Teen Girl Gang's Park Attack

Four teenage girls are being hunted after a woman was punched to the ground and kicked in a north London urban park.

The victim, aged in her twenties, suffered bruising to her legs and neck and shoulder pain.

Police from the Central East Command Unit have released his CCTV image of the suspects.

At approximately 7.30pm on Thursday, February 27, the woman was walking through Shoreditch Park, Hoxton with her shopping.

She was surrounded by four teenage girls she had never seen before. 

They punched the victim in the face, beat her, and kicked her as she fell to the floor and attempted to steal her belongings.

A passing cyclist spotted the group and shouted at them and they fled the scene.

The group ran off down Grange Street before crossing Pitfield Street into a housing estate.

Detective Constable Michael Beskine said: “This was an awful, unprovoked attack and has left the victim shaken and angry by what happened.

“I have conducted extensive enquiries, but now I am asking the public to come forward and help me. 

“I want to make sure that those responsible are caught and do not inflict this sort of pain on someone else.

“If you know something, please come forward. It was a horrible assault on someone who had never laid eyes on her attackers before.

“Tackling violence continues to be the Met's top priority. 

“We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and pursue offenders, help bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, and keep our communities safe.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Armani Gunman Caught By Police

A gunman, caught with a firearm in his Armani designer bag, is starting a five-year prison sentence.

Aristotle Omar, 23, of Wellington Avenue, Upper Edmonton pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

Detective Inspector Glenn Butler, from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime North team, said: “As part of an investigation into firearm offences, my team were able to arrest Omar and recover a firearm and ammunition that could very easily have been used to seriously injure or kill someone. 

“Thanks to a lot of proactive work, with the support of colleagues from the Met’s Firearms Command, we were able to arrest him safely and recover a lethal weapon.”

Wood Green Crown Court heard on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5 at approximately 5.40pm, Omar was seen leaving his home address carrying the black Armani manbag.

Omar was seen to enter the alleyway which leads through from Wellington Avenue to Eastbournia Avenue. 

He was observed clutching the bag as he entered Barrowfield Close, however officers lost sight of him as he ran through Barrowfield Close.

At this point, specialist firearms officers pursued Omar as he ran through an alleyway onto Montagu Road, where he was then detained in a park area just off of Zambezi Drive.

DI Butler, added: “When Omar was arrested, he did not have the bag - that we had seen moments earlier - on him, so officers scoured the vicinity to find it. 

“It just so happened that it had been raining all day so the floor was soaked.

“Underneath a hedge at the corner of Barrowfield Close we found the bag. It stood out as it had clearly been dumped there, it was bone dry and everything around it wet.”

When officers opened the bag, they found a firearm (a revolver) and five rounds of ammunition.

DI Butler, added: “The evidence placed in front of Omar was indisputable and he pleaded guilty. 

“This saved a lot of time, allowing my officers to return back to their duties, continuing to target those involved in serious firearm criminality, retrieving further dangerous weapons from our streets and protecting those that live in London.”

Midnight Bus Spitter Hunted

Police are hunting a fare-dodging bus passenger, who spat at the driver during a midnight confrontation.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Command have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

At approximately 00.30am on Saturday, March 21, three men and a woman boarded a 68 bus travelling towards Camberwell on Walworth Road without payment.

Upon asking the group to pay, they refused and began to argue with the bus driver.

During this encounter, one of the men approached the driver at spat at him through the holes in the driver’s divide.

The group then exited the bus.

Officers are asking that anyone who recognises the suspect to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quoting CRIS 3009008/20.

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

Banned Burglar Jailed For Three Break-Ins

A burglar banned from the City of Westminster has been jailed for flouting the order and breaking into three shops.

Michael Daulat, 39, received eight months imprisonment.

At Southwark Crown Court he pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and breaching a criminal behaviour order.

The court heard that he smashed the window of a shop in St. Christopher's Place in August, 2019 and stole £140 worth of clothing.

