Stop & Search Works: Four Deadly Blades Seized

Police seized these four knives from the streets of east London after stopping and searching a suspicious group.

The Metropolitan Police's Taskforce confiscated the deadly weapons in London Fields.

The officers were on proactive patrol in Wilman Grove, Hackney at 6.00pm on January 20.

They saw the group in and around a car parked suspiciously near a bin shed. 

When the group saw the police, two of the males quickly walked away. 

Police officers spoke to the remaining five and searched them and the car due to the smell of cannabis.

Officers found three lock-knives hidden within the roof lining of the car, £1,000 in cash and a small amount of Class B drugs. 

In the bin shed officers found a large Rambo-style knife and two sets of registration plates.

The men, aged between 17 and 25 years-old, were all arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. 

The 17-year-old was also arrested for possession of a Class B drug. 

They were taken into custody as the investigation continued.

Detective Constable Tony Curtis, of the Central East BCU CID, said: “This is a great example of intelligence-led stop and search. 

“Four potentially lethal weapons have been seized and will no longer be able to cause considerable harm, or worse, in the community.

“Stop and search helps keep Londoners safe and removes dangerous weapons from the streets.”

Jailed For Killer Punch

Punch: Standing

A killer responsible for the one-punch manslaughter of a father-of-five during a row has been locked-up.

Gareth Standing, 38, landed the blow on 41 year-old Wayne Hoskyns when he took offence to something the victim said.

They were chatting near a park
cafe in The Parade, Crayford, south-east London just after 4.00pm on June 19, last year.

Standing, of Central Road, Dartford was angered by something Mr Hoskyns said to his female companion and knocked him out with a punch and left the scene.

At Woolwich Crown Court he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received four years and eight months imprisonment.

Mr Hoskyns was rushed by helicopter to hospital, where he died the next day surrounded by his family.

A post mortem confirmed the cause of death as subarachnoid haemorrhage 

"Loss": Hoskyns

Three days later on June 23 Standing walked into a south London police station and gave himself up.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Rance from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command said: “Our thoughts today are with the family of Wayne Hoskyns who was taken from them so suddenly. 

“Despite the legal proceedings now being at an end, the effects of the loss they have suffered will continue in the years ahead.

“I would like to thank the witnesses who came forward to assist my team in establishing the circumstances surrounding Wayne’s death, particularly those who tried to help Wayne and called for medical assistance. 

“I applaud their sense of community and their commendable choice to do the right thing.”

Italian Passenger Caught With Hand Grenade In Luggage

A teenage Italian airline passenger caused a Heathrow Airport evacuation when a hand grenade was found in his luggage.

The item was quickly spotted by security during checks in the departure area of Terminal 2 at 5.30pm on January 15.

Specialist officers attended and Domenico Giovinazzo, 19, was arrested.

The hand grenade was identified as decommissioned and posed no threat to staff or passengers.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, who leads the Metropolitan Police's Aviation Policing Command said: “There are certain items that are strictly prohibited from being brought into an airport and bringing a hand grenade - albeit decommissioned - was both reckless and dangerous and it caused a huge amount of disruption to the airport and for other passengers. 

“There are various security checks in place to identify prohibited items such as this and when this item was spotted, we had specialist officers on-hand to quickly respond. 

“Thankfully they were able to identify the item was not a threat and nobody was hurt.

“This should be a reminder and warning to all passengers to ensure that they are not bringing any prohibited items with them into the airport and if you are not sure, then check with the airport and airline you are flying with.”

Giovinazzo was charged the next day with carrying a prohibited article in an airport.

Two days later he appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, suspended for one year, and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £128.

Second Time Unlucky For Persistent Paedo

A paedophile, who avoided prison when caught inciting a youngster into sex, has finally been locked-up for repeating his predatory behaviour.

Steven Baldock, 51, was subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which he breached when contacting a 12 year-old girl online.

