Dodgy Drug Deal: Veteran Met Cop Nicked By Fellow-Officers

An off-duty policeman was arrested by his fellow Met officers, who witnessed his dodgy crystal meth deal outside Waterloo station, a court heard yesterday.

Neil Giffard, 50, claimed he had only bought Viagra when the officers caught up with him, but
they found a small amount of the Class A powder.

His twenty-three year career with the Metropolitan Police is now in ruins and Croydon Magistrates Court was told he faces internal disciplinary proceedings and almost certain dismissal.

Giffard, who since being charged has moved into his mother’s home in Brookwood Road, Millbrook, Southampton, pleaded guilty to possessing 2.9 grams of methamphetamine on April 5.

Prosecutor Dwain Coward told the court police were on patrol in their vehicle at 3.40pm outside the busy railway station.

“They were stopped at traffic lights when they noticed the defendant who seemed to be engaged in a drug deal and the officers followed him.

“As they approached the defendant began walking away so they got out of their vehicle and made themselves known to him.

“He did not stop at first and did not believe they were police officers.

“He said he had bought Viagra. He was searched and the officers recovered a bag that contained eight tablets  and a bag containing crystallised powder, the Class A substance.”

First-time offender Giffard was arrested and answered all questions “no comment” during his police interview.

The court heard Giffard had been living in Park Road, Enfield until splitting with his partner and had a desk-bound organisational role following heart problems.

“He is a serving police officer, having joined in 1999 and spending fifteen years with the riot police,” said Chloe Hill, defending.

“He is now organising call-centre staff at three centres and the disciplinary punishment will be far greater than any sentence he receives today.

“It is highly likely he will lose his job, a career that he has worked very hard at.”

In 2019 Giffard learned his heart only functions at 20% capacity and his condition is inoperable.

“He has been seeking medication and that search for effective medication continues.

“He was classed as ‘exceptionally vulnerable’ during the Covid pandemic and his social isolation has been considerable.

“On Boxing Day, 2021 his long-term relationship ended, but he continued to care emotionally and cover the financial strain.

“Mr Giffard says he was not in his right frame of mind and this was a single lapse of judgment when he was at a low point.”

District Judge Devinder Sandhu read eight character references from current and former colleagues of Giffard.

“He is extremely well-respected,” added Ms Hill. “His behaviour that day was completely out of character.”

Giffard has continued working for the Met since his arrest and charge, but that will end with the conviction.

“He will be served with his misconduct papers at the end of today. It will be a fast-tracked procedure,” said the lawyer.

“In these circumstances the assumption is he will lose his job because he has a criminal record.”

Giffard was fined £400, with £85 costs and a £40 victim surcharge.

“I give you credit for pleading guilty to the offence,” Judge Sandu told him. “You have lost your impeccable character and the impact on your career is not completely clear.

“There was an element of planning. You had communicated with whoever gave you the drugs so I cannot accept it was a moment of madness.

“How it is that you came to know who to contact to get these drugs is a concern that the court has. 

“Over the last couple of years you have had a lot going on in your life, which you say led to you doing what you did.”

Commenting on Giffard’s serious heart condition the judge added: It calls into question even more your decision to obtain these drugs.”

Fifteen Year-Old Girl Twice Molested On Railway

Police are hunting this suspected sexual predator after a 15 year-old girl was twice molested while travelling on the railway.

British Transport Police (BTP) say the teenage girl was then led to a park at the end of her journey, where the same male exposed himself to her.

BTP are appealing to the public for their assistance in identifying the individual in the image after the incidents in the Medway area of Kent.

At just after 9.00pm on March 24, a man approached the victim at Gillingham railway station and put his arm around her.

They both boarded a train to Chatham and when they arrived at the station he sexually assaulted her.

A short while later, the man again sexually assaulted her on-board a service travelling from Chatham to Rainham. 

They both alighted the train at Rainham and he led the victim to a nearby park where he exposed himself inappropriately.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image 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 731 of 24/03/22.

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

Groups Clash At Milton Keynes Central

A woman's jaw was broken by a punch at Milton Keynes Central after two groups clashed at the railway station.

