Octogenarian Robbed In Home: Suspected Accomplice Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected accomplice after an unknown male robbed and assaulted an 80 year-old pensioner in her south-east London home.

Her image was caught on CCTV at one of three shops the victim's bank card was used to make £94 worth of purchases.

On Friday, October 2, the pensioner victim was home alone in Shardeloes Road, New Cross.

She answered a knock at her front door and a man forced his way in, pushing the victim against some furniture.

The OAP banged her head and sustained an injury. 

She is now recovering from the incident.

While the pensioner lay injured on the floor, the man rifled through her handbag and stole her purse before fleeing the home.

Within ten minutes, the victim’s stolen bank card had been used four times in three shops in Lewisham Way, racking up a bill of £94.

Police would like to speak to the woman pictured in the image, who they believe may be able to help them with their enquiries.

Detective Constable Bethany Russell, the investigating officer from the South East Command Unit, said: “Understandably, the woman has been left shaken and distressed after this incredibly violating incident.

“This was a cowardly, shameful attack and I want to find those who are responsible, not only to help put this victim’s mind at ease, but also to ensure that they don’t target anyone else.

“We have released a CCTV image of a woman we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and urge anyone who recognises her to contact us as a priority.”

Those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 4005/04OCT, or email or tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Septuagenarian Dog-Walking Couple Attacked In Regent's Park

A dog-walking pensioner couple were attacked by two women, whose own canine set upon the victims' two pooches in Regent's Park.

Police investigating the racially-charged incident have released this image as they continue their hunt for the suspects.

Officers were called to the park just after 8.00am on August 13 to reports of a dog attack and racially-aggravated assault.

It was reported two women attacked a man and a woman - both in their seventies - after the womens' dog had attacked the couples' two pets.

The 75-year-old woman suffered a dog bite to her hand, which required hospital treatment. 

The 79-year-old man suffered cuts and bruising after he was pushed to the ground and assaulted by the two women.

It was also reported that the women had racially abused the victims.

The suspects left the scene before officers arrived. 

There have been no arrests.

Police Sergeant John Berry, of the Met's Royal Parks police, said: "The park should be a place where people can walk their dogs in safety.

"The level of aggression and violence used towards an elderly couple was shocking and I would appeal to anyone who recognises these women to contact police."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the two female dog walkers is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 1840/13Aug.

Mobility Scooter Row: "Best Mate" Stabbed To Death

Stabbed: John Kennett

A man stabbed his “best mate” to death hours after becoming enraged at the victim losing his late mother’s mobility scooter, which they used to collect a pawned television, a court heard today.

Kenneth Pitcher, 51, of 7 Woodcroft Road, Thornton Heath denies repeatedly plunging a knife into 61 year-old John Kennett at the address on December 23, last year.

He has pleaded not guilty at Croydon Crown Court to one count of murder.

Prosecutor Mr. Hugh Davies QC told the jury Pitcher dragged the wounded Mr. Kennett onto the pavement at 9pm and pretended he did not know him when paramedics arrived.

Drunken Pitcher, who had also smoked crack cocaine and taken methadone that night, was seen by emergency services leaning over the dying man, asking: “Mate. What’s your name?”

“He told the paramedics the patient had knocked on his door, asking for help and then had stumbled and fallen to the floor,” explained the prosecutor.

Pitcher told the paramedics the man had been stabbed and was bleeding, despite there being no visual evidence of this and when pressed, replied: “I was just trying to f***ing help. I hope he’s okay.”

Pitcher then returned inside and slammed his front door.

“He gave contradictory and false accounts of events at the scene to distance himself from what he had done,” explained Mr. Davies.

“He knew the man lying on the ground very well, a man who he later told police was his: ‘best mate’.

“Mr. Kennett had not knocked on the defendant’s door. It later became obvious he had bled heavily inside the defendant’s living room.

“He suffered multiple stab wounds, including wounds to his left thigh and chest and bruising to the right side of his face.”

Pitcher’s Polish lodger Seb Wierzchoski had witnessed him dragging Mr. Kennett outside and called 999 on the order of the defendant, the court heard.

Regarding Pitcher’s defence case Mr. Davies told the jurors. “He says it was not him. It must have been the lodger by implication.”

Earlier that day the lodger saw Pitcher and Mr. Kennett together, making plans to collect the defendant’s tv from Cash Converters.

