herself out of the room and Mr. Buttigieg went to reception for a spare key, but the couple continued rowing when back inside.

A small glass was smashed in the bathroom and Oxenford armed herself with a shard. “Mr. Buttigieg told the police she attacked him with a piece of broken glass that caused the injury to his nose,” said the prosecutor.

When police arrived they heard her shouting inside the room that she was going to harm herself and jump out of the window and when the door was opened to officers she was now only wearing a bra. 

One officer said: “She was agitated, under the influence of alcohol, she was drunk. She was slurring her words and there was an overwhelming smell of alcohol on her breath.

“He said she came at him, punching him and picked up the piece of glass and swiped it at him, causing the cut.”

Oxenford told the court the couple began boozing early, polishing off a bottle of wine during the train journey to London, another during dinner and she had four more cocktails that night.

“I can’t remember a lot of what happened, but I do remember Alex shouting at me and pinning me down to the bed.

“I was terrified and vulnerable and he was very aggressive.

“I have a good job and work hard and like to think I’m a good citizen. I’ve never committed a crime.

“I felt like I was defending myself in all honesty and felt he did hit me as well.”

She was bailed for sentencing on May 2.

'Charmer' Who Once Ripped-Off Dates Nicked For Violent Row With Partner

Court Out: Holding

A notorious ladies man, once jailed for stealing from nine heartbroken lovers, has landed on his feet again despite twice attacking a young woman he started a family with, a court heard.

Christopher Holding, 30, has split with the mother of his ten month-old daughter, but moved into the home of a Kensington businesswoman, who has also sorted him out with employment at her company.

The Preston-native, formerly of Turpin Green, Leyland was convicted of assaulting girlfriend Jamie Anne Moutarde on September 27, last year at a flat they shared in Sydenham Road, Sydenham, south-east London.

He was also found guilty of causing £115 worth of criminal damage to her laptop, which he threw at her and possessing cocaine and cannabis on the same occasion.

After Ms Moutarde called police to their home she reported another incident at a wedding the week before to the officers and Holding was also convicted of assault at the County Hotel, Chelmsford on September 21.

Holding, who was sentenced in 2012 to 45 months imprisonment for stealing cash, jewellery and other valuables, worth over £8,000 from women he wooed, jumped bail after his latest arrest and skipped his trial.

Nicked Again: Holding

Prosecutor Denise Clewes told Bexley Magistrates Court: “Ms Moutarde called the police to say she had been assaulted by Holding, who had climbed back in through a window and was leaving when police arrived.

“She said they had an argument and he picked up her laptop and threw it at her. She moved so it wouldn’t hit her in the face and it struck her shoulder.

“She wouldn’t let him back in so he climbed through the window and when police stopped him leaving they found a small bag of cannabis in his jeans pocket.

“Ms Moutarde told the police they were at a hotel in Essex and Holding pushed on onto the bed and put one hand on her throat and while holding her arms above her head with his other hand gently head butted her several times.

“She also pointed out his room in the flat and police found a wrap that contained cocaine.”

When questioned at Lewisham Police Station Holding said things had been “very hard” after the birth of their daughter and he had lost his chef job.

After returning home from the local Jobcentre the coupled rowed about money and Holding claimed he simply pushed her laptop to her a little harder than he should have done.

It fell to the floor, admitted Holding, saying he didn’t know he hurt his girlfriend’s shoulder.

He returned via the window to collect the cannabis and grinder, but insisted the cocaine wasn’t his.

“Holding said they were at a wedding the week before and both of them had taken drugs and been drinking when they began arguing about her feelings towards another man,” explained Ms Clewes.

“He said they were screaming in each other’s faces so it was possible his head touched hers, but he was not sure.”

Afterwards Ms Moutarde told police: “The incident made me incredibly stressed and frustrated. The relationship was deteriorating and wearing me down.

“It is sad that it has come to this and that my child will not have her father in her life.

“I am paranoid about what he might do and my family is under pressure from him contacting them and I am embarrassed to tell my family and friends what happened.”

Holding told the court he had recently moved in with a woman, who also gave him a £400 a week admin job at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour around the corner from his new home in Lots Road, West Brompton. 

“I have moved in with a friend who has her own business,” he said. “A chef is what I’ve always been, my father was a chef, but I want to get out of that environment. It is negative to my life.”

Holding received an eighteen-month community order, which includes up to 40 sessions of drug addiction treatment and was ordered to pay £200 compensation to his ex, plus £600 costs.

He was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him using threatening, violent or intimidating behaviour towards Ms Moutarde.