Another victim was headbutted and a man who tried to break things up was struck over the head with a bag containing cans of booze.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these CCTV images of two suspects they are requesting the public help them identify.

At 7.50pm on Saturday, April 9, a group of men travelling back from a football match were challenged by another group of people over inappropriate comments they made to a woman as they exited the station.

Violence erupted resulting in the headbutting of one man; the punch to the woman and attack on a member of the public who intervened.

Officers believe the men in the CCTV images 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 568 of 09/04/22.

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

Pair Still Being Hunted For Violent Tube Train Attack

Transport police are continuing to investigate an attack on a female tube train passenger, who was repeatedly punched and kicked in the face and had her mobile phone snatched.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these two images of their main suspects, who were with a larger noisy group on the train.

The antisocial group, which had two prams with them were travelling on a westbound Central Line service at 3.30pm on Wednesday, February 9.

As the Underground train arrived at East Acton station a man from the group grabbed the female victim's bag.

As she tried to retrieve her belongings from the man a woman in the group pulled her off the train, whilst shouting and hitting her in the face.

The victim was pushed to the platform and was repeatedly punched and kicked in the face by the woman.

The man then took the victim’s phone from her pocket and the group left the station.

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

If you recognise them, or have any information, you can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 349 of 09/02/22.

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

No Joke: Ex-Heavyweight Champ David Haye Accused Of Comedy Gig Assault

Haye leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court

Former world heavyweight boxing champ David Haye appeared in court yesterday, accused of throttling a fellow audience member at a comedy show while shouting: “One more word and I’m going to kill you.”

Haye, former holder of the WBA belt, is said to have leapt over a seat to confront the man at comic Paul Chowdhry’s stand-up gig at the Hammersmith Eventim Apollo, last year.

The 41 year-old appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court, having been arrested on a warrant at Heathrow Airport the day before.

He pleaded not guilty to one count of assaulting Nickesh Jhala on October 30, 2021 and was bailed to return to the same court for trial on September 9.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service summary the six foot three ex-boxer - nicknamed ‘The Hayemaker’ - attended the 8pm show and was seated near the complainant.

It is alleged he jumped over the back of a seat and into the aisle to confront Mr Chowdhry, who says Haye placed his hand on his throat and issued the threat.

A first instance warrant for the arrest of Haye was issued because the cut-off date for charging him with offence of common assault was approaching.

Before fighting at heavyweight Haye was dominant at the lighter Cruiserweight, becoming unified world champion in 2008.

He was ranked the number one Cruiserweight in the world between 2005 and 2007.

Tube Station Passenger Robbed Of Coat By Masked Gang

Transport police are hunting this suspected robber after a tube station passenger – fearing he would be stabbed - had his coat taken.

British Transport Police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the individual.

On March 4 at 4.00pm, a group of masked men surrounded the victim at the barrier gates of Morden Underground Station and demanded his coat.

The victim refused and one man intimated he had a knife. 

Fearing he would be assaulted, the victim gave them his coat.

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

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200021062.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Boozy Dean's Drink-Drive Parking Gaffe

Court Out: Gaffney arriving at & leaving Staines Magistrates' Court

EastEnders star Dean Gaffney was banned from the roads yesterday after police - alerted by his dodgy parking - caught him drink-driving just before midnight.

The 44 year-old, who played Robbie Slater in the BBC soap, revealed at Staines Magistrates Court he has found finding acting work particularly difficult of late.

The father-of-two, who appeared in the BBC soap between 1993 and 2003 and 2017 and 2019 was fined £300, with £85 costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

He was also disqualified from driving for twelve months.

Gaffney, of Willow Bough Yard, Hertford, pleaded guilty to driving his black two-litre Audi A7 diesel with excess alcohol in Viscount Road, Staines on April 28.

He had 46 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor Lucy Lumsden told the court: “It was 11.40pm when police officers on  mobile patrol saw an Audi A7 parked on a corner with its lights on and engine running.

‘They approached and the drivers’ side window was open and the driver appeared intoxicated although he said he had not drunk any alcohol.

