'Creepy' Stalker Ran Alongside Bus To Pursue Charity Worker

A super-slimmer, who conquered Everest was “creeped out” by a persistent stalker, who left gifts and ran alongside her bus to declare his love for her, a court heard.

Obsessed Keith Jervis, 55, tried to hug “panic stricken” Laura Lindores, 32, and left her flowers, which she binned as well as honey during his ten-week campaign.

She had already dropped six-and-a-half stone when she first encountered Jervis while working for a Harrow homeless charity and found him accommodation.

Jervis, of Plantation Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire denied, but was convicted of stalking Ms Lindores between August 24 and November 8, last year.

He received twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years and was ordered to complete 100 hours community service. 

Jervis was also made subject to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with Ms Lindores and must pay £400 cost and a £115 victim surcharge.

She told Willesden Magistrates Court Jervis was tracking her daily routine, even following on foot a bus she had just boarded near her office on November 8.

“I heard a really loud rapping noise on the window next to me and it was Jervis. I went into complete panic mode and was praying that he wasn’t able to get on.

“I saw him sprinting to catch up with it and when he got on I felt like I wanted to be sick.

“He said: ‘Whatever bus you were on I’d chase for you. You know how much I’m in love with you.

“He tried to hug me and I got off and started running towards our other office and he was shouting my name and: ‘I love you,’ repeatedly.

“I was panic stricken, I didn’t know to cry or be sick. It was like being in a horror movie, my hands were shaking so much I couldn’t get the key in the door.”

She called the police after the incident and told them about previous incidents involving a hooded Jervis hanging around her workplace and a church drop-in centre.

“On September 25 there was a gift bag sitting there at the office,” she told the court. “Inside was a packet of body wipes and a jar of honey, which I thought was really odd.

“Later I received a ‘thank-you’ card with fifty pounds in it and by now was very creeped out and feeling quite paranoid.”

She left the church on October 3 and was confronted by Jervis. “He was sitting on a wall outside and I was freaked out because I couldn’t get back in because the door locks automatically.

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack at this point. I felt I couldn’t stay there because it wasn’t safe and had to get away.

“He shouted something and asked how old I was. I heard loud footsteps behind me as if someone was running and then he appeared in front of me.

“He told me that he had fallen in love with me and I said: ‘I can’t talk, I’ve got to go’ and went into the shopping centre because there is security there.”

During the stalking campaign Jervis made approximately 27 phone calls to Ms Lindores, leaving multiple voicemails, declaring his love for her.

One text read: ‘Welcome back my Queenie, my boss, my everything’. Another read: ‘It would appear I’ve been turned into a sex pest, although that wouldn’t be the first time.’

Jervis said Ms Lindores was “flattered” by a complementary comment he made about her bum and that she stroked his hand while viewing a property, both claims she denied.

DNA Snares Knifepoint Rapist Over Three Decades Later

A knife-wielding rapist has finally been caged for an attack on a teenager over thirty years ago after a DNA match.

Peter Hall, 58, received twelve years imprisonment after pleading guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Hall carried out the attack in Beckenham on October 12, 1986.

The 19-year-old victim had just left a local cinema and was walking along Worsley Bridge Road, after a night out when Hall grabbed her from behind.

He held a knife to her throat and forced her to walk to a secluded area before raping her.

After the attack, Hall left the scene and the young woman ran home to raise the alarm.

An investigation was launched by police but, despite extensive enquiries, no suspect could be identified.

However, clothing which contained DNA samples were recovered from the scene and stored - this would prove crucial to conclusion of this case.

In 2004, Hall - then using the alias Carl Oates - was arrested in connection with outstanding burglary offences at Stansted Airport.

As part of that arrest his DNA was taken and uploaded to the National DNA database.

A routine cold case review of the rape case was undertaken in 2011.

Part of this consisted of re-testing the DNA samples available, using technology that had advanced over the course of time.

Scientists established there was a match probability of 1 in 1 billion between DNA from Hall in 2004 and the DNA from semen found at the scene of the rape.

A warrant was issued for Hall's arrest and in 2016 it emerged he had been arrested in Belgium for theft offences.

A European Arrest Warrant was issued and Hall was extradited back to London in December 2018.

He initially denied any involvement in the rape, but due to the weight of evidence against him he ended up admitted to the offence at court.

Detective Constable Bhulesh Pala from the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: "This was a dreadful attack on a young woman simply making her way home from the cinema.

"Hall grabbed her from behind and forced at knifepoint into a grassy area before subjecting her to a terrifying sexual assault.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim who was incredibly patient and courageous throughout an investigation which spanned over thirty years.

