Churchgoer Sentenced For 'Horseplay' During Flatpack Assembly

A professional poker player, cleared of sexually assaulting a female member of his born-again Christian church congregation, has been sentenced for what he described as “horseplay” and “banter”.

Daniel James Godwin, 31, had visited the petite woman’s flat to assemble a flat-pack wardrobe, but grabbed her as she left the bedroom and then pinned her hands above her head.

The five-foot tall civil servant victim claimed he also stood her on her bed and afterwards Godwin sent her a WhatsApp message, which read: “Sorry about the rapey incident earlier.” 

Croydon Crown Court heard he effectively “confessed” to church elders when investigated by the pastor and is now banned from contacting the woman.

Godwin, of Newgate Tower, Newgate, Croydon always fought the charge of sexually assaulting the university graduate on June 16, last year and his trial resulted in a hung jury.

On the eve of the retrial the prosecution dropped the charge and he pleaded guilty to one count of simply assaulting the woman.

Yesterday he was sentenced to eighty hours community service and made subject to a five-year restraining order.

Both attended Redeemer Church, Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, and the woman admitted there was consensual kissing between the pair.

“He asked me to kiss him and I don’t know why I said it, but I said: ‘You kiss me.’ He kissed me on my lips and picked me up and put me on the bed standing up, which I thought was really weird,” she told the trial.

“I remember him staring at me and he had his hand around my waist. I took his arm off and walked off the bed and thought that was the end of it.

“That’s when he grabbed me and put his arms around me, around my waist from behind and I took his arms off again.

“He came after me in the living room, pinning me against the wall. He held my wrists above my head.”

She added: “I did think if I didn’t say the right thing he was probably going to rape me.”

She told the court Godwin, who quit a degree in Medicine, told her: “Lust came over me,” and advised her in order to avoid similar incidents again she should never be alone with a man.

Godwin had visited her Croydon flat to do some odd jobs and they shared an afternoon bottle of wine.

“I didn’t want him to get angry, it was like his face had changed. I said: ‘We can’t do this now’ and that’s when he let go of me and sighed,” the victim told the trial.

“I think at that point he was kissing my neck. I told him to calm down and he stopped.

“My skin crawled a bit. It was just so gross, the whole thing, it felt disgusting.

“I felt he had violated me in my home and I did not even get the curtain tie backs done.”

When questioned by police Godwin said he stopped when it was obvious the woman did not want to continue kissing.

His lawyer Laura Hocknell said: “Both of them had a bit to drink and setting out his motivations after a couple of glasses of wine is not easy. He defendant says it was ‘horseplay’ or ‘banter.’

“He does not accept there was an intention of sexual motivation behind this. He accepts the contact was unwanted, but not sexually motivated.

Judge Elizabeth Smaller told Godwin: “Clearly at one stage you did have romantic intentions  and tried to kiss her. As she tried to get into the sitting room you pinned her against the wall in her own home.

“I suspect you were peeved after the kissing when her intentions changed. This is a serious offence against her when she was alone at home with you.”

Sister Of 'Jihadi Sid' Sentenced For Romantic Harassment Of Documentary Filmmaker

The sister of notorious ISIS executioner ‘Jihadi Sid’, developed a crush on and harassed a journalist documentary producer telling her family’s story, a court heard.

Konika Dhar, 32, of North Circular Road, Palmers Green, Enfield, is the sister of Siddartha Dhar, 35, who fled the UK with his wife and four children to join ISIS, and featured in ’My Son the Jihadi.’

She pursued a romantic relationship with Sunday Times Security Correspondent Richard Kerbaj, who received unsolicited heart emoji’s and flattering messages from Dhar.

She also turned her attention on his ex-girlfriend, Times reporter Katie Gibbons, setting up a fake Facebook account in her name and bothering her relatives.

She told Camberwell Green Magistrates Court she chased Mr. Kerbaj because it had been foretold to her by an imaginary black-clad seven foot-tall Nepalese woman.

She was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 25 days of rehab and must pay £200 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Dhar was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting any contact with the two victims, their friends, families and work colleagues and Mr. Kerbaj’s new girlfriend and was banned from going within 200m of The Times’ London Bridge HQ.

Prosecutor Mr. Terence Curtis told the court Law graduate Dhar sent messages including: ‘Looking beautiful Richard x’ and ‘You look beautiful Richard xx.’ 