He targeted another shop in the same street in January, this year, throwing a brick through the window and stealing over £2,800 worth of clothing and bags.

In February he approached a shop in New Cavendish Street and again smashed the window, stealing £3,000 worth of designer goods.

Officers from the Central West BCU Burglary Unit launched an investigation and identified Daulat through CCTV and forensic evidence.

Detective Sergeant Pete Lower said: "This is an example to our businesses and community that burglary and theft will absolutely not be tolerated. 

“Those committing such offences can expect to arrested and put before the courts."

Luton Terrorist Pleads Guilty

A wannabe terrorist's plans ended when police raided his Luton home, seizing 2kg of sulphur powder and electronic components.

Appearing on videolink at the Old Bailey Filip Golon Bednarczyk, 26, admitted multiple charges.

He pleaded guilty to seven counts of possession of documents of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Bednarczyk also pleaded guilty to one count of making or possession of explosive(s) under suspicious circumstances, contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substance Act.

He was arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command at his home address on December 11, last year.

There was also evidence of online searches for firearms, knives and killings, plus an interest in right-wing extremism.

He charged with the eight indictments six days later on December 17. 

Bednarczyk was remanded in custody, ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed.

OAP Murder Investigation: Neighbour Charged

Anthony Rooks

A local man has been charged with the murder of a north London octogenarian, who died from a head injury.

Anthony Rooks, 80, was pronounced dead on May 4 at an address in Dalmeny Road, Holloway.

Neighbour Sable Thomas, 42, of Dalmeny Road appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey.

Police were called at approximately 7.20pm on Monday, May 4 to reports of a man collapsed and suffering a head injury at the address.

Metropolitan Police officers and the London Ambulance Service attended.

Next of kin have been informed and formal identification has taken place.

A post mortem examination took place at Whittington Hospital on Thursday, May 7.

Prolific Burglar Caged For Multiple Break-Ins

An audacious burglar, who threatened victims with a knife and carried on raiding one property when warned he was on camera, has been locked-up.

John James Courtney, 44, of Longbridge Road, Dagenham, received four years’ imprisonment for four burglaries carried out between August, 2019 and January this year.

Targeting properties in west and central London, Courtney stole property worth £27,600, including £15,800 worth of items from just one address. 

He was identified after his DNA was found at or near all of the scenes.

During one break-in Courtney continued stealing items despite the resident advising him on camera that he was calling the police. 

During another incident he threatened occupants with a knife when they interrupted him.

On August 31, last year Courtney struck at an address in Linden Gardens, Paddington. 

While the occupant was out, he broke into the property and stole a number of high value items of jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and a watch. 

In addition, he took two laptops and a designer handbag. 

The total value of items stolen was £15,800. 

A blood smear discovered on the door lock was tested and provided a positive match to Courtney.

On September 30, Courtney was in the process of carrying out a burglary in Cleveland Street, Fitzrovia when he was interrupted by the occupants returning home. 

As they made efforts to detain him, Courtney grabbed a knife, lunging at one of the occupants. 

A struggle ensued, during which Courtney’s glasses were broken. 

Both this and the knife - which he dropped while running from the property - were recovered by officers and proved vital in linking him to the incident.

October 16, the resident of a property in Queens Gardens, Paddington received notification via his mobile phone that a camera inside the property had been activated. 

Viewing the live CCTV footage, he saw Courtney in the process of burgling his address. 

He communicated through the device to alert Courtney that he was calling police. 

Despite this Courtney continued before leaving the address. 

However, he left a mobile phone at the scene, which officers were able to link him too forensically.

January 10, Courtney stole a laptop and items of jewellery including a Rolex watch from a residence in Clifton Road, Maida Vale. 

A piece of wood left at the scene and used by Courtney to force entry to the address were found. 

The total value of items stolen was £11,200.

Though officers from the Central West Burglary Unit were quick to link Courtney to the offences, and despite extensive inquiries to trace him, he remained elusive. 

Then on February 11 he was spotted and detained by police.

