Accountant's £4,300 Cancer Con

A chartered accountant, who conned his new internet girlfriend out of £4,300 by claiming he was dying from stomach cancer, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Badal Arun Hindocha, 34, sent messages including: “If I don’t solve this problem, I’m dead. I’ve collapsed again. I’m dead.”

The accountancy and financing graduate - employed by a Canary Wharf firm - told Tina Mistry he lost income due to missing work to attend hospital appointments.

Hindocha, of Oakways, Eltham pleaded guilty to fraud between January 30, 2017 and March 7, 2018 and was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

He must also complete 280 hours community service and pay Ms Mistry, who he met on an internet dating site, £6,000 compensation.

“She hoped to form a fulfilling relationship and saw you as a prospective partner and not someone who caused her judgement of people to be shaken,” Croydon Crown Court Judge Elizabeth Smaller told Hindocha.

“You have taken advantage of her trust that you were genuinely ill and had even witnessed your cousin dying and you had a terminal illness and over six weeks caused her to make eleven bank transfers to you.

“You even engaged someone else to tell her you were on medical life-support and she should not contact you again.

“She must have been wondering if you were dead or alive, but then saw you were back on that dating website.

“She thought it was a genuine romance and you committed a fraud on her vulnerability and trust.”

Ms Mistry told the police: “It has made me feel very upset that I had been used and taken advantage of. I did not think he could lie and fake that he had cancer.”

Prosecutor Mr. Iestyn Morgan told the court the pair began dating in December, 2017. “After two months the defendant said he was off work due to medical operations and was short of money and struggling to meet bills.

“He told her he was very weak and ill, couldn’t consume food and said that he had stomach cancer, which was not true.”

Hindocha even invented another story that his cousin was a car accident victim and he was holding her hand as she passed away in hospital.

His lawyer Imran Khan said the money was spent on installing a downstairs toilet for his disabled parents.

Hindocha has a Masters from Middlesex University and has lost his ACCA accreditation to practice as a chartered accountant as a result the fraud.

“What started out as an offer he took advantage of and that was stupid,” the lawyer told the court. “He’s tearful, stressful and terrified about what will happen today.”

Judge Smaller said: “This was a fraud upon someone that was trusting and involved the manipulation of someone’s good sense and hopes and preyed on hopes that she had a future with the defendant.”

Armed Hackney Marshes Flasher: E-Fit Released

Police are hunting this knife-wielding pervert who flashed a lone woman on Hackney Marshes.

On Friday, May 17, at around 3.10pm, a woman was approached on the famous open space in east London by a man who was in possession of a knife.

The man held the knife in a threatening way and exposed himself. 

When the woman screamed the suspect fled.

A short time later, police received further reports of a man, of the same description, continuing to expose himself in the Hackney area.

The suspect is described as a light skinned black man, aged between twenty and thirty years-old. 

He was wearing a khaki jacket/anorak with the hood up and dark tracksuit trousers. 

The man possibly wears his hair in braids.

Anyone who has information concerning the identity of the man is asked to call officers at the Central East Command Unit via 101 quoting reference Cad 4711/17May19, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Renewed Appeal On Kilburn Double Stabbing: Do You Know This Man?

Police investigating a double early hours stabbing in north-west London have again released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Both attacks occurred within an hour of each other in Kilburn High Road on April 9.

This is the second attempt to identify the suspect after the first appeal was unsuccessful.

Police were initially called at 1.19am after a 63 year-old man was stabbed in the back near the junction with Victoria Road.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended and he was taken to a central London hospital for treatment before being discharged.

At around 2.35am police were called to the stabbing of a 39 year-old man further along Kilburn High Road close to Cambridge Avenue.

Officers and LAS attended and found the man suffering a stab wound to the abdomen. 

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

Detective Constable Thomas Ryan, from North West Area's CID, said: "Following a thorough investigation, including analysis of CCTV, we are confident that the attacks that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 April are linked.

"We are releasing an image again of a man we want to trace and speak to - do you recognise him? If so, please get in contact with us without delay.

"Following the two incidents, we increased our presence in and around the Kilburn High Road area as a precaution.

“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.”

No arrests have been made at this time. Enquiries continue.

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

Hooded Knifeman Hunted For Face-Slashing

Police are hunting this suspected knifeman after a 65 year-old grandad was viciously slashed across the face outside his east London home.

On Thursday April 11, officers were called to Mandeville Street, East Ham shortly after 8.00pm, to find the victim had been slashed across the face with a knife.

The London Ambulance Service were already on scene and had been treating the victim’s significant facial wound, which required multiple stitches.

