Dog On A Hot Tin Woof: Drugs Canine Sniffs Out Stash In Car Roof Lining

Police drugs dog Stella is celebrating her second big car roof bust after sniffing out the illegal contraband in the vehicle's lining.

On Sunday, June 21 at 4.50pm officers saw a blue Mercedes turn down a side road in Colliers Wood, south-west London on the approach of their police car.

The vehicle was stopped in Warren Road and the officers noticed the driver had three mobile phones.

They carried out a search of the car under the drugs act and found a baseball bat in the boot.

The officers requested for a specialist sniffer-dog to attend, as they believed drugs may be concealed within the car.

Police dog Stella attended and indicated towards the roof.

Officers pulled down the roof lining and found a quantity of suspected class A and B drugs.

A 32-year-old man from Thornton Heath, south London was arrested for suspected possession with intent to supply drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was subsequently released pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector Alison Foxwell of the South West (SW) Violence Suppression Unit, said: “This is one of many recent examples of the joint working between my team on the SW and our colleagues, whether two legged or the four legged from the dog support unit.

"This excellent work also shows the importance of stop and search in tackling the supply of controlled drugs. 

“Drugs, and the violence often associated with them, is a key priority for my team. 

“We will all continue to work together to find opportunities to disrupt, arrest and bring to justice those who seek to profit from selling controlled substances."

Police dog Stella is five-years-old and was bred by the Metropolitan Police.

This is her second big drugs find in the roof lining of a car in three months.

Go-Faster-Stripes: 100mph Suspect Chased By Police

Traffic cops are hunting a driver, suspected of leading police on a 100mph chase through the streets of east London, after refusing to pull over.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) are appealing for help to trace 30 year-old Skye Anderson-King.

On Thursday, June 1 the driver of a Black Audi S1 failed to stop for police.

An authorised pursuit was initiated on the A13 Newham Way, Canning Town, and officers pursued the driver, who went through red traffic lights against the flow of the traffic.

The driver reached speeds of 100mph in a 30mph speed limit, posing a substantial risk to other road users and pedestrians in the area.

Due to the dangerous manner of driving and risk exposed to members of the public, the decision was made to end the pursuit in Dock Road, East Ham.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in nearby Renfrew Close.

Anderson-King is known to have links to the Brent and Newham areas.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cox said: “We urgently wish to speak with Skye Anderson-King in relation to an incident in which a driver of a Black Audi S1 failed to stop for police.

“The vehicle reached speeds of 100mph in a 30mph zone at a time when pedestrians and cyclists were present.

“Such driving puts the public at considerable risk and incidents like this are taken very seriously.”

Anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of Anderson-King is asked to contact MetCC on 101 or tweet @MetCC. 

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit online at www.crimestoppers-uk.organd quote reference CAD 7079/18JUN20.

Thrill-Seeking Pervert Locked-Up

A pervert, who police say achieved a “thrill” discussing his child abuse online with an international audience, has been caged.

Roger Vye, 55, of Odsey, Hertfordshire, received sixteen years imprisonment and will remain on parole for an extra five years when released.

Formerly of Dover, Kent he pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of a child under the age of 13; two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration and sexual assault of a child under 13.

He also admitted arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence; distributing indecent photographs of children; making indecent photographs of children; possessing extreme pornographic images and possessing prohibited images of children.

At Woolwich Crown Court Vye was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which includes preventing him associating with any child under the age of 18 and he will be subject to Sex Offender Registration for life.

Vye was arrested on October 2, last year at a location in London, having arranged to sexually abuse a young child. 

A subsequent search was conducted at an address in Odsey, Hertfordshire and electronic devices were seized and submitted for forensic analysis. 

The analysis confirmed the presence of a large collection of indecent images of children and also confirmed that Vye had a long standing interest in the sexual abuse of children. 

Vye had also distributed some of these images to other offenders online.

Also recovered was evidence linking Vye to the historic sexual abuse of a child, who had been subjected to a prolonged period of abuse, which occurred in 2009 and 2010 in the Kent area.

Detective Constable Jonathan Booty, of the Metropolitan Police's Online Child Abuse and Exploitation team, said: "Firstly I would like to thank the victim for speaking with us, and their bravery and fortitude shown throughout. 