"I hope today's sentencing gives her some measure of comfort and closure.

"I also hope this case gives other victims of rape and sexual offences the confidence to report such crimes to the police.

“Although this offence took place thirty-two years ago, this case demonstrates that we are committed to bringing offenders to justice, irrespective of how much time has passed since the crime was committed."

Hall was also sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, to be served concurrently to the rape sentence, for three burglaries he carried out in Doncaster in 2003.

Jobcentre Knifeman Jailed For Stabbing

This Jobcentre knifeman, who stabbed a young female employee as security staff tried to restrain him, has been jailed for eight years.

Erion Hoxha, 35, of Glenister Street, Canning Town, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, at his local branch in Freemasons Road on April 4, last year.

He also admitted criminal damage; possession of a knife in a public place and assault.

A few days earlier he was responsible for another violent incident at the same Jobcentre.

Just before 12.10pm on April 4, Hoxha entered the premises holding a knife with a 20cm blade.

He started shouting threats, and after resisting attempts by security to restrain him, he lunged at the woman, who was standing close by and wounded her.

The victim - aged in her twenties - was taken to safety as officers attended and tried to calm the situation.

Hoxha also tried to stab a second employee who suffered minor injuries while trying to evade him.

A Taser was used after Hoxha did not comply with instructions to disarm himself and surrender, and he was detained by officers.

The victim was taken to an east London hospital for treatment to her injuries which fortunately, were not serious.

Hoxha was charged the following day.

Detective Constable Chloe Angris, of the North East Command Unit, said: "This was a terrifying incident for everyone present at the Job Centre that day, not least the victim, who Hoxha indiscriminately stabbed.

“It is fortunate that the victim did not suffer serious injury, and the sentence handed down by the court reflects the severity of his crimes."

Knifeman Twice Targeted "Terrified" Pensioner Couple

A knife-wielding robber, who posed as a gas man to take a pensioner couple's car – even returning to swipe their replacement – has been caged.

Rhys Modeste, 21, of Peabody Hill, Dulwich, terrorised the vulnerable octogenarian couple as well as robbing another woman of her car.

He pleaded guilty to the three robberies, plus a count of handling stolen goods and making off without payment.

At Inner London Crown Court he was sentenced to a total of 16 years imprisonment.

On November 9, last year Modeste knocked at the elderly couple's home in Lambeth purporting to be a gas man.

Once the door opened, he forced his way in with a knife and stole the keys for their Audi vehicle parked out front.

Modeste broke into their home again armed with a knife on December 9 to steal the couple's replacement car only days after they had purchased the new vehicle.

The court also heard Modeste stole a car from a woman at knifepoint in Chestnut Road, West Norwood, on August 28.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Oliver Honeybun-Arnolda from Area South said: “This was a callous and heartless set of robberies whereby Modeste targeted some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

“His use of force and a knife left his victims terrified and fearing for their safety.”

Jilted Ex Gets Ten Years For Vicious Street Attack On Former Girlfriend

A jilted thug stalked and beat-up his ex so severely on New Year's Day shocked witnesses thought she had been run over by a vehicle.

Constantin Nantu, 35, received ten years imprisonment after he was found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court of inflicting grievous bodily harm and harassment.

The court heard how the victim, a woman in her thirties, was followed and attacked by Nantu in the street.

At around 9.50pm on Tuesday, January 1, Nantu waited for the victim in Gorst Road, Park Royal, west London.

He hid behind a car, and when she passed by, he set upon her, viciously punching her to the back of the head and knocking her to the ground.

He continued to punch her as she lay defenceless, desperately attempting to get away.

The woman was found in the road suffering from injuries so severe the initial call to police reported the victim had been involved in a hit and run collision.

The victim suffered bruising and cuts to both her eyes, elbows and knees.

She also complained of pain to her ribs and was taken to St Mary's Hospital for treatment.

She has now been discharged.

The court ruled the attack was a cowardly and despicable premeditated attack, which was the product of jealousy and rage.

Enquiries by police established that Nantu had gone to the victim’s place of work on a number of occasions including on December 29, last year, just three days before the attack.

Nantu had previously been involved in a relationship with the victim and was furious that the relationship ended and she had begun to enjoy socialising again.

Detective Sergeant Hannah Rudd, said: “Nantu lay in wait for the victim, approaching her from behind whilst she was talking on her mobile phone.

“His attack on her was vicious and relentless. He clearly could not accept the relationship he had with her was over and that she was moving on with her life.

“Instead of spending a happy New Year ’s Day, the victim found herself in hospital being treated for serious injuries.

“I sincerely hope that the sentence handed down by the court provides some closure to what has been a very traumatic and difficult time.”

