Beauty Therapist Jailed For Pub Dance Floor Glassing

Guilty: Hawkins

A drunken beauty therapist, who smashed a glass into the eye of a schoolteacher, claiming the other woman’s pub dance floor moves were “overly sexual”, was jailed for three-and-a-half years yesterday.

Jennifer Hawkins, 35, was caught at 2am on the pub’s CCTV twice shoving 30 year-old Faye Evans out of the way before suddenly thrusting the glass into her face, causing permanent eye damage.

“You accepted in your evidence you must be punished because in that moment you formed a wicked intention to cause Faye Evans serious injury and carried through that intent by thrusting a glass into her face,” Recorder Daniel Benjamin told her. 

“That night changed the life of Faye Evans forever as a result of your unlawful actions. Glass cut deeply through her nerves and muscles to the bone, leaving numbness even to this week when she was giving evidence.

“Glass debris was left in her cornea and there was a scar through her pupil, resulting in blurred vision and she struggles with everyday work and reading and driving and will have to live with the effects of that night for the rest of her life and so will you.” 

A Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury took just over an hour to unanimously convict businesswoman Hawkins of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, at The Bedford pub, Balham in the early hours of January 27, 2019.

Company Director Hawkins, of Kingston Road, Raynes Park had already pleaded guilty before the trial to the less serious charge of simply wounding Ms Evans, claiming she was not aware of the glass in her hand as she pushed her to the face.

That night she had already consumed four vodkas and a glass of champagne.

Ms Evans denied her dancing was directed towards Hawkins in a sexual manner, insisting the moves were from her student days at university.

In a victim impact statement she told the court she has suffered “anxiety and panic attacks since the trauma,” plus PTSD.

“I will have medical checks for the rest of my life, which I find really hard to deal with,” she added. “After the incident I was emotional and on edge and was paranoid and suffered a loss of confidence, sleep and bad dreams.”

'Glassed': Evans

Prosecutor Mr Mark Mullins said: “She was not blinded completely, but when she is not wearing glasses it is as if she is.”

He also criticised Hawkins’ defence. “She chose to put all the blame for this incident on the victim and that was roundly rejected by the jury and put to the victim her dancing was over sexualised and that ended up detrimentally to the victim in the newspapers.”

During the three-day trial Ms Evans, who was enjoying a night out with a large group of friends, said: “I just remember having a little dance and the next thing I was on the floor and felt blood coming down my face.

“It was like waking up from a dream and there was chaos around me. Blood was streaming down my face and going into my mouth and I had to spit it out.

“It felt like my face had been ripped apart and for a long time I could not see out of my left eye.

“I needed stitches for the laceration and they had to check if glass had gone into my head. It had cut through a nerve and muscle so the next day I had to go into surgery.

“I was cut through to the bone and still have numbness and a tingly sensation and if I am brushing my hair I get a shooting pain in the forehead.

“They said if it had been in the centre of the pupil I would have gone blind and I have been left with blurred vision.”

After viewing the CCTV footage Ms Evans added: “It makes me sick when I watch it, sick and disgusted.

“It was such an evil thing to do to someone and has ripped me apart psychologically.”

Five foot, eleven inch tall Ms Evans herself had three gin and tonics, wine and Sambuca and denied being “aggressive” towards the shorter five foot, two inch tall Hawkins.

The defendant claims the former hockey player was “breathing heavily, smelling of alcohol, drunk and intimidating,” which Ms Evans denied.

She also denied a defence claim she was “taking the Mickey” out of Hawkins.

The CCTV footage showed Hawkins twice push Ms Evans away and the victim denied leaning in to the defendant, saying: “Who the f*** do you think you are, pushing me.”

Mr Mullins told the jury: “All of a sudden the defendant swung her arm and struck the side of Ms Evans’ face and when she saw blood she ran away.

“A security guard saw Ms Evans stumble back, knocking glasses off a table and she fell over. she had two cuts to her forehead and there was blood all over her face.”

Hawkins was arrested and questioned at Wandsworth Police Station. “She said she was tipsy and that she was dancing when Ms Evans came between her and her friend.

“She said there may have been a bit of jealousy and she did nudge her out of the way and Ms Evan came back towards her and said: ‘F***ing bitch’.

“She said she pushed her out of the way, not noticing she had a glass in her hand.”

Hawkins’ lawyer Jo Hardy asked the court: “How did a thirty-something woman with no history of violence end up here, having caused a catastrophic injury to another woman?