“Roger Vye is a dangerous and repugnant individual, who will now face a significant period away from the general public.

“Vye used social media to enable him to obtain thrills, discussing with other people around the world the horrific abuse of children. 

“He was also partaking in the abuse and was clearly an active offender. The Met will continue to relentlessly pursue online offenders.

"Vye may have more victims, and I would urge any other potential victims to come forward and contact police as soon as possible.’’

Anyone with information of a potential victim is asked to contact DC Jonathan Booty via 101. 

Alternatively contact Crimestoppersanonymously via 0800 555 111.

Decorated Gang Policeman Arrested When Affair Turned Sour

Court Out: Darin Birmingham 

An award-winning ex-gangbusting cop’s affair with a council ASBO boss ended when he was arrested ‘like a terrorist’ stepping off a transatlantic flight with his wife when accused of harassment, a court heard.

Former Police Sergeant Darin Birmingham, 60, fell in love with 49 year-old Sharon Murphy when the pair teamed-up during a drugs bust on a crack house. 

She was Croydon Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour enforcement manager and an intense decade-long relationship followed until she complained to police about him harassing her with emails and texts.

Father-of-two Birmingham, of Stanier Street, Hailsham, East Sussex was charged with harassing Sharon between August 24 and November 4, last year.

He did not deny sending the messages as he strived to woo her back after she split with him, but Croydon Magistrates Court ruled the affair was so intense they couldn’t amount to harassment.

“There has been a long and fractious cycle of emotions between you for nearly ten years,” magistrate Keith Sillitoe told Birmingham.

“This was a tragic emotional sequence of events for both of you and we feel your communications do not amount to harassment as you pursued the relationship.”

Sharon told the trial the intense affair quickly developed after the drug raid in 2009. “That’s when I met him. It was fantastic, exciting, electric.

“I was in awe of him, he was incredible at his job. I loved being around him, we bounced off each other and our professional relationship became personal.

Sharon Murphy outside Croydon Magistrates' Court 

“He noticed I had no wedding ring and pursued a relationship with me.”

A cinema date to celebrate one-year together turned sour when Birmingham’s wife Karen discovered the affair.

“I got a phone call from his wife after she found the ticket receipts in his pocket and it all kicked off.

“It was horrible, I was scared, I hated being called names by his wife and that night his daughter assaulted him really badly and he was taken to hospital in Eastbourne.”

Throughout the affair Birmingham promised they would be together permanently and they even looked for a house to buy, but he could never make the break from his family.

“I was strung along so he could have the best of both worlds,” Sharon told the trial. “I would be lied to, we’d break up and he’d manipulate me to coax me around.

“That was the cycle. He knows the language to use to keep me dangling by a string, being a master of knowing what string to pull.

“I needed someone to share my life with, to go to sleep with and that was never going to be Darin.

‘I got an email from his wife telling me I should: ‘Go and find some other poor sod to cling onto,’ and that he was never going to leave his family.

“I was getting the same old churned up reasons why he couldn’t leave, like a house needed to be sold, his son was serving in Afghanistan, but I was blind. Everyone else could see he would never leave.

Award-Winning Officer: Birmingham

They would have secret rendezvous in various hotels, but one meet-up left Sharon feeling the end of their relationship was near.

“At the point of being naked in bed with him, about to make love he called me ‘Karen,’ and that as that. All I could see was him on to top me naked, calling me ‘Karen.’

“When I blocked him he turned up at my house and consumed a full carton of painkillers, feigning a suicide attempt in my front garden.”

Birmingham denied overdosing in Sharon’s front garden, but did admit sending her up to 36 emails while holidaying in Florida with his wife.

She told him her was harassing her, but Birmingham, who was commended 23 times as a police officer, told the court: “We had been in the same situation twenty times before.

“This was the same scenario, it was not meant to upset her or be oppressive.”

It was love at first sight for Birmingham at the crack house raid. “It was like being struck be lightening, she’s awesome, the best thing I’d ever seen,” he said.

“The love we had was so strong. She was the one person in life worth fighting for.

“You could not find two happier people. We meshed together, never had a row and everything was great.”

