Police Continue Hunting Rapist A Year On

Police are re-appealing for information as they continue investigating a year-old rape near St. Thomas' Hospital.

The appeal featured on BBC's Crimewatch Roadshow on Wednesday, September 9.

Police were called to Royal Street, outside St Thomas’ Hospital, at 1.23am on November 12, last year to a report of a rape.

A woman in her forties was physically assaulted before being raped by an unknown man on Royal Street, near the junction with Lambeth Park Road.

The woman is being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Sergeant Paul Barham, investigating the incident, said: “This is clearly a horrific incident and we are doing all we can to support the woman and find who is responsible.

“The man in the CCTV is wearing distinctive clothing so I appeal to anyone who recognises these items of clothing or believes they know who the man is to contact us straightaway.”

No arrests have been made; enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference CAD 379/12NOV.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 

Stalker Preyed On Female Co-Worker

A work-colleague-from-hell, who made false police claims against a fellow-employee and spread fake social media gossip about her, has received a five-year restraining order.

Alan Woods, 52, of Lake Mead, Heybridge, Essex, stalked the woman, who worked alongside him in Romford, between July, 2018 and April, this year.

At Barkingside Magistrates' Court he was also ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid community service work.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to the Protection from Harassment Act.

The victim reported the stalking to officers at a north east London police station on Thursday, October 24, last year and stated she did not know who the perpetrator was.

The stalking began in July, 2018 with Woods creating a fake social media account in the victim’s name. 

He then sent messages to a colleague’s wife, falsely stating that he was having an affair with another colleague.

On Friday, July 20, 2018 Woods contacted the police to inform them the victim drove to work while under the influence of drugs.

One day, police were waiting and she was drug tested outside her workplace by officers and the result came back all clear.

Throughout April this year, Woods made multiple unwanted phone calls to the victim, left abusive messages and tampered with her car. 

It was established the phone number used to send the victim messages was the same as the one used to call police and make the false accusation back in July, 2018.

To identify Woods as the perpetrator, officers from the Metropolitan Police's East Area Basic Command Unit analysed phone data from the number he used. 

The number was linked to Maldon in Essex. 

Further investigations led to a security officer from the workplace stating that Woods lived in the same area which the phone was linked to.

PC Tay Mirza, said: “Stalking in all its forms greatly impacts victims and this in this case their work life. Hopefully, this result will give the victim some peace of mind.

“Anyone that believes they are a current victim of stalking should contact the police by calling 101 or reporting it online.”

Teen Jailed For Late-Night Rape Of Pregnant Woman

Isleworth Crown Court

A 17 year-old, who raped and robbed a pregnant woman after she asked him for directions at a bus stop, has been locked-up.

The teenager received eight-and-a-half years custody for the late-night attack on the 30 year-old woman, who had nipped out to the shops.

At Isleworth Crown Court the juvenile defendant, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one count of robbery.

The victim left her home at around 11.30pm on Monday, January 6 and asked the defendant – who was sitting at a bus stop – for directions.

He pointed her in the direction of Hatton Road, Feltham, west London and after a few minutes, the victim realised he was following her.

The attacker suddenly grabbed the victim from behind and physically assaulted her. 

He took her phone and cash.

He then threatened her with a screwdriver and raped her.

The victim said she had £500 cash in her house and if the attacker walked her to the address she would give it to him. 

He threatened her by saying if she did not give him the £500 or called the police, he ‘would shoot her’.

Once inside her address, the victim used a different phone to call the police while the attacker waited outside. 

The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.

The first officers to arrive took a statement from the victim and a description of the suspect. 

Officers searched the area near the victim’s address. 

A youth, who fitted the description, was seen and made off from the police.

He was caught after a foot chase. 

He was searched and officers found the victim’s mobile phone and cash on him. 

He also had the screwdriver he had threatened her with.

He was arrested and taken into custody and charged.

Detective Constable Emma Rogers, from the Metropolitan Police's West Area Safeguarding Team, said: “I would like to thank the victim for her bravery during this horrific assault. 

“I hope that she finally has some closure to an ordeal that has been so traumatising for her and her family.

“Officers were at the scene of the crime and arrested the attacker within minutes of receiving the 999 call. 

“I’m grateful to those officers and staff from the LAS who took such good care of this victim when she needed it most.”