Wheels Come Off Cocaine And 'Speed' Dealer's Enterprise

A drug dealer, caught by police with a kilo of cocaine in his car sixty miles from home, has been jailed for three years.

Gavin Hills, 50, of London Street, Folkestone, Kent, was stopped in New Road, Rainham, Essex by officers from the Organised Crime Partnership (OCP).

The OCP deals with organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs within London and the home counties. 

The partnership is staffed by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and the National Crime Agency.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that at 8.05am on Thursday, November 7, last year officers stopped Hills as part of an intelligence-led investigation.

The officers found a bag underneath the front passenger seat. 

The bag contained a block of cocaine wrapped in two plastic bags.

Following his arrest, officers searched his home address in Folkestone.

They seized a number of items including mobile phones, electronic scales and a knife with what appeared to be drug traces on it.

There were also several containers that contained a white amphetamine powder – including a block of compressed amphetamine powder found in a freezer.

During his time in custody, Hills was uncooperative and failed to communicate with custody staff. 

As a result, he was interviewed in his cell, but he refused to answer all the questions put to him, including why he was more than 60 miles away from home with a kilogram of cocaine. 

The court heard that officers believed Hills was in the Rainham area dealing drugs.

Hills pleaded guilty to possession of a cocaine, with intent to supply and possession of amphetamine, with intent to supply.

Detective Inspector Guy Carmichael said: “This investigation is a great example of joint partnership working which resulted in a drug dealer being put behind bars and two kilograms of drugs being taken off the streets of London, which otherwise could have ruined lives. 

“Hills refused to engage with officers throughout the investigation and has shown no remorse for his actions.

“Hills has been given a substantial sentence and I hope this will deter others from the allure of drug dealing. 

“Even during these challenging times, we will continue to target those involved in organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs and we will take robust action against them.”

Violent Fare Dodger Jailed

A fare-dodging bus passenger, who racially abused the driver and spat at a police officer, has been jailed.

Spencer James 42, repeatedly punched the drivers' security screen – cutting his hand and smearing it with blood – after he was challenged.

He pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates Court to assaulting the officer, racially aggravated assault and using threatening words or behaviour.

He was sentenced to 42 weeks' imprisonment.

The court heard police were called to a bus on Wealdstone High Street, Harrow, at 2.30pm on March 31 to reports of a man acting aggressively.

It was reported by the bus driver that James had boarded the bus and then sat down without paying for his journey.

When the bus driver told him to pay or get off the bus, James started to act extremely aggressively.
He shouted racist insults at the driver, who then radioed through to the control room to request police assistance.

James continued to act aggressively and punched the screen of the driver's cab four times, with such force he cut his hand and smeared blood on it. 

He then spat at the screen and in the tray of the driver's cab.

Officers arrived and managed to locate James and he was arrested. 

He continued to shout racist abuse at the bus driver and then spat at a police officer.

Further officers arrived at the scene and a spit hood was placed on James. 

He was taken into custody and he was charged.

Detective Sergeant Ian Beattie, of the Metropolitan Police's Road and Transport Policing Command, said: "This was a particularly nasty incident that involved James spitting at a bus driver and a police constable who were carrying out their public duties.

"In the current climate, where everyone is making efforts to stay safe and protect themselves and others, this behaviour is particularly thoughtless and deplorable.

"Any reports of this nature will be dealt with robustly; this sort of behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”

Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing and On-street Services at TfL, said: “We are absolutely disgusted by this vicious, threatening assault that left a valued colleague feeling shaken. 

“That anyone could consider spitting at and racially abusing frontline workers during this national health emergency is deeply shocking.

“We welcome James’s sentencing and hope it sends a strong message that abuse won’t be tolerated on our network. 

“Our bus drivers are nothing short of heroic, supporting the efforts to tackle coronavirus by providing transport for critical workers in the NHS, who are saving lives. 

“Safety is our absolute priority and we will continue doing all that we can to protect our staff.”