Phone Snapped In Half During Vodka-Fueled Row

Bodmin Grove: Phone Row

A drunken vodka drinker snapped his common-law wife's mobile phone in half during a jealous row over her texting, a court heard.

Lukasz Wiergolinski, 34, had been drinking with two others all day and dancing in the living-room of the Morden home he shared with Patrycja Dylag in Bodmin Grove.

However, the celebratory mood turned sour as he demanded who she was exchanging messages with, insisting she hand him the phone.

Wiergolinski pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the phone on February 17.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard the couple were in a relationship and have a ten month-old child.

Wiergolinski repeatedly demanded to see the the phone, but this was refused by Ms Dylag.

Things calmed for a while, but there was another confrontation and row, ending with Wiergolinski picking up the phone and snapping it in half.

He then left the room for bed.

Ms Dylag phoned the police, complaining her boyfriend was aggressive and he admitted to officers he was drunk.

Wiergolinski said the row concerned who was messaging his common-law wife.

He will be sentenced on May 30. 

Award-Winning Gardener Back In Court Accused Of Breaching 'CRIMBO'

Oram Was Protecting Bush

An award-winning gardener, who overturned an order banning him from tending his blooms during a bitter dispute, has been arrested again for taking his neighbour’s shears as he tried to protect a flowering bush.

Pensioner Michael Oram, 74, is subject to a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, (CBO) which prohibits him talking to his neighbours and interfering with their gardening.

On Tuesday the retired employment agency boss, of The Barons, St. Margaret’s, Twickenham, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with breaching the CBO on April 19.

He indicated a not guilty plea, elected jury trial and was bailed to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on June 3.

Oram was arrested when downstairs neighbour Jasmine McMurdo, 56, an NHS employee, called the police when Oram allegedly took the shears she was using to trim a bush on the pathway to her basement flat.

“You cannot cut a flowering bush, you have to wait until the flowers bloom for a few weeks,” said Oram in his garden, looking horrified at the results of his neighbour’s trimming.

Twice-married Kew Gardens volunteer Oram won Richmond-upon-Thames’s ‘Borough in Bloom’ silver prize before his communal garden ban, and vows to go one better this year.

His last arrest comes just weeks after successfully appealing the ‘Crimbo’ garden ban at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

Neighbour Jasmine McMurdo

“I have a six year-old grandson who I can now enjoy the garden with and my ex-partner’s six year-old can also enjoy it,” said Oram.

“I was delighted with Judge Stephen John lifting the restriction because I can now finish the projects to completely restore what had been a typically run-down social housing garden.

“I have transformed an area with bikes and bedsteads into a prize-winning cottage garden and I was not able to do that for a year and that showed.

“Brickwork around the flower beds was falling apart, the lawns were deteriorating, but now I am able to avert that and hopefully win the gold ‘Borough in Bloom’ award.

“For an Englishman to enjoy his garden is his birthright.”

Oram, who describes himself as a “peace-loving Buddhist”, moved into the housing association flat after losing his £3m Richmond Hill home in a divorce after having an affair with he and his wife’s Peruvian au pair.

He says he’s shed “blood, sweat and tears” restoring the front and rear gardens since 2006.

“These gardens are kept by me. I spend all my disposable income on it. I do love the gardens,” added Oram.

Not So Smart: Architect's Drink-Drive Shame

Off Ballance: Arriving At Court 

An architect, who downed three afternoon glasses of red wine, was caught drink-driving after an incident with a pedestrian.

Robin Charles Ballance, 58, was arrested when police saw him arguing with the other person by his silver Smart car.

The respected project manager, of Parkstead Road, Putney pleaded guilty to driving in a local Wandsworth borough street with excess alcohol in his breath on April 21.

He gave a reading of 61 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard yesterday that there was an incident involving Ballance's vehicle and a pedestrian, who was told there was no need to call the police despite a suggestion of some minor injuries.

The prosecutor told the court: “This defendant was clearly drunk and smelling of alcohol, slurring his words and tripping over the pavement.

“He admitted he had alcoholic drinks in the afternoon, three glasses of red wine.”

Ballance told the court: “It was an isolated, foolish incident. At the time I got in the car I believed I was not over the limit and had sufficient time since my last drink.

“I am deeply embarrassed and ashamed,” added Ballance, who earns £5,000 per week renting out properties.

He was fined £692, with £85 costs and was disqualified from driving for 17 months.

Drugs Charges Linked To £1.7m Kew House

The middle-aged member of a leafy Kew community looks likely to avoid a court appearance on drugs charges.

Philip Gordon-Smith, 53, was originally due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today, accused of having two different drugs at his £1.7m home (pictured).