Dhar pleaded guilty that between January 1, 2016 and April 4, this year she harassed Mr. Kerbaj with online threats.

She also pleaded guilty that between August 1, 2016 and April 4 she harassed Ms Gibbons with online threats.

Mr. Kerbaj first met her in May, 2015 to make his documentary and there were no issues.

“In mid-2016 her behaviour changed and she began sending him heart emoji’s and inappropriate messages and he told her they were inappropriate and asked her to stop,” explained Mr. Curtis.

Dhar trawled social media to discover Mr. Kerbaj had dated Ms Gibbons. “She became obsessed about this and contacted Katie Gibbons and her family.

“She set-up a fake twitter account pretending to be Katie Gibbons.”

Dhar received a police harassment warning for her behaviour, but despite this she continued, only avoiding further actions because she was out of the country and the complaint was over the time limit.

However, she resumed her campaign in December, 2018. “It started up again and she sent WhatsApp messages to Mr. Kerbaj,” explained the prosecutor.

“She sent at least seven emails to The Times about Richard and Katie’s relationship and tried to get work at The Times with stories about herself.”

Dhar also sent messages to Ms Gibbons’ family on Facebook, including one to her sister, which read: ‘What is your sister doing with my husband? What the f*** is your sister doing?’

She also messaged Mr. Kerbaj’s father and mentioned the journalist’s new girlfriend, writing: ‘Your son belongs with me, not Marine.’

On April 2 this year she visited The Times HQ in person.

The Sunday Times successfully  applied for a High Court restraining order against Dhar, prohibiting contact with the two complainants and their friends and family and going within 200 metres of their Southwark HQ.

She must also unfollow the complainants on twitter and defriend them on Facebook.

Dhar was questioned by the police. “She said she was having a psychotic episode and that was the reason for her behaviour.”

In his victim impact statement Mr. Kerbaj says: “She was not threatening, but was very unnerving and much of it didn’t make sense.

“I don’t know what Konika is capable of, but she seems erratic in her behaviour. She visited my place of work and contacted my ex-girlfriend.”

Ms Gibbons says: “I have never met, spoke or responded to Konika Dhar. It has been relentless on me, my family and my career.

“I think she has become fixated on Richard. It doesn’t make sense that someone I don’t know has so much hate for me. I have had to change my work hours, it has taken it’s toll.”

Probation Officer Patrick Acres told the court: “Quite clearly Ms Dhar, at the time of committing these offences, was not well.

“The diagnosis is schizophrenia and these symptoms were present before the diagnosis.

“She first engaged with mental health services in 2016, but rejected the diagnosis due to the stigma and didn’t feel it matched her self-image.”

Dhar now receives 4 anti-psychotic injections a week. “She feels that has completely changed her way of thinking and she recognises her actions were obsessive.

“Now she is able to think straight she has no intention of contacting these people again.

“If she had been well she probably wouldn’t have behaved in this way.

“She has had a lot of pressure with the high-profile case of her brother and the press were hounding her, they were on her doorstep daily.

“She met the complainant when he was trying to get the views of the family and got involved because she was told she would be put in contact with other families. That was her motivation.”

Dhar, who is due to begin a Masters Degree in Company Law in January claim she just wants to put it all behind her.

Mr. Jon Ross, defending, told the court: “First I’d acknowledge this is a serious offence and highly unpleasant and and no-doubt highly distressing to Mr. Kerbaj and Ms Gibbons and will have a lasting effect on them.

“She is very remorseful and deeply ashamed at the way she behaved. She finds it very difficult to sit there and listen to these messages.

“She does not recognise the person who sent these messages. Her offending took place at a time she was suffering serious delusional behaviour.”

A psychiatrist report reveals Dhar’s belief the seven foot-tall woman was communicating with her telepathically and foretold of the relationship with Mr. Kerbaj.

She believed they were a couple “meant to be” and was in the grip of “bizarre delusional beliefs.”

Dhar also believed she had been or was in danger of being abducted by aliens and that a ghost was haunting her home.

“The greatest punishment will not be the court’s punishment, but the loss of her good character. She is a very proud woman and this loss of character will be a real damaging blow to her,” added Mr. Ross.     

Dhar appeared before the Commons Home Affairs Committee in January, 2016 to answer questions about her brother’s appearance in an ISIS propaganda video showed ‘British spies’ being executed.

