Friday, 10 February 2023

Tulse Hill Station GBH Charge Dropped Against Knifeman Nicked Months Later

GBH Appeal Led To Murray's Arrest
A suspect cleared of pushing a Tulse Hill station railway worker down a flight of stairs has been cleared, but was still locked-up for carrying a knife in the same location.

These images were released by British Transport Police (BTP) after the victim was hospitalised with a cut to the back of his head, resulting in the arrest of local man Malaki Murray, 22.


However, at Inner London Crown Court this week the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offered no evidence against him on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on Surge Mabam on June 23, 2021.


Murray, of Peabody Hill, Dulwich, which is 200 metres from the station, was on bail awaiting trial when he was arrested outside on June 13, last year for having a kitchen knife.


He was immediately remanded in custody and has been locked-up for the last eight months. 


Murray pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article outside Tulse Hill station and was sentenced to six months imprisonment - resulting in his immediate release.


He was also in breach of two suspended sentences, but only sentenced to one day’s imprisonment on each, ruling out any more time in custody.


BTP launched a public appeal to track down the GBH suspect accused of injuring the railway worker at 9.30am and then fleeing the station.


Murray was charged, but the CPS decided their identification evidence was insufficient to convict him. 


While on bail police officers observed Murray near the station last summer and were suspicious because his face was covered and he was holding a bag.


He showed the officers he had a receipt for the items in the bag, but was caught with a knife in his jogging bottoms and was arrested after he tried to run away and was involved in a physical struggle with the police.


One officer suffered a dislocated finger during the arrest.


Tulse Hill Station GBH Suspect
When questioned Murray said “no comment” apart from saying he had been previously stabbed.


The court heard it is suspected he has ADHD and autism.


Judge Silas Reid said: “He has been habitually carrying a knife since the age of sixteen. That is what he told the psychiatrist.


“He accepts he has been carrying a knife around for the last five years.” added the judge, who heard Murray was once the victim of a violent stabbing and carries a knife for self-defence.


Judge Reid told Murray: “You were on bail for a very serious offence and in your waistband you had a kitchen-type knife.


“The reason you carry that knife was because you were the victim of a stabbing at the age of seventeen years-old and had a fixated view of needing to carry a knife to defend yourself.”


Murray has made disturbing comments to professionals, such as: “I like to come out on top,” and: “People who are attacked are defenceless.”


Judge Reid told him: “That’s why courts take the carrying of knives seriously. People get stabbed and you have been a victim of that.


“Anyone who carries a knife can expect to go to prison. You have a relatively bad record for a young man and are in breach of two suspended sentences.


“Please listen to me carefully. Going forward you must stop carrying knives to reduce the risk of you ending up in prison for a long time.


“The minimum sentence you will receive for carrying a knife will be six months imprisonment, although you will probably get more.”

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

"Can I Have A Go Next?": Passer-By Denies Raping Student

A drunken teenage student enjoying a night out in the West End was raped twice in a small park - the second time by a passer-by who asked: “Can I have a go next?” a court heard today.

The 18 year-old somehow became separated from her two friends when the group were refused entry to Charing Cross superclub Heaven and she ended up in Victoria Embankment Gardens with a mystery male.


That man is still wanted by police, but Wesley Roden, 33, of Museum Street, Warrington was arrested the next day and has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the young woman in the early hours of August 16, 2019.


Southwark Crown Court heard a ‘good Samaritan’ assisted the student when she clambered back over the gates to the small park.


“We were flagged down by a male and female, who was crying and incredibly distressed and said she had been raped,” Police Inspector Tariq McKinsey told the jury.


“She stated she did not remember much, but was in a park and forced to have sex against her will and while being raped another male, with a beard approached, and said: ‘Can I have a go next?’


“She said she repeatedly said no to both males and the second male forced himself on the female.”


One of the young woman’s friend’s told the court the trio had “pre drinks” of vodka, cider and beer as they travelled to the West End from the outskirts of north London.


“We drink as much as we can so we do not have to spend money,” she explained, but the third member of the group of friends was so drunk Heaven security staff refused entry.


They went to a local McDonald’s in an attempt to sober up, where they lost touch with the complainant and spent two anxious hours trying to find her.


However, she had gained entry to Heaven alone and was caught on CCTV leaving the club at 2.40am with the unknown male suspect, who was wearing a light-coloured top and who has been the subject of a police appeal.


The jury viewed CCTV of the male assisting the student climb over the locked park gates before he is recorded leaving alone, followed by the woman eight minutes later.


Her friend told the court the complainant arrived home the next afternoon with her mother. 


“She said all she could remember was walking down a dark road by Heaven towards the park. She said: ‘I didn’t see the man’s face. There was a bright light shining in my face.’


“She said a homeless guy said: ‘Can I have a go next?’ and the other man replied: ‘Yeah, you can do what you like when I’m done.’


“She is such a sensible person. She had never gone missing before,” sobbed her friend.


The jury were played police bodycam footage of the then, bearded Roden’s arrest in the Charing Cross subway, where he was sleeping rough.


Lying low in London because he was wanted on recall to prison he gave the name ‘Mark Moriarty’ as officers said they were investigating an “incident”.


