Naked Scotland Fan Fought Police After Smashing Hotel Room

A Scotland fan, who leapt naked from his vandalised and blood-smeared fourth-floor hotel room, hours after his nation’s 0-0 draw with England at last summer’s Euros received a suspended prison sentence today.

Electrician Ross James Ferris, 27, suffered a “psychotic episode” after an alcohol and cocaine binge.

He wrecked his Central London room, causing £14,635 worth of criminal damage then assaulted police as they tried to handcuff him in the street.

Ferris, of Hill Street, Cowdenbeath, Fife pleaded guilty to damaging his room at the Corus Hotel, Lancaster Gate, Bayswater, near London’s Hyde Park on June 18.

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting three police officers, two he spat at and a third who suffered a cut and swelling to their hand, during the struggle to handcuff him.

Ferris, who was supported at Southwark Crown Court by his wife and parents also pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of cocaine police found in his hotel room.

Prosecutor Mr. James Marsland told the court: “The hotel manager was alerted to damage being caused to one of the rooms, which had a broken window and items being thrown from it.

“The police were called and they found Ferris had barricaded himself in and by the time officers gained access Ferris had jumped from the window.

“The tv bracket and trouser press had been ripped from the wall, windows were smashed, mirrors were smashed and there was blood in the room and the bathroom.

“Officers in the street saw Ferris emerge from the window and jump onto a conservatory with a glass roof below and then down to the street.

“He was naked and he had to be tasered by the police and held down by multiple officers and he was shouting and struggling.”

The police concede Ferris appeared to be in the grip of some kind of mental breakdown. “He thought the police were there to hurt him and there was talk of grenades,”added the prosecutor.

“He spat at two police officers and caused an injury to another’s hand, a small cut and swelling caused by Ferris struggling with the handcuffs on.”

Ferris was questioned in police custody the next day.

“Having sobered up he said he had been drinking and taking cocaine and suffered an episode where he thought everyone was out to get him and feared for his life.”

Ferris has convictions for assault in 2012 and assaulting police in February, 2020.

His lawyer Roger Sahotra told the court: “This was a drug-induced psychosis that he brought on himself and is not an excuse, but an explanation.

“He is truly ashamed and found it very, very difficult to view the CCTV of himself.

“He apologises to the police and to the hotel staff for the distress and damage he caused and has offered to make restitution for the damage.

“He has emailed the hotel and his father has visited the hotel.

“Mr. Ferris owns his own business and is in a loving relationship. He is a loving father and son and the balance of his mind was not right at the time.

“He should abstain from alcohol permanently and use of cocaine could cause a repeat and damage to his health.”

Judge Alexander Milne QC sentenced Ferris to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years and ordered him to complete 150 hours community service work.

He must also pay the full compensation to the hotel within six months.

“As you recognise it was a shameful pattern of activity that must have been stressful for those that had to deal with you and clean up the room after you,” the judge told an emotional Ferris

“The damage to the room is horrendous and the behaviour in the street was horrendous.

”This was bizarre and I accept for the most part out of character and a result of the dreadful reaction you had to the illegal drug you took that evening.

“Otherwise you are a responsible father, businessman and employer.

“You are somebody capable of getting your life back into proper shape and you seriously wish to correct what you have done.”

Cunning City Phone Thief Jailed

A prolific City of London mobile phone thief, who perfected a newspaper distraction ploy, has been jailed for a year.

Vasile Mihai, 29, was hunted by Square Mile police, alerted to an active mobile phone thief on their patch.

He was eventually arrested in Ludgate Hill on June 23 by officers from City of London Police's Crime Squad.

Homeless Mihai would enter businesses and offices where he had spotted a mobile phone on the receptionist's desk.

He would engage the member of staff in conversation, such as asking about employment or requesting money while placing a newspaper over the phone.

Mihai would then remove both the phone and newspaper and leave.

Mihai targeted a number of business throughout the City of London between March and June, 2021 before his arrest.

At Inner London Crown Court he was convicted of seven offences, totalling over £5,000.

Inspector Caroline Hay said: “A custodial sentence is a great result for both our Crime Squad, and officers from our Force Resolution Centre (FRC) who have worked together scrolling through hours of CCTV to get this criminal off of our streets.

“Many of Mihai’s targets had no insurance for their devices, resulting in a substantial cost, as well as the devastation of losing all of their personal data on their phones, such as bank details or irreplaceable photographs.

“As restrictions ease and more people have returned to work in the City, we want criminals to know that our officers will do everything in their power to catch and convict offenders.”