Her brother, a former bouncy castle salesman converted from Hinduism to Islam and changed his name to Abu Rumaysah an is now on the US State Department’s global terror list.

Drug Dealer's Cocaine Found Under Floorboards

A drug dealer, who stashed 3.5 kilos of cocaine under his floorboards, has been locked-up for five years.

James Riches, 46, of Brownspring Drive, Eltham was arrested after police raided his south-east London home.

At Woolwich Crown Court he pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug, with intent to supply.

He also admitted possession of a stun gun.

He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for the drug charge and one month for possession of a stun gun, to be served concurrently.

The court heard that on June 17, a drugs warrant was executed at Riches’ house.

On searching the property, officers noticed that floorboards in the stairway cupboard appeared loose.

When they were pulled up, a void was located in which 3.5kg of high purity cocaine was found in four black plastic bags hanging from a hook.

Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard, from Specialist Crime, said: “The Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command will continue to target those who supply large quantities of class A drugs, and bring them to justice. 

“The linking of a stun gun to the possession of these drugs shows the close link between dealing drugs and violence in our communities, which we are determined to reduce.”

Band On The Run: Shoplifter Hunted

A suspected audacious shoplifter, accused of stealing expensive music equipment from the same shop on four different days, is being hunted.

The Clubtek shop in Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, south-east London was targeted during the Summer of 2017.

Daniel Peter Cuddy, 36, is suspected of stealing speakers and amplifiers from the shop. 

The stolen property is valued at around £3,000.

The thefts took place on July 5, July 7, July 10 and July 11, 2017. 

Attempts to find Cuddy have to date been unsuccessful, and officers are now appealing for the public’s assistance in tracing him.

Cuddy has connection to Southwark, Deptford, Lewisham and Sydenham, where he lived in Homecroft Road, until 2017.

Anyone who may have seen Cuddy should call the South East BCU on 101 quoting reference 5383/oct02.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bald Perv Wanted For Bus Sex Assaults

Detectives investigating a series of sexual assaults on women travelling on buses in east and north London are appealing for help to identify a man they wish to speak to.

This CCTV image has been released by the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, which is leading enquiries into the nine offences between Thursday, July 4 and Wednesday, September 25.

Detective Constable Teresa Moore, said: “We clearly need to find whoever is responsible for these assaults, and I would like to thank the women for coming forward to report them.

“Although our public transport system is generally safe, this does not diminish the fact that one such offence is one too many. 

“Under no circumstances will this offending be tolerated and this linked series is being investigated using as many resources as possible.

“It is imperative women in London should be able to board public transport without fear of being targeted.

“Each incident has left the women targeted feeling very upset and shocked, and they are being supported by my team.

“We have carried out extensive enquiries to try and identify this man, and we are now asking the public to contact us if they recognise him.

“Please come forward if you know who he is, whether that means making a report to us directly, or via Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The women who were sexually assaulted by touching are between the ages of 23 and 62 years old, with the majority aged in their twenties.

The incidents have taken place on a number of bus routes including the 38, 48, 279, 254, 149 and 253.

They have been committed from late afternoon onwards but primarily between 7.00pm and 11.00pm.

None of the victims were left with physical injuries following the incidents.

Anyone who recognises the man in the images, or has related information to share, is asked to call detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command via 101 or tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jail For Thug Who Repeatedly Punched Woman During Cab Row

A violent thug punched a woman he knew in the face four times when she tried to jump out of the moving taxi they were travelling in.

Xavier Lightbourne, 30, of Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill received two-and-a-half years imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault, occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was also sentenced to twelve months - to be served concurrently - for breaching a Restraining Order, which was against the same woman.

Detective Constable Chris Willey, from the Central West Safeguarding team, said:“Lightbourne assaulted his victim whilst they were in a moving taxi, when she had no means of escape.

“The fact that he committed this abhorrent attack in front of the driver shows a level of arrogance, and expectation that he could do whatever he wanted. 

“However, that was clearly not the case and he is now in prison for his actions that day.

“I would like to praise the bravery of this victim for coming forward and contacting us. 

“Her presence at court also showed Lightbourne that he would be held to account for his behaviour, leaving him no other option but to plead guilty.

“We would always encourage the victims of violence to speak with police, including their local safeguarding team, or one of the many charities who support those who suffer from abuse.”

On October 18, last year a private hire driver picked up Lightbourne and a woman – who was known to the suspect – in Westminster. 