“The officers could smell intoxicating liquor on his breath and he failed a roadside breath test.

“He admitted during his police interview he had been driving.

“The defendant is of good character with no previous convictions and the only aggravating feature is the presence of a female passenger in the front seat.”

Gaffney, who also made guest appearances on EastEnders in 2004; 2010 and 2015, only spoke to confirm his name and give his address and date of birth.

He was dressed in a smart dark grey suit, white shirt and black tie.

Simon Collingham, defending, told the court: “Mr Gaffney is keen to say how deeply remorseful he is.

“He regrets the offence and is ashamed of his behaviour and losing his good character.

“He should receive full credit for his guilty plea.

“Mr Gaffney was not seen driving, but he admitted to the police he had been driving the vehicle.

“From the age of fifteen he has worked full-time in the entertainment industry, but like so many others in the profession since the onset of Covid he has found it hard to find work.

“The opportunities to find work have been difficult and he lives off of his savings and has the full support of his family emotionally.

‘He does express his remorse sincerely. It was out of character and this is not an individual you will see in court again.”

District Judge Julie Cooper gave Gaffney - who in 2006 finished fifth in ITV’s ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ - twenty-eight days to pay.

BTP Investigating Racial Abuse At Tooting Bec

Police are hunting this suspected racist after derogatory comments were made towards a woman at Tooting Bec Underground Station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released the image and are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying him.

At 3.00pm on Sunday, April 3, a man pushed past two women walking down the stairs to the platform. 

He then made racially derogatory comments towards one of them.

Officers believe the man in the image 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 445 of 03/04/22.

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

County Lines Drug Dealer Derailed

A crack cocaine and heroin dealer, who utilised the train network during his County Lines illegal drugs trade, has been locked up.

Charles Oluwaseyi Ogunnowo, 26, of Crest Road, Croydon is starting a sentence of five years and eight months after a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in supplying crack cocaine and heroin, possession of cannabis and possessing criminal property and was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court.

Ogunnowo was stopped by officers from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce at Three Bridges railway station, near Crawly, West Sussex on February 24.

Just after midday Ogunnowo was spotted by plain clothed officers alighting a rail replacement bus service at the station, having travelled from Brighton.

His behaviour aroused the attention of the officers who then engaged with him as he walked towards a London-bound train.

Ogunnowo told the officers he was in possession of £850 as well as a burner-style phone, that he claimed belonged to his cousin.

He was subsequently searched and in addition to the money and phone, he was found to be in possession of cannabis.

The officers then arrested him on suspicion of being concerned in Class A drug supply, money laundering and possession of cannabis.

An investigation into Ogunnowo’s activity was launched and text message data on the burner-style phone he was carrying on the day was analysed.

Detectives discovered more than 500 broadcast messages in the phone’s outbox offering the sale of heroin and crack cocaine to a mass recipient list.

Detective Inspector Graham Moss said: “It’s evident from the data found on Ogunnowo’s phone that he was operating a lucrative business peddling harmful drugs between London and Sussex using the railway.

“As a result of our intelligence-led operations and the quick investigative work in this case, he’ll now have plenty of time on his hands in jail to reconsider his criminal activity.”

Stanley Knife Thug Laughed About Inflicting Horrific Facial Injury

A shameless thug, who laughed about the facial wound he inflicted on a teenager outside a railway station, has been locked-up.

Kai John Laing, 21, even shouted out his true name after slashing the 19 year-old's cheek with a Stanley knife.

The victim was with two friends, who had asked Laing just moments earlier if he was “okay”, when he stared at them outside Ashford International, Kent.

At Canterbury Crown Court Laing, of Manston Road, Ramsgate pleaded guilty to counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on January 3 and possessing an offensive weapon.

He was sentenced to four years and eight months.

Laing will also remain on parole for an additional thirty-six months after his release.

At just after 10.30pm, the victim and two friends were standing outside the station when Laing and his partner walked by the group, looking at them as he passed.

One of them asked if he was “Okay”, to which Laing replied “cushtie”.