Mihai was also given a criminal behaviour order restricting his possession of mobile phones, laptops and tablets for the next five years.

Mobile Molester Raped Young Woman

An “opportunistic predator” who kidnapped a vulnerable young woman from a group of friends and raped her in his car is starting a sentence of six years and nine months.

Farhan Akoo, 30, of Worcester Gardens, Cranbrook, Ilford confiscated the victim's phone so she could not raise the alarm as he drove around London molesting her.

The journey concluded in an unlit dead-end street, where Akoo further subjected her to sexual assaults.

He was found guilty after a trial at Inner London Crown Court of one count of rape; three counts of sexual assault by penetration; one count of kidnap, with intent to commit sexual offences and a further count of kidnap.

He was investigated by City of London Police.

In the early hours of Sunday, November 25, 2018, Akoo drove his victim away from her friends at speed.

He took her phone away from her so she could not make contact with the group. 

Detective Inspector Anna Rice, from the City of London Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “I’d like to commend the young victim who bravely came forward and reported these appalling crimes. 

“Akoo is an opportunistic predator who took advantage of a vulnerable woman. 

Akoo led the woman away from her friends and then took away her phone, meaning that she had no way of contacting someone for help.

“The victim has shown incredible bravery and co-operation throughout what must have been a very difficult investigation.

“I hope these sentences provide some form of closure and comfort knowing Akoo will be behind bars and be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.”

If you have experienced a sexual offence, or are concerned that someone you care about might be at risk, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. 

In an emergency always call 999.

Train Sex Pest Hunted

Police are hunting a train pervert who exposed and played with himself on consecutive days last month.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and treating the incidents as sexual offences.

They have released this CCTV image of their suspect and are appealing for the public's help in identifying him.

On the morning of Monday, August 23 a man on-board a train travelling between Brixton and Orpington stations in south London exposed and touched himself inappropriately.

The same man is also reported to have committed sexual offences at Sydenham Hill railway station the following morning.

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 2100062814.

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

Construction Firm Boss Jailed For 'Girls Night Out' Sex Assaults

A visiting businessman, who crashed a girls night out after missing the last train home, has been jailed for sexually assaulting one of the women at various locations, including a hotel room.

David Horton, 47, of Pembroke Street, Rotherham is starting a three-year sentence for pouncing as the woman slept in a four-star City of London hotel.

At Inner London Crown Court he was convicted after a trial of four counts of sexual assault and one of assault by penetration.

Company Director Horton visited London on May 18, 2018 and was introduced to the victim, who was enjoying a night out.

She eventually ended up in the same hotel room as Horton and his girlfriend.

She complained Horton had groped her throughout the evening at a restaurant, pub and in a taxi.

She told the trial the final sexual assault was in the hotel room as Horton's girlfriend slept nearby in a single bed.

Detective Constable Vincent Baughan said: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped bring David Horton to justice, including those who provided CCTV evidence of his activities on the day, which played a considerable role in securing this conviction.

“David Horton is an opportunistic criminal whose blatant disregard for the damage he caused to the victim of this appalling crime is apparent.

“She has had to wait a long time to see that justice is done and she has shown courage and bravery throughout. 

“My message to anyone who has had a sexual offence committed against them is that your voice will be heard.”

Judge Usha Karu, the Honorary Recorder of Southwark noted Horton showed no remorse for his actions and when giving evidence portrayed himself as the victim.

"Are You A Muslim?": BTP Continue Probing Suspected Hate Crime

Transport cops investigating a suspected hate crime on the London Underground are continuing to appeal for the public's help.

British Transport Police (BTP) have again released this CCTV image of their number one suspect in the hope somebody will identify him.

Just after 8pm at Oxford Circus Underground station on August 23, last year the victim stepped off a southbound Bakerloo Line train and onto the platform.

He was approached by a young man he didn’t know who asked if he was Muslim.

A verbal exchange took place before the victim was lifted into the air and thrown to the floor.

This caused facial injuries and bruising to his limbs and body.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 439 of 23/08/20.

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

Stabbed Train Passenger End Up On Live Tracks

A passenger waiting for a train at Waltham Cross station has been repeatedly stabbed in the head by a mystery knifeman.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

They are appealing for the general public's help in identifying him.

At 3.30pm on Monday, September 6 the victim was sitting on a platform bench.

An unknown male approached and engaged him in a short conversation. 

This man walked away, then returned pulling out a knife from his trousers.