Bus Driver Punched By Thug: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected thug after a resting bus driver was viciously punched in the eye during a break.

The attack may be linked to a road rage incident the driver had with a motorcyclist shortly before at a set of traffic lights.

At 11.55am on Monday, July 20 the driver, aged 43 years-old, was on his break at a bus stand in Atkins Road, Clapham Park.

While parked a man boarded the bus and punched him in the face.

The driver attended hospital, where he was treated for serious facial injuries.

Police Constable Nick Kortright, from the Roads and Policing Command (RTPC), said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which has left the victim with an eye injury. 

“As a professional driver, this is clearly of significant concern to him.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV stills to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact the RTPC @MetCC or via 101.

Drifter Exploited Vulnerable Victim Before Murdering Him

A homeless scrounger, who took over a vulnerable middle-aged man's life before beating and strangling him to death, has been convicted of murder.

Mohammed Assri, 47, (pic. Top) of no fixed abode sacked 55 year-old James Dowdell's carers and took control of his finances after moving in.

He will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on November 20 for murdering Mr. Dowdell (pic.bottom) at his home in St. Mark's Grove, West Brompton on February 17.

Assri tried to dodge justice by frantically calling police and reporting his housemate's death, claiming he found the body on returning to the address.

Officers and paramedics attended to find Mr. Dowdell with head injuries. 

He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Assri was arrested and found in possession of Mr. Dowdell's personal items including his bank card and a large sum of bloodstained cash.

Detectives began an investigation and found the relationship between Assri and Mr. Dowdell to be unclear. 

Assri claimed his name was Adam and Mr. Dowdell was his uncle. 

Assri had been homeless prior to moving into Mr. Dowdell's flat in late January.

Having moved into the flat, Assri quickly established control, seeking to exclude Mr. Dowdell's carers. 

He took over his finances, including using his Halifax debit card regularly, and pawned a valuable watch-strap belonging to Mr. Dowdell.

Officers found that in an attempt to displace himself from the crime scene Assri lied about his whereabouts in the hours before Mr. Dowdell's death. 

He claimed he had been at his sister’s house at 4.45pm that day and later returned to Mr. Dowdell's residence, performing CPR for thirty mins before calling the ambulance at 6.45pm. 

Officers found that CCTV cameras showed he had been in the vicinity of his sister’s house twelve hours before he claimed and Mr. Dowdell's pacemaker registered a failing heart nearly two hours before an ambulance was called.

A post-mortem examination revealed bruising on Mr. Dowdell's wrists and marks to his hand suggesting he had tried to defend himself from the fatal attack.

The cause of death was blunt force trauma and compression of the neck.

Assri insisted that Mr. Dowdell's injuries were sustained by falling and were self-inflicted. 

This was disproved by pathologists and medical evidence.

Detective Inspector Maria Green, from Specialist Crime said: “I would like to thank the witnesses who spoke in court for their courage in giving evidence.

“Assri is a violent and manipulative man, who has taken no responsibility for his actions, using his appearance at court as an attempt to dishonour the memory and life of James. 

“I hope that James’s family and friends can draw some strength from seeing justice done.”

Octogenarian Mugged After Cashpoint Withdrawal: Woman Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspect after an infirm pensioner was robbed of his wallet after withdrawing cash in north London.

On Sunday, July 12 the 81 year-old victim – using a mobility frame - was withdrawing money from a cash point outside Sainsbury’s on Green Lanes, near Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, when he was approached by a woman.

She attempted to speak to him and then continued to follow him as he walked towards his home, despite him asking her to stay away.

Once the man had turned off the main road, the woman approached him again and grabbed at the man’s shoulder bag, pulling it towards her. 

The woman managed to get hold of the man’s wallet from his bag and, after a short tussle, she managed to take it from him. 

She then fled the scene on foot. 

The wallet contained bank cards and £50 in cash.

Officers have released this image of the woman they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Mike Bradley, who is investigating, said: “The woman in this case has brazenly targeted an elderly man as he used a mobility frame to walk back to his home.

“He has been left shaken as a result of this incident and we are doing all we can to find the person responsible to ensure no-one else is subject to a similar crime.

“We would urge anyone who recognises the woman in this picture or who may have seen what happened that day to come forward and speak to us.”

