TRAPPED: Online Predator Caught 'Meeting' 14 Year-Old Phantom Girl

An online sexual predator – trapped by a paedo catcher group posing as a 14 year-old girl – has been locked-up.

Michael Richards, 34, was caught trying to meet the 'girl' he believed he had been grooming via the internet with explicit videos and graphic messages.

At Wood Green Crown Court the Enfield offender was sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child; causing a child aged 13 to 15 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity and facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Richards was also issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), restricting his contact with any females under 16 years-old.

He will also be subject to Sex Offender Registration for life.

The court heard how detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime were contacted on Monday, May 4 by an online child abuse activist group.

They informed police of a case of suspected online grooming by Richards, who was using the pseudonym Jason Langham. 

In December, last year he initiated contact with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but was in fact an adult decoy.

The communication quickly became sexual and despite being told several times his contact was just 14 years-old he kept communicating and encouraged the child to meet him in Enfield.

On Thursday, May 7 an operational team were deployed to the area of the planned meet. 

Detectives suddenly spotted a slim, unkempt looking man walking the streets, with his hood up whilst on his mobile phone.

Following a closer look they confirmed the man was the suspect they were searching for, having identified him from his online image. 

They stopped him and soon confirmed his identity was not Jason Langham, but Michael Richards.

He was arrested and his mobile phone was seized. 

Detective Inspector Mark Rogers from Specialist Crime Command: said “Richards is a predatory offender and thankfully on this occasion no child was harmed.

“I would like to remind activist groups that we do have significant concerns about people taking the law into their own hands. 

“Although seemingly well-meaning, this can significantly hinder our work, compromise on-going investigations and negate months of investigative work.

“There is also the risk that it can potentially identify people who are completely innocent and mistakenly associate them with grooming offences.

“Our advice to anyone who has concerns about online grooming, is they should report them to their local police, or to Crimestoppers. 

“If you think a child is at immediate risk of harm call 999.”

Bus Phone Snatcher: Tracksuited Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected phone-snatcher after an octogenarian pensioner was targeted on a bus and her husband's walking stick kicked away.

Officers are treating it as a robbery and are appealing for witnesses and information.

Police have released this CCTV image of the male they wish to identify and speak with in connection with the incident.

At approximately 12.30pm on Wednesday, June 29, the 80-year-old victim was travelling with her husband on a Route 233 bus in Marechal Niel Parade in Bexley, south-east London.

The suspect boarded the bus and refused to pay. 

He then argued with the driver and threatened to spit at him.

When he saw the victim’s phone in her hand, he grabbed it and kicked her husband’s walking stick before leaving the bus.

Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. 

They would like to speak with anyone who recognises the male in the images.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 or 0208 284 9115.

Police Hunt Hit-And-Run Cyclist After Fatal Collision

Police are hunting this suspected hit-and-run cyclist after a pensioner died after a collision in east London.

Officers were called at approximately 5.05pm on Friday, July 3 to Bow Road, Bow, near Thames Magistrates' Court, to reports of an incident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and the pedestrian, 72-year-old Peter McCombie, was taken to hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

He died in hospital a week later on Saturday, July 11.

The cyclist did not stop at the scene.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating.

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises this man or saw him leaving the scene to call police. 

“This man cycled off from the scene, but from photos we can see he abandoned his cycle and then ran off. 

“If anyone knows the location of this bike please tell us, it is vital evidence. 

“Any information you can give, even if it is just the street where you saw him, could be crucial.

“Peter was an active man who had continued to work beyond retirement age. 

“As a result of this collision his family, friends and colleagues are now mourning his loss.

“I am also asking anyone who in the area at around 5pm on Friday, July 3 and who witnessed this collision, or the events immediately prior to and after the collision to contact the police.

“Finally, I continue to appeal directly to the cyclist involved – please come forward to assist this investigation but, more importantly, to provide answers to the victim’s family who are grieving the tragic loss of a loved one.

Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage is asked to call police on 0208 597 4874 or 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 5779/03JUL

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

Notting Hill Carnival Horror: Woman's Lip Bitten Off By Devilish Attacker

A vicious thug, who claimed: “I’m the devil” before headbutting and biting off a woman's top lip at the Notting Hill Carnival has been jailed.

Jason Thompson, 42, of Appleby Close, South Tottenham, received 14 years imprisonment for inflicting the life-changing injuries to the victim, aged in her forties.

Detective Chief Inspector Driss Hayoukane, from the Notting Hill post-investigation unit, said: “Jason Thompson has not only caused the victim life-changing physical injuries, but also some deeply troubling emotional injuries as well.

“Due to this unprovoked attack, the victim felt so scared to be in London that she stopped living in the capital after more than a decade and struggles to go out in public on her own.”

The incident took place on the first day of Carnival at approximately 6.00pm on Sunday August 25, last year.

It was her first experience of the Notting Hill Carnival and Thompson was a stranger to her.

She was talking to some other women in Portobello Road, close to the junction with Golborne Road, when she was approached by Thompson.

He told her: “I’m the devil”, before leaning forward, headbutting her and then biting off her top lip.

The victim, bleeding heavily and in shock, approached police officers, who escorted her to the nearest first aid post. 

She was then taken to a west London hospital where surgeons operated on her face. 

The victim was left with life-changing injuries.

Police issued a public appeal for witnesses and information a week later and as a result information was received, which led to Thompson’s arrest.

At Isleworth Crown Court he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

In a statement, the victim, said: “I would like to say thank you to all the police work on this case, because they have helped me so much with everything.

“This has been very difficult for me. I have had to uproot my life from London, where I have lived for over ten years and now I am scared to go out on my own and stay at home.

“I cannot even go to the supermarket on my own; sometimes I have to say to my 14-year-old niece to come with me.”

DCI Hayoukane, added: “My whole team worked non-stop to identify Thompson after this attack, and we have all felt some sort of responsibility for making sure that he gets the jail time that he so rightly deserves.

“The streets are a much safer place with this dangerous individual in jail."

Greenwich Sex Assault: CCTV image Of Suspect Released

Police are hunting this tracksuited suspected sexual predator after an 18 year-old teenager was molested in the early hours.

The female victim was walking along the Thames Path, Greenwich between 4.30am and 4.40am on Friday, June 26.

As she reached Highbridge Wharf, near the Trafalgar Tavern Pub, she was approached from behind and sexually assaulted by a man.

The victim fought back and the attacker fled along Eastney Street.

He was last seen on CCTV walking into Lassell Street.

The suspect is described as a white male, with brown ear length hair in curtains, wearing a black Adidas tracksuit with white stripes along the arms and legs.

Detective Constable Ellie Cordery, of the South East Command Unit said: "This was a distressing and frightening incident for the victim, who was on her way home after socialising with friends. She is being supported by specially trained officers.

"We would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the images captured. 

“While we appreciate they might not be the best quality, we are hopeful that someone may recognise him and come forward.”

There have been no arrests.

Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 ref CAD 1679/26JUN20.

Alternatively tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100% anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Member Of Fake-Cop Violent Burglary Gang Locked-Up

A violent burglar, whose gang raided a north London home and threatened the occupiers with a firearm and crowbar, has been caged.

One member of the four-man crew was dressed like a police officer and they took a safe, containing a large quantity of cash.

Craig Green, 38, of Beatty Road, Stanmore was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.

He had previously been found guilty at Harrow Crown Court of aggravated burglary.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mitchell Lockey, from the North West Command Unit, said: “A family were threatened by Green and his accomplices. 

“Everyone should feel safe in their homes, but the events of that day will stay with them.

“It is only right that Green is beginning a lengthy prison sentence. 

“Hopefully, with the help of the public, those who were also involved will be caught and share his fate.”

Police were called on October 11, last year to reports that four suspects had entered an address in Bush Grove, Colindale. 

They threatened the occupants with a firearm and crowbar and stole a safe containing a significant amount of money.

Detectives launched an investigation and Green was quickly identified as being involved. 

He was arrested two weeks later.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify the other suspects. 

Officers would like to speak with anyone who has information regarding the burglary and who is yet to come forward.