He attacked the victim with the knife, stabbing him multiple times on the platform before they both fell on to the tracks. 

He then got back on to the platform and walked away.

The victim was taken to hospital after sustaining several stab wounds to his head, ear and shoulder.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 335 of 06/09/21.

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

Virgin Exec Fined For Knocking Down Cyclist

Right Turn: Brander

A Virgin Atlantic executive knocked over a cyclist on one of London’s blue superhighways, causing permanent nerve damage to his elbow and snapping his bike in half, a court heard today.

University of Edinburgh graduate Laura Brander, 38, the Global Head of PR for the company, turned directly into the path of 49 year-old Daniel Steiner, who was sent crashing to the road.

He was travelling along the A24 Tooting High Road cycle superhighway on September 5, last year, but was struck by former BBC and ITN PR chief Brander as she turned her Mini Cooper into Totterdown Street.

Brander, of Moring Road, Tooting was convicted after a trial at Wimbledon Magistrates Court of driving without due care and attention and fined £1,000, with £750 costs and issued six penalty points on her driving licence.

Brander, who sits on the board of the Women of the Year Lunch award, claimed Mr Steiner was at fault for not braking and cycling into the rear of her car.

He told the trial he had already completed 100 kilometres of a club ride and was wearing a bright purple cycling top and his front light was on when he was struck.

“As I approached the junction all of a sudden I saw a car accelerating immediately in front of me. 

Cyclist: Steiner

“I remember thinking: ‘They are not going to stop,’ and I didn’t have time to brake and smashed into the side of the car with my shoulder and heard my bike frame snap.

“I smashed onto the ground and landed on my elbow and still have problems from that.

“I had a laceration down the front of my elbow and nerve damage at the end of my elbow, which is likely to stay,” Mr Steiner told the court.

“If I put my elbow on my desk in a certain position there is a shooting pain.

“The first thing she did was apologise and said she did not look to her left to see if there was a bike coming down.

“She offered to take me to hospital or drive me home. My elbow was bleeding and I was going into shock.”

Female Passenger Flattened By Flying Toolbox

A female train passenger was concussed when an unknown male suspect threw a heavy toolbox at the back of her head – knocking her down the station's stairs.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the assault.

They have released these CCTV images of their suspect and are appealing for the public's assistance in identifying their suspect.

At Stoke Newington Overground station at 1.30pm on Thursday, July 22 a man entered the station with a heavy toolbox.

He threw it down the station’s stairs, hitting the victim to the back of the head, causing her to stumble down the stairwell. 

The man then went down the stairs to retrieve the toolbox.

The victim asked him why he threw it at her, to which he shouted: “I’m in a bad mood,” before leaving the station on a train

The victim attended hospital and was treated for a lump on the back of her head, a neck strain and mild concussion.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2100053612.

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

Thameslink Passenger Robbed At Knifepoint

A late-night train passenger was pinned by two robbers and threatened with a knife during a terrifying wallet snatch.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the robbery.

They have released these CCTV images of their two suspects and are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying them.

The victim boarded a southbound Thameslink train travelling between St. Pancras and Blackfriars at 11pm on Wednesday, August 25.

Almost immediately he was approached by two young men.

They pinned the victim against the train’s window and one pulled out a knife. 

The men took the victim’s wallet before running off the train.

If you recognise the suspects in the images or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 24 of 26/08/21.

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

Nigerian Fraudsters Who Nicked ID's Of Dead Babies Dodge Prison And Deportation

A Nigerian couple, who stole the identities of dead babies as they successfully battled to remain in the UK while defrauding their local council’s hardship fund, received suspended prison sentences yesterday.

While living double lives and holding down good jobs illegal overstayers Jumoke Brown, 36, and Anthony Shodunke, 51, claimed they were homeless and penniless during the £17,737 fraud.

When their home was raided a blue BMW was parked on the front drive and twenty boxes of new shoes found in Brown’s bedroom, including a £715 pair of Gucci men’s leather loafers.

The previous Christmas a council social worker had delivered a luxury festive hamper to the family-of-five.

However, the pair had told Bexley Council they had no income, bank accounts or assets and survived thanks to the charity of friends, relatives and their local church.

In reality, mother-of-three Brown was a company director with a £70,000 a year turnover and her husband Shodunke had a £27,000-a year job.

“In essence you each claimed you were destitute and had no means support and were lodging with people without paying for that lodging. Those people were yourselves under aliases,” Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams QC told the pair at Woolwich Crown Court.

