"I Never Touched Him" Says Ex-Coach Accused Of Sleepover Gropes

An ex-football coach, accused of molesting a young boy during sleepovers four decades ago, has told a jury: “I never touched him physically at all.”

Former delivery driver David Hinman, 70, of Poplar Close, Downham Market, Norfolk insisted: “It absolutely did not take place.”

Inner London Crown Court has heard Hinman allegedly kissed the youngster on his neck and groped him between the legs on two occasions while sharing his single bed at his former Peckham Rye flat.

The boy was aged between eleven and fourteen years-old and played for the Camberwell Lions when he says he was molested by the defendant.

Hinman has pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecently assaulting the boy, now aged 48 years-old, between 1981 and 1985.

Recalling coaching the youngster he told the court: “He was talented, but greedy and that caused a lot of problems within the team.

“He was selfish and wouldn’t pass the ball and I would have to tell him there were other boys in the team.”

Hinman admits they did share his bed once after returning to south London in the early hours after a holiday to Majorca, which included the boy’s brother.

“Once we got home the camp bed was set up and I said to the boys: ‘You sleep in my bed and I’ll sleep on the camp bed.’

“He retorted: ‘I’m not sleeping with that fat tramp,’ so we shared my bed.”

Hinman conceded there was one awkward moment during the trip. “On the holiday I inadvertently went to the bathroom and saw him naked.”

He also denied exposing himself and asking the youngster if he wanted to try some aftershave while getting ready for one of his DJ gigs.

“It definitely did not happen. The bathroom had a door on it and the bedroom had a door on it.”

Hinman told police during questioning the allegations were “malicious” and said today: “I made the assumption he was trying to make financial gain from criminal damages.”

When the boy stopped playing football Hinman visited his family home. “They said he said I had touched him, kissed him on the neck and touched his bum.

“I assured that mother it had not happened and said he must have been dreaming.”

Trial continues………. 

Sexual Predator Stalked Victim Through Trendy Hackney In Early Hours

A wannabe rapist, who pounced on a lone woman in the early hours and dragged her into a park by her hair, is starting a four-year prison sentence.

Jamel Nwokoye, 30, of Coronet Street, Hackney was found guilty of assault, with intent to commit a sexual offence, after an Old Bailey trial. 

Once released he will remain on an extended licence period of four years and must also sign the sex offenders register for life.

The court heard that shortly after 2.00am on April 27, last year Nwokoye began following the 28-year-old woman as she walked alone along Pitfield Street, Hackney.

As they reached the pedestrian entrance to Shoreditch Park he ran up behind her and grabbed her hair, dragging her into the centre of the park.

The victim fought against Nwokoye, but he responded by repeatedly punching and kicking her in the face and body, while continuing to pull her into the darkness.

Several members of the public overheard the woman’s screams and entered the park to try and find her, while also calling the police.

After several minutes, she managed to wrestle free and was able to run away, following which Nwokoye also fled the scene.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Central East CID began an investigation and extensive CCTV analysis showed Nwokoye as he began following the victim.

Analysis of his movements showed him wandering the surrounding area for 45 minutes and later led to identification of his home address where he was arrested on May 2.

Analysis of his mobile phone also revealed an extensive history of accessing extreme pornographic material with specific themes of forced sex and violence towards women.

The court sentenced Nwokoye on the basis the sexual offence he was intending to commit was rape.

Detective Constable Mark Longley, who led the investigation, said: “Nwokoye is a sexual predator and the CCTV footage demonstrates that he was prowling the streets of Hackney in the early hours of the morning before he alighted on his victim.

“He subjected her to a truly terrifying ordeal which has caused lasting psychological harm. I hope that with the conclusion of this case she is now able to move forward with her life.

“This case also raises legitimate questions about the availability of so called ‘rape porn’ and the extent to which this may have contributed to Nwokoye’s offending.

“This is commercially produced material which is specifically themed to depict forced sex and violence towards women. 

“It is notable that Nwokoye was accessing this material in the days leading up to this incident some of which bore striking similarities to the assault he would eventually commit.”

Ex-Football Coach Denies Molesting Young Player Three Decades Ago

David Hinman: Denials

A football coach molested a young boy over three decades ago during sleepovers in his shared single bed, a court has heard.

David Hinman, 70, of Poplar Close, Downham Market, Norfolk kissed the youngster on his neck and groped him between the legs on two occasions the jury were told.

Former delivery driver Hinman, who coached the Camberwell Lions in south-east London in the early 1980’s, told police the allegations were untrue.

