Fatal Sports Bar Stabbing: Knifeman Guilty Of Manslaughter

Knife: David Joseph Johnson

A violent knifeman, who stabbed a “loving father” to death during an early hours confrontation between a large group of people outside a sports bar, has been convicted of manslaughter.

David Joseph Johnson, 37, was captured on CCTV waving the knife around – slashing a 37 year-old male across the arm – before plunging the blade into the abdomen of his victim.

Sadly, 34 year-old Bexley man Ibrahim Bah did not survive the injury, despite many people coming to his aid and paramedics rushing him to a local hospital.

Johnson, of Haddo Street, Greenwich, who was originally charged with murder, will be sentenced on February 13.

At Woolwich Crown Court he was also convicted of grievous bodily harm, with intent and pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article.

Mr Bah, described by his family as “a loving father and a wonderful brother,” died in the early hours of Sunday, May 1, last year as a result of a single stab wound.

At just after 2.00am on the same day a fight broke out following an altercation between a large group of people outside Belushi’s bar, next to Greenwich railway station.

CCTV footage played in court captured the moment Johnson pulled a knife from his waistband and began waving it around, inflicting an injury on his first victim.

He then made a beeline for Bah, and quickly stabbed him once in the abdomen. 

Bah collapsed to the pavement and was surrounded by people who came to his aid.

Ibrahim Bah

Officers and paramedics raced to the scene and Bah was taken to a local hospital – he sadly died an hour after the attack.

Johnson was identified by detectives, who reviewed mobile phone and CCTV footage of the incident, and the following day British Transport Police officers descended on an address in New Cross, to arrest him.

Detective Inspector Daren Bates said: “Johnson’s senseless and cowardice violence that night has resulted in the needless loss of a caring father.

“My thoughts remain with Bah’s family whose lives will never be the same. 

“While no verdict will ever be justice enough for them, I hope they can take some comfort in the fact that Johnson will be spending his foreseeable future incarcerated.

“This conviction is a result of tireless work by our investigative team who are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring Britain’s callous criminals are removed from society and put behind bars.”

Following the verdict, Ibrahim Bah’s family said: “Ibrahim was a loving father a great son a wonderful brother, and beloved to all those that knew him. 

“He is greatly missed by all, and the loss of his life is a tragic and unnecessary. 

“His son will grow up without his father and we all wish that this abhorrent knife crime will come to an end.

“We are happy with the result and believe that justice has been served. 

“We would like to take this moment to thank all the officers that have worked tirelessly on this case especially DS Paul Burbridge and Family Liaison Officer Jess Nye for all their support throughout this difficult time.

“To Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return.”

Christmas Eve Tube Station Sex Assault

A female tube train passenger was groped from behind on Christmas Eve by a mystery male, who transport cops are now hunting.

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

At just after 8.00pm at Holborn Underground station on Saturday, December 24, last year a woman got off a Central Line train and noticed a man staring at her.

As she walked up the stairs towards the exit, the man walked behind her and sexually assaulted her.

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 812 of 25/12/22.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Caught With His Trousers Down: London Underground Pervert Jailed

A tube train pervert, who dropped his trousers and pressed his exposed groin against a woman travelling with her 12 year-old daughter, has been locked up.

Hasan Degirmenci, 34, of Hertford Road, Enfield pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent exposure.

At Inner London Crown Court Degirmenci was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment and handed a five-year sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

At 6.00pm on Friday December 2, last year the victim boarded a crowded London Underground Piccadilly line train towards Knightsbridge with her young daughter.

Shortly before they reached their stop, the woman felt something pressed up against her from behind.

Her daughter then saw Degirmenci pressing his groin against her mother with his trousers down and genitals exposed.

The woman confronted him and they all got off the train at Knightsbridge station.

The woman and her daughter followed Degirmenci, who still had his trousers down, towards the ticket barriers where they alerted station staff who then contacted British Transport Police officers.

Officers swiftly attended to arrest Degirmenci and he was remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Kathryn Faine said: “This incident was extremely alarming and distressing both for the woman and her young daughter.

“He targeted the victim in a crowded environment for his own sexual gratification, and I hope his jail term sends a clear message to anyone who exhibits this type of behaviour on the network – it simply won’t be tolerated.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on the railway, I urge you to report it to 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. 

