Singing Surfgirl Accused Of £27K Disability Scam

Surf's Up: Hamlyn-Wright in Newquay

A globe-trotting musician and competitive surfer was paid over £27,000 in disability benefits after lying she was so disabled she couldn’t dress or wash herself, a court heard today.

Glastonbury performer October Hamlyn-Wright, 36, toured Australia and Scandinavia and made a music video featuring her surfing skills, which was played to the jury.

The self-styled ‘Rockchick’ and ’Surfgirl’, of Lewarne Road, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall has pleaded not guilty to the charges at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

She is accused of twice making dishonest false representations about her mobility and care needs to the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) in claims for Disability Living Allowance on October 26, 2013 and October 3, 2015.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Price told the court Hamlyn-Wright, who performs simply as ‘October’ had posted pictures and videos of herself on Facebook, YouTube and her own personal website.

“She surfed across the world and Australia and performed at Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight festival and many other venues.

“In the biography on her ‘October Rocks’ website she says she is a professional singer, songwriter, surfer and shark enthusiast and a surfing competitor with ‘Boardmasters’.

“She says she splits her time between London and the south-west and had performed on nine stages at two festivals and at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the ExCel, in Gothenburg, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Melbourne.”

Smoke's Up: Outside Court

Surrey-born Hamlyn-Wright’s benefit applications were made in New Malden. “She provided a letter that documented a considerable number of ailments and illnesses,” added Mr. Price.

“These flare-ups can cause extra lethargy in her joints, which become extremely painful and swollen, effecting her movement and dexterity, she claimed.”

Hamlyn-Wright wrote: “I can suffer temporary paralysis when standing up.”

“She surfed, she travelled, she performed and none of that was volunteered,” said the prosecutor.

“She was awarded the higher rate of the care component because she said she required 120 minutes a day for a carer to assist her getting in and out of bed and 60 minutes every day for washing.”

The benefits were paid directly into Hamlyn-Wright’s bank account for her to employ the necessary carers and she said she also needed help using the toilet.

“The benefit was awarded on the basis she was virtually unable to walk and needed full-time care.”

However, in April, 2017 her claim was referred to DWP investigators who found evidence of her active lifestyle, the jury were told.

“Her website said: ‘October is never without her surfboard and is making a name for herself on the scene and is competing on the UK professional tour.’

“There are videos and photos from 2013 onwards and she was also put under surveillance for a month and is walking, shopping, climbing stairs, performing and engaging with her audience between songs unaided and without obvious pain.”

Hamlyn-Wright was questioned at Kingston-upon-Thames Jobcentre on November 14, 2017 and confirmed she was receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.

“She said she was in pain every day and sometimes in manic and goes into the sea alone during the night and that she was not very good at surfing.

“When she did surf she would spend several days in bed afterwards and said she had friends to help her.

“She was vague about how far she could walk and said she did not have any good days.”

Trial continues………

Cop Tried To Destroy Street Cleaner Over Trivial Gardening Row

A serving police officer, who tried to frame a council street sweeper - who ticked him of about hedge cuttings – as a predatory paedophile, has been jailed.

Hitesh Lakhani, 42, did not like the Hillingdon Council employee warning him about littering the street with his garden trimmings so hatched a plan to destroy his life.

He had been gardening at an Uxbridge address on September 5, 2018 while off-duty.

The PC, based at the Central West Command Unit, claimed the street sweeper lured a five year-old girl into bushes.

He took an image of the man, which was circulated by police during an appeal, insisting he saw the man place the girl's hand between his legs.

Lakhani was convicted at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court of perverting the course of justice and received three years imprisonment.

A neighbour's CCTV images proved he was lying and had fabricated the report.

“This was wicked, prolonged and cruel conduct,” said Judge Jonathan Davies. “Had Mr. Lakhani's evidence not been covered by CCTV this man would have been arrested and remanded in custody.

“You were a police officer, who would normally be calm and professional,” the judge told the disgraced cop.

“This was not spontaneous, you planned this. You have damaged the credibility of police officers generally and cases you have been a part of may need to be re-examined.”

The fake story was maintained for weeks by Lakhani and he fought the charge.

Spurs' Star Nets Three Points

Tottenham Hotspur star Jan Vertonghen has picked up three penalty points after a camera clocked him speeding in his powerful 3-litre Audi.