Anyone with information should call 101 with Cad reference 4470/12Jul or alternatively can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Prolific Thief Targeted Tourists

A prolific bespectacled pickpocket – who preys on tourists at London landmarks – has been jailed.

Paul Roy Kennedy, 63, who has amassed over 100 conviction, was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

Kennedy, of Boone Street, Lewisham, south London was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court.

He was convicted of five handbag thefts and a number of fraud offences, after he used the victim’s bankcards for numerous illegal transactions. 

Kennedy would regularly prey on tourists around popular attractions such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London.

He would snatch bags and pick their pockets for cash and wallets.

Following three thefts in the Square Mile on January, 10, January 28 and February 1, officers from the City of London Police recognised Kennedy on CCTV footage and quickly arrested him at his partner’s property.

Due to his repeat offending the City of London Police applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) against Kennedy, which would ban him from entering the Square Mile and put conditions on his behaviour for up to 10 years.

Smithfield Market Burglary: CCTV Images Released

Police are hunting this suspected burglar, who walked out of an office in Smithfield Market with two Apple Mac computers.

Detectives from the City of London Police have released these images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the break-in.

It is believed the man forced entry to the building at the famous meat market, between 6.00pm and 6.07pm on Saturday, April 18.

The CCTV images were captured at the premises and officers are keen to speak to anybody who recognises the man in the photos.

Detective Constable Ufuk Ekbic, who is leading the investigation, said:“Burglary and theft are very significant crimes and ones we take seriously in the City. 

“To help further our enquiries in this investigation, we would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV images released.”

If you can help the investigation, please contact the City of London Police by calling 020 7601 2222. 

You can also report crime to us online or by dialling 101. 

Or report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

In an emergency dial 999.

Suspected Sex Pests Snapped On Tube

Police are hunting these two suspected sex pests after two women were subjected to perverted behaviour on the tube.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image as they continue investigating the incident.

BTP are treating the allegation as outraging public decency on a Northern Line train between King's Cross and Golders Green stations, north London.

The incident happened between 8.15pm and 8.30pm on Friday, June 26.

The suspects are reported to have acted inappropriately in front of two women.

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

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

In both cases, quote reference number 236 of 27/06/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Rapist Preyed On Young Girl During Five Years Of Abuse

A sick rapist, who repeatedly attacked a young girl during five years of terror, has been caged.

The victim – who was only twelve years-old when the abuse began – was raped two to three times a week and had two abortions.

Adrian Donaldson, 37, of Tottenham, north London was sentenced to twenty years imprisonment.

He was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court after pleading guilty to seven counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.

Between January, 2015 and January, this year at an address in Tottenham, Donaldson repeatedly raped the under-age girl, who was known to him.

Donaldson would rape the victim after he had been drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

He would also call the victim and ask her to send nude photos and would ask her to visit him. 

He would then make her strip and then rape her.

The victim fell pregnant with his child twice during 2017 and 2018 and had an abortion both times. 

She told her mother that she fell pregnant by her boyfriend at school so not to elude that it was Donaldson’s.

Donaldson told the victim not to tell anyone about the rapes or he would accuse her of coming on to him. 

This led the victim to feel suicidal as she felt she could not report it.

On Saturday, January 25 police were called by the victim’s mother after she found out about the rapes and pregnancies. 

Officers attended Donaldson’s address and found him drunk and attempting to engage in sexual activity with the victim.

Police arrested Donaldson for sexual assault by touching a female under 18 years-old. 

In interview, Donaldson denied all allegations stating that it was fabricated.

Detective Sergeant Gill Cousins, of the North Area Basic Command Unit, said:“This is a horrific crime and the victim was subjected to a horrendous ordeal. 

“The effects of these crimes on the victim will undoubtedly remain with her forever.

“I commend the bravery the victim has shown to help us bring this man to justice.

“I urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault either recently or historically to come forward and speak with police."

Violent Sexual Predator Jailed For Bus Attack On Teen

A violent sexual predator, who molested a 15 year-old girl on a bus, continuing the assault when she got off, has been locked-up.

Adam Jeby, 24, received four years imprisonment for the increasingly violent attack, which left the girl with facial injuries.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, one count of common assault and a charge of criminal damage when he initially appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.