“In an emergency, always dial 999. We will always take you seriously.”

Mandy McGregor, TfL’s Head of Policing and Community Safety, said: “This was an appalling incident. 

“No one should ever experience sexual harassment on our network and we are working closely with the British Transport Police to make the transport network a hostile place for offenders.

“We urge anyone who experiences or witnesses this type of behaviour to report it to the police or a member of staff so that we can take action and prevent future offending. The earlier it is reported, the stronger the evidence we have to help ensure that perpetrators face justice.”

Rape Suspect With Distinctive Tattoo: E-Fit Released

Police investigating the violent early hours west London rape of a lone woman over three years ago have released this E-Fit of their suspect.

The victim - aged in her thirties - has also described a distinctive tattoo she says her attacker had on his hand.

She was knocked out cold and sustained a black eye, bruises and cuts to her legs during the horrific attack.

She was walking home from a friend’s house near Saxon Avenue, Feltham in the early hours of Saturday, October 5, 2019.

Suddenly she was struck to the back of the head and knocked unconscious.

The victim woke to find herself being raped by an unknown male, who then ran off in an unknown direction.

The suspect is described as a white male, aged around 40 years-old with a two-inch scar under his right eye.

He also had a distinctive tattoo on his right hand.

Detective Constable Stephanie Aldridge said: “We’ve been investigating this incident for a long time and we will use every tactic at our disposal to catch this predator.

“The victim in this case has been supported fully by a sexual offences investigative techniques (SOIT) officer since 2019 and this support will continue throughout the investigation.

“At this time we have not yet identified this man and he has not featured on any police system so far, despite distributing the E-Fit nationally.

“This now means the time is right to release this E-Fit to the public.

“We are asking that you look carefully at this man and contact us via 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers if you recognise him.

“He is a dangerous individual and must be located to prevent him from offending again.

“No matter when a rape or sexual assault takes place, recent or non-recent, officers are always here, ready to listen and support you.

“If you recognise this man, or know where he could be, please call 101 referencing CAD 1266/24JAN23.”

Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Female Passenger Groped On Underground: Do You Know This Man?

A female tube train passenger was groped by a mystery man who reached behind himself and touched her.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of the suspect they are looking for to question regarding the incident.

They are appealing for members of the public to assist in identifying him.

At 1.30pm on Saturday, December 17, last year a woman boarded a Central Line westbound service at Bethnal Green and stood behind a male passenger.

The male then reached behind him and sexually assaulted her. 

When another passenger challenged his behaviour, he moved away from the victim and got off the train at Tottenham Court Road.

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 185 of 17/12/22.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Middle-Aged Woman Threatened In East London: E-Fit Released

Police investigating threats against a middle-aged woman in east London have compiled this E-Fit of their suspect.

Threats of violence were made by an unknown male towards the victim - aged in her fifties - at business premises in Corbets Tey Road, Upminster.

Metropolitan Police officers were called at approximately 12.20pm on Saturday, November 12 last year.

The complainant, who felt distress and fear as a result of the confrontation, assisted in compiling this likeness of the suspect.

The officers searched the local area, but could not locate the male they were looking for.

PC Paul Goddard, of the East Area Command, said: “Although the victim was not physically harmed in this incident it was extremely distressing for her.

“The behaviour of this man is disturbing.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the person in this E-Fit to come forward and speak to police immediately.”

Anyone who recognises the image can call 101 or tweet @MetCC reference 3517/12Nov22.

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mystery Mugger Slashed Victims' Hand In Fight For Phone

A man walking home underneath a busy roundabout while chatting on his mobile home had his hand slashed - severing the tendons - by a mystery mugger.

The Metropolitan Police have issued this image of their suspect and are appealing for the assistance of the public in identifying him.

The victim - aged in his 30’s - was walking under the Green Man Roundabout, Leytonstone, east London on the evening of Saturday, October 1, last year.

He was approached from behind by a male and a tussle for the phone started, resulting in his hand being slashed and the mobile taken.

A neighbour took the victim to hospital, where he required extensive plastic surgery.

The attacker is described as a white male, with dark curly hair  and an athletic build.

Detective Constable Aaron Barnes-Weston, of the North East Command Unit said: “As a result of this incident a man, who was only walking home, has been attacked and robbed.

“The injuries to his hand were so significant and so deep they cut his tendons.