Greedy Mother And Daughter Carers Jailed For Swindling OAP

Greedy: Santos

A mother and daughter have been jailed for swindling an elderly infirm spinster, who employed them as her carers, out of £230,000.

The greedy pair even remortgaged the vulnerable OAP’s home after emptying her accounts, the court heard.

Maria Santos, 59, 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.

At Harrow Crown Court Santos received five years imprisonment and Johnson four and a half years after fighting the allegations for years.

Sadly Audrey Evans, of Woodgrange Court, Woodgrange Close died, aged 89 years-old in 2015, but the 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 were both convicted of 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.

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.

Swindle: Johnson

“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.”

Ex-Volunteer Cop And Children's Home Boss Jailed For Sexually Abusing Young Boy In 1970's

A former volunteer police officer, who ran a children’s home in the 1970’s, has been jailed for abusing a young boy in his care.

Bernard Philip Collins, 73, Holly Court, Worcester Road, Sutton, was convicted of five counts of indecent assault at Fircroft Children’s Home, Kingston-upon-Thames between 1976 and 1978.

He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to four years imprisonment.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Major Crime Command launched an investigation - known as Operation Trinity - after one of several victims came forward in 2014.

Another victim was found who revealed he was a resident of Fircroft in 1976 and had been abused by Collins when he was aged just eleven years-old.

The investigation also revealed abuse at Rowan House, Shirley Oaks and Walker House, Llanishen, Wales.

Collins’s co-defendant Patrick Grant, 69, of Partridge Road, Roath, Cardiff is already serving eight years imprisonment after being convicted at the same trial of ten counts of indecent assault.

Recorder of Southwark Judge Usha Karu told Collins that as a special constable he enjoyed a “close relationship with the local police” and the young boy felt there was nobody he could complain to.

“He said he was aware you were a special police constable and any time there was any trouble with the police it was dealt with by you,” said the judge.

“He was too scared to come forward. This was a gross abuse of trust.”

Collins has previous convictions for child abuse in the 1970’s and admitted in 1980 to abusing three boys at two homes in Kingston-upon-Thames and was fined £450.

This conviction ended his career as the superintendent of children’s homes.

However, in 2015 he received four years for spanking and sexually touching a child at his residence.

The eleven year-old Fircroft victim recalled his abuser’s hand covered in gold rings and old home videos revealed Collins wearing extravagant jewellery, despite his claims he wore nothing more than a gold wedding band.  

Both Collins and Grant were exposed by an investigation into Lambeth social services employees in the 1970’s.

The duo’s stint at another home, South Vale, ended after six months when they were arrested in July, 1978, with Collins going on the run until 1980. 

Gaming Arcade Robbery: Suspect's Image Released

Police are hunting an armed robber who held up a west London gaming arcade.

The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad have released this image of their number one suspect

On Saturday, March 16 at 9.50pm, a male entered Silver Time on Earl's Court Road, Earl's Court.

The suspect spent time on a number of gaming machines within the arcade before approaching a cashier and demanding money.

Staff refused the demands and the suspect left.

However, he returned a few minutes later and threatened staff with a firearm.

The suspect obtained a quantity of cash and fled the store.

Detective Constable Thomas Grimshaw said: “I am requesting the assistance of the public in identifying the individual pictured.

“This was a terrifying incident for the members of staff within the store, who were threatened with a firearm.

“The sooner we can identify the person who carried out this violent offence, the sooner we can prevent him from inflicting the same terror on anyone else.

“I would urge anyone with any information about this incident, or who recognises the individual pictured, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“You can contact the Flying Squad directly on 020 8785 8655 quoting the picture reference 023947, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Christmas Day Attempted Rape: Do You Know This Man?

Police hunting a wannabe rapist, who struck in a north London alleyway in the early hours of Christmas Day, have released these images of the suspect.

Sometime between 3.45am and 4.45am on Tuesday, December 25, last year, the victim – a 52-year-old woman – was in Fore Street, Edmonton.

As she approached an alleyway between Edmonton Supermarket and a restaurant the male pulled her to the ground and into the alleyway.

He then attempted to rape her.

A member of public passed by which startled the male, and he then made off back along Fore Street towards Edmonton Green Bus Station.

The suspect is described as being a white male, with short black hair and around 5ft 11ins tall.

At the time of the offence he was wearing a white shirt with blue trousers.

Detective Constable Bruce White, of the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: “This despicable incident has left the victim shaken.

“If you have any information that could help us find this man, then please get in touch.

“It is believed that a member of the public passed by at the time incident, and we are particularly keen to speak to this individual as they may have vital information which could assist our investigation.”