“She will remain sorry for the rest of her life for that moment.”

Tube Train Pervert: Do You Know This Man?

A lone female tube train passenger was stared at by a pervert, who pleasured himself while travelling on a Central Line service.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of the subject and are asking the public to assist in identifying him.

On July 13 at around 10pm, the victim boarded an empty carriage travelling towards Central London.

A man boarded at Perivale station and sat in the same carriage.

He pulled his trousers down, exposed himself, and began touching himself inappropriately while staring at the victim.

The victim moved carriages and saw the man leave the station at North Acton.

Officers believe the man in the images may have information, which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 85 of 14/07/21. 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police Investigate Central Line Sexual Assault

Transport cops investigating a sexual assault on a tube train are hunting this suspect.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image as they appeal to members of the public for assistance in identifying him.

They are investigating an allegation of sexual assault onboard a Central line tube train between Liverpool Street and Mile End on August 13 at around 5:55pm.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 422 of 14/08/21.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Beauty Therapist 'Glassed' Woman On Pub Dancefloor

Glass: Jennifer Hawkins

A beauty therapist smashed a glass into the eye of another woman on a pub dance floor, claiming the university graduate victim was deliberately moving in an “overly sexual way”, a court heard yesterday.

Jennifer Hawkins, 35, was caught at 2am on the pub’s CCTV thrusting her glass into the face of 30 year-old Faye Evans, who needed surgery and suffered permanent eye damage.

The graduate denied there was anything sexual about her moves, telling a Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury she was merely dancing the same way she once did with her student pals.

Hawkins, of Kingston Road, Raynes Park has pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, at The Bedford, Balham on January 27, 2019.

She has already pleaded guilty to a lesser count of simply wounding Ms Evans, who told the jury her pupil was scarred and she needed surgery to remove glass debris from her cornea.

Hawkins, who had four vodkas and champagne that night, claims she was simply trying to push Ms Evans away and forgot she had a glass in her hand.

“I just remember having a little dance and the next thing I was on the floor and felt blood coming down my face,” Ms Evans told the trial.

“It was like waking up from a dream and there was chaos around me. Blood was streaming down my face and going into my mouth and I had to spit it out.

Dancing: Faye Evans

“It felt like my face had been ripped apart and for a long time I could not see out of my left eye.

“I needed stitches for the laceration and they had to check if glass had gone into my head. It had cut through a nerve and muscle so the next day I had to go into surgery.

“I was cut through to the bone and still have numbness and a tingly sensation and if I am brushing my hair I get a shooting pain in the forehead.

“They said if it had been in the centre of the pupil I would have gone blind and I have been left with blurred vision.

“My eyesight is badly impaired and I struggle with everyday work and reading.”

After viewing the CCTV footage Ms Evans added: “It makes me sick when I watch it, sick and disgusted.

“It was such an evil thing to do to someone and has ripped me apart psychologically.”

Five foot, eleven inch tall Ms Evans herself had three gin and tonics, wine and Sambuca and denied being “aggressive” towards the shorter five foot, two inch tall Hawkins.

The defendant claims the former hockey player was “breathing heavily, smelling of alcohol, drunk and intimidating,” which Ms Evans denied.

She also denied a defence claim she was “taking the Mickey” out of Hawkins.

The CCTV footage showed Hawkins twice push Ms Evans away and the victim denied leaning in to the defendant, saying: “Who the f*** do you think you are, pushing me.”

Prosecutor Mark Mullins told the jury: “The issue is when Ms Hawkins thrust that glass into Ms Evans’ face did she intend to cause very, very serious harm.”

Ms Evans had joined a large group of ten friends at the pub and at 2am was chatting to a young man on the dance floor, near Hawkins.

The victim also spoke with Hawkins. “All of a sudden the defendant swung her arm and struck the side of Ms Evans’ face and when she saw blood she ran away.

“A security guard saw Ms Evans stumble back, knocking glasses off a table and she fell over. she had two cuts to her forehead and there was blood all over her face.”

Hawkins was arrested and questioned at Wandsworth Police Station. “She said she was tipsy and that she was dancing when Ms Evans came between her and her friend.

“She said there may have been a bit of jealousy and she did nudge her out of the way and Ms Evan came back towards her and said: ‘F***ing bitch’.

“She said she pushed her out of the way, not noticing she had a glass in her hand.”

Trial continues…………… 

Twelve Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted On DLR

Transport cops are hunting this suspect after a 12 year-old girl was molested at an east London train station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the man.