The case was listed, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced  the were considering dealing with the case by simply administering a police caution.

Gordon-Smith, of Pensford Avenue, Kew is charged with possessing a Class A drug at his home address on November 6, last year.

He faces a further charge of possessing cannabis resin on the same occasion.

Gordon-Smith did not appear in court and the case was adjourned pending the caution decision.  

Cyclist Fractured Pensioner Pedestrian's Elbow

Police have released this e-fit of a cyclist who pushed over a 70 year-old pensioner, fracturing his elbow, after he left a King's Cross pub.

At approximately 5.00pm on November 10, last year the victim left the pub in Mabledon Place having spent the early afternoon watching televised rugby.

Outside, he was almost struck by a cyclist who was riding without lights.

The victim made a passing comment and the cyclist returned and pushed the man to the pavement.

The victim attended hospital where it was discovered that he had fractured his elbow.

The suspect is described as white, approximately 6ft tall, of medium build with short hair and stubble.

Detective Constable Rob Griffiths, from the Central North Command Unit, said: "This was an unnecessary and violent incident which left the victim with serious injuries, requiring surgery and permanent plates to be fitted in his arm.

"Despite extensive enquiries, we have been unable to identify the suspect. We are now appealing for the public to help.

“Do you recognise the man in the e-fit? Or were you in the area at the time of the assault? Please call us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CID based at Islington police station via 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD 2433/17Mar.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Deadly Arsenal Seized From East London Shipping Container

Detectives seized this arsenal of firearms – including an AK47 assault rifle – from a shipping container on an east London industrial estate.

It was the result of an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's East Area Crime Squad.

On March 26 the container was searched near Bretts Farm, Romford Road, Aveley.

The East Area Crime Squad had a search warrant and were assisted by firearms officers from the Trident and Area Crime Command.

As a result a 31 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms, ammunition and explosives with intent to endanger life.

The investigation is not terror related.

Enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Trustee Raided Tragic Teenage Orphan's Trust Fund

The trustee of a teenage orphan’s inheritance, who helped herself to up to £60,000 of the boy’s money, was jailed for 27 months yesterday.

Mother-of-three Melaney Watford, 39, was a close friend of the parents of the teen, who turns 18 years-old later this year, and had financial control of his trust fund.

However, she withdrew £250 cash on an almost daily basis and has none left to pay compensation.

Watford, of Spencer Road, Mitcham pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by abuse of position between May 25, 2015 and January 19, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. John Reilly told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court: “It has always been difficult to put a monetary value on this fraud.”

Investigators believe £30,000-£60,000 was stolen by Watford, who is also the boy’s legal guardian.

He was left a £125,000 lump sum, plus £200 per month following the tragic death of his mother and father from natural causes within months of each other.

Recorder Aiden Christie QC told Watford: “This offence is so serious only a custodial sentence can be justified.

“Obviously you are of limited means and no amount I could realistically order you to pay could compensate this young man for what you have put him through.”

Ordering Watford to pay just £1500 he added: “I know that will not compensate him for the monetary loss he suffered, never mind the emotional loss.”

Watford’s lawyer June Warwick said: “The defendant took on a young boy who lost two parents in tragic circumstances and for the first six months there was no income.”

Watford says her own money was used up initially and she had “no financial or emotional support.”

The lawyer added: “She has limited education and no knowledge of trusts and she had no guidance or information.”

Watford his two teenage children of her own, plus a toddler. “She then treated the money in the same way she treated the children and put it all together and mismanaged it.

“There were no luxuries, no holidays. All she benefitted from was the odd takeaway and a trip to the dentist.”

Mr. Reilly said: “The lump sum is reduced on an almost daily basis, two hundred and fifty pounds is withdrawn in cash on an almost daily basis.

“A lot of it seems to have gone on renovations and she employed relatives or boyfriends for work.”

The teenager, who is now studying for his A levels will inherit the house when he turns 18 years-old, but a surveyor says the work carried-out by Watford’s cronies is sub-standard.

“The house was put on the market against his wishes and the Crown say the work on the house was not done and the house, as it stands, is a shell,” added Mr. Reilly.

“A relative of the boy found out about the sale and it was stopped.

“The defendant treated the trust money as her own.”

Naked Hotel Girl Sentenced For Wine Bottle Assault

A young veterinary assistant caught on a hotel’s CCTV during a drunken naked wine bottle attack on her boyfriend has been sentenced.

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, Bayswater.

CCTV footage - pixilated to protect her modesty - was played during her trial 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.

Yesterday she was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes 160 hours of unpaid work and must complete up to ten days of rehab.

