Murder Investigation: Body Of Missing Hungarian Woman Found

Police investigating the suspected murder of a young Hungarian woman have found human remains in a north-west London park.

On Monday, June 14, remains were found by officers searching Neasden Recreation Park.

They were investigating the disappearance of 20 year-old Agnes Akom – also known as Dora.

While we await forensic identification, the family of Agnes have been informed of this development. 

They are being supported by specially trained officers.

Police are not discussing the circumstances of the discovery any further at this stage.

Agnes moved to the UK three years ago and was last seen near her Cricklewood Broadway address on the morning of Sunday, May 9. 

She was reported missing two days later on Tuesday, May 11.

Agnes was not seen or heard from since the day of her disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, senior investigating officer from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime North, said:“The discovery of human remains by my colleagues searching the area is both shocking and deeply disturbing for everyone concerned, in particular for Agnes’s family, who continue to be supported by specialist officers. 

“I request that their privacy is respected as this very difficult time.

“I expect my team and forensic colleagues to remain at Neasden Recreation Park for some days to come as they maintain the scene and complete their site examinations.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience as we continue with our enquiries in the recreation ground.”

Neculai Paizan, 63, has been charged with her murder and is in custody, awaiting his next appearance at the Old Bailey. 

Stalker Jailed

An obsessed stalker, who terrorised a woman in east London, has been jailed.

Charles Thomas Cox, 28, of Medway Road, Bow received two years and six months imprisonment.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he pleaded guilty to stalking and burgling the woman's home, which backs onto the Grand Union Canal.

Cox was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order until further notice, and was ordered to pay compensation to victim amounting to £190.

Cox first appeared by the victim’s back garden, around midnight on May 4, last year. 

He made repeated visits to the spot in June, and when the woman noticed that her fence was damaged on June 27, she installed CCTV as a safety measure.

She did not see Cox again until November 7 when she reviewed her CCTV. 

The footage showed Cox in her garden on three occasions in October. 

On November 3 Cox entered her garden and broke into her home, where he stole a set of keys, slippers and underwear.

Cox was arrested on November 19 after a DNA test matched him to semen found on the woman's back door.

Detective Constable Michael Dixon, who led the investigation, said: “We still don’t know why Charles Cox developed an obsession with the woman who he had never met before.

“His stalking must have been extremely disturbing and shocking, especially as it happened at the victim’s home. 

“Alarmingly, Charles Cox went on to break into her house, where he stole various items from, including the victim’s underwear.

“I would urge anyone being targeted and stalked to immediately report it. 

“This will help us to take offenders like Charles Cox off the streets of London and make our city a safer place for all.”

Robber Stabbed Shopkeeper

This knife-wielding robber, who stabbed a shopkeeper in the back after snatching cash from the till, has been locked-up.

Liam Killigrew, 47, received ten years and four months imprisonment for the newsagent's raid.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court he pleaded guilty to robbery, inflicting grievous bodily harm and causing criminal damage.

On the evening of Saturday, June 27, Killigrew was seen by staff taking money out of a till at a newsagents in Liberty Avenue, Colliers Wood.

After being challenged he stabbed one of the shopkeepers in the back. 

Other staff then bravely pulled the shutters down, detaining Killigrew inside the premises before calling police.

The shopkeeper was taken to hospital, where his injuries were assessed as significant but not life changing.

Killigrew was arrested at the scene and initially taken to hospital for treatment to a pre-existing condition. 

Whilst there, he attempted to escape, causing damage to the hospital room ceiling.

Detective Sergeant Ben Stephenson said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for staff members and in particular the victim, who was extremely lucky not to have received more serious injuries.

"Killigrew brazenly took money from the till and had no qualms in attacking the victim with a knife when he was challenged.

"I must commend the staff for their bravery in making every effort to ensure Killigrew was not able to escape arrest; even though they must have been in fear for their lives.

"The significant sentence handed down is only right given the danger he poses.”

Nineties Pop Star Finley Quaye Sentenced For Smashing Bus Glass Door

Troubled 90’s pop star Finley Quaye has been sentenced for yet another conviction - this time for throwing a metal road sign through a glass bus door during a fare row.