Due to the seriousness of the offence he was sent to Isleworth Crown Court, where he was jailed and ordered to remain on parole for an extra two years once released.

Police were called at 2.55pm on Sunday, September 29, last year to reports a teenager had been sexually assaulted by a man while on board the Route H91 bus in Hounslow.

When she got off the bus and while waiting at a stop on Windmill Road, she was physically and sexually assaulted by the same man, leaving her with facial injuries. 

He then walked off towards York Road.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command began an investigation.

On October 23, an officer making enquiries in the Hatton Cross area boarded a route 490 bus and spotted a male matching the description of the suspect. 

He followed him to Heathrow Airport, where he stopped and questioned him.

He was arrested and later charged with the above offences.

Detective Constable Tony Barun, who led the investigation, said: “Jeby’s behaviour that afternoon was completely unacceptable and following a thorough investigation he was quickly tracked down by police.

“He not only sexually assaulted a fifteen year-old girl on public transport but went on to physically attack her, leaving her feeling scared and vulnerable. 

“We hope this sentence allows her to move on and shows our commitment to removing dangerous offenders from our streets.”

Murderer Published Pic Of Dead Girlfriend's Body Online

A murderer posted a picture of his dead girlfriend on social media after stabbing her to death – prompting her horrified sister in China to raise the alarm.

Heavy-drinking Yi Xing Song, 54, of Magnolia Close, Leyton has persuaded 35-year-old Li-Qing Wang to stay with him despite his jealousy and controlling behaviour.

However, during another row he inflicted twenty-one knife wounds on the mother-of-two in their bedroom and covered her with a duvet.

He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 19 years.

On February 25 Song posted an image of Li-Qing’s body on a family social media chat group, which was seen by her sister in China.

She immediately contacted friends in the UK, asking them to check on her sister’s welfare.

Two male family friends attended the address at Magnolia Close and Song directed them to the bedroom where Li-Qing lay motionless on the floor covered by a duvet. 

She had been stabbed multiple times and a bloodied knife lay at her feet.

The men left the address and called police.

When officers arrived, 12 minutes later, Song was lying on the floor next to Li-Qing’s body refusing to move, pretending to be unconscious.

Officers conducted CPR, but despite their efforts, Li-Qing was pronounced dead by medics at the scene.

Paramedics confirmed that Song was in fact conscious. 

He continued to be uncooperative and when officers moved him to a chair, he refused to open his eyes, only opening them briefly during his steps from the address to the police vehicle. At the custody centre, he was asked by the custody sergeant how he was feeling and replied he was upset as he had killed his ‘wife’.

In interview, with eyes remaining mostly closed, he then said that he did not know if he had killed his ‘wife’ but had had an argument with her.

Subsequent police enquiries concerning Song uncovered a history of alcohol dependency. 

His relationship with Li-Qing had been a turbulent one, which took a turn in October, 2018, when she attempted to leave him.

Police were called after Song was found in the street holding a knife. 

Next to him was a half empty bottle of whisky and a piece of paper with a mobile telephone number and the name Li Wang written on it. 

He had superficial cuts to his left wrist. 

Following this incident Li-Qing had somehow relented and remained with him.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine, who led the investigation, said:“This incident has left a large number of victims in its wake, Li-Qing’s children have lost their mother, and her family in China are left with the most horrific final image of her due to the callous actions of Yi Xing Song in sending a picture of her body to her family chat group, which included her father.

“Song stabbed Li-Qing 21 times in a frenzied and overwhelming attack. 

“Such was his own disgust at what he had done he could not bring himself to open his eyes.

“This has been a long and traumatic investigation, with much evidence in Chinese Mandarin being provided by devastated family members through an interpreter.

“The sentence handed down clearly demonstrates that suffering from alcohol addiction is not a defence for causing harm to others, particularly, as in this case, the most grievous harm possible.

“My thoughts are with Li-Qing’s loved ones, her children and her extended family, and I thank them for their selfless efforts to assist the investigation despite the language barrier and their distance from the UK.

“I sincerely hope that they find some peace in knowing that the man who took her life will now pay for that callous act with his own freedom.”

Middle-Aged Woman Groped On Bus: CCTV Image Of Suspect Released

Police are hunting this suspected early morning bus pervert after a middle-aged woman was molested.