The 32 year-old Belgian international, of Upper Park Road, Hampstead was sentenced today at Willesden Magistrates Court.

The camera recorded the centre-half driving the black vehicle at 58mph on the North Circular Road, near Bounds Green Road, New Southgate at 5.58pm on May 20, last year - 8mph over the speed limit.

Vertonghen originally admitted the offence under Single Justice Procedure rules and the case was adjourned from November 27, last year.

As well as endorsing his driving licence with three penalty points the court fined Vertonghen £600, with £85 costs and ordered him to pay a £66 victim surcharge.

Midnight Bottle Attack: Young Man Suffers Fractured Skull

Police are hunting these two suspected thugs after a young man suffered a fractured skull when attacked with a glass bottle in west London.

West Area CID have released this image as part of an appeal to the public to identify the men.

At thirty-two minutes after midnight on Sunday August 18, last yearofficers and the London Ambulance Service were called to The Mall, Ealing to reports of a male assaulted with a glass bottle.

A 25-year-old man was found with a fractured skull. 

He was taken to a London hospital and has since been discharged however, he is still undergoing treatment due to the injuries caused.

One man has been arrested and charged as part of the investigation, but detectives from the West Area CID are asking for the public’s help to identify two further men they wish to speak to in connection with the assault.

Detective Constable Tim Warren, from West Area CID, said: “This was an brutal attack which has left a young man requiring ongoing treatment.

“These images are of good quality and we urge anyone who recognises the men pictured to get in touch and assist us with our investigation.”

Anyone who may know the identity of the two men, or who has information that may assist police, is asked to contact call police on 101 quoting reference 252/18AUG19. 

You can also tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

OAP Punched In The Face: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected thug after a pensioner was left with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket during a violent street confrontation.

Police in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have released this image of the man they are hunting

They are appealing to members of the public with assistance in identifying the suspect.

At around 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 14, last year the 71 year-old victim was leaving a Tesco store on Fulham Road, Fulham. 

He had a brief verbal exchange with the suspect, who then followed him down the road.

The victim turned to face the man, who punched him in the face without warning. 

The suspect then fled.

The man was taken to hospital where he was found to have sustained a broken cheekbone and eye socket.

There have been no arrests.

Detective Constable Jack Ely, from the Central West Command Unit, said: "We urge anyone who recognises this man to contact us. 

“The victim sustained serious facial injuries and is still suffering from the emotional effects of this assault to this day."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 6023275/19.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous members of the public can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website: crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sweet Justice: Confectionary Shop Robber Jailed

There is nothing sweet about armed robber Darren O'Shea, who has been jailed for holding up a confectionary shop at gunpoint.

The 45 year-old fled empty handed after a sales assistant hit the panic button and he was hunted down by the Flying Squad.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he received 12 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of robbery and one of attempted robbery.

Detective Constable David Reed said: “I have no doubt the suspect would have continued committing this terrifying spate of robberies and the sentence today is a deterrent to those thinking of carrying out such violent crimes.”

On July 13, last year O’Shea entered a Co-Op convenience store in Westhorne Avenue, Eltham, at around 9.05pm. 

He threatened the store clerk with a gun and demanded money from the register. 

He managed to take around £300 from the shop before making off.

After the robbery a family member of one of the shop workers viewed the CCTV and recognised O’Shea.

Just five days later, on July 18 O’Shea attempted to rob a small sweetshop in Charlton at gun point. 

This time, the shop assistant managed to trigger the panic button, causing him to flee the scene.

The police quickly arrived and viewed CCTV footage, identifying O’Shea as the person who was also responsible for the Co-Op robbery.

A manhunt was launched and Flying Squad officers were able to track down O’Shea at an apartment near to where he had attempted the second robbery. 

He was arrested and the premises searched by officers. 

During the search a firearm and the clothing worn by the robber in both offences was seized.

After the firearm was recovered, forensics determined that it was actually an imitation gas-powered handgun.

O’Shea admitted to police that he had used the firearm to steal the money and admitted committing both robberies to fund his drug addiction.

Rough Sleeper Caught With Stanley Blade

A rough sleeper, caught with a Stanley blade outside King's Cross railway station, has been locked-up for six months.

Paul Thorpe, 30, of Mecklenburgh Street, Camden was arrested by British Transport Police after making checks and searching him.