At Woolwich Crown Court he received three years imprisonment for breaking the SHPO.

In 2016 Baldock, of Compton Place, Erith was convicted of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and received two years imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also placed on the sexual offenders register for ten years and given the SHPO.

It prohibited him from using the internet to contact or to attempt to contact any female whom he knew or believed to be under the age of 16 years-old.

On November 14, last year at around 1.29am Baldock breached these conditions.

He initiated contact with a 12-year-old girl via Instagram and engaged in a conversation with her and sent her a photo of himself.

Subsequent to this, Baldock also contacted other girls who were under the age of 16 years-old.

Baldock was arrested on November 24 after fellow-residents at his address discovered he was contacting girls and reported him to police.

Detective Sergeant Neil Dickerson, of the Metropolitan Police's South East Basic command unit, said: "Baldock is a repeat offender who continues to pose a risk to female children.

“Despite being issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, Baldock has continued to breach it and shows no remorse for his offending.”

Art Of Glass

Footballer Harry Arter has been fined for the excessive blacked-out windows of his luxury Bentley.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder, 31, was stopped by police in south-west London because of the expensive vehicle’s over-the-top tint job.

The Republic of Ireland international, who starred in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth, was fined £220, with £110 costs and was ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge.

Arter, of Pendenza, Cobham, Surrey did not appear at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court and the case was proved in his absence.

He was convicted of driving the Bentley, which had insufficient transmission of light through the passenger-side front window, on the A3 Kingston Road on August 26, 2019.

Prosecutor Geraldine Dickinson told the court it was 9.29am when PC Dean Reynolds pulled Arter over.

The officer measured that only 23% of light was allowed through the passenger window. The legal requirement is 70%.

“The £50 fixed penalty was offered and he did attempt to pay, but it did not go through,” explained the prosecutor.

Actor Simon Pegg Banned For Speeding

Actor Simon Pegg was banned from the roads yesterday after being caught speeding in his Mercedes electric hybrid on a north London dual carriageway.

The 50 year-old Shaun of the Dead star was clocked on a camera driving at 63mph in a 40mph zone.

It was his fourth speeding offence within the last three years and Wimbledon Magistrates Court disqualified him for six months.

Pegg already had nine penalty points on his licence and the four points imposed for the latest offence triggered the automatic ban. 

Pegg, of Bedwell Lodge, Cucumber Lane, Essendon, Hatfield, Hertfordshire has also appeared in Hollywood blockbusters Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Star Trek and the Mission:Impossible franchise.

He declared his weekly income as £3,800 and was fined £660, with £85 costs, plus a £66 victim surcharge.

He admitted one charge of speeding on the A41 Hendon Way in his blue three-litre Merc on January 20, last year.

Magistrate Ms Deborah Drakesmith announced: “We have listened carefully to what has been said and looking at the guidelines we are going to endorse his licence with four penalty points, making thirteen penalty points and will disqualify him from driving for six months.

“The 63mph reading in near the top end,” she added, telling the absent Pegg’s lawyer Mr. Richard Saynor: “I am sure you will give him the disqualification warning as to how serious it is to drive while disqualified.”

Mr. Saynor told the court: “Mr. Pegg pleads guilty and takes full responsibility for the offence and accepts the points imposed will lead to the risk of disqualification.

“He specifically instructed me that he does not want to use up the court’s time arguing there are exceptional circumstances he should not be disqualified.

“The driving ban will cause him difficulties, but they will not be exceptional.

“He accepts the court will make a driving ban and it is something he accepts head-on.

“You will see in his letter to the court the charity works he undertakes and the impact a disqualification will have on others, particularly the strain it will have on his wife and the increased responsibilities she will have as well as running a household.

“He is aware that the ban will cause difficulties not only for him, but for others. He does need to drive in his professional life.

“It is something he deeply regrets and he wants to apologise to others effected by his ban.”