He bought her a £1,200 ring and pet dog and agreed to purchase a £6,000 Tiffany ring once they moved in together.

However, this never happened and Birmingham’s world came crashing down when arrested at Gatwick Airport. “I was arrested in quite an excessive manner.

“The pilot ordered all the male passengers to have their passports ready and there were two Met and four Sussex officers waiting for me.

“When I was gang Sergeant we could never get airside to arrest people smuggling drugs, but for me it was like a Tier One interception, like a terrorist.

“It was to cause me maximum embarrassment, to upset my wife and was totally disrespectful.”

Denying he would ever intentionally harass Sharon he told the court: “What we had was out of this world. I let my wife down as well, it was terrible, terrible, what I’ve done.

“I came back and got arrested. It was pretty obvious Sharon did not want me.”

After retiring from the Met Birmingham began a new career giving financial advice to serving officers, but was sacked when a policeman arrived at his office to serve a non-molestation order Sharon applied for.

'King Of Hair Extensions' Sentenced For Wife Slap During Break-Up

Seb Nabeth

A Kensington beauty salon boss - dubbed the ‘King of Hair Extensions’ - slapped his wife across the face when she confessed to an affair with their kickboxing instructor, a court heard.

Sebastien Rubens Nabeth, 42, struck 48 year-old Elaine Nabeth at their £715,000 apartment and told her: “You deserved that.”

An hour later he was handcuffed by police outside ‘Sebastien Salon’ in Thackeray Street, Kensington - a business ex-City worker Elaine helped build.

Nabeth, of nearby Onslow Gardens was convicted of assaulting Elaine on December 4, last year at their matrimonial home in Fernhurst Place, Standen Road, Southfields.

At Wimbledon Magistrates Court he was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £200 costs.

“The bench take into account the significant emotions involved when you slapped your wife across the face in what was an isolated incident for you, a man of good character,” magistrate Vanessa Weguelin told him.

He claimed his wife slapped herself in their en-suite and immediately used her phone to take a picture of the reddening to her cheek, but this was rejected by the magistrates.

“He suspected she was having an affair, but she constantly denied it and the defendant feared he was being paranoid and sought counselling,” said Ms Suki Dhada, defending.

“It turned out she was having an affair with a kick-boxing instructor, an instructor they both had seen together, but then Mrs Nabeth continued seeing alone to have personal training with.

“She admitted having an affair with Idris when she and the defendant met at a coffee shop near their home.

Idris & Elaine

“His whole world fell apart and he went absolutely crazy in assaulting her.”

During the trial Elaine told the court: “The conversation turned very vulgar, asking me about sexual positions with my friends. It was horrible.”

She confirmed her intimate relationship with kickboxing tutor ‘Idris’ to her husband. “He drew his hand back and slapped me hard on the cheek. I was completely shocked.

“My face was quite swollen and it was stinging and I reacted with a  scream. He told our ten year-old son: ‘Your mother is s****ing a black man’.

“He was trying to pull my mobile phone out of my hand, grappling with me. There was blood on my hand, caused by a cut to my thumb.”

The defendant claims Elaine disappeared into a toilet with Idris for sex when they attended a party at Putney’s Martial Fitness the previous summer, with the instructor enjoying back-slaps from colleagues when exiting.

Elaine ceased being a co-owner of the salon three weeks before the assault. “I was a director and helped build that business until he coerced me into signing a form,” she told the trial.

“He was very insecure and jealous throughout the marriage,” added Elaine, who began dating Nabeth, her then-hairdresser, in 2002. “Financially he looked after me, but he was an emotional bully.

“He tracked my phone and my Oystercard journeys and has been creating a lie that I have been having affairs for five years.”

The marriage effectively ended six moths before the assault, said Elaine. “He was threatening to commit suicide and was sobbing on the sofa.

“He was having breakdowns and could not work and was walking out of the salon. He was buying me unwanted gifts, pressuring me for the relationship to continue.

“He could not face the truth, but the relationship was dead and gone, buried and I told him I did not fancy him physically.”

Describing their marriage as “full of love and passion,” Nabeth said: “There was something not right about my wife. She began to withdraw from the relationship and wanted her own life, freedom and friends.