Lightbourne claimed the woman was drunk and threw her into the back of the cab.

The woman, who was clearly distressed, tried to get out of the cab whilst it was still moving. 

Her attempt enraged Lightbourne, who punched her approximately four times in the face.

The driver stopped the cab and Lightbourne ran off before going into hiding. 

The woman required medical treatment for facial injuries.

Lightbourne was circulated as wanted and a media appeal for information to trace him was issued.

On Wednesday, January 30 he handed himself in at a south London police station and was arrested and charged.

Online Sex Predator Caged

An online sex offender, who abused young females, including a 14 year-old he met on the internet, has been locked-up for seven-and-a-half years.

Abraham Ibrahim, 21, of Woodmill Road, Clapton was found guilty of a number of offences after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

His brother, Yousef Ibrahim, 29, of Woodmill Road, Clapton, was found guilty of one count of perverting the course of justice. 

He was jailed for twelve months.

Abraham Ibrahim contacted his victims through social media messaging apps. 

After exchanging messages Ibrahim arranged to meet one of the victims outside of London in June, 2018. 

He then went on to commit a number of serious sexual offences against her.

At around the same time, Ibrahim was also communicating with another girl aged 14 years-old, who lived in London. 

He met her several times and engaged in sexual activity.

Officers from Central Specialist Crime led the investigation, launched after the parents of one girl called police after finding explicit images on her phone. 

On September 14, last year officers executed a search warrant at Ibrahim’s home address and arrested him on suspicion of child abuse offences. 

He was bailed and further arrested at a later date when more offences came to light.

Yousef Ibrahim was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after he contacted a friend of one of the victims in January, while his brother was on remand, and asking her to change her story.

Suspended Prison Sentence For Harassment Campaign By Text

City of London Magistrates Court

A man who harassed his victim with threatening text messages at a City of London construction recruitment firm has received a suspended prison sentence.

Scott Butler, 44, of Taylor Row, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent must also complete a number of unpaid hours work under Probation Service supervision.

He was charged with harassing Scott Clarke between December 20 and 30, last year at Venture Construction Solutions, New Broad Street by sending a number of threatening text messages stating he would use violence against him and his unborn child.

Butler was sentenced at City of London Magistrates Court to ten weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and ordered to complete up to twenty-five days of a recommended rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must also complete 150 hours community service work and was made subject to a two-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with Mr. Clarke.

Butler must also pay a total of £400 in court penalties.

Universal Credit Claim Continued After Inheritance

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

A benefit claimant, who kept her inheritance a secret and continued to receive money, will now have to work for free after being sentenced.

Sarah Young, 39, of Buckingham Avenue, Thornton Heath did not tell the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) about her windfall while claiming Universal Credit.

She appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with failing to notify the DWP of a change in her circumstances between July 4, 2018 and January 4, this year, namely that she had received a capital asset in the form of an inheritance.

Young was placed on a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 144 hours of unpaid community service work.

She must also comply with a probation-ordered recommended activity requirement of up to thirty days.

The court made no compensation order for the benefit payments Young received as that is being recovered by the DWP.

She must also pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge at the rate of £10 per fortnight.

NOT GUILTY: Consulant Cleared Of Defrauding NHS

100% Innocent: Dr. Klusmann

An NHS consultant with University College London Hospital has been cleared of also working lucrative private shifts while collecting her NHS salary during an alleged £130,000 fraud.

Paediatric radiologist Dr. Maria Klusmann, 47, of Southwood Lane, Highgate  was accused of deliberately deceiving bosses at the Bloomsbury hospital during the two-year scam, her trial heard.

After a four-week trial at Blackfriars Crown Court the consultant was found not guilty of fraud after the jury deliberated for over twenty hours.

“This is a case about money and greed,” prosecutor Leila Gaskin told the jurors at the start of the trial. 

“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 court heard.

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

Dr. Klusmann pleaded not guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position between April 3, 2014 and August 2, 2016 having always protected her innocence.

She denied 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.”

Care Home Boss Denies £250K Fraud

The manager of a Harrow care home looted the accounts of around £250,000 during a five-year scam, even treating herself to a Jimmy Choo handbag, a jury heard today.

Abeeda Khan, 52, ran Oakleigh Care Home, based in Oakleigh Road, Hatch End diverted £81,875 to friends and family during the fraud, the court heard.

Khan, of St. Mary’s Avenue South,  Southall was also the 50% owner of the home and is accused of using the company credit card to make purchases for herself.