Oxfam’s Celebrity and Ambassador manager Genevieve Willis wrote a reference for Pegg, praising his charitable work, along with his “warmth, decency and generosity.” 

Marina Owner Guilty Of Attacking Houseboat Tenant

Threats: Djurberg

The flamboyant boss of a luxury Thames marina whacked a disgruntled houseboat owner - who he was trying to evict - with a pair of gardening gloves during a row, a court heard yesterday.

Myck Djurberg, 60, also picked-up a heavy-duty lead roofing tool and chased 52 year-old Dutch IT consultant Klaus Beversluis, shouting: “I’ll break your f***ing head.”

There was a confrontation in the office of Hampton Riviera Boat Yard, Hampton Court Road, Richmond at 10.00am on May 8, last year, Wimbledon Magistrates Court was told.

Businessman Djurberg, who lives in a landmark £13m Swiss chalet on the marina was in his adjoining office when Mr. Beversluis, who objected to an additional £5,500 service fee, entered. 

He told the trial, which Djurberg didn’t attend on medical grounds: “The second I came in he leapt up from behind his desk and almost ran towards me, shouting: ‘Get out of here! Get out of here!’

“He shouted at me and I said I could not get out and wanted to clarify the matter.

“He came up towards me and grabbed the nearest thing to him, which were a pair of heavy-duty gardening gloves, raised them and hit me on the back of my head and I also got a bruise on my arm.

“I got a smack on my head as I was trying to get out of there.

“He hit me across the back of the head with as much force as as he could muster and the back of my head was red the next day, it did sting, but did not draw blood.”

Tenant: Beversluis

Mr. Beversluis fled the office, but was pursued by Djurberg, the court was told.

“I turned around and Myck Djurberg came out of the office and had grasped a weapon that I had seen before,” he added.

“It is called a lead dresser. It is a very heavy roofing tool, roofers use to hit lead flashing around chimneys.

“He had it raised up high and said he would break my f***ing head in.

“I had no doubt he would use it. I was absolutely terrified and ran away as fast as I could.

“It’s heavy enough to cave someone’s skull in, in my opinion.

“I suppose it has effected my confidence. It shook me up tremendously for a while and I had medical advice for increasing my anti-depression and anti-anxiety medication.”

The entire incident was captured on Mr. Beversluis’ camera and played during the trial, including a still of Djurberg holding the tool.

Mr. Beversluis even bought a replica of the tool and brought it to court to show the magistrates.

Djurberg’s lawyer Kieran Galvin suggested: “You went there to intimidate him and he wanted you out of his office.”

Mr. Beversluis denied this, claiming the marina and office was not Djurberg’s property because the whole site is in receivership.

Weapon: Djurberg

“Savills are trying to get him evicted, he was occupying that boatyard against the law.

“There was no need to to hit me or in my view pick up a deadly weapon and threaten to hit me in the head.”

Just before the confrontation Mr. Beversluis learned Djurberg wanted to throw his caretaker, who looks after his houseboats, out of the marina.

“I got a notification that Mr. Djurberg was trying to get a member of our staff to leave the premises with immediate effect and as that was his home that would make him homeless.”

This was not the only dispute between the pair. “We had pre-paid mooring until the end of June and he claimed we owed money in respect of service charges. that he sprung on us in addition.”

When Mr. Beversluis refused to leave without a refund Djurberg began eviction proceedings.

Djurberg was questioned by police the next day. Prosecutor Mr. James Tucker told the court: “He said he was scared and asked the victim to leave, but he wouldn’t.

“He denied hitting the complainant with the gloves and said that the complainant elbowed him in the chest and his mind was blank about what else may have happened.

“He said the object in his hand was a pencil case and denied using those words. 

“He became agitated, saying he was the victim and didn’t intent for Mr. Beversluis to be put in fear and said he had been harassed.”