“The lodger says Mr. Kennett often rode on Pitcher’s late mother’s mobility scooter, not because he was disabled, but because he was lazy.”

CCTV captured the pair travelling along London Road with the scooter and television.

“When the defendant returned home with the television and no scooter he was furious and was shouting that Mr. Kennett was a w*****,” explained the prosecutor.

“He was angry because Mr. Kennett had left the mobility scooter somewhere between Croydon town centre and the house.”

Mr. Kennett, who was a regular visitor, apologised and the pair settled down to drink and smoke crack cocaine.

“What led to him to stab Mr. Kennett in his front room later that night is known only to him,” said Mr. Davies.

Police recovered a washing-up bowl and towel covered in Mr. Kennett’s blood from a neighbour’s garden and a wet wipe inside the address contained both the deceased’s blood and Pitcher’s DNA.

Trial continues…………..

Police Find Loaded Gun Under The Bed

A gunman, caught with a loaded firearm under his bed during a police raid, has been jailed for five years.

Bozlu Miah, 36, of Portman Place, Bethnal Green, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard on Monday, March 30 officers carried out an intelligence-led search warrant at an address in east London, where Miah was known to reside.

While searching the property, officers found a loaded firearm underneath Miah’s bed – wrapped in plastic bags and hidden in a gift bag. 

The firearm was made safe and was seized by officers before sent off for testing. 

It was established that it was a viable firearm.

PC Shah Haque, of Central East Gangs Task Force, said: “Officers across London are working around the clock to locate and remove weapons from the streets of London.

“Tackling violent crime is a priority for the Met and we remain committed to bringing anyone who carries or holds firearms and other lethal weapons to justice.

“The evidence gathered against Miah as part of this comprehensive investigation left him with no option but to plead guilty to these offences.”

Eleven Years For Rapist Who Attacked Lone Woman Walking Home

A rapist, who attacked a lone woman walking home after a night out with friends, is starting a nine-year prison sentence.

Leon Rochester, 33, of Woodhouse Road, Leytonstone was convicted after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

On Sunday, January 26, the victim was walking home along Leytonstone High Road when Rochester approached her and offered her a drink.

He walked with the victim to a secluded location off Kirkdale Road, where he began touching her before carrying out the attack.

Rochester ignored repeated pleas for him to stop. 

The woman eventually managed to break free and run away.

Police were called by a member of the public who came across the woman in a distressed state. 

Officers attended and began an investigation

Detectives carried out enquiries and found CCTV, which placed Rochester at the location. 

They also spoke to a witness who heard the woman ask him to stop.

Rochester was arrested on Friday, January 21 at his home address and was subsequently charged with rape.

Detective Inspector Jeremy McDermott, of the North East Command Unit, said: “I’d like to commend the victim for coming forward and telling us about her terrifying ordeal. 

“Thanks to her bravery, both then and during the course of the investigation and trial, a dangerous offender has been taken off the streets.

“Although this sentence cannot make up for what she has gone through, I hope that the verdict and sentencing brings her some level of closure.

“I would also encourage all victims of both sexual assault and rape to come forward and contact police. 

“We know that it is an incredibly difficult thing to do but we can provide you with appropriate help and support while carrying out an investigation to find those responsible.”

TV Crime Producer In The Dock

Westminster Magistrates' Court

A female television producer, who specialises in police and crime reality shows, has ended up in court for assaulting a man in a suspected domestic incident.

Jacqueline Sarah Paul, 36, boss of JSVP Productions Ltd. was convicted after a trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The BBC and ITV programme-maker, of Avenue Road, Highgate was found guilty of assaulting Henry Lewin at a flat in Avondale, Vera Road, Fulham on January 12.

She was cleared on causing approximately £2,000 worth of criminal damage to Mr. Lewin's motorcycle on the same occasion.

Paul produced fourteen episodes of Close Calls: On Camera; one episode of Crimes That Shook Australia and the Love Island spin-off Amber & Dolly: 9 to 5.

She was conditionally discharged for twelve months, ordered to pay £200 compensation to Mr. Lewin and £775 costs.

Race Arrest: Local Man Sentenced

Bromley Magistrates' Court

A Sidcup man has been sentenced for racially abusing a woman in his local high street.