At 4.05pm on May 28 the girl got off a Docklands Light Railway train at Blackwall station with a friend.

As they turned to go down the stairs, the victim was sexually assaulted by a man.

He then walked past her down the stairs.

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

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 398 of 28/05/21.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Visitor Banged Up For 'Upskirting'

An Israeli tourist has been locked-up less than 24 hours after being caught 'upskirting' a female commuter on an underground station escalator.

Martin Stone, 62, was caught by a plain clothed British Transport Police officer at Bank station in the City.

At Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court he pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism and was sentenced to ten days imprisonment.

The court also ordered that all SIM and memory cards from his phones and cameras were destroyed.

At 11.30am on Wednesday August 4, Stone was spotted recording a woman while standing behind her on an escalator.

The officer followed him out of the station and found him watching footage of the woman’s legs and skirt on his phone.

He was arrested at the scene and remanded in custody overnight, before appearing in court the next day.

Upon arrest, officers seized from Stone two mobile phones, a spy camera pen, two oyster cards and one camera.

CCTV footage from Bank also showed Stone following the victim around the station.

Stone admitted he covered the flash on his phone with Sellotape to avoid detection while he was recording the victim unknowingly, but declined to answer if he received any sexual gratification from his behaviour.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah White said: “Stone’s vile predatory behaviour is evident from his targeted actions and specialist equipment.

“Upskirting is a sickening invasion of privacy and this result sends a clear message on how quickly we will act against this disgusting form of sexual offending.

“We have plain clothes officers conducting patrols like this every day across network. 

“Our officers are on the network looking out for you, whether you see them or not, and we will take action.

“I would urge anyone who is a victim of upskirting, or any other sexual offence, to text us discreetly on 61016 or call 999 in an emergency. 

No report is too small or too trivial, we will always take you seriously.”

East Londoner Fined For Police Charges

An East Londoner arrested south of the river after an incident with the police has been sentenced.

Gino Anganda, 34, of Classic Mansions, Well Street, Hackney was successful in fighting assault charges against two police officers.

However, he was convicted of obstructing them.

Anganda was fined a total of £200 and ordered to pay £200 compensation when he appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court (pictured).

He was originally charged with assaulting PC Cain and PC Rein in Upland Road, East Dulwich on September 3, last year.

Not guilty verdicts were entered on those two counts.

Passenger Punched Down Escalator

A tube train passenger suffered a broken arm when he was punched down an escalator and racially abused when he pursued a group of males afterwards.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the violent assault at Tottenham Court Road Underground station and have released these CCTV images as they appeal to the public to assist in identifying the suspects.

At around 7pm on Sunday July 11, a man travelling from Wembley Park Underground station to Tottenham Court Road was approached by a group of four men taking the same route. 

One man from the group accused him of following them and ushered him to come closer to them on an escalator.

The man then punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall backwards down the escalator.

The group ran off and exited the station.

The victim followed them out of the station, before two other men in the group pushed him and hit his phone of out his hand. 

The fourth member of the group then racially abused the victim and they all left the scene.

The victim suffered a broken arm and injuries to his back.

Officers believe the men in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise any of them, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 514 of 11/07/21.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Tube Train Passenger Beaten Unconscious

A tube train passenger suffered a fractured skull and cheekbone when he was punched and kicked unconscious and had multiple teeth knocked out.

The male victim got into a row with a group of people onboard an Underground train in Central London about a woman singing and dancing in the carriage.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these images as they appeal to the public for assistance in identifying the suspects they believe were involved.

They are treating the incident at Barbican Underground station as a serious assault.

At just after midnight on Monday, July 12 a row began about the signing and dancing passenger between the victim and the group.

As the victim got off the train a man from the group charged at him and punched him repeatedly in the head.

He fell to the floor and lost consciousness.

The rest of the group then kicked him as he lay on the floor.

As a result of the attack the victim suffered a fractured skull, fractured cheekbone and had multiple teeth knocked out.

Officers believe the people in the image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 22 of 12/07/21.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 40 50 40.

Train Hand Sanitising Assault

A train passenger mocked for sanitising his hands was violently pushed onto the platform when he tried to alert station staff.

British Transport Police (BTP) are hunting this suspect after the incident in south-west London.

When the victim was pushed from the carriage he suffered cuts to his arms and lost his glasses.