Now living in the modest Abercorn House Hostel, Bute Gardens, Hammersmith the 47 year-old Brit Award-winner appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Edinburgh-born Quaye, whose hits include ’Sunday Shining’ and ‘Even After All’ got into a row with the driver of the bus in Hammersmith and threw food all over the interior.

He pleaded guilty to causing £249.14p worth of criminal damage on June 17, last year.

The court heard Quaye, who has multiple alcohol-related convictions, tried to use his card to pay the fare, but there was a disagreement.

He started shouting and swearing at the driver and after throwing around the food, exited the bus and walked around to the drivers’ side to continue the row.

Quaye picked up a metal road sign and threw it through the glass door of the bus.

He was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement of up to twenty days.

Quaye was also ordered to pay £249.14 and £50 in compensation, plus a £95 victim surcharge and £85 costs. 

Rapist Bundled Lone Victim Into Vehicle

A rapist, who kidnapped his victim in the early hours along with two mystery accomplices, is starting a ten-year prison sentence.

The woman, aged in her twenties, was bundled into a car, held down and beaten before being raped by the driver.

George Stoiean, 27, pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to one count of rape and his two passengers are still being hunted.

At 3.30am on November 25, last year the victim was walking in Ilford High Road, east London when a vehicle, driven by Stoiean, pulled up beside her.

She was forced into the vehicle, where she was attacked by Stoiean.

The woman suffered injuries to her face and body after being held down and repeatedly punched. 

She was subsequently dropped off a few streets away, where she made her way to a friend's house to raise the alarm.

Police were called and specially trained officers provided support to the woman. 

Detectives launched an investigation to track down the men responsible and used CCTV, phone data and witness accounts to locate Stoiean.

He was arrested in Lincolnshire two days later and taken into custody.

Detective Constable Claire Smith, of the East Area Public Protection Unit, said: "Stoiean has not shown any remorse for his actions and repeatedly lied to police about his involvement in the attack.

"The victim has shown incredible courage after suffering such a terrible ordeal and I hope this sentence brings her some comfort that Stoiean will serve a lengthy custodial sentence before being released."

Fake Punter Robbed Brothel

A knife-wielding teen, who raided a brothel with an accomplice during a “frightening attack” has been caged for five years and three months.

Muhammed Rashiq, 19, of Mildred Avenue, Watford, arranged via phone, to visit a sex worker at an address in Maida Vale, west London.

On Wednesday December 30, last year at approximately 11.50pm, Rashiq arrived at the location with a second man wearing covid face masks and forcibly entered the property armed with large knives.

The robbery was disrupted by another person at the property, who pretended to call the police and the men fled with the woman’s iPhone.

Investigations by detectives on the telephone number used to book the appointment identified Muhammed Rashiq as a suspect.

He was then picked out by the victim on an ID parade and the box belonging to a telephone linked to the offence was found at his address. 

He initially denied the robbery, but subsequently admitted it at a preliminary court hearing.

He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

DC Ben Lovatt, of Central West Robbery Squad, based at Charing Cross Police Station said: “This was a frightening attack on a young woman.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, working tirelessly to target the perpetrators, prioritising action against sexual and violent, predatory offenders.

“We want all women and girls to feel safe anywhere in London and have the confidence to come to us when they are not.’’

"Give Me The Money Or I'll Shoot You"

An early-hours armed robber, who threatened to shoot a shop's cashier during a £130 raid, has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Steven Faber, 53, of Solon New Road, Clapham, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

On September 12, last year at 1.57am Faber entered the shop in Clapham Park Road.

Holding a Beretta-style handgun he threatened to shoot the cashier unless he handed over money from the tills. 

Faber shouted at the cashier: "Give me the money or I'll shoot you."

The cashier handed over £130 and Faber ran off.

The Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad launched an investigation into identifying Faber. 

The team located him through CCTV and arrested him on September 29.

Detective Constable Stefen Rule, who led the investigation, said: “Weapons have no place on the streets of London. 

“Our priority is to protect our communities and target those involved in firearms and violence.