“I never threatened suicide, but was trying to save the life and family that I had worked all my life for. She was having an affair in the house while I was at work and our son was at school.

“She confessed that she was having an affair with Idris and I said because I had done nothing wrong it was she that would have to leave the flat.

“She started to pinch herself and slap her face and then used her phone to start bashing my head. I realised this was the point that was the end of our family.”

Elaine denied a defence suggestion she had “stitched up” her husband, describing the self-inflicted injury account as “complete fabrication.”

A police nurse did find a small injury to Nabeth’s head, but the court ruled the evidence concerning the tussle for the phone was inconclusive.

The couple are now also involved in bitter Family Court proceedings with Elaine making tax-evasion claims against her ex, the court heard.

The High Life: Charity's IT Chief's Expenses Scam

An IT boss with a Third World children’s charity, who blew their cash on alcohol and expensive cigars at a luxury New Delhi hotel, has avoided prison after finally repaying the money.

Christopher Wiseman, 41, was employed by Mayfair’s Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, where he also pinched a laptop and three mobile phones.

He joined the charity - founded by billionaire Sir Christopher Hohn - immediately after leaving Battersea currency exchange specialists Halo Financial, where he stole an iPad Air, MacBook Air and other equipment.

“These offences each represent a breach of trust during your employment with these two organisations,” Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Judge Stephen John told Wiseman.

“Your cynicism in stealing from your second employer is breathtaking, having also stolen from your first and you did your level best to brazen out your dishonesty during a hearing in which I disbelieved your account.”

Wiseman, of Woodlea Drive, Bromley used the Children’s Investment Fund charity’s credit card on drink and cigars while staying on an all-expenses work trip at the 4-star Sheraton New Delhi.

He pleaded guilty to stealing from the charity, plus stealing a back-up drive, data saver and usb stick from Halo and the judge also ruled he was also responsible for taking the iPad and MacBook after a short Newton hearing to determine the extent of his offending.

He stole from the organisations between July and December, 2017, but only repaid the £9,169 total in March, this year after being threatened with immediate imprisonment if he did not.

Wiseman was sentenced to twenty-one months imprisonment, suspended for two years and ordered to pay £1500 costs.

“It looks like on the very day the police recorded he had not paid the payment was made,” announced the judge. “I’m going to ask the police to check this and if I have been misled he will be back here and going inside.”

Relying on a bank statement provided by Wiseman the judge accepted he paid the compensation, but told him: “If it turns out to be wrong you will rue the day.”

Wiseman had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but eventually made partial admissions five days before his jury trial and the judge previously said: “He has tried to duck and dive to avoid or minimise his responsibility. He is a devious and manipulative man.

“Immediately after leaving Halo in no time at all he was dishonest in relation to the charity, taking equipment and making extravagant and unauthorised expenses.”

Turk's Head Pub Assault Charge

Turk's Head Pub

A Dorset woman charged with assaulting another female at a landmark west London pub was sentenced today.

Clare Ann Irwin, 39, appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court in Clapham, south-west London

The case was adjourned from earlier in the year due to the COVID 19 pandemic when she was excused from appearing in court in person.

Irwin, of North Street, Charminster, Dorchester pleaded guilty.

She was originally charged with assaulting Jemma Quinn on October 13, last year at the Turk's Head Public House, Twickenham.

Irwin was sentenced to a twelve-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £21 victim surcharge.

Caught: Canal-Side Sexual Predator Who Targeted Three Lone Women

A serial canal-side sexual predator targeted three lone women during eight days last month.

Ali Sadek, 26, prowled the Regent's Canal, Camden, north London, hunting for victims.

He pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court to three counts of indecent exposure; two counts of sexual assault and one count of possession of cannabis.

The offences occurred between June 5 and June 13, with Sadek usually exposing himself to the woman before sexually assaulting them by touching.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

The offences took place between St Mark’s Church and The Pirate Castle, a canal-side community centre.

The incidents were quickly linked by police and an investigation launched by officers from Central North CID.

All three victims were able to provide detailed statements and officers carried out urgent forensic work, as well as significant CCTV inquiries. 