At just before 11am on Sunday July 4, the suspect started talking to the victim from the other side of the train carriage as they travelled between Stoneleigh and Raynes Park stations.

He said it was ridiculous that he was sanitising his hands.

The victim stood up to alert staff at Raynes Park station when the suspect grabbed his phone and started waving it in the air. 

The victim managed to get his phone back and positioned himself at the train doors to get the attention of station staff on the platform.

The man then pushed the victim from behind, sending him crashing to the platform. 

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 193 of 04/07/21.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Train Spit: Do You Know This Passenger?

Police are hunting this train passenger after a woman was spat in the face while travelling through east London.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released the CCTV image as they continue to try and identify the suspect.

At just after 6.30pm on Friday, June 11, the victim was travelling on-board a tube train between Whitechapel and West Ham stations when a man stood on her foot.

She and the man got off the train at West Ham and both boarded a second train travelling towards Barking.

As the man was about to disembark the train at Barking, he lowered his face covering and spat at the victim.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 570 of 11/06/21.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Strangers Attacked After Verbal Insults

Two violent thugs jumped out of a car in the early hours to attack two strangers after they insulted a woman the victims were with.

Officers investigating the double stabbing in Haringey last year have released these images of two men they would like to speak with in connection with the attack.

Police were called shortly after 4.30am on Sunday, June 14 by London Ambulance Service who reported they were treating two men suffering stab wounds at the junction of High Road and Turnpike Lane, Wood Green.

An investigation was launched immediately - it is believed that the assault was unprovoked and appears to be an isolated incident.

A black car containing two black males had pulled up alongside pedestrians and made derogatory comments toward a woman, making her feel uncomfortable. 

This led to the victims’ verbally arguing with the two men who were in the car.

The men then got out of the vehicle and attacked both victims, leaving them with serious stab wounds.

One victim also sustained a broken bone around his eye socket which required surgery.

Officers would like to speak to the two men pictured in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Yuliya Orudzheva from the Met’s North Area Command Unit said: “This was a brutal attack on two men who had never seen their attackers in their life. 

“They were minding their own business and enjoying a night out when they were set upon.

“It’s remarkable, despite their stab wounds that they escaped life-changing injuries.

“I would urge anyone who recognises those pictured to contact us so we can speak to them about this incident.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD1942/14Jun2020. To remain anonymous contact Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Hammer Teen Locked-Up For Cop Attack

A violent teenager has been locked-up for smashing a claw hammer into the back of a policeman's head, inflicting a deep bloody wound to the officer's scalp.

Brandon Flanagan, 18, of Bell Lane, Twickenham, fled after striking the officer when stopped on a moped, even evading the PC's chasing colleague despite being tasered.

He was convicted by a Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Flanagan received five years custody.

The jury heard that on the afternoon of Monday, May 20 several members of the public called 999 to report two people on a motorbike behaving in a suspicious manner in the Kneller Park area of Twickenham.

Flanagan, who is now known to have been the pillion passenger, was reportedly openly carrying both a knife and a hammer.

Two PCs from the South West area’s Emergency Response Team attended and positioned themselves close to a nearby underpass in order to intercept the motorbike. 

When it emerged, the officers stopped the vehicle and took hold of the suspects in an attempt to detain them.

At this point, Flanagan used the claw hammer, which he was holding, to strike one of the PCs with considerable force across the back of his head before running away. 

The rider of the motorbike also escaped and enquiries continue to identify him.

As the officer lay injured, his colleague pursued Flanagan on foot. 

In a desperate bid to escape he jumped over a fence and started running through gardens. 

The officer successfully fired his Taser into Flanagan, who fell to the ground.

However, while the officer was climbing over a fence to arrest him Flanagan seized the opportunity and ran away – with the Taser prongs still attached to his jacket.

A short while later, police were called to a suspicious male matching the description of Flanagan at a nearby pub. 

Officers entered the premises and found Flanagan enjoying a soft drink and when challenged he lied about his name.

The injured officer’s colleague then entered the pub and identified Flanagan as the male he chased and Tasered. 

Flanagan was then arrested. 

The investigation was led by Detective Constable Ben Pierce, from the South West area’s CID, who established his case based on DNA evidence and witness accounts.

The injured officer is now fully recovered but required hospital treatment for a deep wound to his scalp.

Detective Sergeant Kara Moulds, from the South West area’s CID, said: “Flanagan has shown no remorse for his actions and has refused to admit his guilt throughout. 

“The evidence collected by DC Pierce was overwhelming and as a result the jury convicted Flanagan. 