Oxenford must also pay £620 court costs, £250 compensation to Mr. Buttigieg and an £80 victim surcharge.

District Judge Ken Grant told her: “I can quite understand having the trial reported must have been upsetting for you.

“The offences are clearly serious enough for a community punishment to be imposed.

“I am in no doubt at all that you will find it difficult to comply, but you must comply.” 

Prosecutor Mr. Trevor Green told the original trial 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.”

Tunisian Internet Bride Claimed Asylum After Saying Hubby Forced Her To Wear Burqa

Not Guilty: Ruhullah

A muslim husband accused of bullying his Tunisian wife into wearing a burqa has walked free from court after she failed to give evidence against him.

Mohammed Ruhullah, 29, always denied the allegation, 

claiming he was exploited by his spouse's wish to obtain a British passport after their whirlwind internet romance.

He says she made the false claims and put in an asylum application after discovering he could not fulfil this wish because he is not a UK citizen.

His wife complained to a police officer while in hospital recovering from a miscarriage and internal injuries she claimed were inflicted by Ruhullah's kicks.

Ruhullah, of High Street, Harrow had been charged with engaging in a controlling or coercive relationship with Rafika Amri between February 1 and October 26, 2017.

This also allegedly included taking control of his care worker wife's money and passport.

At Harrow Crown Court this week he was found not guilty of the charge when the Crown Prosecution Service agreed they could not present their case without Ms Amri's evidence.

“There has been no contact this morning and I have asked the police what has happened in the last couple of months,” said prosecutor Maureen Flaherty.

“At the first adjourned trial the complainant was fully co-operative throughout and was last spoken to on the phone on April eleventh, confirming she knew the new trial date and that all was well.

“Clearly the complainant has not attended and enquiries have been made with witness care and they last tried to ring her on April twenty-sixth and there was no answer.

“They spoke to her in the first week of March and she did not raise any points as to her potential non-co-operation.

“The office tried to make a call late last week and the phone was essentially off.

“At her last place of work the manager said Ms Amri left two weeks ago and gave no information.

“The officer attended the address where it is thought she was residing and was met there by a person who knew the complainant, but said that she left in December, last year.”

Regarding how the couple got together the prosecutor added: “They met via the internet and Mr. Ruhullah had a short three-day visit to Tunisia and they married and Ms Amri moved to the UK in January, 2017.

“The following month the relationship deteriorated and the allegation was made.

“The defendant says the complainant inflicted injuries on herself, falsified her account and wants residence in this country.

“The complainant had exhausted all avenues of appeal to remain in this country by December, last year.

“It may well be that she's now an overstayer and feels if she attends she could be detained,” explained Ms Flaherty.

“The Crown's case was that she was kept in the matrimonial home for five days while injured and not allowed to get medical treatment.

“She then went to hospital after work and was kept in for four nights with internal vaginal bleeding and bruising to the body.

“There was bruising to the stomach that the Crown say is consistent with a kick to the stomach causing vaginal bleeding.”

While in hospital Ms Amri explained her situation to a police officer. “She was entirely alone in this country, bar her relationship with her husband.

“She was controlled by her partner and forced to wear the burqa, something she did not do in Tunisia.

“She was only allowed to leave the house to go to work. She is a vulnerable complainant.

“There are photographs of Ms Amri fully covered in a burqa and apparently fully comfortable with it.

“She says she was forced to wear the burqa and that is part of the controlling coercive environment she was forced to endure.”

After her hospital statement to the officer Ruhullah was arrested as he arrived. “He's somewhat taken aback and denies all matters put to him”

His lawyer Matthew Pardoe submitted Ms Amri's absence made a fair trial impossible.

“There is no way of challenging what is said in her statements and this is a case that needs a good deal of challenge.

“The top and bottom of it is she's unlawfully at large.

“The complainant wanted a spousal visa and the relationship lost energy when she realised he could not provide her with British nationality because he is here on a visa himself.

“Shortly after the police complaint she applied for asylum, making allegations against her family in Tunisia.

“The application has been refused and she has gone to ground.”

Judge Ann Thompson agreed no fair trial was possible. “She says after a happy period the relationship turned sour and she makes various allegations against the defendant, including that he forced her to wear the burqa and controlled her movements, her money and was violent towards her.

“She says in September, 2017 he kicked her in the back and she fell on the bed then fell face-first on the floor and suffers a miscarriage.

“In October she says the defendant assaulted her and she suffered further vaginal bleeding and he kept her from receiving medical assistance, however texts and WhatsApp messages undermine her evidence.

“This defendant would not be able to receive a fair trial. It would not be possible to test that evidence.”

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.”