Detectives have released this CCTV image the man they wish to trace.

At around 7.15am on Saturday, June 27, a 53-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a Route 236 bus travelling towards Homerton, east London.

The incident occurred just before the bus reached the Hackney Town Hall bus stop.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who recognises the man to contact them. 

The incident has left the victim feeling unsafe.

If you have any information that could help this investigation please call 101 and quote reference Cad 2369/27Jun.

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Halloween Horror: Death Crash Driver Jailed For Killing Bus Driver

An unlicensed and uninsured death crash driver, who collided with a bus while speeding on the wrong side of the road, has been locked-up.

Dorjan Cera, 20, (pic.top) killed 60 year-old bus driver Kenneth Matcham (pic.bottom) and injured multiple passengers during the Halloween horror smash last year.

At the Old Bailey he was sentenced to seven years and eight months imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for eleven years and four months.

Cera pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving; causing death whilst unlicensed and causing death whilst uninsured.

He also admitted seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of a false ID document, with intent to deceive.

Acting Detective Inspector Richard Budd, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Cera’s driving that night was beyond reckless, it was clearly extremely dangerous and resulted in many people being injured, and sadly one man losing his life.

“Our investigation, supported by eye witness accounts, established that Cera had been driving at speed, entering a busy road on the wrong side of the road when he collided with the bus being driven by Mr. Matcham. 

“He had made no attempt to slow down or give-way.

“When Cera spoke with officers at the scene, he provided false details – perhaps to later avoid responsibility – but his true identity was quickly established. 

“He begins a prison sentence, having been left with no other option but to plead guilty.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone who has suffered as a result of his actions.”

Police were called to Sevenoaks Road in Orpington at 10.12pm on October 31, following a report of a multi-vehicle incident.

Officers, the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service attended and found two buses and a Skoda Octavia in collision.

The driver of one of the buses, Mr. Matcham from Gravesend in Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics also treated 15 casualties at the scene. 

Three of the casualties were treated for serious injuries and the remaining suffered minor injuries.

Cera, who was driving the Skoda was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving. 

He was taken to a south London hospital as a precaution before being taken to a south London police station.

Wannabe Walthamstow Rapist: E-Fit Released

Police investigating an attempted early hours rape in east London have released this e-fit of their suspect.

The woman says she was attacked at approximately 2.44am on July 25 as she was walking home along Church Hill, Walthamstow.

As she reached the zebra crossing near Folkestone Road she became aware of a man who followed her towards a small park in East Avenue.

A struggle ensued and the woman managed to fight off the attacker, who is reported to have touched her inappropriately. 

The man then ran away and the woman called police.

Officers from the North East Safeguarding Unit are investigating.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 1336/25July. 

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

Speeding Uninsured Death Crash Driver Locked-Up

An uninsured speeding driver, who killed another motorist when crashing into him on the hard shoulder, has been locked-up.

Mohammed Ali, 21, of Barnet Grove, Bethnal Green was estimated as overtaking other cars at 100mph on the A-road shortly before colliding with 54 year-old Kenneth Barry.

He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving a vehicle whilst uninsured.

At the same court he was sentenced to five years, seven months custody and disqualified from driving for fifty-seven and a half months.

At 9.50am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Woolwich resident Mr. Barry stopped on the A13 eastbound between Ferry Lane and New Roundabout, Rainham, east London.

He pulled his Vauxhall Astra onto the hard shoulder to clear debris from his vehicle.

At the same time Ali was driving a blue BMW 335D along the same road.

Several drivers described seeing the car overtake them, travelling at speeds estimated to be over 100mph.

As the car attempted to overtake one car it was blocked and attempted to undertake.

The BMW moved at speed from lane three, to lane one and then back into lane three.

At this point Ali lost control of the car, which collided with Mr. Berry’s stationary Astra.

Mr. Berry was just getting out of his vehicle when Ali’s car struck him and he was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Inspector Jose-Paulo Qureshi, said: “Firstly I would like to thank the many witnesses who have assisted in this enquiry. 

“It was as a result of their information that we were able to build up a picture of Ali’s dangerous driving.

“Ali’s speed and dangerous manoeuvring that morning led directly to Mr. Berry’s death. 