Laing stopped and handed his shopping bags and work boots to his partner, pulled the Stanley knife from his waistband and approached the three men.

As he got closer to the group, one of the men pushed him away before Laing swung the knife in the face of the victim, causing a 10-centimetre gash to his cheek.

Laing then repeatedly shouted: “That’s my name. Kai John Laing,” and left the location.

Emergency services were called, and the victim was rushed to hospital, where he received stitches to the open wound on his cheek.

The day after the attack Laing was identified as the culprit and officers attended his home address, arrested him and brought him into police custody for questioning.

In interview British Transport Police officers showed Laing a photo of his victim’s injury, and he responded by laughing.

Detective Constable Ellen Whinney said: “This was a despicable act of violence that resulted in the victim, who Laing had met just moments before the attack, sustaining a horrifying facial injury.

“His actions on that evening were ghastly and brainless – I’m glad that he’ll spend his immediate future behind bars where he can’t harm anyone else.”

Racial Abuse On Liverpool Street Train: Do You Know This Suspect?

Transport police are hunting this suspected racist after a woman travelling on a train with her children was abused.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image to the public and are requesting their assistance in identifying him.

They are treating it as a suspected racially aggravated public order offence.

The victim was travelling on a train from Liverpool Street, City of London shortly after 6.00pm on December 4, last year.

She had her children with her and an unknown male passenger began making derogatory racial comments towards her.

BTP officers believe the man in the CCTV image 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 154 of 06/12/21.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Staring Train Creep: "A Danger To Women And Girls"

A sinister train passenger, who continuously stared at a woman in the carriage and blocked her exit, has been locked-up.

Dominik Bullock, 26, of Spurcroft road, Thatcham, Berkshire was travelling in the county between Reading and Newbury at 1.45pm on Saturday March 5.

He was convicted of threatening behaviour and at Reading Magistrates’ Court was sentenced to twenty-two weeks imprisonment.

Bullock sat next to the victim on the train and began staring at her very intently. 

The woman asked him to stop staring several times as it was making her feel uncomfortable, but he refused.

She asked Bullock to move as he was blocking her exit, but he refused again and said she would have to climb over him, while spreading his legs.

The victim, who was visibly upset, continued to ask Bullock to move out of her way. 

Bullock remained emotionless and continued to refuse.

Other passengers in the carriage also started asking Bullock to move while the victim phoned the police, but he continued to refuse.

The train manager was alerted and removed Bullock from the train at Thatcham.

He was identified by a British Transport Police (BTP) officer from station CCTV and was arrested four days later by Thames Valley Police officers.

BTP Sergeant Charlotte Collins said: “It’s clear from Bullock’s persistent and distressing actions that he is a danger to women and girls. 

“I’m pleased to see that after five days he was identified and sent back to prison, thanks to the crucial help of our colleagues at Thames Valley Police.

“No one should be made to feel scared or uncomfortable whilst travelling, and we are committed to making sure women feel safer on the network. 

“I commend the victim for her bravery in reporting this incident.

“I would urge anyone who witnesses or experiences sexual harassment on the railway to report it to us by texting 61016. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Resident Wannabe Voyeur At Nine Elms Development

Keybridge Tower

The resident of a landmark Nine Elms development has been placed on the sex offenders register after he was caught trying to spy on somebody enjoying the building's luxury spa.

Vishnu Shastry, 29, lives in Keybridge Tower, Exchange Gardens, on the south bank of the Thames, where a two-bedroom apartment is currently on the market for £950,000.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates Court to one charge of attempting to observe a person doing a private act, for the purpose of sexual gratification on February 20.

Last month he was sentenced to an eighteen-month Community Order, which includes 140 hours community service work.

Shastry was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for the next five years.

The court told him to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.  

Puppy Love: Mercedes Police Crash Driver Dashing Home To Pet

An economics graduate with ‘forgotten’ cocaine in his wallet led police on a 70mph early hours chase that ended with him crashing into a skip and parked car.

Property maintenance manager Ibrahim Sharif, 24, was yesterday banned from the roads for three years for his latest motoring offence.