He has pleaded not guilty at Inner London Crown Court to four counts of indecently assaulting the boy between 1981 and 1985 at an address in Rye Hill Park, Peckham.

In his video-recorded interview the 48 year-old complainant, who played for the team, claimed the abuse occurred when he was approximately eleven to fourteen years-old.

“I thought he was a friendly guy, a friendly football manager,” he told the jury. “He built my family’s confidence up in him.

“I ended up having to get in his bed and just knew there was something not right and woke up to him doing what he was doing.

“He was kissing the back of my neck and had his hands down touching my privates and I said: ‘What are you doing?’ and he stopped.

“He was enjoying himself, he was having a grope,” added the complainant, who said Hinman then pleasured himself. “There was a lot of deep breathing and movement under the sheets.”

Hinman was also a DJ at the time and the man said he behaved inappropriately on another occasion. “He was getting ready for the disco and called me into the bathroom and was standing there with an erection.”

The witness found himself sharing Hinman’s single bed again. “I knew exactly what was going to happen when I got in that bed and once I went asleep he was going to have a feel.”

He said the defendant again kissed him on the neck and groped him between the legs until he told him to stop.

Prosecutor Grace Ong told the jury the complainant did not report Hinman at the time, but came forward to the NSPCC after reading a news report in 2017 regarding historic abuse involving football coaches.

Hinman repeatedly called the boy “gorgeous” and “handsome”, the court heard and was arrested in April, 2017 after police traced him, despite having changed his name.

“He said it was all nonsense and made up and he denied the allegations,” said Ms Ong. “He said the boy stayed overnight once and they had to sleep in the same bed because he refused to share with his brother.”

Trial continues………….

Tasered Gunman Pointed Pistol At Cop

Banged Up: Spence

A gunman, who pointed his weapon at a police officer when tasered after a seemingly routine traffic stop, is starting a six-year prison sentence.

Kadie Spence, 31, was found guilty of possession of a firearm, with intent to cause fear of violence, after a jury trial.

He had already pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, having previously been convicted of a similar offence in 2008.

Inner London Crown Court heard how, on Wednesday, January 16 two officers from a Central South response team pulled over a Hyundai car in Warner Road, Camberwell.

This was part of a routine traffic stop as the vehicle was travelling at speed.

Spence, who was a passenger, immediately became confrontational and exited the car, pushing past one officer in a bid to escape the scene.

There was a struggle between Spence and the other officer in an attempt to stop him fleeing.

Spence was tasered at this stage by one of the officers.

It was then that the officers noticed that Spence was holding a firearm.

Spence then pointed the firearm at one of the officers.

The Taser was deployed again and the officers managed to disarm Spence and handcuff him to a set of railings.

The firearm was recovered.

When examined the firearm was found to be prohibited, but could not fire live ammunition.

Central South Borough Commander Simon Messinger said: “Despite being unarmed, the officers acted quickly and bravely to arrest this man.

“With previous history of possession of a firearm, Spence clearly has no consideration for his actions and has proven himself to be a dangerous individual more than once.

"I hope the sentencing highlights how seriously the brazen act of carrying an offensive weapon on London’s streets is taken by the Met."

Knifeman Caged For Deadly Cigarette Row

Shop Horror: Riley Ace Of Knives

A killer who plunged a fearsome hunting knife into an off-licence customer during a late-night cigarette row is starting a life sentence for murder.

Jahmel Michael Riley, 25, was aggressively asking other customers for a cigarette when Dennis Anderson, 39, walked into the Lordship Lane, East Dulwich shop with a group of friends.

When he asked the victim, who was returning home from a 60^thbirthday party, the same question a violent argument broke out and local man Riley pulled out the huge knife.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Lewisham man Dennis in the early hours of February 10 and was ordered to serve a minimum of 23-and-a-half years before he can be freed.

Witnesses saw Riley raise the knife before Dennis stepped towards him and attempted to wrestle the weapon out of his hands. 

CCTV footage showed the struggle between the two men inside before they spilled out into the street through the door.

Tragic: Dennis Anderson

It was here that external footage from the store showed Riley on top of the victim, before making a stabbing motion towards the left side of his body, causing a deep cut to his neck.

Riley was dragged off by Dennis’s friends and hit, before fleeing the scene towards Crawthew Grove.

Officers then arrived at the scene at around 2.40am and immediately attempted first-aid. 

Despite significant efforts by officers and paramedics, Dennis was pronounced dead at 3.04ham.