He was seen by officers outside the busy central London station on December 11, last year.

Checks on the Police National Computer confirmed Thorpe was in breach of a court order.

He was arrested and during the search, was found to be in possession of the blade. 

During interview, he accepted carrying the blade, and claimed he had intended to hand it into police.
At Westminster Magistrates Court he was convicted of possessing a bladed article and breaching a court order.

As well as being jailed Thorpe was ordered topay a £120 victim surcharge.
Sergeant David Underwood, said: “Thorpe was in possession of a nasty looking blade and I fully accept the court locking him up. 

“We are committed to tackling knife crime throughout the Capital and sentences such as this demonstrate how we will take quick and decisive action against those who carry weapons.”

GUILTY: Romanian Uber Driver Who Ripped-Off Vulnerable Blind Singer

Convicted: Cornel Mihai

A greedy Uber driver has been convicted of heartlessly exploiting a celebrated blind singer by using her phone to give himself a £20 tip and 5-star rating.

Cornel Mihai, 32, tricked 39 year-old Victoria Oruwari into handing over her iPhone at the end of the £51 journey and awarded himself the bonus’ without her knowledge.

The Romanian-born dad-of-two, of Thorpe Road, Barking fought the case, but was convicted yesterday of fraud by false representation and will be sentenced on February 3.

Ms Oruwari was alone and desperate to get home from London Bridge Station at 10.00pm on June 29 and was forced to book the BMW Uber cab because there were no trains to East Croydon.

“It has reiterated the fact I am vulnerable and more susceptible to crime and being taken advantage of, but to lead a full life I have to trust people,” the soprano singer told Croydon Magistrates Court.

“That trust has been shaken, but I am determined to continue trusting in people,” added Ms Oruwari, who has performed at the Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Guildhall London and international venues.

She was a finalist on BBC’s ‘All Together Now’ and has performed with the Birmingham City Orchestra, Perth City Orchestra and the Royal Navy Brass Band.

Mihai fought the case all the way and still has not returned the £20 tip, which he continues to insist he did not award himself.

Deceived: Victoria Oruwari 

She told the court Mihai enquired about her sight loss during the journey, but he insisted this was not true. “I felt irritated because it was none of his business , but as I was in his car I thought it best to be polite.

“He said I was getting on with life well and was happy and I said: ‘Yes. There’s nothing to be sad about.’

“He told me he could not end the trip on his App and asked if could hand him my phone to end it. I thought it was a little odd, but there was nothing in his behaviour to make me think I wasn’t safe.

“I did not think anything fishy was going on, but I was handing him a lot of trust because of the information on the phone,” she told the court.

She turned off her phone’s screenreader function, which allows her to use it before handing it over to Mihai and only discovered the tip once she was home.

“I was shocked that I had been charged twice the fare, although I knew there would be a price surge, but also that the driver had been rated five-star and tipped twenty pounds.

“The only time I did not have the phone was when I gave it to him and had to switch off the screenreader so couldn’t hear what was happening.”

Uber immediately refunded Ms Oruwari the fare and reported Mihai to the police and removed him from their approved drivers’ database.

Mihai denied using Ms Oruwari’s iPhone. “I finished this journey on my phone,” he told the trial. “I want to work honestly.”

His lawyer Edward Seller told the court: “We are talking about twenty pounds and the loss of his livelihood. He has a lot more to lose than gain.”

Magistrate Pat Heslop announced: “We accept the evidence of the complainant, who gave a credible account of the events.

“Nothing has been suggested as to how this happened otherwise and we find it difficult to accept Mr. Mihai wouldn’t have known Ms Oruwari had issues with her sight.”

Prosecutor Julie Idowu told the court: “The Crown’s case is that this defendant made a false representation that he needed to use the complainant’s phone to end the journey and this was in order to make a gain for himself.

“The Crown also note the complainant is a vulnerable individual, is registered blind with a total loss of sight since the age of six.”

Young Boy Sexually Assaulted By Intruder: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected sexual intruder after a young boy was molested in his west London bedroom.

Police were called at around 00.20am on Saturday, November 23 to a residential address on The Greenway, Ickenham.

They investigated a report that a man had gained entry to the property before sexually assaulting a young boy in a bedroom. 

There was no evidence of forced entry.

The man fled the scene after the child told him that he would phone the police.

The new image being released was taken from a camera at a local underground station. 