He claimed he was dashing home because his puppy had somehow got into the family summerhouse and was causing a panic.

However, he hit speeds over double the limit in residential south-west London and his rear passenger, a neighbour, had to be cut from the wreckage of his C-class two-door white Mercedes.

“I noticed I had a lot of missed calls and texts from my mum. My six-month old puppy had broken into the summerhouse and was causing a commotion,” Sharif told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court. 

“I take my puppy everywhere, even to my office when I am at work,” he added, conceding he did not take the pet out with him that night. “It was past their bedtime.”

Sharif, of Clarence Avenue, New Malden pleaded guilty to driving dangerously and possessing cocaine in Thetford Road, New Malden on September 25, last year.

He claimed he had forgotten about the cocaine, which had been in his wallet after his birthday a year or two previously, denying that was his motivation for fleeing police.

Judge Peter Lodder QC told Sharif: “At 2am police officers saw your white Mercedes driving at excess speed and unsurprisingly they chose to intervene.

“You noticed them and increased your speed, driving massively in excess of the speed limit and you crashed into a skip that moved fifteen feet, colliding with a parked Audi that was extensively damaged.

‘In your car was a young woman in the front and a male in the rear and the later had to be cut out of your vehicle by the fire brigade.

“It was pure chance that none of those people were injured or killed. You suffered a fractured wrist and told the officers you were really stupid. That is a gross understatement.

“Within that car was your wallet that had a wrap of cocaine in it and I do not accept the account you gave in your police interview that it had been to you a year or two before and you forgot all about it.

“I do not put this down to panic at the fate of your dog. You are highly-educated and intelligent, according to your references.

“I do not accept you had no idea that cocaine was in your car.

“I regard that explanation as nonsense. You were driving at excessive speed for whatever reason.

“You may well have panicked in part by your knowledge of possession of Class A drugs and your performance in the witness box only confirms that.

“I watched and listened to you very closely.” 

Sharif, who has three previous speeding offences, was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must obey a six-month electronically-tagged night time curfew between 7pm and 7am.

He must also complete 150 hours community service and was fined £750 for dangerous driving; £500 for possessing cocaine, plus £425 costs and must pass an extended driving test to regain his licence.

Sharif was driving home from a UCL student pub near Russell Square, Holborn, where he had “one weak gin and tonic” and played pool and ping pong.

“I panicked because I rely heavily on my car,” he told the court. “I do site visits and visit various properties and had extensive points and feared losing my licence.”

Sharif claimed the cocaine was given to him on either his 22nd or 23rd birthday. “I just stuffed it in my wallet to keep it out of sight. I should have thrown it away.

“I forgot it was there. I don’t know why I didn’t throw it away, it was really stupid.”

A clearly unimpressed Judge Lodder announced: “It is highly improbable he was given the cocaine at a party a year or two before. I can’t believe someone would carry around cocaine in their wallet for up to two years.

“One he was noticed by the police his driving worsened dramatically.

“He knew he had cocaine. Why other should he drive in that fashion that was even worse?

“I take a sceptical view. I am more inclined to take the view that what was in his wallet would cause him more trouble.”

Sharif’s lawyer Dominic Lewis told the court: “He behaved immaturely and recklessly that night, but he is capable of behaving like a responsible adult.

“Plainly he needs to learn how to drive responsibly.”

Cure For Football Trouble: Ointment Associate Banned

Lambert With Exclusion Zone Map

A young Bradford City football hooligan - flagged by West Yorkshire Police as a known troublemaker - has been banned from attending games for jumping onto the pitch at an away fixture.

Jobless plumber Kian Lambert, 20, was arrested at his team’s League Two 1-4 victory at Sutton United on April 30.

After hearing a statement from West Yorkshire’s football intelligence unit, which stated Lambert was a known associate of the notorious ‘Ointment’ firm, Croydon Magistrates issued a four-year banning order.

Lambert, of Royds Hall Avenue, Bradford pleaded guilty yesterday to entering the playing area at a football match and was fined £100 and ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge.