If you can identify this man or offer any information to assist the investigation, please contact police on 0208 2177477 or 101 quoting CAD 1721/25DEC18, or tweet @MetCC.

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

Range Rover Row Ends With Late-Night Shooting

Car Trouble: Emeh

A gunman involved in a dispute over a Range Rover ambushed his victim in the early hours, shooting him in the thigh.

John Paul Emeh, 35, of Sixth Avenue, North Kensington tried to pump a second bullet into his target, a 50 year-old man, but his handgun jammed.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of inflicting grievous bodily harm and possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life.

The jury cleared Emeh of a charge of attempted murder.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on Friday, April 26.

The court heard that on July 22, last year Emeh lay in wait for his victim as he left a venue in Western Road, Harlesden alongside four friends.

Shortly before 4.30am he confronted the victim and pulled a small handgun from his pocket, which he used to shoot him in the thigh.

He then attempted to shoot him for a second time but due to a mechanical failure, the gun did not discharge and he fled the scene on a moped.

The victim - who required surgery to his leg - told police he had been in a dispute with the suspect over the purchase of a Range Rover and that he had known him only as 'Mustafa' and 'Yousef.'

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Trident and Area Crime Command began an investigation and following analysis of CCTV and mobile phone footage, Emeh was arrested on September 28, 2018 and charged.

Detective Constable Michael Clinch said: "This was a pre-meditated and targeted attack, the consequences of which could have been far worse.

"This type of violence has no place on our streets and I am pleased Emeh has now been brought to justice."

West London Bank Robberies: Do You Know This Suspect

Police hunting a knife-wielding bank robber who threatened he had a bomb have released an image of their main suspect.

The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad are investigating two robberies in Hounslow and Brent, last year.

The first raid occurred on January 19, 2018 when the male suspect entered the Bank of India on High Street, Hounslow at 2.40pm.

He approached the front counter and handed staff a letter which threatened that he had a bomb.

The suspect then told staff this was a robbery in progress and demanded cash whilst repeating he was in possession of a bomb.

He then walked into the middle of the reception area and threatened staff with a knife whilst ordering them to hand over cash.

The suspect fled with a bag containing just over £12,000 in cash.

He made off on foot towards Alexandra Road.

During the second incident on February 12, 2018, a male suspect entered the ICICI bank on Ealing Road, Harrow at approximately 4.10pm.

He ordered the staff to stand together whilst intimating he had a weapon in his pocket.

The alarm was activated and the suspect made off on foot empty-handed.

Detective Constable Alan Mears, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “These were violent and brazen robberies carried out in broad daylight on busy high streets.

“The ordeals understandably left the victims terrified and in one case, a substantial amount of cash was stolen.

“The Flying Squad has been working tirelessly to identify the person responsible and I am urging anyone who recognises the man pictured in the images released to contact police.

“I appreciate a significant amount of time has passed since the incidents but there were a lot of people in the area when the robberies took place and I would like to hear from anyone with information that could assist us with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Alan Mears via 02082477948 or 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

West End Race Attack In Gay-Friendly District

A Soho pedestrian, who started recording a middle-aged yob's racist abuse, had his phone slapped out of his hand and was punched in the face.

Police investigating the attack, which they are treating as racially-aggravated assault - have released this blurry image of the suspect in the hope he can be identified.

The victim, aged in his forties, was walking along Dean Street towards Old Compton Street at 7.12pm on February 18.

As he passed the Soho Theatre, he stopped to confront the suspect - a white male in his forties - who was making racist comments about some people inside a restaurant and pointing at them.

The victim challenged him on his behaviour.

The suspect then became aggressive and the victim got his phone out and began to record.

The suspect slapped the phone out of the victim’s hands, causing it to fall to the floor.

The victim bent down to pick his phone up and was punched in the face by the suspect, who racially abused him before leaving the area.

Members of the public came to the victim’s aid, who suffered some injuries to his face which required medical attention.

Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Chun Hong Wu, of the Central West Command Unit, said: “This was a horrible assault on a man who took exception to the suspect’s needless use of racist language, at which point he was assaulted.

“I would urge anyone who recognises this man to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting CAD 6324/18 Feb, or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Late-Night Pimlico Rape: CCTV Released

Police hunting a rapist, who attacked a lone woman in the early hours, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

At approximately 3.10am on Tuesday, March 5, the suspect approached the 30-year-old victim as she was walking along Causton Street near the junction with Mead Mews.

The suspect violently attacked the woman before raping her and stealing personal property.

He was last seen running towards Vauxhall Bridge in the direction of the bus station.

The woman suffered bruising to her arms during the attack.

She continues to be supported by specialist officers.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged in his thirties and approximately 6ft tall.