“This is a busy road and all the people using it that day were put at risk.

“Mr. Berry has paid for Ali’s stupidity with his life, I am glad Ali will now face the consequences.”

'Cuckooing' Drug Dealer Took Control Of Vulnerable Victim's Home

A drug dealer, who intimidated a vulnerable resident and took over their home to sell heroin and cocaine during an 'cuckooing' enterprise, has been caged.

Akram Ali, 20, of Mill Lane, West Hampstead, threatened the victim with violence and assaulted him as he took to complete control of the address.

At Wood Green Crown Court he received three years custody for assault and possession of the drugs, with intent to supply.

The court heard how in January, the victim reported to police that his address had been taken over.

It was being exploited for drugs supply and trafficking - also known as ‘cuckooing’. 

The victim had been threatened and assaulted before he eventually managed to escape and report his ordeal police.

Officers from the Central North Gangs Unit launched an immediate investigation, and executed an arrest warrant at the address.

They discovered Ali as well as a quantity of Class A drugs – namely 217 wraps of crack cocaine and 110 wraps of heroin.

PC Josh Pryce, of the Central North Gangs Unit, said: “Ali specifically targeted the victim and preyed on his vulnerabilities and used his home as a base to commit crime.

“Drug dealing causes violence and misery across our communities and vulnerable people can often be exploited and intimidated.

“I hope Ali’s conviction brings some feeling of justice to the victim who can now start to rebuild his life. 

“If anyone believes they themselves are a victim of cuckooing, or suspects that someone they know may be a victim, please contact police so we can take action and support you.”

Rolex Robbery: Trio Of Muggers Hunted

Police are hunting these suspected Rolex robbers, who snatched a £6,000 watch from their 60 year-old victim during a brazen mugging.

On Friday, July 3, the victim was walking from Chancery Lane tube station, turning into Brownlow Street and then onto Bedford Row.

He was approached by two men, who stopped him and asked him where Tottenham Court Road was. 

The victim gave them directions and carried on towards Theobalds Road.

Moments later, the victim was grabbed from behind around his neck by one of the men as the other snatched his phone from his hand. 

The victim grabbed the phone back and threw it down the street to prevent the suspects from taking it, shouting for help as he did so.

One of the suspects then pulled the victim’s Rolex watch, model 116710BLNR, worth approximately £6,000 from his wrist, shouting” “I’ve got it,” as they fled.

A passing member of the public came to the man’s aid before police conducted an area search, but the suspects could not be traced.

The victim sustained minor injuries following the incident, but was otherwise physically unharmed.

Detective Constable Alejandra Gomez, from the Central North Command Unit, is investigating. 

She said: “It appears that two of the suspects approached the victim while the third acted as a lookout. 

“All three are then believed to have fled – possibly via Holborn tube station.

“We have released CCTV images and footage of three men we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and urge anyone who recognises them to contact us immediately.

"Any jewellers who have been approached with the offer of a Rolex watch model 116710BLNR, and are unable to account for how they came to obtain it, are also urged to contact police.”

Those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 4538/03JUL20, or emailp243390@met.police.uk.

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

Big-Headed Entrepreneur Guilty Of Boozy Christmas Party Kiss Attempt

A drunken Canary Wharf entrepreneur cornered a terrified woman in a lift after a Royal Festival Hall corporate Christmas party before grabbing and trying to kiss her, a court heard yesterday.

Company Director Pavel Grushin, 26, who attended a £26,500-a year private Mayfair college boasted about his looks to police and urged officers to admire his Instagram account.

This “feeling of self-importance” was criticised by a district judge, who convicted Grushin, a University of Cambridge graduate in Entrepreneurial Studies of common assault and attempted sexual assault.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard Grushin, of Mersey Court, Samuel Gray Gardens, Kingston-upon-Thames was a guest at the private event on December 12, last year.

He was spotted by the victim, a married 33 year-old project management university graduate, loitering on an upper landing at 11pm.

“He was leaning over the staircase bannister for balance, he looked to be very drunk and unsteady and I could hear him mumbling,” she told the court.

The woman entered a lift with Grushin and his two male companions. “He very quickly walked towards me and tried to corner me, with his arms raised and using his body so I couldn’t get around him.