“We need to find the person responsible and I am asking the public to help.

“If you want, you can call Crimestoppers who will never ask your name, but if you do have any information please do make that call.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 2453/12JAN.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Wanted: Train Station Pest Who Molested Passenger

A lone female train passenger was pestered by an unknown male who molested her and fled when the service stopped at a station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of a suspect they would like to speak to and are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying him.

At 1.20pm on Thursday, December 15, last year a woman waiting in the café at Colchester station, Essex when she was approached by a man, who asked if she could watch his bag while he went to the till.

He asked her how he could get to his destination before they both boarded a train on Platform Four.

As the woman went to sit down, the man followed her and sexually assaulted her.

She pushed him away and moved further down the carriage. 

The man then got off the train and left the scene.

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 445 of 15/12/22.

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

Couple Plead Not Guilty To Murder Of Missing Stepdad

Missing: Frank McKeever

A woman alleged to have tortured and killed her missing step-father with the assistance of her boyfriend, appeared in custody at the Old Bailey yesterday, where she denied the charge.

Surie Suksiri, 31, of Earlsferry Way, Islington and Juned Sheikh, 47, of Haywood Street, Camberwell are both charged with the murder of “cheerful and gentle” Frank McKeever, 63.

He was last seen alive as he walked along Highbury Park, near the junction with Highbury Grange at 10.00pm on Saturday, August 28, 2021, allegedly in the company of Sheikh.

Both Suksiri and Sheikh pleaded not guilty to the charge, plus an additional count of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body on or around September 3, 2021.

Juned Sheikh & Surie Suksiri

They were remanded in custody until a four-week trial beginning on October 2.

Suksiri attended court wearing a brown jacket and her hair tied in a bun while Sheikh appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh, wearing a grey tracksuit. 

The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime team have led the investigation to locate Mr McKeever, involving extensive searches of premises; open spaces; lakes; canals and other waterways without success.

He was reported missing on September 9, 2021 by a couple who were planning a home exchange with him.

Suksiri and Sheikh had previously been arrested and later released under investigation on September 28 and October 10, 2021.

During the wide-ranging probe into Mr McKeever’s disappearance a reward of up to £20,000 was offered in return for information as to his whereabouts, but he has never been found.

During the search for him Mr McKeever’s family said: “Please could you help us find our brother, Frank McKeever.

“It will soon be the first anniversary of his disappearance as he was last seen on 28th August 2021.

“Our family had lost touch with him for some years, but we were so happy to re-connect with him last summer and were looking forward to being with him again to rebuild family ties.

“He seemed happy and positive about the future and he had remained loyal to his favourite football team Birmingham City.

“We really miss his cheerful and gentle personality and his sense of humour.

“He had a zest for life and loved chatting to people and was no doubt looking forward to celebrating his birthday on the 31st August and the Bank Holiday weekend.

“Sadly, he has now disappeared without trace and we are desperate for any news.

“we are very worried for his welfare and safety and will give help and support for anything he needs.

“If anyone has any information on his whereabouts please contact the missing People charity or the police. A reward is being offered.”

Ten Year-Old Schoolgirl Approached Twice: E-Fit Released

Police are searching for a suspicious male with a distinctive neck tattoo after a 10 year-old girl was twice approached as she walked to the school, leaving her “shaken and scared.”

The unknown male tried to engage the girl in conversation and on the second occasion grabbed her arm.

The Metropolitan Police have released this E-Fit image of the man they are looking for and are appealing for the assistance of the public to help identify him.

The man approached the girl in the Flempton Road area of Waltham Forest, east London on Friday, November 18 and Monday, November 21.

He is described as white, aged in his forties, around five feet nine inches tall with a medium stocky build, bald head and bushy black beard.

The individual has a large black flower tattoo covering the front of his neck and a black lines tattoo covering his left hand.

He was wearing a combination of a blue zip-up hoodie; grey jogging bottoms; light grey or white zip-up short sleeve hoodie; beanie hat and was wearing black boots and carrying a black backpack.

Anyone who thinks they can identify the E-Fit are urged to call 101, giving reference 4924383/22.

Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Pervert Wanted For Railway Station Sex Act

Transport cops hunting a train passenger, caught by a 16 year-old boy pleasuring himself in a station's public toilets have released these images of their main suspect.