“You had means and homes in those aliases that you assumed because you could not work under your immigration status so assumed the names of deceased children, who died many years ago.

“You then went on to claim those benefits on a false basis, maintaining you were destitute with no means of support when, in fact, you had the means.”

Both received ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years and each must complete 150 hours community service work.

Additionally Shodunke must complete up to ten days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

The couple complained the total fraud was approximately £8,000 less, but the judge ordered them both to repay the full £17,737 within three years, plus £1500 costs each.

They created false identities to obtain employment and open bank accounts, using the details of UK-national babies who died in the 1970’s.

The couple were not legally allowed to work or claim benefits while applying for UK residency, but local councils have a legal requirement to financially assist families with children.

Both Brown and Shodunke have now been granted leave to remain in the UK and the entire family are living in a three-bedroom house in Caldy Road, Belvedere, Kent funded by £1300 per month Universal Credit. 

Brown pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud by false representation between June 5, 2019 and January 31, last year and Shodunke two counts of fraud by false representation on July 4, 2019 and January 1, last year.

“This is a fraud you were both jointly engaged in, using the aliases you had for years. Brown made the first claim and Shodunke joined in shortly afterwards and it was very deliberate on the part of both of you,” the judge told them.

They lied in their applications for accommodation and living expenses that they were homeless, having been evicted from a property in Cherbury Close, Thamesmead and had no income or capital.

They lied again, claiming the entire family had lived rent-free in one room, but in reality they had rented the entire four-bedroom, two bathroom Thamesmead house, using their false identities.

Brown presented herself to Bexley Council as homeless and destitute and explained she was a single-mum with children aged eight, eleven and twelve years-old.

She said she had been in the UK since 1996 and there is no record of any lawful entry, stating she had lived rent-free with friends since 2013 and had no income, assets, vehicle, bank account or assistance from her partner.

Today her lawyer Alejandra Tascon told the court Brown was brought to the UK, aged eleven years-old by her Nigerian pastor with the promise of a good education, but ended up fleeing the family she was staying with, aged sixteen years-old, sleeping in bus shelters and abandoned shops.

“She was trying to work and make a living as an honest member of society. She was not sitting at home doing nothing and had little choice but to use these identities because of her immigration situation.

“That immigration status and uncertainty of her situation in this country meant she did not declare this to the council. She was told if she said she was homeless she would get a home,” added the lawyer. “It is the children that will suffer the most if their mother goes to prison today.”

Brown even secured illegal employment with her false identity with the Financial Conduct Authority and recently worked for the Department of Health and Social Care.

The family were placed in free council accommodation and given £768 per month in council taxpayers’ money to live on. 

Their three children would also give them housing points, potentially jumping the council-housing queue over people who have lived in the UK for generations.

The council became suspicious when Brown claimed she could not remember the name of the friend who put her up in the spare room of her Thamesmead home.

In reality, there was no friend, the property having been rented by both defendants in the false identities of the deceased children, Janet Brown and James Brown.

An investigation revealed she had shown the letting-agent a £24,000-year wage slip and had put a £3,450 deposit down on the BMW, all in the name of Janet Brown.

She also made regular cash payments into her company bank account, which had received funds of £54,000 and where she was listed as a ‘Business Analyst.’

Brown used her company bank account like a personal account, paying her Sky bill, buying clothing, Ted Baker and Jimmy Choo shoes and a trip to WinterWonderland.

During the police raid Brown claimed the BMW was her cousin’s and investigators also found her storage locker, containing twelve years of incriminating financial records and income history.

Shodunke was also a registered company director, running ‘Brown Consultancy Ltd.’ and investigators found multiple statements from various banks.

Ironically, he recently applied for a security job at Woolwich Crown Court and the next-door HMP Belmarsh, where he narrowly avoided going yesterday.

“The money was for families in need, but they have used it to buy luxuries like Gucci shoes,” said prosecutor Georgia Beatty. “They took lengths to conceal their assets from investigators and Brown maintained for some time her alias was her cousin and was not particularly co-operative.”

Judge Heathcote Williams told the couple: “There is remorse, I accept that you feel and if I were to send you to prison it would be under Corona Virus conditions and lastly and most importantly if each of you went into custody that would be devastating for your entirely innocent children, one of whom has a serious health condition.

“It is up to you if you are prepared to live honest, trustworthy, conscientious lives.” 

Alleged Drunk Accused Of Racially Abusing Paramedics

A middle-aged woman yesterday denied racially abusing two ambulance workers, who came to her aid on the Albert Embankment.