The Harrow Crown Court jury was told she also submitted false claims for petty cash; claimed cash back after overpaying for hours worked and used tradesmen and contractors to work on her own properties at the home’s expense.

Prosecutor Mr. Notu Hoon said Khan kept swindling her co-owner despite receiving a £34,000 a year salary for managing the 19-bed home.

“The Crown’s case is she has perpetrated frauds on the home and authorised payments to a number of people from the nursing home’s funds.”

Those people included her cousin; brother-in-law; sister-in-law and other individuals who were “ghost” employees the jury were told.

“Various purchases are made on the home’s credit card for the defendant’s personal use,” explained Mr. Hoon. “There were purchases in Tesco’s, Morrisons and for a Jimmy Choo handbag.”

These added up to approximately £46,748 and the petty cash came to £10,765.

Khan was questioned three times by the police. “She didn’t deny the acts, but claimed her co-owner consented and encouraged her actions.

“However, there is no evidence of agreement and the co-owner rejects the assertion.

“These frauds amount to something in the order of a quarter of a million pounds on top of her salary,” added Mr. Hoon.

Khan has pleaded not guilty to five counts of fraud between July 1, 2012 and September 30, 2017. 

Trial continues…………..

'Murder Mile' Stabbing: £20K Reward Offered

Jude Gayle in shop before stabbing

Police investigating the fatal alleyway stabbing of a fitness instructor two years ago have announced a £20,000 for information that solves the case.

Jude Gayle, 30, (pictured) was killed shortly after leaving this shop on the corner of Dunbar Street and Norwood High Street on the evening of September 24, 2017.

The location of the killing occurred on the notorious 'Murder Mile', which runs from Tulse Hill to West Norwood and three suspects were cleared after an Old Bailey trial.

Jude had been preparing a meal for family members on the Sunday afternoon and made the short distance to the corner shop to buy a bottle of ketchup and lollipop for his young daughter.

After leaving the shop he was stabbed in an alleyway in DuneIm Grove as he made his way back to the family meal.

At 5.39pm, emergency services were called to the alleyway where Jude lay critically injured. 

Despite emergency treatment by a doctor from London's Air Ambulance, Jude was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.42pm.

A post-mortem examination the following day gave cause of death as incised wounds.

Three men were prosecuted with Jude’s murder, but were all later found not guilty following a trial at the Old Bailey.

They are: Jonathon Haynes, 37, of Park Avenue, Mitcham; Leon Bishop, 32, of East Dulwich and Tarelle Bishop, 23, of Dunelm Grove, West Norwood.

The Met is now offering a £20,000 serious crime reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Wright, leading the investigation from the Specialist Crime Command, said: "On the second anniversary of Jude's murder, we remain committed to bringing his killers to justice.

Jude was taken away from his family in the worse way possible. He was a father, brother and a son and it is difficult for them knowing that nobody has been convicted of his murder.

“We have had a number of witnesses come forward with information as part of our investigation, which we are very grateful for but we want anyone who has not already made contact with us to come forward.

The information you have no matter how small, could be a vital piece of evidence. 

“We are counting on you to get in touch and the information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Jude's mother, Pett Roach said: “The past two years have been very difficult for us. I have just accepted that Jude will not be coming back from the shop. 

“He is gone. No one can bring him back. We are left to pick up the pieces and continue with our lives. 

“All I can hope for and all I want is justice, no more, no less. I want those responsible for killing my son, convicted and serve the maximum penalty.”

Jude's partner Rachel Goodchild said: "Sunday 24th September started like any other Sunday but ended so far from anything I thought could ever happen to me. 

“That day Jude, my partner my children’s father got brutally murdered. Leaving me his beloved daughter and unborn son to face life alone. 

“Our daughter speaks daily of Jude wanting wishing and hoping her reality of her daddy no longer being with us is just a dream. 

“She just can’t understand why he is no longer here with us, something I will have to face all over again as our son get older.

“Through the careless actions of others I've been forced into bringing up our children alone and I owe it to them and to the memory of Jude to get justice. 

“So I am pleading from the deepest part of me please if you or anybody you know has any information no matter how big or small please help with the ongoing investigation. 

“We need new compelling evidence, help us get JUSTICE FOR JUDE!"