“I’ve not been involved in any incident. I’m f***ing confused,” he argued. “I’m not involved in anything. If my mum got a phone call would she be gutted?”


Moments later he said: “I’m walking off the park and there’s a guy and girl on the floor having sex, totally naked and they just carried on shagging.


“The man said: ‘Get yourself involved, get your pants down,’ and the girl said: ‘Get yourself involved,’ and is pulling at my pants.


“It’s the maddest situation ever and we both had sex with this girl and he was someone I did not even know. Is this something to do with that?”


When arrested Roden replied: “I’m not a rapist.”


Trial continues………….. 

Monday, 6 February 2023

Neighbour Guilty Of Harassing Married Couple

Guilty: Omar Yasin aka 'Mark'
A neighbour harassed the couple living opposite him - shouting at the wife: “Show me your knickers,” and spraying the words ‘Liar’ in shaving foam over their car, a court heard.

Omar Yasin, 60, also followed her to work, screamed in the husband’s face and asked him: “Are you getting enough? I can help you out with your wife.”


Disabled Yasin, of Station Road, Hampton was convicted of harassing Alistair Patterson and Katerina Kim in August and September, last year and will be sentenced next month.


He was also found guilty of two counts of displaying writing, with intent to cause harassment, on September 20, last year in the carpark outside the couple’s Station Road apartment.


Katerina told Wimbledon Magistrates Court trouble started when the defendant - who she knows as ‘Mark’ - spotted her visiting sister changing in her son’s bedroom.


“Mark saw her in her underwear and on the same day he went to see Alistair to say he saw me in my underwear and would be going to see me at work at Waitrose.


“I was panicking as to why he would want to say he saw me in my underwear.”


The next day Yasin turned up at the busy store. “I ran to the back and he followed me and I shouted at him: ‘Stop following me,’ I was nervous and scared.


“I wondered why he would follow me for three days and my manager told me: ‘He is mental, aggressive, not stable. We are not dealing with him, we are going to call the police.


“I still do not know why he is doing this to me.”


She recalled another incident on September 10, outside her block. “I was passing our parking spot and he shouted: ‘Show me your knickers.’


“I thought he was becoming dangerous, that he could rape or harm me.”


On September 20 Yasin sprayed the couple’s vehicle with shaving foam. “He sprayed the word ‘Liar’ all over the car.


“I felt like it was a horror movie. It was horrible to see, I was shaking.


“I don’t feel free going out. I always look behind myself, I can’t escape him. He is always there, he is always watching me.”


Alistair confirmed he once had a friendly relationship with Yasin, who was a walking companion during lockdown. “Mark lives on the top floor of the next-door block and the flats look at each other.


“He complained to me about my wife’s behaviour because there was an incident at Waitrose and he saw a person at our window in underwear that he thought was my wife.


“He referred to my wife as ‘filth’ and I was shocked. He was clearly following our comings and goings from his window and followed my wife three times to Waitrose.


“He once called down to me: ‘Are you getting enough? I can help you out with your wife.’


“I assumed this was a sexual context and I was in shock,” Alistair told the trial. “I told him I was not having this conversation and got in my car and left.”


On August 27 Yasin aggressively confronted the husband. “He dashed across the road and cornered me and put his face alongside mine and was shouting at me.


“He was very aggressive, very unpleasant. He said he was humiliated by my wife who shouted at him in Waitrose.


“He repeated the underwear story and refused to believe it wasn’t my wife.


“He mentioned that my wife was lovely and repeated a story of when he first saw us together  and I was the most horrible thing he had ever seen.


“He said I should control my wife and that he would box my ears, repeating: ‘You don’t want me as your enemy,’ and that he wanted me out of my home.”


Yasin admitted making clucking chicken noises from his flat window when he saw Alistair and the husband added: “He shouted out that I was effluent and a coward.


“One day he was spraying my car with the word ‘Liar’ with shaving foam, while wearing his Army combat gear, which he regularly does.


“I felt unsafe and I was not sleeping well, but I stuck to my normal routine because I did not want to be beaten by it.


“He did say he enjoyed the process of harassing us.”


Yasin denied threatening violence or making lewd comments to Katerina, saying he had lived in the flat for seventeen years, often chatting to the couple from the roof of his building.


“The first I knew about it was when Katerina shouted at me in the shop. I stepped back in disbelief and dismay and walked out of the shop.


“I was confused and a little bit peeved. All of a sudden I am unwelcome at the local supermarket and the neighbours became most unwelcome.


“They came to my landlord and told him to get rid of me.”


Yasin admitted foaming the couple’s car. “I put shaving foam on the car as a protest,” he told the court.


“Waitrose eventually gave me a barring notice. I felt at an absolute loss, I had nowhere else to go.


“I never followed Katerina or any member of her family, ever.”

Saturday, 4 February 2023

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.”

Thursday, 2 February 2023

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.

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

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.”

Sunday, 29 January 2023

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.

Friday, 27 January 2023

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.

Wednesday, 25 January 2023

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.

Monday, 23 January 2023

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.

Saturday, 21 January 2023

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.

Thursday, 19 January 2023

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.”

Tuesday, 17 January 2023

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.

Sunday, 15 January 2023

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.

Friday, 13 January 2023

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.

Wednesday, 11 January 2023

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.”