They should call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 3728/11Oct19.

Council Gas Inspectors Tipped-Off Police About Drug-Dealing Resident

Council officials carrying out a gas safety check tipped-off police about £2.3m worth of ecstasy and crystal meth in a west London residence.

As a result drug-dealer Patrick Scotland, 28, is starting a ten-year prison sentence.

When officers swooped on the Shepherd's Bush property in Canada Way they seized 185,000 ecstasy pills and several kilos of crystal meth.

Also found were eight kilos of cannabis resin; 10,000 LSD tabs, plus cocaine and Ketamine.

At Isleworth Crown Court Scotland pleaded guilty to three counts of possession, with intent to supply, Class A drugs and two similar counts relating to Class B drugs.

He also admitted importing a Class A drug and possessing an electric stun gun.

On Wednesday, February 12, police were alerted by council staff - who were completing routine gas safety checks at Scotland’s address - to a large quantity of suspected drugs within the premises. 

Officers carried out a search of the property and found sealed bags and tupperware tubs containing various types of pills and powders.

The 87kg of drugs seized in this operation are estimated to hold a street value of approximately £2.3 million – the largest known seizure of MDMA and crystal meth from a residential address in the UK to date.

It also appears to be the first seizure of its kind in regards to the dismantling of a Dark Web drugs site in the UK. 

Scotland was linked to the site post-arrest and the drugs advertised were identified as the same as those recovered from his address. 

The pills were linked to Scotland due to the unique motifs stamped on them.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Curry, of the Central West Gangs Unit, said: “This operation led to a significant quantity of Class A and B drugs being taken off the streets of London. 

“I am delighted with today’s outcome and believe that it serves as evidence of our zero tolerance approach towards drug dealing in our community.

“We will continue working to disrupt the distribution of illegal substances in our boroughs - ensuring those involved are brought to justice.”

Repeat Robber Stabbed Have-A-Go-Hero During Supermarket Raid

A robber repeatedly raided the same west London supermarket, threatening staff and customers with a knife or screwdriver.

Barry Whittle, 20, struck five times in just two weeks and ended up stabbing a have-a-go-hero shopper, who tried to detain him.

Whittle, of Peplow Close, Hillingdon has been locked-up for five-and-a-half years.

He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court for multiple offences, including four robberies and one attempted robbery of the supermarket in Chantry Close, West Drayton between October 3 and 17, last year.

He was also convicted of five counts of possession of a bladed article at the store; inflicting grievous bodily harm on the hero customer and actual bodily harm on the man's daughter.

Whittle was also guilty of possessing a bladed article at another supermarket in High Street, West Drayton and theft and fraud in nearby Frays Avenue.

Whittle was arrested at an address in West Drayton on October 17, last year, following a violent incident at the supermarket.

On that day he entered the shop in possession of knife and proceeded to steal nine bottles of vodka. 

When shop security staff challenged him, he threatened them with the knife before attempting to leave. 

Whittle was grabbed by a man who was in the shop, who attempted to detain him. 

During the ensuing struggle, Whittle stabbed the man in the shoulder and also assaulted the man’s teenage daughter, who came to assist, before fleeing.

It was established Whittle had entered the same supermarket on four other occasions to steal items. 

On each occasion he armed himself with a knife or screwdriver and brazenly brandished it at anyone who attempted to challenge him.

Whittle was also convicted of breaking into a car that was parked in Frays Avenue and using a card he had stolen to buy items from a newsagent.

Detective Sergeant Reda Imane from West Area CID said: “A dangerous man will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars. 

“Whittle armed himself with a knife and had no qualms in threatening members of staff, or using it against a member of the public who attempted to stop him.

“He plagued staff at the supermarket he targeted, no doubt putting them in genuine fear with his actions. 

“I hope his prison sentence offers them, and those who stood up to him, some reassurance.”

Lance Corporal Jailed After Military-Grade Bullets End Up In Criminal's Hands

A serving British Army soldier has been jailed for 15 months for passing on military-issue bullets.