Lambert was watching the game with friends in the home supporters area and says he only jumped onto the pitchside in an attempt to join Bradford City fans in the away enclosure.

Prosecutor Alex Alawode told the court: “It was during the second half, at around 4.20pm that the defendant was seen jumping over a crowd barrier onto the pitchside.

“He was observed by stewards who ejected him from the stadium and he was arrested outside by police officers.

“He told the officers he was with friends who could not get away tickets.”

The Crown Prosecution Service applied for a football banning order for first-time offender Lambert based on evidence collected by PC Rupert Kendrick of West Yorkshire Police.

The court heard he was known to police in Bradford for anti-social behaviour and disorder at football matches.

He was observed with a group of fifteen fans who travelled to the Nottingham Forest Carabao cup-tie last August and “antagonised” locals drinking outside pubs and cafes.

When spotted police say he threw on his Stone Island coat, hid under the hood and put on a pair of goggles.

Lambert caused trouble at Bradford City’s League Two game against Oldham Athletic on August 14, last year, said Mr Alawode. “He was seen shouting and trying to break through police lines.

“He was observed with approximately twenty youths identified as the ‘Ointment’ in a car park and was seen throwing punches at other males before running off.”

A week later on August 21 Lambert travelled to Mansfield Town for a league fixture, said the prosecutor with police “extra vigilant” regarding his behaviour.

On October 23 he was on a supporters coach surrounded by Swindon Towns fans at an away league game.

“The defendant was shouting abuse and issuing challenges at the opposition fans and police officers drew their batons to keep the fans apart.

“The defendant was one of any people screaming abuse and trying to get off the coach to get to the Swindon fans,” explained Mr Alawode.

“The police say he continues to pose a risk and a banning order is required to send a message to the defendant and his peers.”

Lambert disputed the police intelligence and the court heard none of the incidents resulted in his successful prosecution.

The magistrates made the four-year order, which prohibits Lambert going within three miles of Valley Parade before and after home games and within five miles of opposition grounds during away fixtures.

He is also banned from going within half a mile of the two train stations nearest Valley Parade on home match days and is banned from going within five miles of any stadium where the England national team is playing.

Lambert also needs the permission of the British Transport Police to use the UK rail network or London Underground on a Bradford City or England match day.

Drunken Fashion Grad's Mask Mandate Meltdown

A drunken fashion graduate, who swore at bar staff and threw a Covid-19 warning sign at them when asked to wear a mask, was sentenced yesterday.

Lincoln-native Kayla Jones, 26, snapped: “F***ing hell. Why do I get asked this? F***ing hell, I’m exempt,” when greeted at the entrance to the south London pub.

Since her arrest and charge Jones has moved from her mother’s address in Goxhill Close, Birchwood, Lincoln to Cabrini House, Honor Oak Rise, Forest Hill.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting member of staff Sam Ayling; causing criminal damage to a picture frame and being drunk and disorderly at The Rye pub, Peckham Rye on April 24, last year.

Jones was visibly intoxicated when she entered the pub with a masked friend at 8.50pm and CCTV was previously played to Croydon Magistrates Court showing her flinging the laminated A4-sized sign, which was on an entrance table and the picture frame, smashing it.

Prosecutor Tharshani Siva told the court yesterday: “Police were called to a report of a pub customer assaulting a member of staff.

“This defendant was asked to wear a face mask due to the Covid-19 regulations at the time and she shouted at the member of staff.

“The defendant picked up the sign from the table and threw it at the member of staff and she then threw a picture frame, which hit him and smashed to the floor.

“She was led out and continued shouting at the staff.

“The defendant was at least reckless as to any damage being caused and the offences are aggravated by being intoxicated at the time.”

The court heard Jones’ ambitions to set up her own business within the fashion industry were wrecked by the Covid-19 crisis. 

The A4 table sign informed pub customers they were required to wear a mask.

Her lawyer David Thomas told the magistrates: “The defendant suffers severe anxiety and this is exacerbated by a member of the press in court today.

“The defendant does not live in the Lincoln area, her mother does. The press may take this into account if this needs to be reported there.