Detective Sergeant David Baldwin, from the West Area Command Unit’s Safeguarding team, said: “This is the second appeal we are making to identify this man in connection with our enquiries. 

"I’d like to thank members of the public who have called in so far to help with our investigation, as every piece of information matters.

“We are yet to identify a man we would like to speak to and so hope releasing this further image may help progress enquiries. 

“This remains a well-resourced investigation and the boy and his family continue to receive specialist support. 

"We are not confirming his age in order to protect his identity.

“We know the suspect got on an E7 bus prior to the incident before he then boarded an underground train. 

“Whilst incidents such as this are thankfully very rare, I encourage people to ensure that their homes are kept secure at all times and to report anyone acting suspiciously.”

The suspect is described as white, of slim build with short hair and a beard. 

He was wearing blue jeans, a T-shirt and a dark coloured coat.

There have been no arrests as yet and enquiries continue.

Anyone who recognises the man in the images, or who was in the area at the time, is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 145/23NOV. 

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

90 MPH Killer Driver Is Caged

Celia Ines Betrouni & Aaron Blackwood Jones

A speeding motorist, who struck and killed a young woman crossing the road in the early hours, has been locked-up.

Aaron Blackwood Jones, 31, of Vauxhall Street, Vauxhall was driving his blue VW Golf at 90mph when he hit 24 year-old Celia Ines Betrouni.

The young Frenchwoman was crossing Brixton Hill, near the junction with New Park Road on January 12, last year.

He abandoned the badly-damaged vehicle, but after a police appeal to the public gave himself up two days later.

Blackwood Jones pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

At Southwark Crown Court he received ten years imprisonment and will be disqualified from driving for eight years on his release.

Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance all attended but Celia died at the scene from her injuries.

Blackwood Jones failed to stop following the collision and abandoned his car in nearby Harriet Tubman Close, Brixton Hill.

He attended a police station on Monday, January 14 and was arrested.

Detective Sergeant Richard Budd from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command led the investigation.

He said: “Blackwood Jones was driving at around 90mph in a 30mph zone – his excessive speed meant there was only one outcome when he struck Celia.

“His actions have utterly shattered Celia’s family who will have to deal with their loss for the rest of their lives.

“Blackwood Jones will now spend a significant period of time in prison. 

“His reckless actions offer a clear indication of the devastating impact driving at excessive speed can have.”

"Explosion Of Violence": Mum And Daughter Convicted Of Tube Train Assaults

Sophie Elsden & Renata Regin

Mother and daughter beauty therapists attacked a woman travelling with her two young girls on a packed tube after one of the youngsters grabbed the only available seat, a court heard.

Renata Regin, 50 and Sophia Elsden, 25, had just finished work in Sloane Square and turned on the 35 year-old mum, whose head was bashed against a metal hand rail, the trial was told.

City of London Magistrates Court heard after the 5 year-old took the seat Regin was also annoyed by her 9 year-old sister kicking out her legs while sitting on her mother’s lap.

“I had asked the older one (Regin) to move her bag, which was in front of me, so my daughter could sit on my lap, but then she started saying: ‘Look at her legs, look at her legs.’ They were making loud comments about us,” explained the mum.

When the mother, who was also travelling with her parents and had just enjoyed a family day at Portobello Road Market, asked: “Is there a problem?” violence erupted.

Shocked passengers on the Jubilee Line train travelling towards London Bridge on October 13, 2018 witnessed the girls’ 65 year-old grandad twice hit Regin, when she pulled the screaming 9 year-old’s hair.

“The younger one (Elsden) grabbed my hair, wrapped it around her hand and pulled my head back and forth, bashing it against the pole,” said the mother from behind a screen.

“I had a sore head at that point, but could only focus on my children. People on the tube were screaming at the ladies to stop.”

The grandfather told the court: “The older woman (Regin) moved towards the free seat, but my youngest grand-daughter shot into it.

“The nine year-old was on my daughter’s lap and I could hear them saying: ‘Disgusting child’ and: ‘Look at her feet, disgusting.’

“The older one said: ‘Yes, I’ve got a problem with your child. She’s disgusting,’ and the younger one said: ‘Yes, she is disgusting.’

“The younger one got into my grand-daughter’s face and said: ‘You’d better watch your mouth child,’ and then grabbed my daughter’s hair and smashed her head into the railing.