The CCTV trawl identified the suspect and Sadek was arrested after he was recognised by officers on proactive patrol in the area.

Following a search he was found to be in possession of an amount of cannabis.

Detective Sergeant Natalie O’Farrell said: “Sadek lacked any remorse for his depraved actions, smirking throughout his ‘no comment’ interview. 

“His victims have been left incredibly shaken by these incidents and fearful of going out alone. 

“We can only be grateful that he pleaded guilty, sparing them added distress.

“I have no doubt that his offending would have continued had he not been caught and suspect he may well have committed other offences. 

As such I would appeal to any further victims to come forward by calling 101, quoting Op Chino.”

'Mad Max Extra' Wanted For Brandishing Gun

A suspected gunman, who looks like he stepped off the set of a Mad Max film, is being hunted after a firearm was pointed at a passing cyclist.

The victim flagged down officers outside Stoke Newington police station, shortly after the incident at around 1.00pm on Wednesday, May 27.

The victim, and a witness - who later reported the incident - told officers a man had pointed a gun at the cyclist between Dalston Kingsland Station and the Rio Cinema in Hackney, east London.

Police were told that as the victim was cycling northbound on Kingsland Road, Hackney and the suspect was standing on the pavement at the junction of Bradbury Street. 

As the cyclist became parallel to the suspect the man lifted and pointed what the victim believes to be a handgun at him.

Nothing was said by the suspect during the interaction. 

The victim cycled away northbound and was then able to flag down police officers.

Detective Constable James Readman said: “This was a totally random incident and involved a completely innocent member of the public being targeted with a weapon in broad daylight.

“The victim was understandably terrified and fled the scene as quickly as possible, but we do have a good description of the suspect.

“We urgently need to trace the man in this CCTV image, as he may be key to our enquiries. 

“We also want to speak to any other witnesses who may have seen the suspect in area between 1.00pm and 1.09pm or thereabouts, in the area of the incident.

“The weapon was described as a small metallic looking pistol type gun, dark grey to black in colour.

“Luckily, nobody was physically injured but the psychological impact of such a shocking event cannot be underestimated.

“This is also of course the huge concern that a weapon remains in the possession of someone who clearly should not have it.”

The suspect has been described to officers as black, around 6ft in height and of broad build. 

He also had a black beard, which was greying. 

He was wearing dark clothing, with a jacket and dark trousers, which were tatty looking.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 101, quoting CAD 3850/27May. 

Or, to give information 100%anonymously,call Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Worth Its Weight In Gold: Saffron Snatched During Night Raid

Police are hunting these two burglars with exotic tastes, who snatched £50,000 worth of expensive spice saffron during an east London warehouse break-in.

Between 9.50pm and 11.50pm on Thursday, June 11, two suspects forced their way into the Ilford business unit.

They stole 10kg of saffron, ignoring other stock to target the spice at the independent business premises.

Their movements were caught on CCTV and this image has been released by the Metropolitan Police's North East CID.

Detective Sergeant Laura Mills said: "This is someone’s livelihood and this theft will, of course, impact their business. 

“Saffron is worth more than gold in weight and an extremely large amount was taken from this business.

“I’m releasing this CCTV because I need information. 

“Someone knows something about this burglary and I am appealing to them to contact our team. 

“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, please contact us.

"The victims are angry and upset that someone has done this to them. 

“It’s important that those who are responsible are caught and the spice is returned to its rightful owners.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or tweet @MetCC. 

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charityCrimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sleeping Female Passenger Groped On Late-Night Bus

Police are hunting a bus pervert after a sleeping late-night female passenger was woken by a middle-aged man groping her.

Police were called at around 02.50am on Sunday, May 31 to Stoke Newington Road, Stoke Newington by a bus driver reporting a sexual assault on behalf of a female passenger.

The victim had been travelling on the Route 243 bus from Waterloo to Wood Green, north London. 

A man is believed to have got on the bus in the Dalston area. 

He and the victim began talking before the victim fell asleep. 

She awoke a short time later to find the suspect sexually assaulting her.

When she remonstrated with the suspect he stood up and alighted from the bus. 

The victim then approached the driver to report the incident and police were called.