Triple Crown: Pub Customer Hunted For Three Assaults

Police are hunting this suspect after a violent pub customer attacked three members of staff.

One victim had a glass smashed into his face and was punched to the floor; the second was left with a cut eye and the third knocked unconscious.

Detectives from the Central East Command Unit are continuing to appeal to identify this man. 

The assaults took place inside the Three Crowns pub, Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington at around 1.20am on Saturday, November 9, last year.

A customer became involved in an argument with a 32-year-old male member of staff.

The man smashed a glass in the face of the member of staff and then punched him to the floor, inflicting a number of deep cuts to his face.

The man then assaulted a second member of staff, a man in his twenties, punching him and causing a cut to his left eye.

The suspect then left the venue, but as he left he turned and punched a third member of staff, a 28-year-old man, knocking him unconscious.

The suspect is described as a light skinned black man, aged around 30 years-old and of slim/athletic build with a short dark beard and dark 'frizzy' hair that was tied back in a bunch.

He was wearing a beige short sleeved t-shirt, silver necklace, light trousers and dark shoes, carrying a thick dark coat with fur lined hood.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 618/09NOV.

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

Spitter Jailed For Hotel Ruck

A hotel yob, who threatened staff with a broken bottle and spat at one of them after being told not to urinate against the building, has been caged.

Nicolae-Raul Cozacu, 43, was arrested and also spat in the face of a police officer.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment.

Cozacu pleaded guilty to assaulting the hotel employee and the officer as well as threatening behaviour, with intent to cause fear and provoke unlawful violence.

Police were called at 2.30pm on Monday, March 23 to Empire Way, Brent, after Cozacu threatened staff at the hotel.

He had been caught by a staff urinating against the wall of the hotel and refused to leave.

He then attempted to access a hotel laundry area that he had no reason to be in.

Again he was confronted and escorted off the premises, at which point he became abusive and threatening.

He grabbed a bottle of alcohol, smashed it and tried to chase staff members, threatening that he would kill them.

A member of staff tried to deescalate the situation and negotiate with Cozacu, who then spat in his face.

Police arrived and Cozacu was arrested. 

He became ill and went to hospital, where he again became aggressive and abusive and spat in the face of an officer.

He was arrested upon discharge and remanded in custody.

Inspector Sammi Elfituri, of North West Command Unit, said: "Spitting at people, including emergency workers, is thoroughly disgusting and completely unacceptable behaviour, especially given the current climate.

"Those who behave this way will be always be pursued by the MPS to the fullest extent of the law. 

“I am glad the courts have taken a robust stance to protect both the public and our staff.”

NYE Party Gunman Caged

A gunman was tasered by police after bringing a loaded revolver to a 100-strong New Year's Eve party.

Ruan Mota, 24, of Princess Alice House, Ladbroke Grove, was reported and officers challenged him outside the large house.

At Wood Green Crown Court he was sentenced to six years and eleven months imprisonment.

Mota pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.

Armed police arrived at the property in Trinity Close, Hampstead in the early hours of January 1 after a tip-off.

They attempted to speak with Mota, who was standing outside the address. 

When officers approached him he attempted to flee back into the party, where he was tasered and detained.

Mota was found to be in possession of two rounds of ammunition and was arrested on suspicion of possession of ammunition.

A crime scene was implemented in Trinity Close and a search was conducted. 

During the search a loaded revolver was found just yards from where Mota had been detained.

On scientific examination of the ammunition found on Mota, and the bullets inside the loaded revolver, it was concluded they were of the same calibre, brand and propellant.

Detective Constable Jonny Wise, of the Metropolitan Police's Trident Shootings Team, said: “Ruan Mota is a dangerous criminal who was in possession of a loaded firearm on the streets of London.

“I want to reassure members of the public that the Met and Operation Trident are committed to tackling gun crime in the capital and to removing lethal weapons from our streets.

“I am pleased that the sentence handed down today reflects the gravity of the offence.”