Daniel Bygrave, 28, of Palm Avenue appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to the racially-aggravated harassment of Melissa Boute in Sidcup High Street on December 4, last year.

It was his first court appearance on the charge.

Bygrave was sentenced to a Community Order under the auspices of the Probation Service.

He was also ordered to complete one hundred hours unpaid community service work and pay £100 compensation to the victim.

Bygrave must also pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

Footballer's Driving Red Card

Dagenham & Redbridge FC footballer Mitch Brundle has been banned from the roads for two years after been caught in charge of his BMW after drinking.

The 25 year-old midfielder has made fourteen appearances for the National League club this season, scoring three goals in all competitions.

Brundle, of Redbud Road,Tonbridge, Kent appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court.

He was convicted of being in charge of the blue two-litre vehicle whilst unfit through alcohol in Sangley Road, Catford on August 17.

Brundle has had a successful career in the lower leagues, representing the likes of Braintree Town FC; Gateshead FC and Dover Athletic FC.

As well as the disqualification Brundle was placed on a two-year Community Order, which includes 250 hours unpaid community service work and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Prat On A Hot Tin Roof: Custody For Suspected Drink-Driver

A young offender fleeing police after a suspected drink-drive stop kept a large chunk of Brixton awake the night he took to the roof of a block of flats.

Rashid Riad, 21, was responsible for a police helicopter hovering over the scene and the attendance of three fire engines, plus police and a specialist negotiator on the ground.

He was on a suspended sentence for having an offensive weapon last year when he took to the roof of Bedwell House, Stockwell Park Road on July 25.

At Croydon Magistrates Court Riad, of Tanfield Avenue, Cricklewood pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance by remaining on the roof for four hours after running from police when stopped for suspected drink-driving.

He also admitted this breached a suspended sentence for four months custody, suspended for twelve months, imposed last December.

The court imposed three months of the suspended sentence and added one months' custody for the nuisance charge, resulting in four months' imprisonment.

Baron Feversham Cleared After Blaming Angry Ex For Stealing Court Letters

Cleared: Baron Feversham

An aristocrat nicknamed ‘The Porn Baron’ today claimed his estranged wife has been stealing his mail in her hunt for his fortune as he defended himself against ignoring traffic prosecution letters. 

Jasper Orlando Slingsby Duncombe, 52, the 7th Baron Feversham allegedly drove his blue two-litre Audi, without reasonable consideration.

Two letters requesting he identify the driver of the car, which was caught on camera, were posted to his home at Neeld Cottage, The Street, Grittleton, Chippenham, Wiltshire.

He told Lavender Hill Magistrates Court he did not receive the letters and suspects his angry wife stole them from his outside mailbox while he was visiting his new girlfriend Emma at her homes in London and Minorca.

The Baron was accused of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of the vehicle, which was caught on camera at the junction of Fulham Road and Parsons Green Lane at 3.05pm on November 30, last year.

Speaking via video link and wearing a smart dark blue suit, light blue shirt and dark blue tie he told the court: “Her solicitors have not found the sort of money they think I have.

“She is extremely angry because she is not receiving the sums she believes she deserves and has been seeking financial information.”

He is the eldest son of the late Peter Duncombe, 6th Baron Feversham and was educated, along with Prince Edward at Gordonstoun.

The Baron founded pornographic film companies ‘Tongue in Cheek’ and ‘Relish XXX,’ which sells movies to NHS fertility clinics and private sperm banks, including titles such as ‘To The Manor Porn.’

He was disinherited from his late father’s £46m estate, due to the elder Baron’s disapproval of his porn empire, splitting his will amongst his widow three other children.

The 7th Baron split-up with his wife in early Summer, last year and received a divorce petition last November.

“It has been very acrimonious. For example she tried to stop me seeing my children, restricting me to just twelve days a year.

“I took her to court very successfully and now see my children for seventy per cent of the half-term.” The Baron also has fortnightly custody every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Baron became suspicious when a letter sent from his City broker was not in his mailbox after returning from Minorca on January 18, this year.

“They said they sent it, but I could not find it and there are one or two items like that, that have gone missing.”

Dodgy Mailbox?: Neeld Cottage

Confessing he has six points on his driving licence for speeding on the M4 the Baron said it would make no sense to ignore the Single Justice Procedure notices because that would result in an automatic ban.