“This case is another good example of the work we do to remove violent offenders from the streets.”

Young Boy Throttled Near Vauxhall Bridge: Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspect after a 12 year-old boy was throttled by a stranger near Vauxhall Bridge.

Detectives are appealing for help from the public to identify the man and have released this CCTV still.

The victim was at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Udall Street, Pimlico at around 3.54pm on Wednesday, May 12 when a man approached and grabbed him around the neck.

The man held the victim by the neck until a member of the public intervened at which point, he left, walking away in the direction of Vauxhall Bridge.

The victim did not sustain any lasting injuries, but was understandably shocked by the incident.

Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC providing the reference 5207/12MAY.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111.

Ex-Private School Teacher Caught With Sick Kids Pics Again

A disgraced former teacher at prestigious private boys’ prep school Colet Court has been caught for a second time with indecent images of children.

Ex-Classics master Anthony Paul Fuggle, 64, taught for two decades at the junior division of St. Paul’s School, whose alumni include former Chancellor George Osborne.

Fuggle, of Aristotle Road, Clapham appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of making 73 indecent Category C photographs of children on April 12, 2018.

Six years ago he received four months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after admitting six counts of possessing indecent images of children, plus seven counts of making indecent images of children.

The charges totalled more than a thousand still and moving images of children.

Multiple teachers, who worked at the Barnes school, have been investigated and prosecuted under Operation Winthorope, an investigation into historical sexual abuse at St. Paul’s and Colet Court.

Prosecutor Norleen Ibe told the court: “Officers attended the address of the defendant and searched it in relation to a separate matter.

“His laptop was seized and found to have seventy-three indecent images of children on the hard drive.

“The defendant made no comment when he was interviewed and he does have relevant previous convictions.

“The aggravating feature is the defendant has convictions for similar offences.”

Fuggle is currently on the sex offenders register and reports to Brixton Police Station.

His lawyer Jessica Clarke told the court: “We have commissioned an independent report from a forensic psycho-sexual therapist to asses the risk of harm.

“These images were automatically produced by the computer when browsing websites. The images are cached and stored.”

In 2017 former master Patrick Marshall, 74, who taught at St. Paul’s, received 18 years imprisonment for abusing ten boys in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

In 2016 ex-sports teacher Michael Ellis, 75, received eight-and-a-half years for indecently assaulting two boys and former teacher David Sansom-Mallett, 74, was jailed for 14 years for abusing multiple boys.

Another teacher, ex-history head Keith Perry, 77, was convicted of possessing 600 child abuse images on memory sticks hidden inside an umbrella at his home.

Magistrate Gordon Lawson bailed Fuggle until July 22 for a pre-sentence report, announcing: “We are going to keep all options open.”

Man Charged With Murder Of Missing Hungarian Woman

A man has been charged with the murder of a young Hungarian woman, who is still missing.

Agnes Akom, 20, - also known as Dora – moved to London from her homeland three years ago.

She was last seen alive in Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, north-west London on May 9.

Agnes was reported missing two days later and an investigation was launched.

Neculai Paizan, 63, has been charged with her murder and appeared in custody at Willesden Magistrates Court.

He was sent to the Old Bailey.

The Metropolitan Police have announced detectives are still pursuing all possible lines of enquiry and are appealing for the public to come forward if they see or have seen anything suspicious that they feel may be relevant.

Uber Driver Spat In NHS Blood Motorcyclist's Face

Spit: Folorunso

An Uber driver twice spat in the face of an NHS blood delivery motorcyclist when called out for making an illegal U-turn, a court heard yesterday.

The blood was being delivered for a vital transfusion at King’s College Hospital when mini-cab driver Joseph Folorunso, 53, cut across the emergency worker’s path, forcing him to brake.

TfL-registered Folorunso, of Morant Court, Munton Road, Walworth was convicted after a trial of assaulting Samuel Veloso on April 9, last year in New Kent Road, Elephant & Castle.

Mr Veloso was travelling from St Thomas’s Hospital at 3.25 and told Croydon Magistrates’ Court: “Suddenly a driver in heavy traffic did a U-turn in front of me.