A friend of 52 year-old Barbara Bolt, 52, raised the alarm because the defendant was drunk and throwing up, Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard.

However, she ended up being arrested after allegedly telling one of the ambulance crew: “You’re a f***ing Puerto Rican c***,” as they were attempting to assist her.

The court was told she quizzed a second Australian worker about where they were from and allegedly said: “F*** off back to where you came from.”

Bolt, of Carey Gardens, South Lambeth pleaded not guilty to the assault and racially-aggravated assault of paramedic Nadia Moreira on August 1, last year.

She also pleaded not guilty to the racially-aggravated harassment of paramedic Adrien Dansette on the same occasion.

Bolt was bailed to return for trial on December 14.

Sex Offender Ordered To Complete Extra Rehab

A boozy cocaine-snorting caterer, who sexually assaulted a 16 year-old girl after providing food and drink at a funeral wake, was yesterday given additional rehabilitation days to complete. 

Maurice Fuller, 53, who claims his business is now in ruins, struck three times after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs.

At Inner London Crown Court he claimed to have now completed 195 days of cocaine rehab.

Fuller pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assaulting the teenager on November 15 and twice on December 5, last year.

He received thirty-three weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years last August.

However, yesterday the days he must complete of the Probation Service’s sex offenders Horizon Programme was increased from thirty-one to thirty-five.

Fuller's ten days of a rehabilitation activity requirement was also increased to twenty.

Fuller had already been made subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders register for the next ten years.

The locations of the offences were in a vehicle outside Fenstanton Primary School, Tulse Hill; outside an industrial unit in West Norwood and at a residential address in Upper Norwood.

Fuller told the court he and others were drinking heavily while catering the funeral.

“A bottle of Hennessy was given and everybody helped themselves,” he said, insisting he had no sinister intention to get the young victim drunk.

“I had a bit of vodka, half a pint and half a bottle of rum and cocaine, about for of five lines,” said Fuller.

Before one of the assaults Fuller was in a local park at midday doing drink and drugs.

“I was in the park drinking rum,” he told the court. “I had about two or three lines of cocaine. I regret it.

“Now my business has gone.”

The prosecution suggest Fuller deliberately drove the teenage girl somewhere “dark and secluded” to sexually assault her on one of the occasions.

Cannabis Dealer Hoovered Up Thousands In Cash

Inner London Crown Court

A cannabis dealer had nearly £10,000 in cash he made from his illicit trade stashed in a vacuum cleaner, a court heard.

Donatas Andriekus, 44, of Marlborough House, Church Street, Slough, Berkshire dodged prison with a suspended sentence.

He was originally charged with possession of 27.25kg of cannabis - a Class B drug - with intent to supply, on July 27, 2017 at an address in Cape Villas, Cecil Road, Iver, Buckinghamshire.

Andriekus was also charged with acquiring, using or possessing criminal property, namely £9,800 in bank notes secreted in a vacuum cleaner at the same address.

Earlier this year at Inner London Crown Court he was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours community service work.

The court also ordered the cannabis to be destroyed and the seized cash forfeited.

Flasher Strikes At West Sutton Station

A female passenger at a south-west London train station was flashed at by a male commuter.

British Transport Police are investigating the incident and have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

They are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the unknown male.

At 4.08pm on Friday July 9, a man got off a train at West Sutton station and walked along the platform. 

He stood at the bottom of the stairs as the woman walked down and exposed himself to her. 

He then left the station.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 400 of 09/07/21.

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

Park Prowler Locked-Up After One Week Of Terror

A sexual predator has been caged for his one-week reign of terror against women in an east London park.

Caise Bidounga, 22, of St Andrew's Road, Ilford, struck four times on his last day roaming Roding Valley Park, Wanstead.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years' imprisonment, three years of extra parole and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape; three counts of sexual assault and three counts of exposure.

Between September 11 and 17, last year Bidounga exposed himself to, or sexually assaulted, seven women aged between 18 and 42 years-old.

Police received a report on September 17 of an 18-year-old woman having been sexually assaulted in Roding Valley Park.

An investigation was launched by detectives from East Area Command during which further victims were identified. 

A police appeal for witnesses was issued as part of the investigation and this too identified further victims.

Bidounga was arrested two days later on on September 19.

Detective Sergeant Laura Martin said: “Bidounga’s attacks were clearly escalating. 

“Over the course of one week he went from exposing himself to a woman to actually sexually assaulting four women in one day.