“I would have said I was the driver, because nobody else drives my car. If you don’t respond you get six points, which means I get automatically banned.

“By throwing in the bin I would automatically lose my licence. Why would I do that?

“I’d be effectively throwing my licence in the bin, it would be crazy. It is not something I would do.

“I get my bank statements digitally now and if I am away for a few days my neighbour takes the post in.”

His divorce is far from amicable, explained the Baron. “Things did not start getting really nasty until Christmas just gone by. This has been very nasty for nine or ten months now.

“I am suspicious things started when I began dating Emma, who lives in Minorca.

“It is fairly recent things have got unpleasant and the opportunity to pilfer my mail would have been fairly limited until I began flying to Minorca.”

It was the disappearance of his letter from wealth management firm Canaccord that convinced the Baron his wife was stealing his post.

“I thought: ‘Hang on, there’s something going on here.’ The Royal Mail loses the items, but there was more, anything that looked official, like a council tax reminder.

“That letter from my broker, that was when my arm bell rang and I thought: ‘Someone’s taking my post.’

“What is unusual here is the mail goes into a mailbox and you can get in there and get stuff out.

“If there was a magazine there the postman would just prop those up in the porch.”

Bench Chairwoman Laura Boyle announced she and her fellow-magistrate were split 50/50 on the case and ordered a re-trial.

“Unfortunately were are a split bench as a two, so we are unable to reach a decision so this will have to be adjourned to another occasion in front of another bench.” 

Prosecutor Mr. Alex Alawode told the court in the circumstances the CPS would discontinue the case rather than have a re-trial. “It is not in the public interest.”

The court then formally found the Baron not guilty.

Earlier the prosecutor said two notices were sent to the cottage in December, last year and January, this year via First Class post.

The Baron eventually wrote back, claiming he never received them, saying: “I am in the midst of  very messy divorce and believe my wife has been removing letters for financial information.

“My outside mailbox is easily pilfered.”

He succeeded to the barony on his father’s death on March 29, 2009 and has two boys.

In 1993 sentenced to three years imprisonment for an attempted robbery while high in cocaine.

The original offence of driving without consideration will not be proceeded with.

His lawyer Mr. Simon Nicholls urged the court to find his client not guilty due to the 50/50 split.

He submitted it made no sense for the Baron to ignore the notices. “If you do not reply there is a fine of up to a thousand pounds and six penalty points.

“You would have to be a complete idiot, if I can put it colloquially. This would put him in danger for totting-up disqualification.”

Violent Late-Night Mugging: Two Robbers Caged

"Cowards": Dugdale & Thomas

Two "dangerous offenders", who ganged up on a lone victim with a third mystery accomplice have been locked-up.

They targeted a man in his late twenties, who they punched and kicked multiple times – fracturing his cheekbone – before snatching his mobile phone and wallet.

Jaydan Dugdale, 20, (pic.l) of St. George’s Drive, Watford and Paul Thomas, 20, (pic.r.) of Woodford New Road, Walthamstow each received eight years. 

At Inner London Crown Court they were found guilty by a jury of robbery following a trial.

They will spend an extra two years on licence after their release.

The victim was attacked by Dugdale, Thomas and a third unidentified man in Raeburn Street, Brixton at around 2.15am on Saturday, September 7, last year.

He was punched and kicked several times in the chest and face over several minutes.

The victim received hospital treatment for facial injuries, including a broken cheekbone, for which he required surgery.

Witnesses in nearby properties called police. 

Officers attended and located Dugdale nearby a short time later. 

He was wearing distinctive red trainers, which witnesses also saw on the attacker.

Thomas was arrested by police in Raeburn Street.

Detective Constable Aisha Grainger, from the Central South Robbery and Burglary Team, said: “This was a cowardly, unprovoked attack on the victim, who was outnumbered and unfortunate enough to cross paths with Dugdale and Thomas, who were clearly looking for trouble that night.

“It was only down to luck that the victim was not more seriously injured.

“The judge recognised the severity of this attack in handing down these strong jail sentences, classing them both as dangerous offenders.”

Gang Of Four: Man Dies Two Weeks After Late-Night Beating

Police are hunting this foursome after a man died two weeks after he was punched and stamped on in the early hours.

Simon Whisker, 40, was hospitalised after the incident at 1.30am on July 1 in London Road, Croydon.