The victim was approaching his home when he was approached from behind by a man and slashed across the face. 

The suspect then ran off over the other side of the street.

The victim's daughter and grandson, who heard the shouts of the victim, had come out of the house and attempted to pursue the suspect, however he fled the scene.

Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

He can be seen in the imagery wearing a Black puffer jacket with a small white logo, dark trousers and black rucksack – he is believed to be in his mid-twenties.

There is no information to suggest the victim and suspect are known to each other. 

Enquiries continue to establish any possible motive.

Detective Constable Robina Balal of the Central East Command said: “This was a callous and unnecessary attack on an innocent member of public.

“We urge anyone who recognises the man in the imagery to come forward and let us know; any information could help us to catch the man who caused this life-changing injury.”

If you have any information about the man in the images or, anything to do with the incident, please contact police on 101, quoting CAD 7174/11Apr. 

Alternatively, you can contact anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knife-Wielding Rapist Who Pounced As Victim Made Him Tea Is Jailed

A “predatory and dangerous” rapist, who attacked his victim at knifepoint as she made him a cup of tea, has been caged for ten years and two months.

Abdullahi Mohammed, 30, of Watling Avenue, Harrow, is a vague acquaintance of the woman's family and invited himself over on the day.

He pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court to rape; attempted rape; threats to kill and possession of a bladed article.

On September 27, last year the woman, aged in her thirties, reluctantly allowed Mohammed into her home when he got in touch out of the blue.

While in the kitchen making a cup of tea the victim was grabbed from behind by Mohammed and threatened her with a knife. 

He then forced her into the lounge and raped her. 

During the incident Mohammed threw the knife he had used in the attack out of a window into the communal area.

Afterwards he left the address to go and retrieve the knife. 

The victim raised the alarm with a neighbour, who photographed Mohammed retrieving his weapon.

Police were called and Mohammed was arrested later that day.

Detective Sergeant Andy Cook of the North Area Safeguarding Unit said: "The judge in the case described Abdullahi Mohammed as 'predatory' and 'dangerous' and I am glad he will now spend a considerable amount of time in jail.

“I would like to praise the woman for her courage in both reporting this to police and supporting this prosecution. 

“I can only hope that Mohammed’s conviction and sentencing brings her some form of closure.”

DIY Gunman Jailed For Hampstead Heath Weapon

A DIY gunman has been jailed for five years after his improvised firearm was found hidden on Hampstead Heath.

Dominic Van Allen, 46, was convicted of possessing a disguised prohibited firearm and possessing a prohibited component part of a firearm.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard officers from Hampstead Heath Constabulary, on patrol in the park, found a concealed encampment on November 11, last year. 

It contained a hide concealing what appeared to be a pipe bomb. 

A bullet was also discovered in the undergrowth.

Specialist explosives officers from the Metropolitan Police attended the scene to make it safe. 

The ‘pipe bomb’, a smaller piece of pipe and a bullet were taken to a lab to be analysed.

It was later established the ‘pipe bomb’ was in fact an improvised gun with an inbuilt silencer, capable of firing bullets similar to that found in the undergrowth. 

The smaller piece of pipe recovered from the scene was a component part that enabled the user to change the calibre of bullets which could be fired.

The bullet, which did not contain gun powder, was capable of being used in the gun if adapted with the explosive substance.

Detectives from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command launched an investigation, retrieving evidence including a jiffy bag with Van Allen’s name found discarded in woods near the hides. 

On February 19, this year they traced and arrested Van Allen on suspicion of firearms offences.

Meanwhile, forensic specialists carrying out analysis of the improvised firearm, found DNA on it that was a match for Van Allen’s, and he was subsequently charged.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent James Harman, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The hides in Hampstead Heath were discovered by diligent parks officers on routine patrol.

“It’s not known what Van Allen’s motives for having the gun were. If not discovered by police, it could have been used in crime and seriously injured or potentially killed someone. 

“His sentence is a reminder to anyone with a gun - improvised or otherwise - that there are severe consequences for having it.

Ex-Football Coach's Rematch With Former Player Scheduled For Next Year

An ex-football coach, accused of molesting a young boy during sleepovers four decades ago, will return to court for another trial next year.

Former delivery driver David Hinman, 70, of Poplar Close, Downham Market, Norfolk was accused of two separate incidents.

An Inner London Crown Court jury found him not guilty of two counts of indecent assault relating to one sleepover.

However, they could not agree a verdict on two more counts of indecent assault relating to a sleepover following a holiday abroad. 