Dennis was found to have several lacerations, as well as a fatal cut to his neck, including one on his face and back and multiple on his left hand where he tried to disarm his attacker.

Detectives sought to track down Riley after the incident. 

He eventually attended Lewisham Police station with family on Wednesday, February 13 after both his father and brother had been spoken to by police.

Life For Knife: Riley

Detective Inspector Domenica Catino, from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, who has led the investigation, said: “This is a very tragic incident that has left me filled with anguish as Dennis Anderson’s death was totally unavoidable.

“Witnesses of the attack, including close friends of the victim, and CCTV footage showed that Riley had chances to avoid the confrontation and the leave the off-license. 

“The two men did not know each other and Dennis was killed solely because he refused Riley’s request for a cigarette. That is the value that Riley places on life.

“My deepest sympathies extend to Dennis’ family and friends, particularly those that witnessed a shocking event unfold in such a needless manner.”

“I want to thank them for their support throughout this investigation and thank the hard work and commitment of the murder investigation team. 

“I can only also praise the public, officers and paramedics who tried valiantly to keep Dennis alive.”

Police Swoop On EastEnd Cannabis Cafe

An EastEnd cannabis factory has been raided by police, who seized a drug-infused 'energy drink' and 'brownies'.

Following an intelligence-led investigation, officers from the Metropolitan Police executed a search warrant at the cafe in Limehouse known as “The Den”.

Responding to community intelligence, the Violent Crime Taskforce and Neighbourhood Policing Teams, in conjunction with NPAS and the Dog Support Unit, raided the premises under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A significant amount of cannabis thought to be worth approximately £20,000 both loose and bagged up into single deals was seized in addition to cash, drug dealing paraphernalia and evidence of drug sales. 

Police and the local authority will now seek to obtain a closure order for the property.

A total of 52 people at the location were detained for searches. 

Several were given cannabis warnings and one man was arrested for possession of class A drugs.

The operation was part of Operation Continuum, a local ongoing operation tackling organised drug dealing and associated crime, and which identified individuals believed to be selling drugs in the café. 

Operation Continuum began 18 months ago and has already seen a number of large enforcement operations, over 350 arrests, and over £350,000 cash seized.

Detective Superintendent Mike Hamer, of the Central East Area, said: “The activity was in response to local community concerns. We want to ensure that the public feel they are being listened to, and as a result, appropriate action is taken by the police and our partners. 

“We will now be working with our partners to secure a closure order to ensure this property will not reopen.

“Our activity will not stop here. People involved in this type of criminality should know that we will continue to deal robustly with drug dealing.

“Whilst the causes of violent crime are highly complex and wide-ranging, drug dealing is inextricably linked with a high proportion of the violence we have seen on our streets. 

“We regularly see young people and the more vulnerable within our communities, targeted and exploited by those who seek to sell drugs, who often instigate violent acts and place young people at risk of harm and criminalisation in the process.

“Anyone who involves themselves in the illegal drugs market – be that selling, transporting or using, regardless of how frequently or infrequently and in what context, has a responsibility and is fuelling the violence and exploitation that invariably goes with it, in London and across the UK.

“There is no hiding place for those who peddle drugs. We will continue to target those involved in all aspects of the drug trade, many of whom are failing to recognise or care about the damage their activities are inflicting on society and our most vulnerable communities.”

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Our partnership work with the police is successfully interrupting the drug trade in our borough, and the anti-social behaviour that arises from it.

“We are addressing concerns of our residents through these raids, and are investing in high quality drug treatment services and education in the borough.”

Boots Cashier Nicked £16K At Heathrow Airport

Rat In Trap: Libranda

A Boots cashier was caught on CCTV plundering the tills at his Heathrow Airport branch of £16,000.

In just one month Russell Libranda, 42, a duel Spanish and Filipino national, of Hanworth Road, Hounslow accumulated the cash during his day-to-day duties.

At Isleworth Crown Court he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to his former employer.

Police and store security trawled hours of CCTV footage to compile 130 clips of Libranda, pocketing cash for a month.

He resigned on November 9, last year and within three weeks he was reported to the police after the store launched their own investigation after noticing the dramatic shortfall in takings.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Aviation Command Crime Squad arrested Libranda within three hours, and executed a search warrant at his one-bedroom flat.

Investigating officer, PC Jon Houston, said: “When we arrived at Libranda’s flat it was patent that he had been living well beyond the means of a shop assistant. 

“Libranda had evidently been living in a lavish fashion. 