The magistrates convicted the absent Djurberg, who claims he has skin cancer, but failed to provide medical evidence, of assaulting Mr. Beversluis and using threatening behaviour towards him.

Issuing a warrant for Djurberg’s arrest Chairwoman Mandy Lamplugh said: “There was no aggressive action from the complainant.

“Mr. Beversluis simply entered the marina office and there was an immediate physical response from Mr. Djurberg who jumped up and moved towards him.

“We clearly see Mr. Djurberg raising his arm and the orange gloves are in his hand.

‘We later see Mr. Djurberg armed with the lead dresser, chasing Mr. Beversluis and making threats of: ‘breaking his f***ing head’ are clearly heard on the video.

“We don’t accept Mr. Djurberg acted in self-defence and he has not given evidence or come to court today.

Djurbeg was disqualified in 2017 from being a Company director and fined £35,000, with the alternative if he did not pay of 15 months imprisonment.

He also has a theft from the person conviction in 2001.

“The priority is Mr. Djurbeg should be brought to court and sentenced,” added Ms Lamplugh.

Jail For Leicester Square Knifeman

A knifeman, who plunged a blade into the back of his victim during a public early hours money row in Leicester Square, has been locked-up.

Klaudio Kacubaj, 27, of Leeside Crescent, Golders Green received four years and six months' imprisonment.

He was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of wounding Harry Morris, with intent and possession of an offensive weapon, namely a kitchen knife.

Police were called at 2.55am on August 16, last year to reports that a man had been assaulted in Leicester Square, central London.

Officers responded along with London Ambulance Service and found Mr Morris, aged in his twenties, with a stab injury to his back. 

He was taken to hospital, where his condition was assessed as non life-threatening.

The court heard Kacubaj was involved in an argument with the victim, who was sitting on a wall at the time of the stabbing. 

He moved closer and stabbed him in the back before he attempted to flee the scene.

The incident was witnessed by two off-duty police officers. 

They detained Kacubaj until more police arrived. 

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Officers began a thorough search of the area and recovered a six inch knife nearby. 

Forensic tests later linked the weapon to the crime. 

They also recovered CCTV from a nearby business that showed Kacubaj carrying out the attack.

Detective Constable Laura Harcombe, of the Central West Basic Command Unit, said: “This was a brazen attack that happened in a busy area and I would like to praise the off-duty police officers who were nearby at the time and stopped the defendant leaving. 

“They also provided first aid to the victim and supported him until paramedics arrived.

“The victim was lucky not to have suffered more significant injuries and I hope this custodial sentence allows him some closure, while demonstrating that this sort of senseless violence will not be tolerated.”

Zombie Knives, Gun & Cocaine Seized During Stockwell Police Raid

Two men were arrested after a police raid on a south London property, where officers seized a loaded gun, six zombie knives and cocaine.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Specialist Crime Command executed a firearms warrant at the residential address in Stockwell on Monday, January 18.

Two men aged 43, and 47, were detained.

The suspected self-loading pistol, which contained bullets, was made safe and has been sent off for testing.

The men were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, with intent to endanger life, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article.

They were taken to a south London police station and were subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Phil Holt from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said:

“This warrant resulted a number of dangerous weapons being taken off the streets of London as well as a large amount of Class A drugs. 

“This is yet another example of the inextricable link between drugs and violence.

“Every, single day operations such as this are taking place to remove drugs and weapons from our streets and ultimately make London a safer place for everyone.”

Ex-Vicar Who Ran Youth Club Jailed For Molesting Boys

A former parish reverend and youth club leader has been jailed for sexually abusing three young boys over four decades ago.

The boys, aged between ten and eighteen years-old, were molested between the mid-1970's and the early-1980's.

Stephen Hardwicke, 63, of Church Road, Uxbridge received five years’ imprisonment after a nine-day trial at Harrow Crown Court'

He was convicted of five counts of indecent assault.

The initial allegation of abuse was reported to police in October, 2015. 