“He is now facing a long stint behind bars where he can reflect upon his actions.

“This case highlights the very real risks with which police officers are confronted on a daily basis and the courage and professionalism officers demonstrate when doing their job. 

“Police officers do their job to protect the public, not to be viciously attacked by them.”

Fulham Cocaine Charge

A cocaine dealer has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years after police seized a large quantity of the drug, plus thousands of pounds at this Fulham ground-floor flat.

Former company director Anthony John Gardner-Sharp, 34, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

He initially appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Gardner-Sharp, of Colville Square, Notting Hill, west London was convicted of the offence at this separate flat in Rigault Road.

He was initially charged with possessing approximately two kilos of cocaine, with intent to supply, on or before September 15, last year.

Gardner-Sharp was also charged with acquiring, using or possessing criminal property at the address on or before the same date, namely £180,000.

Jailed: Greenwich Hospital Finance Manager

Greenwich Hospital

A finance boss at Greenwich Hospital has been jailed for two-and-half years after a fraud that netted him thousands of pounds.

Abel Phiri, 45, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court.

He initially appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court a year ago.

Phiri of Burford Road, Brentford, west London was the south-east London hospital's financial account manager.

He was initially charged with fraud by abuse of position between May 18, 2015 and May 4, last year, namely dishonestly abusing his position to make a gain of £134,433.98. 

Disgraced Ex-Teacher Caught Again With Dodgy Images Of Youngsters

A disgraced former teacher at prestigious private boys’ prep school Colet Court was sentenced yesterday after being caught for the second time with indecent images of male children.

Ex-Classics master Anthony Paul Fuggle, 64, who taught for two decades at the junior division of St. Paul’s School, whose alumni include former Chancellor George Osborne, walked free with a suspended prison sentence.

Fuggle, of Aristotle Road, Clapham pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court 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.

“This is an indecent images case,” prosecutor Sudara Weerasena told the court today. “An allegation was made against this defendant that led to police officers attending his address.

“Items were seized, including a laptop, and on it were the images of boys aged approximately nine to fifteen years-old provocatively posing in swimming trunks and underwear.

“Some where lying provocatively on a bed and one was squatting in a grassy area fully exposed.

“What is relevant is that this defendant has a previous conviction in 2015 and received a suspended prison sentence for similar matters, a total of thirteen separate offences of indecent images regarding 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.

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

Magistrate Timothy Keay told Fuggle: “This isn’t the first time you have been before the court for offences of this nature.

“On this occasion the offence was not quite as serious as before, but we have to be mindful of the previous conviction and give some uplift to the sentence.

“The offence is so serious it crosses the custody threshold and we are sentencing you to four months imprisonment, however we found this can be suspended for two years to allow you to continue the treatment you have already begun.

“You have to sign the sex offenders register again within the next three days and you are disqualified from working with children for the rest of your life and you are subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the rest of your life.”

Fuggle must also attend a Probation Service sex offenders programme for 31days and complete 30 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, plus pay £85 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.   

His lawyer Max Hardy told the court: “I ask for the maximum credit for the guilty plea at the earliest opportunity and the fact the defendant has recognised his wrong-doing and taken advantage of courses treatment available.

“He is very keen indeed to understand where this comes from to ensure it does not continue into the future.

“They are Category C images, the lowest category and although clearly unacceptable and unlawful, sadly people have come before the courts in possession of more serious images.

“The defendant accepts he laboured under the wrong impression these were less unacceptable  than may have been because they were clothed and accepts this is the wrong analysis and approach.

“This represents a de-escalation in offending and of course the court wants to see an end of offending and that goal and possibility is in sight.

“He has sought out treatment and a better understanding of where these urges come from so he can equip himself with the tools to prevent relapses in the future.

“He needs to work on his sense of social isolation and boredom.

“Since the loss of his job that was very precious to him and ended in the most sad and regrettable circumstances he has returned to bookkeeping and completed the academic side of that course.

“This is not a man who is going to be sitting at home alone with his computer.

“The police visited him in 2018 and for three years this has weighed very heavily on him and given him an opportunity to reflect on this conduct.” 

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.

NOT GUILTY: Phlebotomist Cleared Of Sexually Assaulting Patient

A private hospital phlebotomist - who always insisted merely giving an anxious female patient a comforting peck on the forehead - has been cleared by a jury of sexual assault.