British Transport Police (BTP) are asking for the assistance of the public in identifying the unknown male.

The disturbing incident occurred at the nation's busiest railway station – Clapham Junction.

At just before 10.00 am on November 17, last year, the youth witness exited one of the toilet cubicles and encountered a man masturbating next to the urinals.

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

If you recognise him, or have any information, please context BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200119638.

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

Hot Dog: Canine On The Run After Bites

Transport cops are seeking a “dangerous dog” after a canine bit a young girl and a train guard three months apart.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these images and are appealing to the public for their assistance in identifying the unknown male train passenger.

They are treating both incidents as a dangerous dog out of control.

A seven year-old girl was bitten by a dog at Henley-on-Thames railway station in Oxfordshire on July 14, last year.

It is believed the same dog was on a Frome to London Paddington service on the evening of October 27, 2022.

A female train guard was walking through the carriage when a dog jumped out of a seat and bit her arm.

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

If you recognise him, or have any information, please context BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200113224.

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

Death Crash: Covid Scientist Mowed Down Welsh Schoolteacher

Jailed: Ibnu Rizwan

A Covid-19 scientist has been jailed for killing a Welshman in the heart of the Square Mile as he sped in his hired Zip car to beat a red traffic light just after midnight.

Epidemiologist Ibnu Rizwan, 28, collided with schoolteacher David Joseph Evans, 32, as he crossed the Minories on his way to Tower Hill Underground station at 12.37am on August 8, 2021.

The former Cambridge University student, who switched from studying Medicine to the creative arts at London's St. Martin's College suffered a fatal brain injury and died five days later.

Rizwan, of Brightwell Crescent, Wandsworth, who specialises in Covid and monkeypox data was speeding at 30mph in a 20mph zone when he struck Mr Evans as he crossed the road.

He had put his foot down to beat a red traffic light as he drove five friends from a Clapham pub to a Shoreditch club in a VW Polo.

His breath-test was just under the legal drink-drive limit.

Rizwan pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to causing death by dangerous driving. 

He was sentenced to two years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for four years.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Bishop, of the City of London Police's Major Crime Team, said: "Rizwan drove over the twenty miles per hour speed limit to try and avoid having to stop at a red light with horrific consequences. 

“He had no consideration for his surroundings, pedestrians and other drivers.

"This case demonstrates the devastating effects that not adhering to speed limits can have, and shows the importance of driving responsibly.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim's family and friends at this difficult time."

Mr Evans, described as a talented artist, musician and actor, had been enjoying televised rugby at the Spit and Sawdust pub, Bermondsey with a friend.

He waited on the kerb for approximately seven seconds as three cars passed and then hurried across the road, where Rizwan had around 1.28 seconds to see him.

The VW's speed was “likely to be higher” than 30mph, the court was told.

Judge Nigel Lickley acknowledged “moving” statements from Mr Evans' family.

“He was undoubtedly a very talented and much-loved man. He had his whole life ahead of him and he will not be forgotten.”

Female Passenger Molested On Northern Line Train

Police have released this grainy CCTV image of a suspected Underground train sex pest after a female passenger was molested last summer.

British Transport Police (BTP) are treating the complaint as a sexual assault.

At approximately 8.35pm on July 11, last year the victim was travelling on a southbound Northern Line Underground tube train when an unknown male passenger began staring at her.

As he left the train at Stockwell, he sexually assaulted her.

The man is believed to have travelled to Brixton.

Officers have now obtained this CCTV image of a man they think may be able to help with their investigation and are appealing to the public in an attempt to identify him.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 673 of 11/07/2022. 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Woman Kicked Unconscious In Train Station

Transport cops are hunting this suspected violent thug after a woman was dragged through a railway station's ticket barriers and kicked unconscious.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these CCTV images of the unknown male and are appealing for the assistance of the public to identify him.

At 11.30pm on October 14, last year a man dragged a woman through the automatic barriers at Chelmsford station, Essex.

He repeatedly kicked her in the head, leaving her unconscious in the ticket hall.

The man then left the location as people at the station called an ambulance for the victim.

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 2200106282.

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

Dress You Up: Mystery Woman Wanted For Train Sexual Assault

Police are hunting this woman – dressed in a gaudy mini-dress – after a member of railway staff was molested on a moving train.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released the CCTV image and are appealing to members of the public to identify her.