Further enquiries led to police making contact with a further victim in 2017.

The offences took place when Hardwicke was a leader at a youth group attached to Stanmore Baptist Church.

Officers from Edgware Child Abuse Investigation Team investigated the allegations.

Detective Constable Nicola Cameron, of the Edgware Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “Hardwicke took advantage of his young victims’ vulnerability, sexually abusing them on numerous occasions when the opportunities presented themselves. 

“I would like to praise the victims’ courage in reporting what happened to them to police.

“A crime committed over thirty years ago is still a crime. 

“While investigations into non-recent sexual offences can be challenging, we have specially trained officers who will follow up all lines of inquiry, and seek to prosecute when the evidence will support it.”

To report a rape or sexual offence, call police on 101, report it online at www.met.police.uk or visit a police station. 

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cocaine, Cash & Samurai Sword Seized In East London

A suspected drug dealer also had £4,000 cash and a Samurai sword seized after a traffic stop in east London.

Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) made the arrest in Whitechapel Road at 8.00pm on January 14.

The officers were on proactive patrol to deter and detect violent crime.

They stopped a car that had an incorrect number plate. 

Due to the driver's behaviour, he was detained for a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Inside the car, officers found twenty snap bags of suspected Class A drugs and seventeen small tubes of suspected Class A drugs - both believed to be cocaine.

The man, aged 31 years-old, was arrested on suspicion of possession, with intent to supply Class A drugs and taken into custody. 

The drugs were seized and sent off for testing.

During a subsequent search of the suspect's home address, officers found a samurai sword and £4,000 in cash, which was seized.

The man was released under investigation while detectives from the Central East BCU's CID carry out further enquiries.

Inspector Jamie Fowler, of the Violent Crime Taskforce, said: “We know there is a strong link between the sale of drugs and serious violence on the streets of London. 

“Using our powers of stop and search has led to the seizure of these suspected drugs and dangerous items, disrupting crime and protecting the public from their harm.

“The Violent Crime Taskforce are present in areas known for high levels of violence, looking to disrupt criminals in their tracks. 

“Removing drugs and weapons from our streets is one of the core functions of the VCTF, ultimately working to make London safer for everyone.”

Child Molester Shared Abuse Online

A child molester, who targeted a young boy and girl and shared sick, sexually explicit underage material online, has been jailed for 14 years.

Abraham Berger, 40, of Hackney, east London pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to two counts in relation to each victim.

He admitted sexual assault by penetration and by touching on a boy and girl, aged under ten years-old.

Berger also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children and distribution of indecent images of children.

He will spend a further four years on licence, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.

Berger was part of an instant messaging chat group that discussed the sexual abuse of children and shared indecent images and videos between them.

He was first arrested on August 6, last year by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Online Child Abuse and Exploitation team.

A mobile phone found on Berger was examined and officers discovered nearly 1,600 unique child abuse images and 127 videos, graded A (depicting the most serious child abuse) to C.

A number of the videos were “first generation” and showed Berger committing the abuse.

Detective Constable Chris Bailey, of the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime (vulnerability) team, said: “Berger is a dangerous, predatory offender who poses a serious risk to children.

“He was living a double life, committing sickening acts of child abuse and talking about his crimes to others online.

“The protection of children, and other vulnerable people, from harm is a priority for the Met, and we have a team of officers dedicated to identifying and arresting child abuse offenders who operate online.”

If you have any concerns about Berger’s offending and any past contact he might have had with other children, we would urge you to call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency – we have specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or report online. 

Local Drunk Spat In Ex-Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn's Face

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was spat in the face by an angry pedestrian, trying to cross the road as the MP and his wife enjoyed a bike ride, a court heard today.

Jobless ex-plumber Gerald Dore, 56, screamed: “F*** off, you c***,” as Mr. Corbyn, 71, who was with Mexican businesswoman wife Laura Alvarez, 51, beckoned him to cross in front of them.