He was treated for his injuries and discharged.

Sadly, a fortnight later he had to be re-admitted to hospital, where he died on July 13.

The Metropolitan Police are not treating it as a murder or racially-aggravated investigation at the moment.

The next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

A special post-mortem examination has been held. 

Extensive enquiries have been carried out by detectives from the South Area Command Unit.

So far there have been no arrests. 

Enquiries to establish the circumstances continue.

Detectives have released this image of the four males they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Jo Cheung, from the South Area CID, said: 

Simon Whisker

“The victim became involved in an altercation with a group of males and was viciously assaulted.

“We are not treating this as a murder inquiry at this time. 

"We just want to find out who was responsible for the attack on Simon.

“I am asking the public to contact us if they recognise any of these males.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference Cad 471/01Jul. 

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

Sainsbury's Employee Blatantly Filmed Up Schoolgirl's Skirt

A Sainsbury’s employee in full uniform was caught red-handed by a customer and the store’s CCTV using his phone to film up a teenage schoolgirl’s mini-skirt, a court heard today.

Alex O’Halloran, 33, was arrested and an investigation revealed he had a huge collection of 388 ‘upskirt’ pictures he had taken of women, plus images from a secret camera he installed in the staff ladies’ toilet.

O’Halloran, of Tankerton Terrace, Mitcham Road, Croydon pleaded guilty to outraging public decency at Sainsbury’s, The Green, Twickenham on July 18, 2018 by taking an ‘upskirt’ photo of the girl, wearing her school uniform.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court was played a short clip from the store’s CCTV, which plainly showed O’Halloran blatantly approaching the girl - wearing a plaid mini-skirt and white shirt - from behind.

As she was looking at items on the store’s shelves he leaned forward and, using his mobile phone, filmed up her skirt.

Prosecutor Mr. Trevor Green told the court it was 3.15pm when the male customer caught O’Halloran.

“An individual walked into Sainsbury’s and witnessed seeing the defendant, wearing uniform, with a phone in his hand taking a picture up the skirt of a girl wearing school uniform.”

The customer complained and the police were informed, revealing further similar crimes O’Halloran committed.

“The contents of his phone and computer were downloaded, leading to further charges,” said the prosecutor.

O’Halloran also pleaded guilty that on or before July 18, 2018 he outraged public decency by behaving in an indecent manner, namely taking 388 upskirt photos of women.

He also pleaded guilty to voyeurism on or before July 18, 2018 at Sainsbury’s Local, Friars Stile Road, Richmond in that he recorded three people doing a private act, for the purpose of sexual gratification.

He also admitted taking indecent photos of a children on or before July 18, 2018, namely 16 Category C moving images of a child.

“There are three clips, totalling approximately thirty minutes and show the staff toilets at Sainsbury’s, with the victims entering and removing their trousers and underwear and sitting down on the toilet. All seem to be female,” said Mr. Green.

O’Halloran’s lawyer Mr. Tony Meisels said: “Clearly this will need to go to the Crown Court for sentencing. We accept there are images that depict underage persons.

“He is a man of good character, facing serious charges.”

The magistrates committed O’Halloran to Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to be sentenced on a date to be fixed and ordered a pre-sentence report.

They also told O’Halloran he must sign the sex offenders register within three days at Croydon Police Station, giving his personal details and where he lives, plus notice of travel or any visits by children to his address.

Mental Health Order For Psychiatric Hospital Killer

Ronnell Dennis

A hospital patient, who killed another man also receiving treatment at a mental health facility, has been detained.

Ronnell Dennis, 26, inflicted fatal head injuries to 27 year-old David Siirak at the facility in Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, west London.

He fled after the attack at 5.10pm on Sunday, March 1 and Mr. Siirak sadly died from the injuries three days later.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Dennis pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. 

He was sentenced to a hospital order under section 37 with a restriction order under section 41.

David Siirak

Detective Sergeant Colin McKeen, from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime South, said: “David’s family have been left heartbroken by this.

“I know that this has been a truly painful time for them and while today’s outcome will never bring David back, I hope that they find a little comfort in the sentence.”

David’s family said in a statement: “We have suffered a great and terrible loss after David’s tragic death on 4 March 2020.

"This has been a life-changing experience. Life will never ever be the same for us without David.