“I had to brake hard, put my life at risk and I shouted in a high voice: ‘Please what are you doing?’

“I told him: ‘You shouldn’t do a U-turn here,’ and he responded aggressively and came out of the car and went to punch me.

“I told him there were loads of witnesses and he would be arrested.

NHS: Veloso

“He looked around and then spat twice in my face, all over me. There was spit all over my jacket as well.

“It was a strong spit. He probably thought: ‘I’ll give a big spit.’

“It was very intentional and provocative.”

Mr Veloso, who reported Folorunso to passing police, denied shouting: “Is that the way you drive where you come from in your country.”

He told the trial: “I’m foreign. I was not born in this country and I would not tell someone to go back to their own country.”

When questioned by police Folorunso denied deliberately spitting at the motorcyclist, but accepted some spittle may have accidentally landed on the victim.

He told the court: “He started telling me: ‘Is that how you drive where you come from? You Uber don’t know how to drive.’

“It was kind of a racist comment and he also said: ‘I’ll get you banned. I’ll report you,’ and I was really-really angry.

“I did not spit on him at all. I would not do that, definitely not.”

Bailing Folorunso for a pre-sentence report, magistrate Terry Carpenter told him: “The act of spitting at someone in this day and age is a very nasty and obnoxious act.

“It is deliberately designed to instil fear into the person on the receiving end of it.

“We are going to ask the Probation Service for an all-options report, including possible committal to the Crown Court for sentencing.”

Hunt For Psychiatric Patient

Police are hunting this man, who escaped from a secure mental health facility.

Aaron Fell, 23, is at large and should not be challenged or approached, warn the Metropolitan Police.

He fled from Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield, north London.

Fell was reported missing from the hospital's mental health unit at 10.00am on Thursday, May 13.

He is a white man, of medium build, with dark hair and blue eyes. 

He was wearing dark clothing at the time of his disappearance.

Members of the public are urged not to approach him and to call 999 immediately, quoting 2091/13May21.

Anyone Know Who This Is?: Met Throw Down ID Challenge

Detectives investigating a series of robberies in the Woodford Green area are renewing appeals for witnesses to come forward.

Officers have also released this E-fit of a man they need to identify. 

The description was provided by the female victim of an attempted robbery in Roding Valley Park at 4.00pm on Sunday, January 24.

The woman was walking on Roding Valley Park Trail whilst talking on her phone when a man approached her and threatened her with a knife. 

He shouted at her to hand over her phone and the security details to the phone.

The victim handed her phone over to the suspect and the suspect began to run away. 

Some passers-by witnessed this incident and so attempted to chase the suspect. 

The suspect eventually threw the phone onto a path and continued to run away.

The suspect is described as black man aged around 18 years old; he was wearing a black hat and black clothing with a possible blue stripe down the side of his tracksuit trousers.

Police are asking for any witnesses, or anyone who recognises the man in the E-fit, to call 101 quoting reference Cad 5632/24Jan.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact them via crime stoppers-uk.org.

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish whether the offence is linked with two robberies that occurred in the same area on 18 and 27 December 2020.

Over And Out: Police Sergeant Harassed Woman

A Police Sergeant's career has been destroyed by his “utterly shocking” harassment of a former witness he persistently contacted.

Syed Ali, 46, was attached to the East Area Command Unit when he used his work phone to send unwanted messages to the woman.

He first came into contact with her in 2015 when attached to SO15 – the Counter Terrorism Command.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court he received six weeks imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

Ali was also ordered to complete 200 hours community service work; pay £200 compensation to the victim and was made subject to a three-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with the woman.

He pleaded guilty to one count of harassment.

The sentencing follows an investigation led by the Directorate of Professional Standards, Specialist Investigation Unit.

An allegation was made on July 18, last year that Ali harassed a female member of the public between May and July 2020.

In May 2020, Ali began to engage in unwanted and inappropriate contact with the witness he had contact with in 2015 by messaging her on his work phone.

The woman stated by message that she did not want him to contact her, but Ali persisted. 

The harassment continued through to July 2020.