Heavy-drinking batchelor Dore, of Conistone Way, Holloway pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr. Corbyn, just yards from his home in Berriman Road, Islington and using threatening behaviour towards Ms Alvarez, with intent to cause fear.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard it was during the first lockdown on May 20, last year that the couple encountered Dore at the junction with Seven Sisters Road.

“The victims are Jeremy Corbyn and his wife Ms Alvarez. On May the twentieth, last year in the morning they were cycling,” said prosecutor Matt Barrowcliffe.

“Jeremy Corbyn saw this defendant and made a gesture that he could cross.”

Dore - who claims the couple were in his way - immediately abused the pair. “Jeremy Corbyn said there was no need for that language and the defendant continued shouting and swearing aggressively towards both parties.

“He stepped forward and spat in his face.”

Afterwards the MP told police: “It was alarmed and distressed by the aggressive behaviour shown towards me and spitting in my face.”

The prosecutor added: “Ms Alvarez says she was fear of violence due to the level of vitriol and aggression the defendant was directing towards both of them.”

Wearing a green and purple rugby shirt in the dock Dore said: “I was shouting art him. I might have sprayed him, I don’t know.”

Claiming he was suffering chronic toothache at the time Dore added: “I don’t know him. I don’t dislike him, he was just in my way as I way trying to get home.

“They gave me opiates for the pain and I got addicted to them and the only way to get off is hair of the dog.”

Dore has a history of drink and drug abuse and the Probation Service feel he may offend for “attention-seeking” after being convicted in 2017 of assaulting a tv news reporter in Finsbury Park.

Reading their pre-sentence report District Judge Adrian Turner told Dore: “You say you have no negative feelings towards Jeremy Corbyn, have no negative views or were motivated by Jeremy Corbyn’s politics.

“It seems alcohol has played a part in many of your previous offences.”

Dore lives in a council flat near Mr. Corbyn and successfully fought eviction two years ago.

The court heard Mr. Corbyn had even assisted two of Dore’s friends - one now deceased - with their welfare issues.

The Probation Service described Dore as “isolated” with a medium-risk of harm, adding: “His offending may be a form of attention-seeking.”

He was assessed as somebody who could pose a serious risk at any time to members of the public, the media and those in the public eye.

Judge Turner announced: “I understand he (Mr. Corbyn)

may be more likely a target for abuse and violence than the average man in the street.

“It is the spitting that seems most serious. It is gross in usual circumstances, but at the time when infections were running very high it was a very serious thing to do.

“He may have been targeted, it is difficult to say,” added the judge, concussing the ugly incident was a “chance encounter.”

Dore was placed on an 18-month Community Order, which includes 80 hours Community Service Work and 30 days of rehabilitation.

He was also ordered to pay Mr. Corbyn £150 costs and Ms Alvarez £100.

“The fault was entirely yours. He thought you wanted to cross the road and signalled for you to do so and in exchange received a barrage of abuse, along with Ms Alvarez,” said Judge Turner.

“For no reason at all you were repeatedly abusive.”

Octogenarian's Kill Threat

An octogenarian has been convicted of assaulting and threatening to kill a woman at his £1million North Kensington address.

Ali Teki Mehmed, 86, of Wallingford Avenue fought the charges, but was found guilty after a trial at City of London Magistrates' Court.

He was convicted of assaulting Martha Lucia Zapata and making threats to kill her, intending she would fear he would carry it out, at the address on July 12, last year. 

Mehmed was fined £400 for the assault and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim.

He was fined £250 for the threats to kill charge and must pay £700 costs and a £65 victim surcharge.

The court also made Mehmed subject to a restraining order, prohibiting contact with the woman.

Thug Beat Woman After Sex Snub

A thug, who beat a woman with a wooden chair leg when she rejected his sexual advances, has been jailed for thirteen years.