Officers attended the scene and spoke with the victim. 

She has since been provided with specialist care and support.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 55 and 59 years-old, around 5ft 6ins tall, with short grey hair, a thick grey beard and of stocky build. 

He was wearing blue jeans and a red top, and spoke with an Irish accent.

An investigation is ongoing by officers from Central East Safeguarding and this CCTV image of the suspect has been released.

Detective Sergeant Adam Knott, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim. 

“To awake to find the suspect subjecting her to a serious sexual assault will have been a very traumatic experience and it is imperative that we find the man responsible to ensure he is brought to justice. 

“Do you recognise the individual in the image? Please come forward and speak with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD 1509/31May. 

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Houseguest Jailed For Knifepoint Rape Of Resident

A sleepover guest sneaked into a female resident's room and raped her while holding a knife to her throat.

Turkish national Sevdalin Atanasov, 32, of Exeter Road, Enfield, was a friend of one of the victim's flatmates and had been invited to stay the night.

He threatened to kill the woman during her ordeal and tried to lie his way out of trouble until confronted with the police's forensic evidence.

At Wood Green Crown Court Atanasov pleaded guilty to one count of rape at the Enfield address and received thirteen years imprisonment.

The court heard at half past midnight in the early hours of October 22, last year the woman – aged in her 30's – woke to find Atanasov in her bedroom.

His hand was over her mouth and he was holding a knife to her throat.

Atanasov raped her, while threatening to kill her throughout the attack.

Eventually she managed to flee to a friend’s address, where police were called.

When questioned by police he initially denied the offence, but entered a guilty plea after being presented with forensic evidence of the assault.

Detective Constable Andrew Poore said: “The effects of Atanasov’s attack, in what should have been the safety of her bedroom, will undoubtedly remain with the victim forever. 

“He took advantage of knowing that she was asleep, alone and vulnerable in her bedroom.

“I hope that knowing he has been jailed brings her a measure of comfort and security and allows her to move forward with her life. 

“I commend the bravery, resolve, and support shown by the victim in this life-changing ordeal. 

“This successful result demonstrates the Met’s commitment to tackling serious sexual offences and to continually strive to protect vulnerable people.”

Snapped: Suspected Bus Groper

Police hunting a bus groper, who pounced on a young woman from behind, have released this image of their suspect.

At around 10.50am on Wednesday, March 11, the 23-year-old woman, was about to exit the Route 141 bus outside Wood Green Underground Station, north London.

The suspect approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her.

The woman challenged him and the man swore at her before leaving.

Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with this incident.

The woman did not sustain lasting physical injuries but was deeply shocked and frightened.

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 2520/11Mar.

Alternatively tweet @MetCC, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

Nasty Racist Jailed For Spitting Abuse

A nasty racist, who spat in another woman's face while screaming abuse and deliberately coughed in the faces of arresting officers, has been jailed.

Carol Cowan, 52, of Church Road, Crystal Palace picked on the woman at 10.45pm in Croydon town centre.

Police were flagged down in Westow Street by the victim, who reported Cowan for racially abusing her and spitting in her face.

Cowan was arrested, but while in custody deliberately coughed into the faces of two officers, claiming she was infected with COVID-19.

She appeared at Croydon Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to the racially aggravated assault of the female victim.

She also admitted assaulting the two police officers.

Cowan was sentenced to six months imprisonment and ordered to pay each victim £100 compensation.

Inspector Duncan Anderson, of Croydon police, said: "Spitting or coughing in the face at anyone is disgusting and unacceptable behaviour at any time, but given the concerns around COVID19 that we all currently face it is appalling.”

'Blind' Masked Rapist Destroys Woman's Life

A masked rapist, who pounced on a lone woman as she walked through a basketball court – claiming he was armed with a gun – has been caged.

Desmond Atumkeze, 23, of Battery Road, Greenwich, was sentenced to 15 years and two months' imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to kidnapping and two counts of rape and when released will have an additional three years on licence.

The court heard at around 8.45pm on November 8, last year the 30-year-old victim was walking through the court in Gallion’s Park, Thamesmead when she heard footsteps behind her.

As she exited the basketball court, an unknown man put something into the small of her back and said: “I’ve got a gun. I’m going to kill you.”