Hinman, who has always protested his innocence, will return on March 2 to fight those charges.

The court 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 between 1981 and 1985.

Hinman told the trial: “I never touched him physically at all. It absolutely did not take place.”

Hinman admitted 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 told the jury: “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.”

Lodger Accused Of Double Stabbing During Eviction

Unwanted: Paul Cane

An unwanted lodger tried to murder a friend of the man he shared with by repeatedly plunging a knife into him as he was being escorted from the property, a court heard today.

Paul Cane, 47, of Northfield Road, Hounslow also tried to stab his housemate, who wanted him out of the address.

He has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to the attempted murder of Scotsman Cassidy Callaghan and an alternative lesser charge of wounding him, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Cane has also pleaded not guilty to attempting to wound Brian Barratt, with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm and a lesser alternative charge of assault, causing actual bodily harm.

The jury were told it was 10.45pm when Mr. Cassidy and his friend visited the home of Mr. Barratt, an older gentleman.

“Upon arrival Mr. Barratt began making a complaint about a man lodging at the house, Paul Cane, who was in at the time,” the prosecutor told the court.

“Mr. Cassidy and his friend went up to speak to Cane and asked him to leave and during the conversation things became physical.

“Cane had only been living at the house for a few days and was not happy about having to leave.

“The defendant lost his temper and produced a knife and stabbed Mr. Cassidy repeatedly in the back, with intent to kill him.

“As he was doing so he tried to stab Mr. Barratt as well and caught him near the eye with the blade.

“They eventually managed to get him out of the house and Cane then attempted to get back into the property.”

Trial continues……….. 

Bus Pervert Gets Three-And-A-Half Years For Molesting Two Teen Girls

A bus sex pest, who molested two 13 year-old girls within an hour of each other, has been caged for three-and-a-half years.

Andrew Godman, 34, of Salehurst Road, Brockley also received a ten-year ban from the two south-east London routes and approaching girls on public transport.

He fought the charges, but was convicted of two counts of sexual assault after a Woolwich Crown Court trial.

The offences were committed on the afternoon of November 15, last year and in each case Godman sat next to the victim, blocking her in by the window seat, and subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault.

The first offence was committed on a busy Route 126 bus heading towards Eltham. 

The assault lasted for around half an hour, during which time the victim told Godman to stop several times and tried to discreetly get the attention of other passengers so they could help.

Around half an hour later, he boarded a Route 273 bus in the Grove Park area of Lewisham. 

Godman was captured on CCTV groping the second victim's thigh in an assault which lasted for around five minutes, before the victim got off at an earlier stop than she intended in order to escape him.

Both incidents were reported to police, and the investigation was led by the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command.

Within days of a media appeal releasing an image of Godman officers visited Godman's address resulting in his arrest.

During police interview, Godman was shown CCTV of the assaults and admitted it was him sitting on the bus with the two victims, but denied that he had sexually assaulted them.

Detective Constable Darren Barlow, who led the investigation, said: “These were appalling sexual assaults in public on two young, vulnerable girls who were understandably left shaken and distressed by the attacks.

"Despite having CCTV evidence which clearly showed the assaults, Godman denied wrongdoing and suggested that the allegations were made up, making the victims relive their experiences in court. 

“Thankfully, a jury saw through his denials.

"I hope that this result shows how hard officers in the Roads and Transport Command work to identify people who commit predatory offences on London's transport network.”

Mandy McGregor, Head of Transport Policing at Transport for London, said:“Andrew Godman is a predator. 

“He sexually assaulted two young girls which must have been terrifying for them. 

“Thanks to their courage to come forward and report the incidents, Godman was identified quickly by the police and has been brought to justice for his deplorable crimes.”

Gun Factory Villain Caged

A gunman specialising in converting imitation firearms into deadly live weapons has been locked up after an early hours police swoop outside his west London home.

Mekaeel Bailey, 34, of Porchester Road, Paddington, received four years and eight months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to attempted conversion of an imitation firearm and possession of a loaded imitation firearm in a public place.

Bailey also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of ammunition and one count of possession of articles to convert firearms.

On March 15, officers from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command carried out a proactive operation and stopped Bailey in Porchester Road at 1.30am.

He was searched under the Firearms Act and found in possession of a Bruni 96 imitation firearm that had attempted to be converted. 

The weapon was also found to contain two live rounds of ammunition.

Following his arrest, police conducted a search of Bailey’s home address and discovered it was being used to convert firearms.

A number of specialist tools were located, along with 80 rounds of ammunition, 47 of which were live, propellant powder for ammunition and parts of firearms.

"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.”