They have not revealed if the victim was male or female, but have confirmed they are treating the complaint as a sexual assault.

At just before 8.00pm on July 30 the employee was working on a London-bound service when they say they were molested by an unknown female.

The suspect then departed at the train at East Croydon station.

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

If you recognise her, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2200076629.

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

Train Passenger Beaten And Robbed Of Jacket

Police are hunting these suspects after a train passenger was punched and kicked and had his jacket taken.

British Transport Police (BTP) are treating the incident as a robbery.

They have released this CCTV image of four young males they wish to question regarding their investigation.

Officers are appealing for the assistance of the public in identifying them.

The victim was travelling westbound on a train from Slough, Berkshire on September 28 when he was approached by four unknown males who tried to engage him in conversation.

As he left the train at Burnham station, Buckinghamshire the victim was attacked by the four young men, who kicked and punched him. 

One of the young men took his jacket and wore it as they left.

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 482 of 28/09/2022. 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

New Year Murder Investigation: 39 Year-old Woman Killed In West London

Police have begun a murder investigation in suburban west London after a 39 year-old woman was found dead in her home on New Year's Eve.

Officers were called at 10.13am on Saturday, December 31 to a house in Willenhall Drive, Hayes.

London Ambulance Service paramedics also attended to the woman, who had suffered serious injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman is believed to be the address's resident, Stephanie Hanson and her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 29 year-old male, who was known to her, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

A special post-mortem investigation is scheduled for Monday, January 2.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, of the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command said: "My thoughts are with Stephanie's family.

"They have suffered an unimaginable loss and we will give them every support.

"I know that this incident will have shocked people in the local community.

"While our investigation is still in its initial stages I am confident that we are not looking for any further suspects and that there is no continuing risk to residents or the wider public.

"As we work to build a picture of what happened to Stephanie we would be interested to hear from anyone who knew her, had seen or spoken to her recently and who feels they may have information to assist our investigation.

"We are also appealing for anyone who lives or was driving in the immediate vicinity of Willenhall Drive in Hayes to come forward if they have CCTV or dash cams that were operating between the Morning of Friday, December 30 and the morning of Saturday, December 31."

Anyone with information can call 101, giving the reference 2143/31DEC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bad Penny: Coin Drop Predator Molests Female Train Passenger

Up To No Hood: Suspect

A female train passenger was followed by an unknown male and molested when he bent down to pick up a coin near her feet.

The victim was approached by the man at approximately 9.20pm on Wednesday, September 21 on the platform of
Windsor & Eton Riverside station, Berkshire.

He began chatting with her and they both boarded a train travelling towards Staines.

The male deliberately sat opposite the woman at a table seat, continuously staring at her before getting up and walking to the next carriage.

He then returned to where the woman was sitting and started peering under the table at her legs and up her skirt.

As they approached Staines, the victim heard a coin drop on the floor. 

The man bent down to pick it up and sexually assaulted the victim, before leaving the train.

British Transport Police 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 2200096778.

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

Jailed: Heartless Dating Site Conman Who Swindled Women

A married “career fraudster” who scammed four women he met dating online out of over £320,000 has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment.

Emmanuel Scotts, 55, wooed several women on an internet site and, after gaining their trust, persuaded them to “invest” savings and returned small sums of “interest” to extract more money.

The reality was that Chelsea-based Scotts was manipulating the victims to fund his own lifestyle.

In total, the four victims lost a total of £324,083, with one victim losing £232,969.

Scotts told lie after lie, claiming he was a stockbroker who worked in New York; Paris and London, had been employed by banking giant BNP Paribas and was an entrepreneur who owned a fashion company.

He convinced his victims their investments were guaranteed; risk-free and would deliver high returns, boasting of lucrative opportunities in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Last year Scotts was jailed for four years for frauds he committed with his wife Behnaz, 52, which funded their penthouse and their children's private educations.

After an eight-week Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court trial he was convicted of four counts of fraud by false representation, having already pleaded guilty to possessing articles for use in fraud.

He was brought to justice following an investigation by the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), a specialist police unit made up of officers from the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police Service, and funded by the banking and finance industry.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector David Vint head of the DCPCU, said: “Scotts callously targeted innocent people with romance scams to fund his lifestyle, having no regard for the emotional, psychological and financial impact it would have on them.