Train Thug Attacked Female NHS Doctor: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting a violent thug, who followed and pushed a female NHS doctor to the ground, causing serious injuries.

The 37 year-old woman was followed on the Docklands Light Railway and into the street, where she was attacked, suffering cuts, bruises and a fractured tooth.

Officers have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

At around 6.15pm on Friday, April 17, the doctor was making her way home from work at Shadwell DLR Station.

She became aware of a man, who she did not know, on the platform who appeared to be following her.

The victim boarded the train, as did the suspect. 

The victim was so concerned about his actions she got off the train at Canning Town before quickly re-boarding in a bid to lose the man, but noticed he had mirrored her actions.

When she got off the train at Royal Victoria DLR Station, the suspect was still following. 

As a result, the victim asked two men she did not know to walk with her because she feared she was being followed. 

The suspect still followed.

The men walked with her part of the way before their journeys took them in different directions. 

The victim decided to call police, but as she walked along Butchers Road, Canning Town, the suspect approached her from behind and pushed her to the ground.

The victim was taken to hospital with cuts, bruising and injuries to her mouth, which included a broken tooth.

The suspect is believed to have left the scene, returning in the direction of Royal Victoria DLR Station.

Officers retain an open mind as to the motive for this attack.

There is nothing to suggest the victim was targeted specifically because she was a member of NHS staff and none of her property was taken.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue, led by the North East Command CID.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged around 20 years-old. 

At the time of the attack he was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey hooded top under a dark jacket and a dark cap.

Detective Constable Alister Kim, from North East CID, said: “We have no reason to believe that the victim in this case was targeted specifically because she was a doctor or working for the NHS. 

“However, we would urgently seek the public's help in identifying this man. 

“The victim was subjected to a frightening ordeal, having been followed along the transport network by this suspect who did not leave her alone, even after she sought help from members of the public and made a call to police.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen any part of this incident, either at Shadwell DLR Station, on the DLR itself, or when the victim got off and walked to Butchers Road from Royal Victoria Station.

“Or did you perhaps see the actions of the victim as she got off and back on the train at Canning Town, followed by the suspect? 

“In particular we are very keen to speak to the two witnesses who helped the victim on her journey home.”

Anyone who might have information that could assist police is asked to call 101 reference CAD 6121/17 Apr, Tweet @MetCC or remain 100% anonymous by calling the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Rogue Traders £110,000 Scam: Efits Released

Police hunting cynical swindlers, who conned a middle-aged man out of £110,000 during a rogue traders scam, have released these e-fits of their suspects.

The despicable duo then posed as police and council trading standards officials to fleece the suspicious victim of even more money after over-charging him for dubious repairs.

During an 11-month period, the 58-year-old Islington man was targeted by a group of dodgy traders, who persuaded him to pay for a series of repairs on his house that were not required.

The victim was first approached in October, 2018 by the fraudsters, who charged him £1,500 to erect some scaffolding in his garden, which they said would be refunded at later date.

They subsequently told him he needed to pay a further £4,000. 

He refused and instructed another company to take it away.

In July, 2019, two men claiming to be builders working for a company called ‘Supreme Roofing Limited’ knocked on his door wondering if he wanted some work done on his roof.

A price of £1,500 was agreed, however, the builders continued to increase the price, claiming more work was needed.

The men kept demanding more money for materials and extra repairs to the roof. 

When the victim refused to pay and told them he would call the police, he was then contacted by someone from Action Fraud claiming he needed to pay £5,000 to ‘catch’ the suspects.

The fraudsters also posed as trading standards officers and asked the victim for further money to launch an investigation.

In total, the victim was tricked into handing the men £110,000.

Detective Constable Alejandra Gomez, the investigating officer in the case, said: “This was a sustained and elaborate fraud perpetrated by a group of men who convinced a 58-year-old man to hand over a substantial amount of money.

“It would appear the suspects repeatedly damaged the interior of his property in order to create more work for themselves. 

Once the victim had threatened to call police, the suspects then impersonated police and trading standards officers.

