Church Volunteer's "Obsession" With 'Vera the Diva' Dance Teacher

"Obsession": Thomas

A reverend’s assistant “developed an obsession” with a celebrated dance teacher who instructs Latin and ballroom at his church, a court heard.

For nearly two years Trevor Thomas, 51, harassed 48 year-old ‘Vera the Diva’ founder Edurne Goldaracena, who teaches in Covent Garden and Clapham Common.

The former London Transport diesel engineer volunteered at Clapham Methodist Church, where three times a week Spanish-born Ms Goldaracena held classes in the community centre.

He expressed his attraction to her and constantly interrupted her classes by ringing an entry bell and demanding admittance and also followed her from a local McDonald’s and at the nearby tube station.

Prosecutor Ms Sarah Kerslake told Croydon Magistrates Court yesterday: “This was a really very serious incident of harassment spread over nearly two years.

“By the end of 2016 he developed an obsession and was fixated by Ms Goldaracena and was constantly disturbing her classes and ringing at her door.

“Her pupils would open the door for her because she was so nervous he was on the other side and he became very persistent.”

On September 20, last year Thomas demanded she sign a bundle of documents, but so anxious was Ms Goldaracena she told him to shove them under the door.

“They made no sense and included pictures of celebrities and she noticed the paperwork smelled of men’s aftershave,” added Ms Kerslake.

Once Thomas forced a matchstick into the bell to ensure it continually rang.

“He became cross that she wasn’t answering to him and letting him into her class and she was becoming very uncomfortable.

“He made it clear he was sexually attracted to her, telling her she was beautiful and complemented her figure.”

"Shadow Over Me": Goldaracena

On December 8, last year Ms Goldaracena spotted Thomas on the platform of Clapham Common Underground Station.

“She felt trapped and worried about getting on a train in case he followed her. She turned around and his face was very close to her’s, a foot away and he was leaning towards her and smiling.

“She says she felt frozen and had no way out.”

Afterwards Ms Goldaracena told police: “I am desperate with this. It is like a shadow over me all the time and I am not relaxed at work or in the street.

“When I wake up this is the first thing on my mind. My mind is not free and he is not reasonable and clearly has an obsession.”

The court heard she now has other people chaperone her home from the classes out of fear of being confronted by Thomas.

His lawyer Edward McGowan said: “Mr. Thomas had been a volunteer there for almost a decade, before the dance classes. He was an assistant to the reverend of the church for many years.

“He says he was ringing the bell to gain access to the premises of the community centre to volunteer on behalf of the reverend.”

Thomas denied following Ms Goldaracena from McDonald’s and claims the tube station incident was a “coincidental meeting.”

“He is a lifelong churchgoer and considers himself a spiritual man. He loves the community and he loves the church.”

Thomas, of New Park Road, Brixton Hill, denied but was convicted of harassment between January 4, 2017 and December 9, last year.

He received twenty weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 200 hours community service work and 30 days of rehab.

Thomas was made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting attendance at the church and contact with Ms Goldaracena, who he must pay £150 compensation, plus £250 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Grenadier Guardsman Thumped MP During Notoriously Boozy Army v Navy Rugby Fixture

A drunken Grenadier Guardsman punched a military policeman on the nose while brawling outside a pub after the notorious annual Army v Navy rugby match.

Lance Corporal James Charles Porter, 22, had been drinking since the morning of the Twickenham clash, attended by 80,000 service personnel.

Local residents have long campaigned for the fixture to be moved due to excessive drunken rowdy behaviour, vomiting and urinating in nearby streets and attendees passing out through alcohol intoxication.

Today, Porter, of Lille Barracks, Redvers Buller Road, Aldershot pleaded guilty to assaulting Lance Corporal David Osborne in London Road, Twickenham on May 4.

The victim was on duty with other military policeman to assist keeping order in the streets around the stadium, where Army defeated Navy 27-11 to retain the Babcock Trophy.

Prosecutor Ms Amanda McCabe told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “He saw two males tussling outside The Timberyard pub and approached with a colleague shouting: ‘Service police!’

“They pulled the two males apart, but one of them, this defendant, refused to calm down and continued trying to tussle with the other male.”

Lance Corporal Osborne told the police: “The next thing the male punched me on the nose and I grabbed the top half of him and put him to the ground.”