Anyone with information about Jude's death can contact the Incident Room on 0208 721 4961 or via the police non-emergency number 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org

"You Smell Of Curry" Bus Passenger Hunted By Police

Police are hunting this woman after a man was racially abused onboard a bus in west London by being told: “You smell of curry.”

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) are appealing for witnesses.

The investigation was launched after a video of the incident circulated on social media and was reported in the press.

The video shows a women arguing with a man, and using racist language.

The young woman's mother had been arguing with the bus driver about overcrowding when the male passenger intervened.

However, he was met with the verbal abuse, which included: “You smell of curry, dumb bastard. Go back to your f***ing Southall slum.”

The incident is believed to have happened on a 195 in the Hayes area of Hillingdon borough, on Saturday, September 14.

Officers want witnesses to the incident, or anyone who can provide information about the people involved to come forward.

Initial enquiries have been made with the bus company.

If you have any information about the incident, please call 101 quoting 0921546/19, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Online Predator Groomed Fake Underage Girl

A sexual predator, who posed online as a teenage boy to groom a fictitious young girl during a police trap, has been caged.

Graham Rycraft, 51, of Honour Lea Avenue, Stratford, east London received six years imprisonment, plus an extra four years on licence post-release.

He was convicted after a Snaresbrook Crown Court trial of attempting to meet a child under the age of 16, following sexual grooming.

Rycraft was also found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child under the age of 16; attempting to cause a child under the age of 16 to watch a sexual act and distributing and making indecent images of children.

In September 2018, Rycraft began speaking online to who he thought was a child, but was actually a Metropolitan Police Service officer using an online persona to target predatory offenders.

Rycraft initially claimed he was a 15-year-old boy and then sent Category A images of child abuse, before admitting that he was an adult and continuing to groom the ‘child’.

He arranged to meet the 'child', but was cautious of his security and went to great lengths to keep his identity hidden.

He was arrested on September 5, last year in a phone box having just confirmed to the 'child' where he wanted her to meet him.

An unregistered mobile phone was found in the phone box, which Rycraft denied all knowledge of.

Officers searched his workplace and found a bag containing condoms and Viagra.

During sentencing the judge assessed Rycraft as a dangerous offender and a risk to children, imposing the extended licence period of four years.

Detective Inspector John Halford, of Central Specialist Crime, said: "Rycraft is a calculated and callous man who sought to groom children for his own sexual gratification, taking steps to ensure his own security in the assumption that he would not be caught.

"In actual fact he had encountered officers carrying out a proactive operation aimed at bringing those who seek to exploit and abuse children to justice. 

“He will now spend years behind bars, where he belongs.

“I am proud of the dedicated team of officers involved in this operation who have worked so hard to put a dangerous offender in prison and are continually working to safeguard and protect the children of London.”

Pair Jailed After Police Cocaine Swoop

Mark Lambie (L) & Ben Hamill (R)

Two drug dealers caught in a police operation centered on a cocaine handover at a pub have been locked-up.

Mark Lambie, 48, of Whalebone Grove, Romford received nine years for supplying cocaine.

Ben Hamill, 43, of Buckingham Road, Richmond-upon-Thames, received four-and-half years for the same offence.

They appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court after the seizure of two kilos of cocaine.

A third man, Jamal Primus, 38, of Felixstowe Road, Tottenham had already admitted conspiring to supply cocaine and was due to be sentenced on another date.

On Friday, January 25, officers from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime North Proactive Syndicate conducted a proactive operation targeting a group of gang members from north London.

Officers observed Lambie and Primus arrive at a pub in Ship Lane, Mortlake, south-west London in separate vehicles. 

A short time later, Hamill arrived and handed Lambie a white bag. 

The men then left the location and officers carried out a stop of two vehicles, including the car Lambie and Primas were travelling in, on Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, north London. 

Two kilos of cocaine were recovered and the men were arrested.

On Tuesday, January 29 Hamill was arrested. 

A search of his address revealed fifteen sets of packaging containing cocaine residue, identical to the packaging found wrapped around the cocaine seized four days earlier.

Detective Inspector Pete McDonald, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “This successful operation has seen a significant amount of cocaine removed from the drugs market. 

“Thanks to the dedication of my team, these gang members have been removed from the streets of London and will now serve lengthy sentences.

“Drugs destroy lives and fuel crime and violence in our communities. 

“We will not stop in our efforts to robustly target this kind of criminality and I hope the sentencing serves as a stark reminder to those involved in drugs offences.”