Lance Corporal Ralstan Pusey, 31, from Norfolk – who participated in firing range exercises when based in Germany – was traced after a police swoop on a known armed criminal.

A Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury convicted him possession of prohibited ammunition.

The investigation began when police stopped a vehicle in Luton on November 9, 2016 and seized a loaded handguns and 97 rounds of 9mm Parabellum ammunition.

The driver of the vehicle received six years imprisonment and the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime South team probed the source of the rounds.

The bullets were found in two containers, one an iPhone box – these were found within a bag in the vehicle.

Officers made enquiries about the IMEI number on the iPhone box and found it was linked to Pusey, a Lance Corporal with 1st Queen's Dragoon Guards - a cavalry regiment of the British Army.

The ammunition and the boxes were forensically tested and his fingerprints were found on the containers.

Pusey was arrested in April, 2017 and denied handling, stealing, passing on or having any knowledge of the bullets.

Detectives were able to ascertain that the rounds of ammunition recovered came from a batch, which was manufactured in July, 2010 for the British Military.

Detective Constable Leon Ure, said: “This was an unusual case, which opened up as the result of meticulous forensic work. 

“Officers were able to narrow down the source of the bullets to the British Army, and a jury was convinced that it was Pusey who had passed the bullets on.

"Possessing ammunition is a very serious offence – criminals intent on using firearms to commit violence on London’s streets provide a black market for ammunition, to be used in shootings linked to gang violence and organised crime."

Octogenarian Targeted By Burglar: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected burglar, who targeted an octogenarian woman in south-east London.

The raider, who forced his way through the 83 year-old pensioner's front door, pretended he was seeking work when discovered.

He struck at 8,45pm on June 19 at an address in the Cray Valley West area of Orpington, Bromley.

The victim was in her home address when she heard a bang and was then confronted by a male.

The suspect spoke to her and asked: “Do you want any work done?” 

The victim said no, and the suspect left the address.

No arrests have been made.

The suspect is described as a white male, of a skinny build with balding, brown/ginger hair. 

He was wearing a light brown jacket, jeans, blue cleaning gloves and a face mask.

Detective Constable Ben Briselden of Bromley CID, who is leading the investigation, has said: “We have today released CCTV footage of a man I wish to speak to in connection to the burglary and I am appealing for the public’s help to identify his whereabouts.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD reference 7705/19JUN20.

To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers via crimestoppers-uk.org or phone on 0800 555 111.

Late-Night Knifeman Locked-Up

A knifeman, who stabbed his victim multiple times during an early hours attack – almost killing him – has been jailed for 14 years and 1 month.

Duclant Tampawo, 30, approached the 49 year-old victim at 3.00am and after a short conversation the pair walked to a churchyard alleyway, where the violent attack occurred.

The blade was plunged into the victim four times – leaving him in an induced coma.

Tampawo, of Lansdowne, Hackney pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm in nearby Ashanti Mews on March 24, last year.

He was sentenced at the Old Bailey, where he was also ordered to remain on licence for an additional three years after his release. 

Detective Constable Ben Stone, who led the investigation said: “Tampawo carried out a brutal attack, stabbing the victim multiple times, which caused significant internal damage, and left him bleeding on the ground.

“He has never explained the reasons for this assault, which left the victim in a critical condition and requiring extensive hospital treatment for a number of months.

“He is clearly a dangerous offender and we are pleased he is now behind bars.”

At around 3.15am on March 24, last year police were called to reports of a man with multiple stab wounds in Lower Clapton Road, Hackney.

The victim told emergency services he had been attacked in nearby Ashanti Mews, a small alleyway bordering a churchyard.

He quickly lost consciousness and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. 

After undergoing a number of operations, he was placed into an induced coma for several weeks.

Officers from Central East CID launched an investigation and immediately found a red bag in the alleyway, which contained a bloodied black knife.

CCTV showed Tampawo cycling along the footpath in nearby Mare Street at around 3.00am, before chaining up his bike.

He walked along Narrow Way, where he approached the victim sitting on a bench and engaged him in conversation, beckoning him to follow him. 