Porter, who has served all over the world, including Iraq, Kenya and the Falkland Islands, was quickly arrested by Met police officers.

“The defendant told officers he had been drinking since 11am and had consumed alcohol throughout the day,” added Ms McCabe.

“He said he was having a tiff and tried to push a friend away and the next thing he knew he was on the floor surrounded by the police.”

Porter claimed in interview: “I may have lashed out in self-defence.”

The victim suffered reddening to his nose and bruising to his hand.

Porter’s lawyer James Preedy told the court: “He has just got back from seven months in Iraq and is a young man of good character with no convictions.

“This conviction will have major disciplinary consequences for him in the Army and there will be a promotional ban for him and he will be punished.

“He does have a memory lapse regarding the incident, which was at the Army versus Navy rugby match, which is notorious for drinking.

“Some can hold their drink better than others and on this day Mr. Porter did not hold his drink well.

“He is very remorseful and says it was an argument with his friend that got his blood flowing and he got anxious at the time.”

Porter’s Captain attended the hearing, describing the defendant as a “dedicated” soldier, who is “disciplined and focused.”

Porter was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Magistrate Mr. Barry Wareing told him: “Undoubtedly this was not your finest hour and it is very unfortunate that it occurred in and around Twickenham stadium when the Army versus Navy match was going on.”

Bus Pervert Went On Run After Groping Schoolgirl

Sleazy: Figueroa

A bus pervert, who went on the run for over three years after groping a 16 year-old schoolgirl’s bum, was caught boarding a flight to Madrid.

Construction worker Wilson Figueroa, 52, had been leering at the girl throughout her journey and stood closely behind as she exited, grabbing her rear on the packed service.

Ecuador-born Figueroa was traced and arrested, but denied the charge and failed to appear for his trial on December 1, 2015.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was stopped at Gatwick Airport on March 12, this year as he tried to board a plane.

Figueroa, of Saxby Road, Brixton Hill pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the youngster on board a 53 bus in Woolwich on September 1, 2015.

He also admitted failing to surrender for his trial and today received a 12-month community order, which includes 200 hours community service work.

Figueroa must also complete a 15-day Recommended Activity Requirement, sign the sex offenders register for five years and pay £250 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

In March, 2017 the Metropolitan Police Roads and Transport Policing Command circulated his mugshot during a media appeal to trace suspected bus sex offenders without success. 

Bexley Magistrates Court heard the victim turned and shouted: “What are you doing? Don’t touch me. 

“What are you doing you pervert? I’m going to call the police.”

Mug: Figueroa Was Eventually Caught

Figueroa was arrested two months later on October 29 and bus CCTV identified him tapping in with his Oyster card.

Prosecutor Ms Bina Morjaria told the court it was 6.25pm when Figueroa boarded the bus in Elephant and Castle and sat on the lower deck.

The girl boarded in Charlton and had to stand in the isle near him.

“She noticed the defendant was looking and smiling at her, but she ignored him.

“At Woolwich she moved towards the exit doors to get off and the defendant stood up behind her and grabbed her right buttock reasonably hard, which lifted the victim a bit.

“She turned and saw him standing behind her and when confronted Figueroa said: ‘I’m sorry’ and stuttered his words.”

Afterwards the girl told the police: ”The incident lasted a few seconds and it scared me, he should not have done it. I was on the phone to my friend as the time  and it was intense and scary.”

Figueroa says he was drinking daily “to excess” and because he had run out of epilepsy tablets took a “cocktail of natural holistic products” as a substitute.

He claims to also suffer anxiety and depression from childhood trauma.

The probation service found there was a “sexual motivation” for the offence and told the court Figueroa lacks awareness regarding the impact he had on the victim.

They ruled him a “medium risk” to lone females on buses and describe his behaviour as “predatory in nature.”

Figueroa, who needed a Spanish interpreter despite being in the UK five years, told the court: “I am very ashamed for what happened with the lady and wholeheartedly ask for her forgiveness.

“I have suffered epileptic attacks since I was eighteen years-old and my medication ran out here in London and that’s why I was travelling to Madrid, to get more medication.

“There was a time I hit rock bottom and I started drinking. I lost control of my own life and started sleeping rough in the parks and the street.

“My life is changing due to the Bible and I enjoy going to evangelical church. It takes me away from bad influences.”