“His eyes were very glazed over and he seemed to be enjoying himself and I was immediately very frightened by his demeanour and expression.

“His motive seemed sexual. I was afraid for my safety.

“He followed me out of the lift and grabbed my right wrist very, very tightly and pulled me in his direction, back towards the lift.

“He said: ‘Come on,’ a few times and I just kept saying: ’No,’ loudly, firmly and very clearly.

“To escape, I kept walking backwards and his mouth was puckered as if leaning in for a kiss and I placed my hand on his chest to push him away as he leaned in three times to kiss me.

“I firmly pushed with all my body strength and he stumbled back and stopped.

“Afterwards I burst into tears and there was a big red mark on my wrist, like a Chinese burn.”

Venture capitalist Grushin had begun his night out at a Pall Mall club and ended it at members-only Tramp, near Piccadilly, insisting he limited himself to two glasses of champagne and two glasses of wine.

After being arrested at home over a month later, wearing just his boxer shorts, he told police he had “social status” and had met “many” women.

When officers asked if he thought the victim was attracted to him he replied: “She could have been. Look at me.”

Describing himself as “very successful” Grushin urged the officers to check his Instagram account, where he could be seen “hanging out with cool people.”

He told the trial: “I absolutely, categorically did not touch her,” but contradicted himself immediately by saying: “It is possible I friendly patted her, but I don’t remember.”

Grushin denied cornering the victim in the lift, claiming he was reaching for the buttons.

District Judge Nigel McLean bailed Grushin for sentencing, telling him: “Alcohol had been consumed and you accept it did effect your behaviour.

“I entirely accept the complainant’s reaction was to freeze through fear.

“I did not find you a credible witness and reject your account.

“The alcohol diminished your inhibitions and you had an inflated feeling of self-importance in your appearance and everything else.

“You did attempt to kiss her and that behaviour was sexual in nature.”

Local Nightmare Locked-Up

A vicious doorstep robber, who sank her teeth into a pensioner's hand and snatched her wedding ring, has been locked-up.

Monique Roach, 24, initially asked the 75 year-old victim for £10 when she turned up crying at her front door in east London.

She blocked the pensioner's attempt to close the door to the address in Dalston Lane, Hackney during the March 28 robbery and took the ring after biting the victim.

At Wood Green Crown Court Roach was sentenced to a total of seven years imprisonment.

She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of robbery and a separate blackmail when she obtained £105 from a man in his fifties by threatening to make a false assault claim. 

Roach rang the woman's doorbell at 11.30am and after failing to pull at her heartstrings with fake tears, launched the violent attack.

Roach left a palm print on the victim’s door, which was recovered by forensic officers. 

She was also captured on CCTV in the vicinity.

She was arrested on April 17 at an address in Rendlesham Road, Clapton.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown the pensioner could not attend a live identity parade so an officer wearing full protective clothing visited the victim's home with a photo line-up.

He explained the process to the victim through a front window of the address and via this process, the victim successfully identified Roach.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jack Downey, of the Central East Basic Command Unit, said: “This was a callous and heartless robbery, whereby Roach targeted a vulnerable lady in her own home. 

“The violence she used left the victim terrified and fearing for her safety, at a time of significant uncertainty as we all navigated our way through Coronavirus restrictions and risks.

“I am pleased that Roach has been brought to justice for this brazen crime.”

The blackmail offence, which occurred on Monday, April 13 at an address in Spenser Grove, Hackney targeted a vulnerable victim. 

A few days earlier she had manipulated the man into giving her money after approaching him at his address and claiming she needed cash for her children.

She returned to his address and told the victim to give her a further £20 or she would call the police, saying that he had hit her. 

She left with the cash and the victim reported the incident to police.

She tricked him into giving her a total of £105 in cash.

Midnight Underground Station Fight: Tube Worker Injured

British Transport Police are hunting a midnight thug after a tube station worker potentially suffered nerve damage trying to break-up a fight.

This CCTV image of their suspect has been released as officers continue trying to identify the man.

Just after midnight at July 11 the worker was on duty at Mornington Crescent Underground Station when two members of the public began fighting.

The victim tried to separate the pair, but was pushed to the floor and had to attend hospital.

He is believed to have sustained possible nerve damage.

Officers believe the man in this CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 13 of 11/07/20.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.