The pair walk towards the alleyway and around 90 seconds later Tampawo is captured on CCTV running back along Lower Clapton Road.

He was later seen on camera close to a hostel on Lansdowne Drive.

When police attended the hostel to view their CCTV, Tampawo was identified as entering the hostel at around 3.30am on the day of the attack.

While officers were still at the venue, Tampawo returned to the building and was immediately arrested. 

Wing And A Prayer: Fallen Star Jordon Ibe Caught Flouting Driving Ban

Down The Steps: Jordon Ibe

Premier League footballer Jordon Ibe has been caught flouting the driving ban he received for crashing into a coffee shop while at the wheel of a £133,000 Bentley.

This time the 24 year-old ex-Liverpool and Bournemouth winger was caught driving a blue Range Rover, just seven weeks into the sixteen-month disqualification.

He appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court today, where he was fined £1,000, plus £85 costs and banned for eighteen months.

Ibe, of Bonham House, Westerham Road, Keston pleaded guilty to driving in Edgington Way, Bexleyheath, while disqualified, on April 22.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.

Once a £15m signing for the Cherries, Ibe is currently out of contract and looking for a new club after the south coast outfit declined to extend his lucrative deal.

Last March Ibe was banned, fined £7,500 and placed on a 12-month Community Order after pleading guilty to careless driving and being convicted of failing to stop after the late-night crash.

The court heard on that occasion how Ibe demolished the front of The Pantry coffee shop when he lost control of the powerful 4x4 at 4.50am.

At the time he lived in a £1.1m six-bedroom detached house at 63c Haven Road, Poole, Dorset. 

The July 30, 2019 crash in Plaistow Lane, Bromley also resulted in damage to a parked black Mercedes-Benz.

Prosecutor Mr. George Crivelli told the court Ibe waited at the scene of destruction only four minutes before reversing his 187mmph white Bentley Bentayga luxury SUV and driving away.

“He caused such damage that the front had to be razed (corr) from the foundations and was rendered unsafe. He left part of his car inside the shop.”

The Bermondsey-born winger joined AFC Bournemouth in 2016 from Liverpool for a then club record of £15m.

He has represented England at U-18, U-19, U-20 and U-21 level. 

“The Crown say in Plaistow Lane, Bromley Mr. Ibe was the driver of a white Bentley Bentayga. At around 4.50am the defendant was involved in a collision,” explained Mr. Cravelli.

“His vehicle has left the road, collided with a parked car and crashed into the shop front.

“It is said to have remained there a short time and then reversed and left the scene.

“The actions of the defendant have not been to the required standard expected of someone driving on the road. He has not waited at the scene.”  

Ibe argued he waited ten minutes at the scene, but there was nobody to exchange details with, a claim disputed by the police, who responded immediately to a 999 call.

“Police were at the location in four minutes and he had already left the scene.”  

The damage was reportedly approximately £15,000 and cafe owner Sarah Dickson only discovered the destruction the following day.

“In her statement she says she was at the shop at midday the next day and nobody had left a note,” said Mr. Cravelli.

The once £38,000-a-week forward failed to impress at Bournemouth since his big-money transfer, making a total of 92 appearances in all competitions and only scoring 5 goals.

Last season he made just two brief substitute appearances in the Premier League and featured in two League Cup games.

Female Passenger Assaulted At Kentish Town Underground: Suspect Wanted

Specialist transport police are hunting this suspect after a woman was assaulted while getting off a tube train.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image as they continue trying to identify the man.

The female passenger was departing a Northern Line Underground train at Kentish Town station at 1.45pm on Thursday July 9.

She reported that she was assaulted by a mystery male to the BTP. 

Officers would like to speak to the man in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

Teenage Girl kidnapped For Oyster Top-Top: Man Wanted

Police are hunting this passenger after a teenage girl was forced to top-up his Oyster card and board a tube train with him.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image as they continue investigating the suspected robbery and kidnapping at Waterloo station on Wednesday July 1.

The victim, aged in her late teens, was approached by a man at Waterloo station at around 2:30pm.

The man initially asked for help, but then proceeded to follow the female when she ignored him. 