“I believe these suspects may be linked to similar frauds carried out in other parts of London. 

“I would appeal to anyone who recognises the faces in these images to contact police."

Anyone who recognises the men is asked to call police on 0208 7336291 or email p243390@met.police.uk

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

Bus Driver Spitter Jailed

A bus yob has been jailed for 10 months for spitting at the driver and a police officer after his arrest.

William Cawley, 23, of Grove Lane, Uxbridge pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault.

On Monday, April 20, Cawley was at Uxbridge bus station when he entered a TfL bus through the wrong door.

When the bus driver informed him of this and requested he use the middle door, he became aggressive, spat at the driver and then exited the bus.

The bus driver informed officers who were on patrol near the bus station of where the incident took place.

The officers were able to identify Cawley, who then ran away. 

He was detained in Cocks Yard after a short foot chase and was arrested on suspicion of common assault and taken into custody.

Once in custody, Cawley became aggressive again, this time spitting at a police officer and making threats of violence towards him, which included him stating he was infected with Covid-19.

He was further arrested on suspicion of common assault on an emergency worker.

Detective Chief Inspector Fiona Martin, of Roads and Transport Policing, said: “I am pleased with this sentence as it reflects the gravity of the offences Cawley committed.

“Whether the victim is a bus driver, a police officer or of any other occupation, such offences are never acceptable. 

“Spitting is a vile and disgusting act, and will be dealt with severely, especially in these unprecedented times.

“Let this sentence be an example to any offenders who are willing to spit at key workers and think it is an acceptable thing to do, it is not. 

“You will most certainly be arrested and be placed before the courts.”

Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing and On-street Services at TfL, said: “We welcome Cawley’s sentencing and hope it sends a strong message. 

“Spitting at our heroic frontline workers at any time – especially during this crisis - is absolutely shocking, and this incident left a valued colleague feeling very shaken.

“Safety is our absolute priority and we will continue doing all that we can to protect our staff.”

East London Bus Flasher: CCTV Image Of Suspect Released

Police hunting a bus flasher, who twice exposed himself on the 104 route in east London, have released this image of their suspect.

The first offence occurred on Saturday, November 9, last year between 1.05pm and 1.27pm in the Stratford area. 

The second offence occurred on Tuesday, January 7, this year between 6.00pm and 6.23pm between Stratford and Lonsdale Avenue.

Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) are investigating the two incidents and are now appealing for the public's help to identify this man.

Detective Constable Joanne O’Connor of the RTCP, said: “This was a very distressing incident for someone to witness on public transport and this sort of behaviour is outright unacceptable. 

“If you think you know who the man could be, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone who recognises the man in the images is asked to contact DC O’Connor on 07500 607 652 or via 101. 

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org quoting reference CAD 6774/17JAN20.

Predator Targeted Gay Pub

An “evil” sexual predator, who loitered around a landmark gay pub, talked himself into a taxi ride with one customer before drugging and molesting him.

Romanian Carol Simon, 45, struck outside the City of Quebec pub, Marble Arch when he approached the victim and asked to share a cab.

He then invited himself into the middle-aged man's home, where he spiked the victim's drink, sexually assaulted him and stole valuables.

Simon was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to eight years and five months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to administering a substance, with intent to overpower and allow sexual activity; sexual assault and possession of a Class C drug – Diazepam, also known as Valium.

The victim, aged in his fifties, was approached by Simon outside the West End pub on March 24, last year.

After drugging the man he snatched his wallet, watch and phone.

The victim reported the incident to police and detectives were able to trace Simon as the suspect through a DNA match.

He was arrested on April 4, outside the City of Quebec pub.

Officers found a small bottle of liquid on Simon that he claimed were eye drops. 

However, the substance was tested and was in fact Diazepam.

Detective Constable Sophie McLoughlin said: “The victim has been incredibly brave throughout this ordeal and it is because of his courage that Simon is behind bars where he belongs.