The harassment was reported and Ali was arrested on July 23 at Ilford Police Station.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, BCU Commander for the East Area which covers Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge, said: “The way in which Ali conducted himself is utterly shocking.

“This type of conduct has absolutely no place in the organisation and we are committed to bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.”

Ali resigned from the Metropolitan Police on April 30 after entering his guilty plea.

His actions will be referred to an accelerated misconduct hearing in light of his conviction. 

If the matter is proven as Gross Misconduct, Ali will placed upon the College of Policing Barred List, which would prohibit any future police employment.

Bloomsbury Square Mugging Bid: Police Hunt Two Suspects

Detectives have released images of two men they would like to speak to in relation to an attempted robbery.

On Tuesday, April 13 at 11.15am, police were called to Bloomsbury Square, Holborn to reports that an attempted robbery had taken place.

It was also reported a male victim, aged in his thirties, was sprayed in the face with an unknown substance.

The victim reported that a man unknown to him [Suspect 1] grabbed him from behind and sprayed him in the face while he was walking down Bloomsbury Square.

While on the floor, another man [Suspect 2] approached the victim, pretending to be a police officer. 

They both then attempted to steal his belongings.

The victim was taken to hospital and later discharged. 

He suffered minor injuries.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1 is a white man with short, black hair. 

Wearing a dark hoodie/jacket, brown trousers and white trainers.

Suspect 2 is a white man with short, black hair and of a stocky build. 

Wearing a dark blue jacket, blue tracksuit trousers/jeans and black trainers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 and quote reference CAD 2507/13Apr.

Information can also be provided, anonymously, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Rape Suspect Wanted By Police

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man wanted for breaching the conditions of the Sex Offenders’ Register.

Dominic Rowan, also known as Aaron Royer, 55, is wanted by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Central East Command.

He is accused of failing to comply with registration requirements of the Sex Offenders' Register.

He is also wanted for questioning in connection with an allegation of rape in Suffolk.

Rowan is from Hackney, but may have left the area.

Anyone with information should email GD-Jigsaw2@met.police.uk, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting ViSOR 12/0344998.

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers_uk.org or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Alleged Dangerous Driver Still On The Run

Detectives are renewing appeals for information to trace a man who failed to appear at court.

Officers would like to speak with anyone who may have seen Ridwan Ali, 23, or who knows of his whereabouts.

It is now believed that he may have travelled to the Manchester area.

Ali, whose last known address is Northwick Road in Wembley, is wanted by police for failing to appear at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on October 30, last year.

He is charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

The charges relate to a road traffic collision on Garratt Lane in Wandsworth on July 21, last year.

A warrant for Ali's arrest was issued by the court when he failed to appear.

Detective Sergeant Gareth Roberts, from the South West Command Unit, said:“Despite it being seven months since Ridwan Ali failed to appear at court, we remain determined to find him.

“I am certain there are people who know where he is, and I would urge them to contact us. 

“I would also encourage Ali to do the right thing and attend the nearest police station.”

Anyone who has information concerning his whereabouts should contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting Cad 2347/21Jul20 or email p235964@met.police.uk.

To remain 100% anonymous, visit crimestoppers_uk.org or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Drunk Binned For Attacking Police

A drunk, who kicked one police officer and spat in another's face when told to get up, had been jailed.

Homeless Theiventhiram Balakumar, 58 received six months imprisonment when he appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court.

He was found guilty of two counts of assault by beating of an emergency services worker.

The incident happened on September 9, last year when officers from the North West Command Unit were called to Princes Avenue, Kingsbury, following reports of a man collapsed at the rear of a property.

The officers attended and found Balakumar lying on the ground, apparently intoxicated. 

The officers informed him he had to get up, but he became abusive and kicked one of them in the leg.

A second officer approached with a view to detaining him for the assault, but Balakumar spat in the officer’s face.

He was arrested and taken into custody but denied the offences. 

However, he was subsequently charged and convicted of the two assaults.

Inspector Sammi Elfituri from the North West BCU said: “Police officers never know what they will face when they attend an incident.

“In this case, Balakumar who by his own admission had been drinking, lashed out when approached by officers.