He was wearing distinctive clothing, comprising of a black baseball cap with white writing, a jacket with a large red pattern on the front, grey jeans and black trainers with red stripes.

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack and who may have seen where the suspect went.

They would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage.

Detective Constable Jason Anderson, from Westminster CID, said: “This was a terrifying attack on a lone woman by a stranger.

“I would like to reassure people in the area that attacks like this are very rare.

“We are working to catch the culprit and bring him to justice. Extra neighbourhood patrols have been stepped up.

“A number of enquiries - including the review of local CCTV footage and forensic work - are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call officers based in Westminster via 101or 07748 985378 quoting reference 1722/05Mar.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Postie Stalked Ex-Wife After Marriage Collapsed

A heartbroken postman stalked his ex-wife at her local gym, restaurant and pub, quizzing the newly-single woman about pictures she posted of herself online, a court heard yesterday.

Ricky Amos, 39, of Broadwater Gardens, Farnborough also repeatedly sent texts to his ex Donata Amos after the collapse of their fifteen-year marriage.

He was convicted of stalking her between November 29 and December 22, last year and received a twelve-month community order and must complete up to twenty-five days of rehab.

Amos was also made subject to a two-year restraining order prohibiting contact with his ex-wife and visiting her address in Stapleton Road, Orpington, except for contact with their daughter.

He must also pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Prosecutor Denise Clewes told Bexley Magistrates Court the couple separated in March, last year and divorced in November.

“She called the police and said her former husband was contacting and harassing her and turning up at places at random times.”

On November 25 Mrs Amos suddenly received an unexpected tap on the shoulder from her ex while shopping and reported receiving ten texts a day from him asking to be taken back.

“When leaving her gym in Orpington Mr Amos approaches her and attempts to talk to her and grabs her arm,” explained Ms Clewes. “She pulls away and tells him to go away, but he follows her to her car.”

She also told police Amos looked at her as she dined in an Orpington restaurant while he was on bail with conditions not to contact her.

“She says he has been pushing those bail conditions to the limit.”

He also approached her in a pub at Christmas, claiming he was “lonely” and asked her about pictures she posted of herself online.

In a statement to police Mrs Amos said: “I'm very disturbed by Ricky's behaviour and don't know what he's capable of.”

District Judge Vanessa Lloyd told Amos: “This must have been extremely frightening for your ex-wife.

“You have shown remorse in the probation report. Make sure a similar thing doesn't happen with anyone else you form an intimate relationship with.”

Heartbroken Lorry Driver Flouted Court Order To Continue Chasing Ex

"I Just Called To Say I Love You": Sliackus

A love-sick lorry driver who couldn't handle splitting with his ex flouted the court order she took out against him by continuing to send her texts, emails and flowers, a court heard today.

Lithuanian-born Jonas Sliackus, 52, of Towermill Road, Ipswich pleaded guilty to breaching a Family Court's non-molestation order between January 10 and July 12, last year by continuing to contact his girlfriend of four years Birute Pilypiene.

He was placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes rehab of up to forty days and must pay an £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Bexley Magistrates Court imposed a new three-year restraining order, prohibiting Sliackus from contacting Ms Pilypiene or visiting her address in Grove Park, south-east London.

Prosecutor Denise Clewes said the couple split in December, 2017 and following an incident the following month Ms Pilypiene successfully applied for the non-molestation order at East London Family Court.

“A week after the court order she started getting text messages from him and the context of them implied he still loved her and wanted to be with her.

“She was getting messages every day for six months. She ignored them at first , hoping he would lose interest and then became scared.”

On June 29, last year she received a text from Sliackus, which read: 'You look good.'

“This made her scared he was watching or following her and he sent flowers on at least two occasions, including St. Valentine's Day.”

On March 8 something was left on the windscreen of her car and she found her fuel cap had been broken.

She told the police: “I am scared, anxious and paranoid and afraid of walking in public in the evening. I am driving instead of walking and cannot relax and live the life I want to live.”

A probation officer told the court Sliackus “struggled to cope with the end of the relationship” and “tried to win her back with lots of affection.”

Sliackus admitted using his ex's sister and neighbour as ways of contacting her, blaming his own “emotional instability.”

He told the court: “I'm sorry.”

District Judge Vanessa Lloyd noted there had been no incidents since Sliackus's arrest, adding: “None of the communications were threatening in nature, but that does not mean they did not feel threatening to Ms Pilypiene.

“She obtained an order against you and was entitled to feel safe,” the judge told Sliackus.

“By you breaching that order she lost that feeling of safety. I am sure she felt she was constantly under attack from you.”