“Simon had clearly set out that night to harm someone for his cowardly gain, his actions were completely evil and he will never know the trauma he has caused.

“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and speak to us, we will support you.”

Bookie Bandit's Hat-Trick Of Raids

A hooded betting shop robber, who targeted two premises in the same road within a week, has been locked-up.

Kenneth Brown, 53, struck in New Cross Road, New Cross, south-east London on March 11 and twice on March 17.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to one count of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.

He was sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment.

Brown entered the first shop at around 6.45am and handed the cashier a handwritten note which read: “Give me the money – or I will blow your head off.”

Brown simultaneously had his right hand in his pocket and was pointing it at the member of staff – intimating that he had a gun or weapon.

He made off with a small amount of cash.

Brown returned to the same betting shop six days later just after 7.00pm and verbally demanded money, again intimating that he had a weapon in his pocket.

The member of staff activated the emergency button and Brown left the shop empty-handed.

Around ten minutes later, he entered another bookmakers on the same road.

Again he handed a note to the person behind the counter, demanding money and making threats.

The two staff members escaped to the back office and Brown left the store.

Police were called and armed officers attended and were given a suspect description. 

Within twenty minutes of the offence happening and after a brief area search officers located Brown. 

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Detective Constable Dennis Valdez, from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad, said: “These were terrifying incidents for the workers who were threatened by Brown.

“Armed officers were at the scene of the final robbery attempt within minutes. 

“Brown was located in the area and detained very quickly, and he was linked to the previous robbery offences shortly after. 

“The seriousness of the offences is reflected in the custodial sentences handed down.”

Heartless Scammer Cons Nonagenarian Out Of Cash And Valuables

Police hunting heartless fraudsters, who conned an OAP in his 90's out of £3,400, plus his gold cufflinks and coins, are hunting this female suspect.

On Friday, January 10 at 9.58am, the elderly Westminster victim received a call on his phone.

The caller identified themselves as a police officer and claimed he needed the help of the OAP with a 'sting operation.' 

The victim was deceived into going to the bank and withdrawing £3,400 from his account.

The gent returned home and a woman later attended his address. 

He handed over the money and two bank cards to her.

The same woman returned to the victim’s home later and he handed her some gold cufflinks, antique coins and some commemorative coins.

He was reassured that his property would be looked after and would be returned to him within a few days.

Detective Constable Michael Esangbedo said: “A vulnerable, elderly man was persuaded to hand over a large sum of money and items that were precious to him.

“I am very keen to speak to the woman in the photograph we have released and urge anyone who can identify her to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or via 0800 555 111.

COVID 19 Spitter Jailed

A young thug, who spat at two arresting police officers while claiming he had COVID 19, is starting a six-month prison sentence.

At around 11.45am on April 20, officers from the Metropolitan Police's East Area Command Unit were called to a Barking address in east London.

They arrested 21 year-old Brandon Wallace on suspicion of domestic threats to kill and criminal damage to property belonging to a woman.

He told officers he had COVID 19 and, while being put into a police van, he spat at two officers. 

He was further arrested for assault on emergency workers.

While in custody Wallace confirmed that he did not have COVID19 or any symptoms.

He pleaded guilty to affray (threatening the woman), criminal damage, assault on emergency workers and breach of regulation 9(1)(b) Health Protection (Coronavirus restrictions) Regulations 2020.

Inspector Alexis Manley, of East Area Command Unit, said: "Thousands of dedicated officers are working to keep Londoners safe at this extraordinary time, and among our priorities is to tackle all forms of domestic offending.

"It says much about the attitude of this man that, in addition to targeting somebody close to him, he was also willing to make false claims about COVID 19 and to spit at officers.

"He has, at least, pleaded guilty to these offences. I hope he spends his period in prison to reflect on his behaviour, and that his prison sentence sends a message to others who are willing to commit domestic offences and to target police officers whose job it is to protect Londoners.

"Such offenders will be arrested and put before the courts, and a prison sentence is a likely outcome."