“This case demonstrates perfectly the need for offences such as this to be reported to police. 

“Even if nobody is injured, sexual predators cannot be permitted to roam free posing a threat to women and girls.

“Despite none of the women sustaining physical injuries, the effects of being a victim of a sexual offence can be long lasting and we are very grateful to those women who came forward to support this investigation and hope they feel that justice has been served.

“I have no doubt, that had they not come forward, Bidounga would have continued in his escalating pattern of offending.”

Middle-Aged Man Attacked While Buying Fruit

Police investigating a violent assault in which a middle-aged man was punched and kicked unconscious by a stranger as he tried to buy fruit have released this image of their suspect.

The victim, aged in his fifties, was shopping when he was suddenly approached by a male and after an exchange of words was viciously attacked.

The incident occurred at around 3.30pm on December 15, 2018 in High Street, Ilford, east London.

The assailant simply walked off afterwards, leaving the victim lying on the ground out cold.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.

Detective Constable Louise Parrott from the East Area Command Unit which covers Ilford said: “While over eighteen months have passed since this attack, our resolve remains undiminished to identify the person responsible.

“I would ask anyone who recognises this man to contact police immediately; this was a violent and unprovoked attack, which left the victim with significant injuries.

“While his physical injuries may have healed, the psychological scars remain – this man must be identified and put before the courts to face justice.”

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 1859/13JUL. 

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, 100 per cent anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

City Dance Floor Groper Sentenced

A dance floor predator, caught on a City nightclub’s CCTV groping an IT account director between her legs for the second time that evening, was sentenced today.

The 31 year-old woman was entertaining clients at her company’s Christmas party in the heart of the Square Mile, even shrugging off the first grope to avoid ruining the evening.

Algerian kitchen porter Nabil Zerdi, 51, was recorded loitering around the dance floor of Cornhill venue Forge and jurors watched CCTV of him targeting the victim and sneaking up on her from behind.

At Inner London Crown Court Zerdi, of Jersey Road, Isleworth was unanimously found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on the evening of December 19 and early hours of December 20, 2019.

Today he was sentenced
at Woolwich Crown Court by Recorder James Dawson, who told him: “You have got to go on the sex offenders register and you have to do thirty days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.”

Zerdi will be subject to a two-year Community Order, which includes completing 150 hours community service and must pay £300 costs and a victim surcharge.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for five years.

At the start of the trial prosecutor Richard Job told the jury: “The complainant went to a bar nightclub, The Forge, in the City of London. She was hosting a works do.

“At 9pm she was walking from the dance floor to the bar when a man reached across and deliberately placed his hand between her legs.

“She was still at then club at 1am and was on the dance floor with colleagues when the same man came up behind her and placed his hand around her hip and deliberately put his hand between her legs, touching her through her dress.

“She confronted the man and attempted to grab his arm and speak to him, but he waved her away and walked off.

“She spoke to club staff, who called the police and the man was detained until officers attended.

“The man who touched her on both occasions was this defendant, Mr Zerdi and he was arrested on suspicion of assault.

“When he was questioned the defendant denied the first incident, but said the second incident was just his attempt to squeeze past and there was no sexual intention.”

The prosecutor told the jury they would view CCTV footage of the second incident.

“You will see her berating Mr Zerdi and him waving away her complaints.”

Giving evidence from behind a screen the victim told the jury: “I got brushed past by some man who decided to touch me where he should not have.

“He reached under and cupped his hand and grabbed me.

“He stared at me and I stared at him and pointed at him and said: ’No’ and he casually walked off.”

Because she was entertaining important company clients the woman kept her composure and did not report the man.

“I had a duty to my clients to try and continue the night,” she told the court, but said the same man repeated his behaviour in the early hours.

The jury were shown CCTV of the second incident and the woman, wearing a sequinned dress, was approached by Zerdi, who had been loitering around the edge of the crowded dance floor.

“I felt the same hand again, more forceful, more pressured and there he was again,” she explained.

“I felt someone come towards me and cup me again over my dress. The same guy who did it the first time was standing there.

“I am one hundred per cent sure it was the same man.

“The look that he gave me, I’ll never forget and I did not want him to get away with it again or worse, do it to someone else.

“I grabbed his arm and said: ‘Don’t touch me like that again,’ and I went for help.”

She denied her judgement was effected by alcohol.

“Yes, I had some drinks, but I had high-profile clients so I could not be drunk. I was aware of my surroundings.”