He then grabbed her arm, brought the victim to a ticket machine and made her purchase a top-up for his Oyster card.

He then forced her to board a Jubilee line to Westminster Tube station, where the victim was able to alert station staff between 3:45pm and 3:50pm. 

As she did this the suspect walked away and exited the station.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV images may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him, or anyone with information, can contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 301 of 01/007/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Train Shunt: Shoulder Fracture After Passenger Push

Police are hunting this train passenger after a fellow-commuter was shoved off a train, fracturing his shoulder.

British Transport Police have released this CCTV image following a report of an assault at King's Cross station in central London.

The incident happened on platform 8 between 8pm and 8.15pm on Sunday 8 December, last year.

The victim was pushed to the platform by another man as he left the train.

He suffered a fractured shoulder.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 1900105539.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Shotgun Drugs Villain Caged After Police Raid

Police seized a sawn-off shotgun, cartridges, a pistol, cocaine and steroids when they raided the home of a Southall man now starting a six-year prison sentence.

Marcus Mascall, 31, was arrested in the early hours of January 11 by officers from the Metropolitan Police's South West Basic Command Unit.

He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court for possession of a prohibited shotgun; possession of ammunition whilst prohibited; possession of cocaine and possession of steroids.

It was 3.35am when the search warrant was executed under Section 46 of the Firearms Act. 

A sawn-off shotgun, 90 cartridges and a blank firing Glock were found in ceiling panels in a communal corridor outside the address. 

The drugs were also found at the address.

He was charged and remanded to court on the same day.

Trident detectives from Specialist Crime investigated and DNA and fingerprint evidence were later attributed to Mascall.

Detective Constable Kai Murray said: “This operation led to firearms and ammunition being taking off the streets of London. 

“I have no doubt that the firearms recovered would have been used to cause serious or even fatal injuries.

“Firearms have absolutely no place on our streets and the removal of these makes London a safer place for all”.

Bizarre Silver Wig-Wearing "Sexual Predator" Convicted

Hi Ho Silver: Lone Ranger Brown Goes Completely Tonto

A sexual predator, who donned a long silver wig and mini dress before chasing an 18 year-old female student, has been convicted of molesting her.

Mark Brown, 30, of Newington Green, Islington was found guilty of sexual assault following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, August 14.

The court heard that shortly before 3.55am on September 20, last year the victim jogged past Brown’s home address.

She had spent that evening out with friends at a nightclub and was hurrying home.

Brown spotted the victim go by and wearing the short dress and leather jacket he dashed out of his flat in a mad rush to catch her – putting on a long silver wig as he ran.

He caught up with the victim after following her for about 500m.

The victim was unaware of anyone following her until Brown placed his hand on her shoulder. 

Before she had a chance to turn around to see who it was, she was sexually assaulted.

The victim tried to push him away and shouted at her attacker, but she was pushed to the floor. 

She continued kicking and screaming, but she had her eyes closed. 

Silver Server: Brown Faces Imprisonment

When she opened her eyes Brown had fled and she only saw him running off in the distance, noticing he had long silver hair.

The victim immediately called the police and was supported by specialist officers.

Detectives began a fast-paced investigation to locate the suspect and carried out a number of enquiries – including working in partnership with Islington Council to extensively review CCTV.

Officers found chilling CCTV footage showing Brown sprint from his home address after the victim, before undeniably following her – staying a few feet behind her until the attack.

The footage also showed Brown without the wig on.

Brown was arrested and charged on October 5.

During his police interview he was shown the CCTV footage and a still of him without the wig on – but he denied it was him and said he believed it was a woman. 

When asked about the wig, Brown initially responded with ‘no comment,’ before telling officers that he had bought it for a fancy dress party, but he ‘threw it out ages ago'.

The court heard Brown has previously been convicted of seven counts of sexual touching and is on the Sex Offender’s Register. 

He breached his licence conditions, which prohibit him being outside between 10.00pm and 8.00am.

Detective Constable Giash Uddin from Central East’s Safeguarding team, said:“Brown is a dangerous, sexual predator and I am pleased that the jury agreed with the overwhelming evidence we gathered against him.