The 40 year-old victim received serious head injuries and was spared a more severe beating when her screams were heard and the alarm raised.

Simon Sparshatt, 47, of Waller Road, New Cross, south-east London was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm; false imprisonment and threats to kill. 

On November 20, last year police were called to Sparshatt’s address by a concerned member of the public after they heard the woman calling for help.

On arrival, officers had to force entry to Sparshatt’s address and inside they found the victim with serious head injuries.

She told officers Sparshatt held her against her will and repeatedly hit her with a wooden chair leg when she refused to have sex with him.

Sparshatt was arrested and admitted attacking the victim, suggesting he intended to cause her more harm. 

He was charged and remanded in custody.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment and subsequently discharged.

Detective Constable Cora Keogh of the South East BCU said: “This was a violent and sustained attack on a defenceless woman.

“If it hadn’t been for the prompt call to police by a concerned member of the public and the actions of the officers when they arrived then this could have had far more serious consequences.

“Sparshatt is a violent man and I am pleased that the court has handed him a significant jail sentence, which truly reflects the seriousness of his crime.”

Late-Night Shopper Raped: Suspect Hunted

Police investigating the reported rape of a late-night shopper, who was followed home, are trying to identify this suspect.

On Sunday, December 6, last year at approximately 11.55pm, a woman was spoken to outside a supermarket on Tollgate Road, Beckton, east London. 

She was followed home by the suspect, where she says he then raped her.

The suspect is male aged between 30 and 40 years-old and was wearing black trousers, a black jacket and a navy top.

Detective Constable Joe Herron from the Metropolitan Police's North East Safeguarding team said: “I would like anyone who may recognise this man to please contact us."

Anyone who knows the man pictured or who has any other information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 3835/09DEC20.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

Walthamstow Home Invasion: Five Suspects Hunted

Police are hunting these five suspected knife-wielding home invaders after a terrifying raid in east London.

On Monday, January 11 at approximately 2.30pm, a man wearing an orange high visibility jacket knocked on the door of a residential address in Beresford Road, Walthamstow, claiming he was a delivery driver.

Once the resident opened the door, four other suspects forced their way into the address, all armed with knives.

The suspects entered several rooms in the house, searching for valuable items to steal.

The five suspects stole jewellery, phones, passports, iPads, a designer handbag, ear pods, ID cards and designer watches from the address.

Police are making an appeal to the public for any witnesses or information in relation to the suspects that could result in their identification.

Anyone with information or who recognises the suspects is asked to contact police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3600/11JAN21 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Body In Suitcase: Police Want To Speak With Lithuanian

Police are hunting a Lithuanian fugitive wanted for questioning after a woman's body was found in a suitcase at a west London address.

The body of 41-year-old Polish national Joanna Borucka was discovered after police were called to the property in The Crescent, Southall, on Friday, December 18, last year.

It is believed Joanna was last seen alive on Friday, November 13.

While the cause of her death is yet to be confirmed, the circumstances are being investigated by detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide).

Enquiries so far have identified 50-year-old Petras Zalynas, originally from Lithuania, as a person of interest, who officers urgently need to speak to in relation to Joanna’s death.

It is believed Zalynas has left the UK and may now be in Germany. 

Met officers are working with their European counterparts in an effort to locate him but are also counting on the public’s help.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command (Homicide), said: “It is thankfully very rare for a body to be found in these shocking circumstances. 

“I know it makes the news of Joanna’s death all the more difficult for those who were close to her.

“Our investigation is progressing well. 

“We have identified Petras Zalynas as a person who we need to speak to in order to find out what happened to Joanna. 

“I’m confident there are people out there who may have seen Zalynas or who might know where he is. I would urge them to come forward.

“I would particularly appeal to London’s Lithuanian community. 

“If you know anything about the whereabouts of Petras Zalynas, please get in touch. 

“You will be supported and your information could hold the key to unlocking this investigation.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 4319/18DEC.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.