“They were both attacking her at one point and the older one said: ‘I’m going to kill you, I’m kill to kill you.’

“My youngest grand-daughter was crying and screaming her head off and when her sister stood up the older lady grabbed the nine year-old’s hair and pulled her head back.

“The violence came from nowhere. It was like an explosion of violence,” added the grandad. “Everyone was in shock due to the extreme violence.

“They were attacking my daughter and my grandchildren and at one point I did hit the older one with my fist, with restraint, with minimal force to the side of her face to get her to stop the attack.

“The older one then swaggered over and did a high karate-style kick to try and take my head off and I hit her a little harder into the face.

“I’ve never seen people lose their tempers as quickly as that.”

Regin told the trial trouble began when she scolded the mother about the way her children were behaving. 

“A seat was available next to the woman and I was about to take it, but was kind of pushed because the girl jumped on the seat.

“The girl on the woman’s lap was moving her feet, her legs were in the air, you could feel them and I told her it was not the way to bring children up.”

She claimed the mother then became aggressive towards her daughter and as she tried to protect her was attacked by the grandad.

“All of a sudden I felt a blow to my chin and I tried to kick the man in the groin. I was shocked, hurt, humiliated and was then elbowed on the side of my throat and gasped for air.

“I didn’t pull any child’s hair, I didn’t touch the children. They are fabricating the story to protect the grandfather.”

Elsden, who says the distressing incident prompted her move to Devon, said: “I pointed the seat out to my mum and as she was about to sit down the child pushed and rushed across to sit down next to her mother.

“My mother did say the child pushed past with no regard and the parents should bring them up better and then the woman said: ‘Do you have a problem?’ and continued to taunt my mum.

“The lady then came towards me with her arms out, aggressively and the grandad hit my mum under the chin and she fell back into two guys.”

Both Regin, of Searles Drive, Docklands and Elsden, of Castle Chambers, Union Street, Torquay were convicted of assaulting the mother.

Regin alone was found guilty of assaulting the 9 year-old and both were bailed until January 31 for pre-sentence reports.

Trainee Solicitor Jailed For Sex Attacks On Two Lone Women Within An Hour

Caged: Monster Marodza

A trainee solicitor – dubbed a “dangerous predator” - has been caged for 14 years for sex attacks two lone women within an hour of each other while prowling the late-night streets.

Wilfred Marodza, 28, repeatedly raped a young woman, 21, he pounced on from behind in the early hours and attacked the second woman, 25, sixty minutes later.

Marodza, of Kingston Road, Eastbourne pleaded guilty to four counts of raping the first woman in Dickens Fields, Great Dover Street, Southwark on July 20.

He also pleaded guilty to kidnapping the second 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.

Marodza was in the capital on a work trip, but was quickly traced to his family's home on the south coast.

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.

Marodza: Legal Career In Tatters

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 remained until being sentenced. 

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. 

“I would like to recognise the dignity and courage of both women, who were subjected to horrifying ordeals after having the dreadful misfortune of being targeted by Marodza.

“He is a dangerous predator, who took advantage of being in London to violently attack two women.

“Both were left in fear of their lives and he will now serve a substantial amount of time behind bars, where he can bring no further harm to women.

“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.

Key Charge Prison Officer Caught With Cannabis During Police Road

A HMP Wandsworth officer being investigated for copying keys at the jail was caught with cannabis during a police raid on his home.

Lithuanian-born Andrej Martynov, 40, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court charged with both offences.

Martynov, of Routh Street, Beckton, east London was sent to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to appear on February 10 on the more serious charge.

He is accused that while the holder of a public office, namely the Key Controller at HMP Wandsworth, he misconducted himself on September 13, last year my making moulds of prison keys and removing them.

However, he pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis at his former address in Earlsfield Road, Earlsfield on the same date.

Prosecutor Mr. George Crivelli told the court officers executed a search warrant at Martynov’s former home.

“He had two containers of cannabis, which were sealed. I small amount of cannabis.

“He said it was for personal use and paid eighty pounds for it from a cyclist in Wandsworth Park.”

Martynov’s lawyer Caroline Reeve said: “The cannabis was a small amount for personal use and he made full admissions in interview, is of good character and should receive credit for his guilty plea.

“This has cost him his job and he now does casual work and his income is varied and limited.”