“David was a strong and much-loved young man, and he will eternally be missed by us all.”

Drunken Entrepreneur's Attempted Kiss Left Victim With "Severe Psychological Harm"

A drunken Canary Wharf entrepreneur, who cornered a terrified woman in a lift after a Royal Festival Hall corporate Christmas party, is now facing two-and-a-half years imprisonment after she delivered a powerful victim impact statement today.

Company Director Pavel Grushin, 27, who attended a £26,500-a year private Mayfair college, grabbed the woman and tried to kiss her, resulting in her profession and marriage being severely damaged by subsequent panic attacks and anxiety.

When arrested he boasted about his looks to police and urged officers to admire his Instagram account, boasting the married 33 year-old professional should have found him attractive.

He was due to be sentenced at Croydon Magistrates Court today, which is limited to six months imprisonment, but after delivering a highly-charged account of how the offence destroyed her life the case was sent to the Crown Court. 

District Judge Julie Cooper ruled it was a Category One offence due to the “severe psychological harm caused”, which carries a starting point of two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

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

He was convicted of one count of attempted sexual assault and one count of common assault and was bailed for sentencing at Croydon Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register. 

“I have heard from the young woman in these proceedings of the distress and psychological harm you have caused her,” the judge told Grushin.

“The guideline this offence falls into is Category One, with a starting point of two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

“It was a prolonged incident and even if treated as a Category Two the starting point is one year’s custody.

“This case clearly crosses the custodial threshold, obviously crosses it and I am sending you to the Crown Court for sentencing.

“I suggest you instruct a solicitor, you will need it,” she told the unrepresented first-time offender. “You must anticipate receiving a custodial sentence.

“If the complainant can face the Crown Court with the courage she has shown today that is one matter, but if she can’t the Crown will read out her statement and it will be as powerful there as it was to me today.

“Her courage is the exact opposite to your cowardice and that is something you should reflect on, the effect you have had on her.”

Grushin, a University of Cambridge graduate in Entrepreneurial Studies was spotted by the victim, 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 trial.

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.

Today, from behind a screen the emotional woman, who has quit her ten-year career because it involves large crowds, who have usually consumed alcohol, outlined the devastating effects of Grushin’s actions.

“I had an anxiety attack when I visited the Royal Festival Hall because of the close proximity  and because it was on the same floor as where I was attacked,” she said.

“I was overwhelmed and the thought of facing members of the public with alcohol reminded me of December.

“I had flashbacks of this man trapping me in the lift and trying to grope me, or even worse try to rape me.

“I hyperventilated and had a panic attack. I felt faint and had to lie down until my breathing returned to normal after ten to fifteen minutes.

“I never had panic attacks before and this added to my stress.”

She was forced to begin therapy sessions a month after the incident to help control her anxiety and has since attended psychotherapy sessions for sexual trauma.

“I have had sleepless nights, I can’t shut this off and can’t sleep. I had a nightmare about a man trying to break in and try to kiss me and this woke me up.

“The thought of returning to that lobby scares me and my heart races.”

A doctor says he symptoms are consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder and she has been prescribed sleeping pills, antidepressants and an inhaler to assist her breathing.

“I am incredibly anxious and normally scared and I am too frightened to go in lifts alone because the last time I was alone a stranger attacked me and I thought I would be raped.

“The crime has had an effect on my marriage, I feel I don’t want to be touched intimately and my marriage relationship is not the same.”

She told the court she “broke down in tears” after a family gathering and was even “uneasy and anxious” during a 50-guest online party.

“It makes me angry, what this man has done to me,” she said. “He has taken so much from me in both my professional and personal life.”

Prosecutor Mr. Brinkman May told the court today: “The victim was standing next to the control panel and Mr. Grushin entered and moved towards he with his arms out and cornered her.

“She was alarmed by his actions and scared that she was in a lift with a strange person. She was corned and had to push past him.

“Mr. Grushin grabbed her by the wrist and said something to the effect of: ‘Come on,’ and ignored her refusal.

“He dragged her about five paces back to the lift and she was scared about what he would do if he got her back into the lift.”

A cleaner witness confirmed the victim repeatedly saying: “No, no,” to Grushin. 

“He then leant down with puckered lips and attempted to kiss her three times and mumbled something about ‘kissing’ on the third push.”