The man stayed behind the victim and walked her to a concrete clearing next to a drained canal, which has no street lighting, off Warepoint Drive.

Atumkeze, who was wearing a ski mask, then forced the victim to remove all her clothing before raping her.

During the ordeal, he made comments such as: “I'm local” and: "I know your face, I know where you live.”

He kept asking the victim questions including if she had a boyfriend and who she lived with. 

The victim tried to remain calm and comply because she was afraid for her life due to the threat of a gun and Atumkeze telling her that he knew where she lived.

Following the assault, he made the victim walk to the canal bank while still naked and instructed her to wash for 10 minutes in a large puddle, which she did in the freezing cold temperature.

Atumkeze then allowed the victim to get dressed while he went through her handbag, taking her headphones and mobile phone – forcing her to put her password in.

He walked the victim back to the basketball court and when she was sure the suspect had gone, returned home and called the police.

The victim was supported by specialist officers and was taken to a Haven.

Results from forensic testing identified Atumkeze as a suspect.

He was arrested three days later and was taken to a south London police station. 

He lied to police, claiming he had been out for a meal in Woolwich with friends, who ordered him a taxi home because of his vision problems.

He told officers that he was registered blind in both eyes in 2016.

Atumkeze claimed a woman with a buggy helped him out of the taxi and he bumped into a family friend at about 9.10pm, who helped him across the road to his home address. 

He said he did not see anyone else that evening.

In his interview, he said: “I was shocked when I was arrested by the police. I was thinking this was wrong as I could not have done that.

“Due to my physical problems I could not commit crimes. 

“I cannot do that crime as I am blind. I am a virgin so I could not have done this.”

Atumkeze told officers he was familiar with the concrete area where the offence occurred and he knew it did not have lighting – adding that is why he does not go there.

Atumkeze was unable to give an explanation to why his DNA was found on the victim, who he claimed to have never seen before.

Detectives examined Atumkeze’s mobile phone and found internet searches such as ‘rape kit’, ‘DNA profiling’ and ‘the importance of DNA in sexual assault.’ 

He also looked up sexual offences on the Crown Prosecution Service’s website.

Detective Constable Kara Eyre of the South East Area’s Safeguarding team, said: “Atumkeze is a dangerous individual who preyed upon a lone female and subjected her to the most horrendous ordeal where she feared for her life throughout.

“Upon his arrest, he fabricated a series of lies and tried to worm his way out of this atrocious crime. 

“Thankfully, the evidence we collected against Atumkeze was strong and it resulted in him having no option but to plead guilty to his heinous crimes.

“I would like to praise the tremendous courage that the victim has shown throughout. 

“Her assistance meant that we were able to gather the evidence needed to put Atumkeze behind bars where he cannot subject any other women to the same ordeal. 

“Nothing can undo what Atumkeze did to the victim, but I hope today’s sentencing will give her a little bit of comfort and closure.”

The victim has been left traumatised by what happened. 

She had to take four months off work following the ordeal and is having counselling.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said: “I became terrified of going out alone. Still to this day I avoid being alone at night outside. 

“I couldn’t sleep. I would hear the slightest noise and be awake. I have become afraid of the night. I have very intense dreams now and I wake up in a cold sweat.

“I’ve lost my independence and self-reliance. I’m not like I was before and am now more reliant on others. 

“I’ve started suffering panic attacks and anxiety. I’ve lost weight and my appetite. I find that suddenly I will have a flashback to what happened, this causes me further anxiety.

“I’m finding it hard to trust people, especially men, even though rationally I know not all men are going to hurt me.

“I have reached out to a few friends for support as I knew this was too big for me to carry alone. 

“It was hard talking about what happened, it made me feel uncomfortable and it took a lot of courage but I needed the support as well.

“I have male friends that I would go out with for a meal or the cinema. 

“Now I find it really hard to trust anyone, I don’t want physical contact. I don’t know when I’ll feel able to just go out as I did before. 

“I find it very difficult to be close to a guy, or think about being intimate. 

“It was always my goal to get married and have a family. Now I worry because I cannot get close to anyone and what if this doesn’t change?”