“The fact that he spat in the face of one of the officers is abhorrent; this officer had to attend hospital and faced an agonising wait to find out whether they had been infected as a result of this assault.

“Thankfully they hadn’t, but that in no way lessens the disgusting behaviour of Balakumar. 

“He has rightfully been held to account for his actions.”

Oh Baby: Man Wanted For Dangerous Driving With Tot In Back Seat

Police are hunting this suspected dangerous driver after a vehicle displaying false plates with a baby in the back rammed a patrol car and sped away.

The Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released the image as they continue trying to identify the suspect.

The incident took place on Thursday, April 29 at 7.16pm near the McDonalds drive-thru restaurant on Eastern Avenue in Ilford, east London.

A police officer approached the driver of a parked black BMW X1 car after it was identified as displaying false number plates. 

While the officer was speaking to the driver, the driver suddenly turned on the ignition and reversed his car, striking the police vehicle. 

He then mounted the pavement and drove off, heading west along the eastbound carriageway of the A12 Eastern Avenue, against the flow of traffic.

The driver is described as a black man, aged between 20 and 25 years old.

He wore a black flat cap, brown-framed glasses, and a dark-blue padded gilet over a black long sleeved top with Nike written down the sleeves in white. 

He had short locks, neatly trimmed facial hair, and spoke with a London accent. 

There was also a baby inside the vehicle.

It is also believed that the driver and vehicle are linked to the boroughs of Croydon, Greenwich, and Barking & Dagenham.

PC Charlie Snooks, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said:“This was an irresponsible and reckless act that that could have had severe consequences for the driver, his infant passenger, people walking and cycling and other motorists.

“I would urge anyone with any information to inform police immediately.”

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information is urged to contact the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command via 101 reference CAD 6162/29Apr. 

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or tweet @MetCC with any information.

Living The Thai Life: Expat Sentenced For £66K Benefits Scam

A Thai expat, whose life in the sun with a younger girlfriend was funded by an audacious near decade-long £66,000 benefits fraud, has been sentenced.

Former mini-cab driver Joseph Peter Marcel Fougere, 75, rented out his council flat to two pals while also claiming housing benefit for it on top of pension credit and council tax benefit.

All three rotated lengthy trips to the Far East - keeping an eye out for letters from the council and the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) - until a tip-off ruined the scam.

Speaking outside Croydon Crown Court Fougere revealed his trips to Thailand, where he lived on the coast and in small villages, were over and he now faces eviction.

Fougere pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the DWP between January 25, 2010 and February 10, 2019, namely that he was living in Thailand and sub-letting his home.

He also similarly pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP between August 22, 2011 and March 31, 2013 relating to council tax benefit and between April 1, 2011 and February 3, 2019 relating to housing benefit.

Prosecutor Len Furlong told the court Fougere was awarded the large one-bedroom flat in Thorpe Close, New Addington in August, 2011 and began renting it out two months later.

He swindled £39,893 in housing benefit; £24,990 in pension credit and £1,368 in council tax benefit.

“The benefit claims started off as genuine, but rapidly became fraudulent,” explained Mr Furlong.

One pal continued renting for six years, paying Fougere £80 a week - £57 more than the council rate, which the defendant was receiving housing benefit for anyway.

“He would go off and spend nine months of the year in Thailand, where he has friends and for a long time a girlfriend and would come back to the UK for appointments with the benefit agency,” added the prosecutor.

So far, Fougere has repaid £1,181, which has been deducted from his current benefits and the court made no compensation or confiscation order.

“He has got no source of employment or income and his sole source of  money is benefits.

“Plainly he benefited to fund his lifestyle in Thailand and support his living expenses and whatever he did in Thailand.

“There was a certain sophistication to these offences. They were not spontaneous and he has entered into these tenancy agreements over a lengthy period of time,” said Mr Furlong.

Fougere’s lawyer John Livingstone told the court: “Unfortunately he gets to the ripe old age of seventy-five and finds himself at the wrong end of the criminal justice system.

“He was flying to Thailand and coming back to the UK from time to time.