“His flat was packed with designer clothes and jewellery, numerous iPhones, computers and an expensive TV. 

“We also found a shoulder bag, filled with £6,000 in cash, down the side of his wardrobe.”

Cash In Hand: Libranda Nicked Thousands

The officers seized the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act and it was subsequently forfeited.

During his first weekend working at the branch he stole almost £700.

PC Houston said: “Libranda’s confidence quickly escalated. 

“In his first full week at the branch he stole £3,500 and by week five he was taking almost £5,000. 

“When I watched the CCTV I was stunned to see he was doing this in view of customers and colleagues, who were distracted.”

Libranda pleaded guilty to one count of theft by employee, relating to all £16,191 he stole.

PC Houston said: “The sad reality is that sometimes staff at shops try to steal from their employers, but the security at this store did an excellent job of identifying Libranda as the perpetrator once they were aware that something was amiss.

“The Met has a really strong relationship with Heathrow Airport and the companies operating there, so staff have the confidence to report any suspicious activity to us. 

“We continue to work closely with security across the airport, to keep it safe from all types of crime, including thefts like these.”

Romanian Pickpocket Can't Believe He Got Three Years

Blackfriars Crown Court

A professional Romanian pickpocket looked shocked today when he was rightly sent down for three years for preying on an OAP and a commuter.

Christian Roman, 46, jumped bail after his arrest for the first theft and was locked-up in Germany for similar offences.

The painter and decorator, who claims he is an alcoholic, returned to the UK to continue his heartless crime spree after his release.

He was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court for picking the pocket of an 80 year-old woman of £200 cash he saw her withdrawing from a Post Office in Brecknock Road, Holloway in 2013.

Roman had an accomplice and the pair approached their elderly victim and used a cynical distraction technique to steal her money.

He continued thieving in Germany, where he received sentences of three months and eighteen months imprisonment.

When he returned to the UK he was caught with his hand in a female commuter’s bag in August by officers staking-out a central London tube station for pickpockets.

His accomplice received fourteen days imprisonment.

Judge Guy Mathieson rejected defence claims, which sought to diminish Roman’s offending, announcing: “I don’t accept that. He is a career pickpocket.”

Roman asked the court to place him on an alcohol treatment programme rather than send him to prison, claiming he needs to get sober for the sake of his four children aged 5 to 14 years-old.

“I don’t know when you first came to this country, but from 2013 on you have demonstrated you are a career pickpocket, observing and targeting victims for what you can snatch.

“In 2013 you saw that 80 year-old woman in the Post Office and followed her and took that money in a selfish and cynical way, leaving her confused, distressed and no doubt somewhat ashamed she could fall victim to someone like you.

“To avoid justice you left the country and in 2017 you were in Germany committing identical offences.

“You returned to this country to commit crime and whether you have a drink problem or not is no excuse. You came to this country to commit crime.

“You were seen on the station platform watching commuters to identify your next victim and there were a couple of others you tried to steal from.

“You were stopped from ruining someone else’s day.

“This is a group activity in which you played a leading role.”  

Shot Across The Bows For Team GB Gun Expert

The owner of a high-precision rifle manufacturing company has received a slap on the wrist after he was cleared of illegally importing two twelve bore pump-action shotgun from the USA.

Miodrag Maksimovic, 55, the boss of Boston-based Dolphin Gun Company, always fought the case and appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

He was prosecuted after the weapons, DP-12 shotguns, arrived at Heathrow Airport on June 21, 2017.

Maksimovic, of Bank House, Scalp Road, Fishoft was cleared of being concerned in the importation of a prohibited weapon between May 11 and June 21, 2017.

However he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of purchasing the guns without the authority of the Secretary of State.

On that count Maksimovic was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £6,000 costs.

Maksimovic claims there was nothing fraudulent about the online purchase, which was made in his name and under the belief the guns were lawful.

He is well-known within the shooting world, having competed all over the globe, often representing Team GB and is currently their manager.

Pharmacist Sentenced For Arranging Baby's Illegal Circumcision

A pharmacist, who posed as the mother of an 11-month old boy to ensure he was circumcised without his parents consent, received a suspended prison sentence for GBH yesterday.

Martina Obi-Uzom, 70, was entrusted to look after the child, but was determined he conform to her Nigerian Christian beliefs and employed the skills of a Jewish mohel to perform the procedure.

Obi-Uzom, of The Lighthouse Pharmacy, The Street, Little Clacton, Clacton-on-Sea was convicted by a jury of causing grievous bodily harm to the boy on September 3, 2017.