He had been accused of deliberately cupping her face in his hands and only missing her lips when she ducked her head at the last moment.

Following a short trial at Southwark Crown Court Osama Dessoukli Ali, 46, of Carterhatch Lane Enfield was found not guilty of one count of sexually assaulting the lone woman in her private room on November 19, 2019.

He was employed at The London Clinic near Harley Street.

The trial heard she stayed at the hospital overnight after partial knee replacement surgery the day before and Dessoukli Ali did not deny kissing her on the forehead, insisting he had no sexual motive.

The jury were told he flattered the patient, telling her she looked “young and beautiful” and “lovely” and requested to see her again before she was discharged.

Dessoukli Ali denied flattering the woman and making a fuss about sharing the same birthday.

“I had a twenty-four hour guard outside my room because I was so scared he would come back and a photograph of him was given to security staff to prevent him coming back,” the patient told the trial.

Speaking from behind a screen the married woman said Dessoukli Ali entered her room at 9am to take a blood sample. “He said: ‘Oh my God we have the same birthday. That’s really special.’

“He seemed to be happy and excited we had the same birthday then put his hands on my face and brought my face forward to kiss me.

“I thought: ‘This is not right,’ and put my head down. 

“He kissed the top of my head, my forehead because I dipped my head, otherwise it would be on my face, my lips.

“It frightened the life out of me. He kept saying it was really special we shared the same birthday.

“It was really horrible, I knew it was not right and he kissed me again and I dipped my head down.

“He was saying: ‘You’re lovely,’ and said I looked young and I looked beautiful.”

Dessoukli Ali said he placed one hand on the woman’s temple and gave her a peck to the forehead to reassure her because she was anxious about the surgery.

“I was getting that panicked feeling and I was reaching for my buzzer,” she told the court. “I just wanted him to get out of the room.

“He asked: ‘Can I see you tomorrow?’ and I said definitely not because my husband was coming  and he asked if he could come and see me when my husband was not there.

“He seemed to be disappointed and just left.”

The prosecutor told the jury at the start of the trial the hospital interviewed Dessoukli Ali after the complaint. “He told them he noticed she had the same birthday and in his culture that was something very special and that he kissed her.

“He was obviously remorseful and was suspended by the hospital, with the complaint referred to the police.”

Dessoukli Ali was questioned by the police a month later and told them: “I just kissed her, there was no sexual reason. I tried to care about her because she was scared.

“I touched her head and told her she would be okay and kissed her. I did not try and kiss her anywhere else.

“She was scared and I tried to calm her down.”

Ex-French Rugby Player's Drink-Drive Assaults

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

Former French Rugby Union player Florent Pierre Rossigneux was sentenced yesterday for a violent incident when he was caught riding his three-wheel scooter at three times the drinks limit.

The six foot two 51 year-old ex-Wasps and Bedford Blues flanker appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where he was ordered to complete an alcohol dependency programme.

Now a company director Clichy-born Rossigneux, of Eve Road, Isleworth was also banned from driving for the next two years.

He pleaded guilty to riding his grey Piaggio scooter in Little Green, Richmond on October 22, last year with 106 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The legal limit is 35.

Now the coach of Actonians RFC, Rossigneux also pleaded guilty to assaulting female Saron Awet and Matthew Lea, causing him actual bodily harm at the same time and place.

The court heard Rossigneux’s assault on the female was limited to briefly holding her arm.

He was sentenced to a two-year Community Order, which includes a 12-day alcohol treatment requirement under the direction of the Integrated Hounslow Engagement Access and Recovery Services.

Rossigneux must also comply with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and complete 100 hours community service.

The court ordered him to pay £100 compensation, a £95 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Yacht Man Sentenced For Double Domestic Assault

An ex-professional diver, who lives on a yacht moored in Falmouth, received a suspended prison sentence today for the double domestic assault of a woman.

Peter Cooper, 48, of Mylor Yacht Harbour fought the charges, but was convicted.

He was found guilty of assaulting Imogen Gardiner on June 15 and 16 at a flat in Kestrel Avenue, Herne Hill, south London.

At Croydon Magistrates' Court Cooper was sentenced to twenty-four weeks imprisonment, suspended for twenty-four months.

The court ruled the reason for a custodial sentence was due to the seriousness of the offences, which were described as “sustained” and in a domestic context.

Cooper was also made subject to a five-year restraining order, prohibiting him from contacting Imogen Gardiner and entering Kestrel Avenue.

He was also ordered to pay £500 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.