“He is currently in the premises, but has been told he will be moved when the pandemic is over.

“The council will have to rehouse him at some point.”

Outside Fougere said: “I won’t get a place as good as this again, I’ll probably end up in a hostel.

“I would live in the big lounge and my two friends would share the bedroom and just work mini-cabbing to make money for their next trip to Thailand.

“I won’t be going back there, I haven’t got any money.”

Recorder Richard Smith sentenced Fougere to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

“You failed to report you were no longer habitually living in the UK and were abroad, lying to the council to fund your lifestyle in Thailand,” he told him.

“An aggravating feature is the long periods of your claims, one of them lasting nine years.

“Due to your age, good character and low risk of re-offending I will suspend the sentence and I do not impose any other requirements.

“Please let us not see you again.”

Grand Union Canal Drowning: Police Appeal Four Decades On

Police are continuing to identify the body of a man recovered from the Grand Union Canal four decades ago.

They hope this artist's impression of the drowned man will prompt anyone who knew him to come forward.

In May, 1981 the body was pulled from the water in Southall, west London.

His death was not thought to have been suspicious.

Despite extensive enquiries made in May, 1981 and continued efforts over the past four decades, the man was never identified.

Officers hope that this appeal, which forms part of a cold case review, may prompt someone to think about a family member or friend that they lost touch with forty years ago who looked similar to the artist's impression that was compiled based on how the man looked at the time of his death.

He was a white man, 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build, aged 25 to 30 years old, with thick brown hair worn short, with a slight beard. 

He also had crooked teeth and a small scar on his stomach.

PC Maddie Kerketta, of the Met’s West Area Safeguarding Unit, said: “This man was a son to someone, a family member and likely a friend to others. 

“There may be a family somewhere who have spent years wondering what happened to their loved one. 

“If you can help us finally identify him so that his family and friends can be notified please don’t hesitate to get in touch."

If you have information you think might help identify this man please call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 81FOU000002.

Pellet Gun Robber Shot Shopkeeper

Police are hunting this suspected midnight robber, who fired two pellets from his air gun into the head and body of a south-east London shopkeeper.

At approximately 00.05am on February 24, a man in possession of an air-powered weapon entered the shop in New Cross Road, New Cross and made demands for cash.

The man threatened the male member of staff with a ‘BB gun’ and when demands were not met, repeatedly shot the shopkeeper in the body and head.

The victim went to a south London hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove two pellets from his body. 

He has been left with permanent scarring.

The suspect escaped with no money.

He is described as a white male, approximately 40 years of age, with a London accent and wearing a patterned face mask.

Detective Constable Claudine Manning, from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command, said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in or around the New Cross Road area at around midnight on 24 February - do you recall seeing the man pictured above?

“The victim of this incident suffered a terrifying ordeal. We remain committed to finding the man responsible and holding him accountable for his actions.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 638/24Feb. 

Alternatively, you can leave information anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Policeman Jailed For Underage Sex Offences

A policeman has been locked-up for molesting an underage teenage girl – even preying on her while he was on duty.

PC Mark Collins, 58, served on the Metropolitan Police's South Area Command Unit.

At the Old Bailey he was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment.

Collins had already pleaded guilty when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to one count of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13–15 years-old to engage in sexual activity (with penetration) on or before November 24, 2019.

He also pleaded guilty to six counts of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child. 

Those offences occurred between November 4, 2019 and November 26, 2019.

Collins used personal devices to commit the offences, some of which were carried out while he was on duty - but not in his capacity as a police officer.

Following his arrest on November 26, 2019 he was immediately suspended from duty and later charged on November 9, last year.

Collins retired from the Metropolitan Police on February 19.

A Special Case Hearing was held on Wednesday, April 21 and concluded that PC Collins’ conduct amounted to gross misconduct and that had he still been a serving officer he would have been dismissed.

Commander Paul Betts, Directorate of Professional Standards, said: “These are absolutely abhorrent crimes and it is utterly shocking that a police officer could have committed them.

“It is clear this type of conduct has no place within the organisation and we are committed to bringing the perpetrators of such terrible crimes to justice, whoever they may be.”