“Brown was lying in wait, in disguise, ready to pounce on his unsuspecting victim. 

“He has refused to admit his guilt throughout and forced his victim to re-live her traumatic ordeal by going to trial.

“I’d like to praise the victim for her courage and cooperation throughout our investigation. 

“I hope that Brown being brought to justice will give her a small measure of comfort and closure. 

“I’d also like to thank Islington Council for their help with the extensive CCTV enquiries we carried out which identified Brown as the suspect and ultimately saw him get convicted for this heinous crime”.

Serial Brixton Flasher Terrorised Female Commuters

A serial flasher, who exposed himself to women at bus stops and outside Brixton Underground Station while playing with himself, has pleaded guilty.

Leslie Malcolm, 55, of Farley Road, Catford appeared at the Inner London Crown Court and admitted eight counts of exposure.

The offences were reported between December, 2019 and May, 2020 in various places in Brixton, including bus stops and outside the tube station.

On each occasion, Malcom would approach women, some of whom were waiting for buses, and he would expose his genitals. 

Often he would make eye contact with them as he touched himself inappropriately.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command picked up the investigation, quickly identifying Malcom as the suspect. 

On June 1, officers arrested Malcom at his home address. 

When he was talking with officers after he was detained, he said: “You know, it’s not like I weren’t expecting you”.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, September 1.

Detective Sergeant Okikiola Okunola from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “I would firstly like to thank each victim for reporting Malcom’s quite frankly disgusting and perverse behaviour to police. 

“Because of them and the support they’ve have shown the investigation, we were able to bring Malcolm to justice.

“Thanks to some of the victims’ evidence as well as the forensic evidence left at one scene by Malcom, he had no choice but to plead guilty to the eight offences”.

Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Policing, said: “No one should experience unwanted sexual behaviour on our transport network and we are determined to stamp it out. 

“We were absolutely disgusted to hear of these incidents in Brixton and commend the victims for their bravery in coming forward to report them.

“We welcome Malcolm’s conviction and hope it sends a strong message that abuse won’t be tolerated. 

“All reports of unwanted sexual behaviour are taken extremely seriously and fully investigated, so offenders can be caught and brought to justice”.

Spark Out: Internet Pervert's Second KO

An online pervert has been caught flouting a suspended prison sentence by downloading sick images of children again.

Martin Sparks, 47, of Maldon Walk, Redbridge, had over 200 indecent images at his home when police raided his address.

He pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to five counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), making indecent images of children (category A) and making indecent images of children (category B).

He will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, August 26.

On Thursday, June 18, officers from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command executed a search warrant at Sparks’ home.

They had intelligence that indecent images of children had been downloaded at the address via peer-to-peer (p2p) software.

Sparks was convicted on June 26, 2018 of making indecent images of children. 

He received two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) until “further order” on this date.

When officers carried out the warrant last month, Sparks initially denied any knowledge of illegal online activity, but when he was questioned further he admitted breaches of his SHPO and having downloaded and viewed child abuse images.

Sparks committed five SHPO breaches.

During the search of his address, officers seized a computer tower, which Sparks used to download the illegal images – this related to three of the breaches.

Officers also found an electronic tablet, which was a breach due to it not being declared to his Public Protection Unit manager.

The remaining breach was for connecting to the home’s router to use the internet when he downloaded the images.

Sparks was taken to an east London police station. 

When searched in custody, two USB digital storage devices were found in his shoes.

A total of 233 category A child abuse videos and 17 category B ones were found on the USBs.

Sparks told officers that when he heard officers enter the address, he went to hide the USBs and decided to put them in his shoes and put his shoes on. 

Detective Constable James Cavenham said: “Sparks is now facing time behind bars after committing the same hideous offence once again. 

“The evidence we gathered against him meant he had no option but to plead guilty.

"Although this is not a contact offence, every single image contains a child who is a victim of an appalling crime and when people like Sparks seek these images out, they continue to generate a market for this type of abuse.

“The Met will continue to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice those who download online images of child sexual abuse.”