At Inner London Crown Court she was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered to pay £1500 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

The court heard she recruited a male to pose as the child’s father and travelled to Bridge Lane, Golders Green, north-west London, where she signed the parental consent form, which was accepted on face value by the mohel.

Judge Freya Newbery told her: “You have a Christian belief in circumcision that has great cultural and religious significance to you.

“You wanted the boy circumcised and the mother of the boy did not agree with you.

“She and the boy’s father went away for the weekend and they left you both of their children to look after and you booked the Jewish mohel to perform the circumcision.

“You went with a male friend and pretended to be the parents of this boy and the mohel took on face value the parental consent form.

“The circumcision was a significant physical step with irreversible consequences.

“However, there was no parental consent and that is what is missing here. 

“You imposed your will, ignoring the mother’s objections to the circumcision and as the boy’s father describes it was a massive violation.

“Circumcision can only be lawful with the consent of parents.

“There is high culpability here, plus the vulnerability of the boy and this was planned and carefully organised.

“You acted quickly to bring into effect your will, using the deceit that I have found you have. 

“It was an arrogant, imperious decision for what you wanted in place of the mother. It was a serious breach of trust.

“The probation officer you spoke to found the offence was controlling and manipulative on your part.”

Judge Newbery said the offence merited a prison sentence, but there were circumstances that allowed her to suspend it.

“I accept your intention in your mind wasn’t to harm the boy and you are a woman of impeccable character.

“You have worked in the community promoting the needs of less fortunate children. You are a professional person, a pharmacist, highly qualified and devoted to your family.

“Both of the parents gave evidence and there has been a deep impact on you because of these criminal proceedings, but you brought it on yourself.

“As a pharmacist I recognise your profession is under jeopardy as is potentially your ability to travel to family in America with this conviction.”

NHS Consultant Denies 'Moonlighting' Fraud

An NHS consultant with University College London Hospital also worked lucrative private shifts while collecting her NHS salary during a £130,000 fraud, a jury were told today.

Paediatric radiologist Dr. Maria Klusmann, 47, of Southwood Lane, Highgate deliberately deceived bosses at the Bloomsbury hospital during the two-year scam, the court heard.

“This is a case about money and greed,” prosecutor Leila Gaskin told Blackfriars Crown Court. “The prosecution say the defendant was paid by the NHS, but instead she chose to work elsewhere at exclusive private clinics.”

Dr. Klusmann received a total of around £130,000 from the NHS and her private work, with approximately £60-£70,000 defrauded from taxpayers, the jury heard.

She diagnosed sick children using CT scans, MRI’s, x-rays, ultrasound scans and by taking biopsies.

Dr. Klusmann has pleaded not guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position between April 3, 2014 and August 2, 2016 and the trial is expected to last five weeks.

She denies dishonesty, insisting much of her private work was during periods of leave from UCLH with the remainder of time paid back to the NHS.

The court heard Dr. Klusmann also worked at Highgate Private Hospital; The Wellington Hospital and Hospital of St. John & St. Elizabeth in St. John’s Wood; Aspen Healthcare and HCA Healthcare.

“Senior doctors were able to see the defendant was not working at the times and places she was contracted to on numerous occasions,” explained Ms Gaskin.

“She admitted no wrongdoing and did not alter her conduct and an internal investigation revealed extensive gaps when she was working for other private clinics when she should have been working for the NHS.

“The prosecution case is over two years she did not work for hundreds of hours for the NHS and during that time was working in the private sector, earning additional sums and was doing this dishonestly and deliberately covering it up.

“She was effectively being paid by both the private clinics and the NHS at the same time. The defendant was being dishonest, working at private clinics on days she should have been working for the NHS.

“She was deceiving the NHS, she was acting fraudulently.”

The court heard Dr. Klusmann reacted negatively when confronted by UCLH. “She became agitated and evasive and did not answer questions she was asked and there was an attempt on her part to manipulate the data.

“She says if there is a deficit there is a fault in the computer software of the hospital, which was prone to crash.”

Trial continues…………

Trainee Solicitor's Double Rape Rampage

A trainee solicitor repeatedly raped a young woman he pounced on from behind in the early hours and attacked another woman 60 minutes later, a court heard today.

Wilfred Marodza, 28, of Kingston Road, Eastbourne pleaded guilty to four counts of raping a 21 year-old woman in Dickens Fields, Great Dover Street, Southwark on July 20.