“Our officers carried out a tenacious investigation and were able to identify Scotts as the perpetrator and secure charges against him. 

“This is a stark warning to romance fraudsters: we will find you and ensure you are brought to justice.

“We would always urge the public to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign and always avoid sending money to someone you’ve never met in person, particularly if you have only recently met online.”

Metropolitan Police Service Detective Inspector Andrew Little, from the DCPCU, said: “Scotts preyed on the emotions of his victims to gain their trust and several victims genuinely believed they were in a meaningful relationship with him.

“Romance fraud is a despicable crime and we hope that the sentence handed down goes some way to helping the victims rebuild their lives and relationships with others.”

The trial judge described Scotts as a “a career fraudster” and confiscation proceedings are ongoing.

Jail For Train Creep Who Molested 15 Year-Old Girl

A train sexual predator, who tried to ply a 15 year-old girl with vodka during a prolonged “sickening attack,” has been locked-up.

Maxim Rowan-Moy, 32, deliberately sat next to the teenager and pursued her along the train carriage as he continued molesting her, even pulling her violently towards him.

Detective Constable Terry Botten, of British Transport Police said: "This was a truly sickening attack against a lone teenage girl by a disgusting predator who sought to violate her for his own sexual gain.

"She has shown immense bravery in supporting this investigation and I’m pleased to see this vile and evidently very dangerous offender behind bars as a result.

"I want to assure women and girls that we are absolutely dedicated to tackling sexual offenders on the railway network and bringing them to justice.”

Rowan-Moy, of Eglinton Hill, Plumstead received two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to four counts of sexual assault; one count of assault, plus a charge of threatening behaviour.

Rowan-Moy must also sign the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years and comply with a 5-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

At 7.45pm on Saturday March 26, the victim was waiting for a train at Dover Priory station when she was approached by Rowan-Moy. 

He asked where she was travelling to before they boarded a train together and sat next to one another.

On the train, Rowan-Moy offered her a bottle of vodka to drink. He then moved closer to her and sexually assaulted her.

The girl got up and attempted to move away from him as he followed her down the carriage and sat next to her again.

He then continued to sexually assault her, violently attempting to pull her closer to him and persistently touching her inappropriately.

A while later, a group of passengers boarded the train and Rowan-Moy got up from his seat to look for his belongings. 

A train guard entered the carriage and stayed with the girl to Rochester station, where staff alerted police.

Officers quickly attended Rochester station and arrested Rowan-Moy, where he pretended to police that he knew the victim.

A Very Happy Christmas To Our Readers

May we wish you all a very happy Christmas and the best of health and happiness for next year.

This last year has proved to be challenging for the editor of this Crime and Courts blog, who was subjected to a High Court claim that a Judge ultimately and correctly ruled had no validity whatsoever and was thrown out.

However, this was not achieved without over a year of court appearances, the writing of statements and summaries, the collection of evidence and compiling of witness testimonies.

The claim was brought by a convicted fraudster, who was sentenced for multiple counts amounting to thousands of pounds and was subject to an accurate and full court report on this site.

The one-day High Court trial took place earlier this month and in the words of the presiding judge: "I found the Defendant to be a more plausible witness than the Claimant.

"The Defendant's case was supported by documents, which appear to me to be genuine.

"The Defendant gave evidence straightforwardly and convincingly.

"The Claimant's evidence often strayed from what was relevant and, when (Claimant) did give direct answers to questions, which was not always, they tended to be speculative and did not always convince.

"I also  bear I'm mind that the Claimant was convicted of nine counts of fraud, involving dishonesty with the intention of making a gain, which undermines (Claimant's) credibility on matters not corroborated by other evidence."

The judge also ruled the "abuse" directed by the Claimant towards this blog's editor was "not justified at all."

The judge also rejected a claim the story was a misuse of the fraudster's personal and private information. "The information published on the Blog Post was not private information and (Claimant) could have no reasonable expectation of privacy.

'It was information which had been aired in open court......"

Claims the story breached the European Convention on Human Rights and the Data Protection Act were also rightly dismissed by the judge.

As a result the claimant now owes this blog's editor thousands of pounds in costs, have already funded their own legal costs, which run into four figures, plus has been responsible for a huge amounted of wasted time and unnecessary stress for all parties.

Best Wishes for 2023.