Marytnov was fined £246 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Sleazy Halloween Uber Driver Exposed Himself To Party Girl

An Uber driver, who subjected a lone young woman to a Halloween horror when he exposed himself during their extended journey while asking for sex, has been sentenced.

Nadeem Afzal, 51, deliberately took a longer route from north to south London while trying to persuade the woman, in her early twenties, to perform sex acts on him.

Fortunately the victim used her phone to make an audio recording of Afzal’s sleazy demands, which was used as evidence against him.

The Pakistani national, of Limes Avenue, Chigwell pleaded guilty to exposure in the early hours of November 1, last year and was committed by Wimbledon Magistrates Court to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court for sentencing.

On Thursday he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

Afzal was also made subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The woman had been out on Halloween and used the Uber App to request a cab home and Afzal arrived to collect her for what should have been a forty minute journey.

However, twenty minutes into the journey Afzal exposed himself to her and asked several times for her to touch him intimately.

She refused, but continued recording his sexually-explicit requests.

After nearly two hours in the vehicle she was eventually dropped-of at a takeaway near her home in south-west London.

When she got home she immediately called the police and Afzal was quickly identified.

It took nearly a year for him to be charged with the offence. 

Sergeant Jonny Harris of the Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Command said: “Afzal preyed on this female passenger in his minicab and was extremely persistent in his sexual advances and behaviour, leaving the passenger feeling scared and vulnerable.

“The victim showed courage coming forward to police and reporting Afzal, who is now a registered sex offender and can no longer work as a cab driver.”

Mandy McGregor, Head of Transport Policing and Community Safety at Transport for London said: “Nobody should ever be subjected to this kind of revolting and predatory behaviour and we are pleased to hear that Afzal has been brought to justice for his actions.

“We applaud the bravery of the victim for coming forward.

“We expect the highest standards from TfL licensed taxi and private hie drivers, which is why Afzal is no longer a licensed driver.

“We take every report seriously so it can be investigated by the police.”

Solicitor Denies £82K Legal Aid Fiddle Involving Boyfriend's Translation Firm

Alexandru Major & Babita Attra

A solicitor and her boyfriend used his translation company to falsely inflate Legal Aid claims during an £82,743 scam, a court heard.

Babita Attra, 41, worked for top Fleet Street criminal firm Carson Kaye and ensured over-priced translation work went to Alexandru Major, 35, the jury were told.

The couple, of Muncies Mews, Catford have both pleaded not guilty to conspiring to defraud the Legal Aid Agency between March 1, 2016 and February 1, 2017.

They have both also pleaded not guilty to forgery on or before February 23, 2017 and transferring criminal property, namely £15,300.

Attra alone also denies false accounting between March 1, 2016 and February 1, 2017.

Prosecutor Eleanor Mawrey told Inner London Crown Court four overseas clients of Carson Kaye, who were facing criminal charges, needed important evidence against them translated from English to their native language.

“The Legal Aid process was manipulated by these two defendants and these four criminal cases were manipulated in the same way.”

One Romanian client with poor English needed 113,000 words translated, but Attra falsely claimed for 450,000 words and awarded the £33,800 contract to Major’s company Madison Translations.

That fee was met by taxpayers, via the Legal Aid Agency.

“This was a gross overestimate of the words needed to be translated. She quadrupled it,” explained Ms Mawrey.

Another company provided a cheaper quote, but the contract went to Madison Translations.

“A partner of the solicitors’ firm discovered what was going on and Major assured them everything was okay and there had been some technical problems uploading the correct information.”

To justify the translation fee the work was padded with extra necessary words, the court was told.

“They tried to cover their tracks and come up with translated documents that came up to the figure,” said Ms Mawrey. 

“Large chunks of unnecessary legislation were added, for example the Road Traffic Act was added to a drug importation case.

“Once the payments were received by Major he transferred significant portions to Attra,” added the prosecutor.

They were both arrested at home on November 6, 2018 and Attra agreed she submitted quotes, but relied on Madison Translations’ word count.

Major denied any dishonesty and insisted the work was not falsely translated and money he transferred to his co-defendant was cash he owed her.

Attra’s old boss, solicitor John Kaye, told the jury she was employed on a self-employed basis and introduced Major as somebody qualified to act as a police station legal representative.

“He was never employed by the firm and they had a professional relationship as far as I knew.”

Trial continues……………