He also pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 25 year-old woman from a bus stop in nearby Borough High Street, plus an additional charge of kidnapping her, with intent to cause a sexual offence. 

He denied one count of kidnap in relation to the first victim and this was dropped by the prosecution.

Prosecutor Mr Edward Lucas told Inner London Crown Court: “The offences are incredibly serious, snatching strangers from the street.”

He said of Marodza, who has never been in trouble before and was employed by solicitors firm Cripps Pemberton Greenish : “The details are extremely serious, the most serious of this type of offence.” 

The first victim was walking home at 2.37am after a night out when she was approached from behind by Marodza, who was unknown to her and marched to a nearby wooded area.

She was then threatened and raped multiple times by the suspect.

The victim managed to escape and ran, fearing for her life, to a nearby street. 

A passing motorist stopped and the suspect claimed that they were having a domestic argument.

The victim got into the motorist's car and was taken to a local police station.

So traumatised and desperate to get to safety was she that she ran into an adjacent fast food restaurant, where staff called police.

Just an hour later, the second woman was waiting at a bus stop when Marodza approached her and began speaking to her offering to escort her to a nearby cab office.

The victim began walking with him before he grabbed her and pulled her into a side street, where he threatened the victim to do as she was told. 

He pushed her to the ground before the victim managed to scream and Marodza fled.

Officers from the South Central Command Unit launched an immediate investigation and Marodza was identified and arrested that same day.

He was charged and remanded in custody, where he remains and will be sentenced on October 11. 

Mobile phone and CCTV evidence linked him to the offences and he answered ‘no comment’ during interviews for both offences.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jonny Norman from the South Central Command Unit, said:"These two young women were subjected to ordeals that no person should ever have to endure. 

“Marodza is a dangerous predator whose actions left both victims in fear of their lives.

“Marodza will now, I hope, face a substantial amount of time behind bars, and I am sure London will be all the safer for it.

“I would like to thank the investigative team who worked tirelessly to track and arrest Marodza. Most importantly I would like to thank the victims, whose bravery and courage in supporting our investigation has been instrumental. 

“I hope that, in time, this will allow them some form of closure and that they can begin to move on with their lives.”

Marodza had been determined to pursue a legal career and had been employed in the corporate transactions department with his latest employer.

He has previously been employed as a paralegal for firms in London and Kent and has a law degree from the University of Kent and attended BPP Law School.

Judge Nigel Seed QC told Marodza: “The matters you have pleaded guilty to are serious as I am sure you understand.

“There will be a pre-sentence report to try and understand what led you to commit these serious criminal offences, having not committed any serious offences before.”

£1 Million Cannabis Grow Operation In Old Hospital A Casualty Of Police Raid

A £1million east London cannabis factory in an abandoned hospital building has been dismantled by police, who are continuing to hunt the growers.

Officers attended the building in Goodmayes Lane, Redbridge on Thursday, August 8 where they found a sophisticated cannabis farming system.

Over 1,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of in excess of £1,000,000 were being grown in 30 rooms within the derelict Mayesbrook Clinic.

At this stage there have been no arrests and the investigation by detectives from Redbridge Police continues.

Detective Inspector Gareth Gilbert said: “Taking such a large drug haul off the streets is a great catch for the Met.

“Violence is one of the main by-products of the illegal drug industry, so it is imperative that we continue to tackle this problem head on.

“We will continue with our enquiries to establish who was the architect of this illegal operation and who was involved in maintaining it.”

All plants and equipment have been removed from the property.

Jail For Armed Crack User

An armed crack user caught lying on his couch when police raided his north London home has been jailed for six years.

Olusegan Shobanjo, 20 of Penavia Court, Colindale had stuffed his pistol and ammunition down the back of the couch.

He was convicted at Harrow Crown Court of possession of a firearm and ammunition, plus possession of crack cocaine and £4,000 in illegal criminal profits.

The court heard that on the morning of September 13, last year officers executed a search warrant at Shobanjo’s home address. 

Upon gaining entry, the suspect was found lying on the sofa and he was immediately arrested.

Officers searched the back of the sofa and found the gun and a quantity of ammunition. 

A number of Class A and B drugs and cash were also found in the property.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bryan Pontin said: “There is absolutely no reason a firearm like this and live ammunition should be on the streets of London. 

“I’m extremely proud of all the hard work that my colleagues have put in to identify Shobanjo and seize this weapon.

“I hope that this result sends a stark warning to anyone who is in possession of, or is thinking holding a firearm for a friend or family member.”