“Her behaviour was out of character and she has expressed remorse, regret and insight.

“She is of previous good character and she has lost that now. That in itself is a punishment and she will have to live with that.

“There was a little or no planning in her throwing the sign at someone.”

Jones was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 80 hours community service and was ordered to pay Mr Ayling £75 compensation, plus £25 to the pub for smashing their frame.

She must also pay £300 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Mr Thomas told the magistrates Jones is in receipt of benefits. “Her ability to pay is zero.”

The court ordered her to pay at the rate of £20 per month.  

Accountant 'Poet' Stalked Beautician

Oluwaseyi Elemide stalked Demi Witter

An accountant, infatuated with a striking beautician, did not impress her with his clumsy attempts at romantic poetry and has been sentenced for stalking.

University of Northampton-graduate Oluwaseyi Elemide, 26, wrote to Demi Witter: “Roses are red, violets are blue. We fit together like a bespoke three-piece and dapper shoes.”

He became a pest at her Lavender Hill business ‘lash+brow lab’ in Battersea, bringing a gift of tea and a card, banging on the salon windows, following her on Instagram and sending unwanted emails.

Nigerian-born Elemide, of Keevil Drive, Putney pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to stalking Ms Witter, 28, involving serious alarm and distress, between July 20 and 27, last year.

“His behaviour is frightening and I am worried he will wait outside and follow me home,” said Ms Witter in her victim impact statement. “He turned up unannounced three times in a week.”

“I think he is infatuated with me and I am stressed out and anxious because of this. I have to work with the door locked and I am afraid he will confront me in the street.”

Prosecutor Corran Helme told the court the pair’s initial contact occurred when Elemide approached Ms Witter, who quit a sociology degree to start her business, in the street.

“He tried to engage her in conversation and informed her he had his own business and engaged in an arms-length business level and she told him she was not interested.

“She gave him her business card and week later received an email from the defendant, explaining he could help her business and she replied, informing him no help was needed.

“However, he did not stop and began following her on Instagram. She blocked him and he sent her an email.”

Elemide wrote: ‘How are you? Some of the content was good on Instagram. You blocked me, what did I do to deserve that?’

He then attended the victim’s busy salon and left a box of teabags and a greeting card wishing her luck.

Ms Witter told Elemide to grow up and asked how old he was, repeating he was not welcome at the salon and she would call the police if she saw him again.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

Two minutes later he returned to the salon window, showing the victim a post-it note with his age written on it.

Elemide even tried to get an appointment at the salon, emailing Ms Witter: ‘Hi. I’d like to have a booking to try something with my brows’.

When she begged to be left alone he replied: ‘Jesus Christ. What the f****’s your problem?’

Ms Witter and her female business partner were alone in the salon at 5.45pm on July 27. “Suddenly there was a loud banging on the window and the defendant was there again,” explained Mr Helme.

“They felt afraid and hid behind one of the screens in the salon.”

Elemide’s lawyer Alex Mullen told the court: “He had a tough time during Covid and his restaurant business closed and he is now in an accounting role full-time for a television and film production company.

“He has a degree in accounting and finance from the University of Northampton and this infatuation has sadly landed him in court.”

Elemide was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 50 hours community service and up to 20 days of a recommended activity requirement.

The court also made him subject to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting contact with Ms Witter or going to the salon and he must pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Keep Off The Booze For 100 Days

A heavy-drinking sex offender, who molested a woman in a central London square, has been ordered by a court to avoid alcohol for a period of 100 days.

Craig Clark, 35, of Harehedge Lane, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire will be subject to alcohol monitoring equipment supervised by the Probation Service.

He pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court to sexually assaulting the woman in St. Martin's Square on July 11, last year.

Clark also pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of cocaine when he was searched the same day at Walworth custody centre.

The court sentenced Clark to a nine-month Community Order, which includes an alcohol abstinence requirement.

During this period a Probation Officer will monitor Clark's alcohol consumption via monitoring equipment.

He must also complete 80 hours community service work.

Clark was ordered to pay £200 compensation to the victim; £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.