Kilburn Double Stabbing: CCTV Image Of Suspected Knifeman Released

Police are hunting this suspected knifeman after a double early hours stabbing in Kilburn last month.

The first victim, a 63 year-old man was stabbed in the back just after 1.00am on April 9 in Kilburn High Road.

He was taken to a central London hospital for treatment before being discharged.

At around 2.35am police were called to reports of a second stabbing further along Kilburn High Road, close to Cambridge Avenue.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a 39-year-old man suffering a stab wound to the abdomen.

He was taken to a central London hospital and his condition has been deemed as not life-threatening.

Detective Sergeant Mark Johnson, from North West Area's CID, said: "Following a thorough investigation, including analysis of CCTV, we are confident that the same person is responsible for both of the attacks that occurred.

"We have released images of a man we want to trace and speak to. Do you recognise him? If so, please get in contact with police immediately.

"Since these two incidents, we have increased our presence in and around the Kilburn High Road area and, at this time, we are not aware of any further, linked offences.

"However, we need to identify and apprehend the person responsible for these attacks so I would ask anyone who has information that could assist this investigation, or who recognises this person, to contact us now.

"While our investigation remains ongoing, I would reiterate our message to those out and about in Kilburn High Street and the surrounding area - please remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and, if you see anything suspicious, call police immediately on 999."

There are a team of officers dedicated to this investigation who continue to work around the clock carrying out patrols, analysing evidence and speaking to witnesses.

“At this stage, no specific motive has been established for the attacks and work continues, including liaising with partner agencies, to progress this investigation.

No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.

Anyone who has information is asked to call North West area CID on 101 quoting CAD 386/09APR or tweet @MetCC.

Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Drunken City Worker Attacked Bouncer

Assault: Devonshire Square

A drunken City worker repeatedly punched a bar security guard after he was asked to leave.

Luke Kenneth Charge, 26, of King's Avenue, Buckhurst Hill, Woodford Green, Essex left the victim bleeding heavily and was arrested.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday, where he changed his plea to guilty to assaulting the guard in Devonshire Square, Bishopsgate, causing him actual bodily harm, on September 13, last year.

The prosecutor told the court it was 9.30pm and Charge was out drinking with work colleagues and so obviously “intoxicated” security staff asked him to leave.

He became “very animated and upset” and a friend tried to calm him down and persuade him to leave.

However, Charge returned and attacked one of the security guard's, punching the victim in the face with the assault continuing on the floor.

The court was told there was a “substantial amount of bleeding” and the guard was struck in the face again.

The case was adjourned so unrepresented Charge could appoint a lawyer, with the magistrate saying: “The aggravating feature is the sustained or repeated attack.

“I am not ruling prison out and that makes it very serious. I think he needs a solicitor.”  

City Accountant Fined For Outraging Public Decency

A City accountant, who a court heard drove around the Square Mile pleasuring himself while staring at young women, has been fined for his behaviour.

Panos Pallikaropoulous, 40, was reported by a pedestrian, who spotted him exposing himself while behind the wheel near Moorgate, City of London Magistrates was told.

When police arrested him they found short clips on his phone of Pallikaropoulous pleasuring himself while strolling along another City street; while a passenger on an airplane; in his car and at home.

He enjoyed positive publicity two years ago for dropping two-and-a-half stone of desk bound fat in just twenty weeks and transforming his health and appearance.

Today at Westminster Magistrates Court Pallikaropoulous, of Westside, Priory Road, Kilburn was fined £150, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £150 victim surcharge.

He originally pleaded not guilty to two counts of exposure on December 3 and July 23, last year when he originally appeared at City of London Magistrates Court.

However, today the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew both those counts and Pallikaropoulous pleaded guilty to two charges of outraging public decency.

Prosecutor Mr. Trevor Green told the first court hearing it was 2.35pm on December 3 when a witness in London Wall spotted Pallikaropoulous’ blur Toyota.

“They saw this defendant driving with his penis exposed, which he was holding with his left hand and slowed down near two females.”

The witness filmed Pallikaropoulous and reported him to the police, who stopped him as he drove into the City at 6pm.

“The officer says the defendant was using both his hands to adjust his trousers in the crotch area,” explained Mr. Green.

Police seized two mobile phones and memory stick from Pallikaropoulous.

“There were a large number of videos of the defendant filming himself masturbating at home, in his car, in the street and while sitting in an airplane.”

'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.