Volunteer Cop Accused Of Stealing Police Equipment

A police-obsessed civilian employee and volunteer cop stashed a hoard of equipment he had stolen at the suburban home he shared with his grandmother, a court heard today.

Special Constable and Acting Sergeant Toby Biginton, 23, nicked police radios; batons; keys; computer equipment and even a body bag, Croydon Crown Court was told.

The jury was played recorded footage of the search, which recovered a large amount of stolen police equipment found amongst Biginton’s collection of Police Academy DVD’s and The Bill box sets.

Biginton, of Rosecroft Close, Orpington has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of theft between August 1, 2020 and September 10, 2021.

He also denies two counts of possessing offensive weapons; namely police batons at his home address on September 10, 2021.

He is a police civilian employee, working with the custody services team responsible for ordering and supplying uniforms to the Met and is a representative for special constables under investigation.

“This young man was a serving member of police staff, where he was a Team Leader and was also a volunteer special constable and supervisor, with the rank of sergeant,” said prosecutor Shekinah Anson.

“Police officers attended the address he shares with his grandmother and during a search they recovered items of property belonging to the Metropolitan Police Service.

“The Crown say he was dishonest and had these items without authority or permission and without the knowledge of his line manager.

“Mr Biginton did not have the authority to have these items in his possession and he did not tell anybody or record that he had these items.

“He received training regarding the handling of Metropolitan Police property and equipment,” added Ms Anson. “He knew those policies and procedures as a member of police staff and volunteer police officer.”

Six stolen police radios were found. “They gave Mr Biginton access to live police communications in the entire Metropolitan Police area and the Kent force.

“There were two solid police batons and an extendable ASP baton.”

Biginton was questioned about having those batons. “He said he intended to donate them to the police cadets for talks, give them to Bromley Police Cadets,” explained the prosecutor.

“He was treating these items as his own to do with as he pleased. he had numerous opportunities to give the batons to the cadets, but failed to do so.

“He took these items in breach of trust over a period of time.

“He said the radios were for a charity event and he failed to return them and the computer equipment allowed him to access sensitive information.

“He said he had the computer equipment so he could work from home and the laptop was for his special constable work.”

Biginton also had keys for an unmarked police vehicle and insisted he always intended to return them.

He claimed to not even know he had possession of a stolen bodybag. “He said it was at the bottom of a cardboard box he used to move stuff between Bromley and Bexley police stations.

“He was randomly taking things from police stations he was either working at or visiting.”

Trial continues……………..

HMP Wandsworth Officer Was: "A Shark In The Pool"

A HMP Wandsworth officer, accused of twice molesting a drunken bikini-clad colleague at a summer staff party, was described as “a shark in the pool” by another guest, a court heard.

Joseph Dawson, 27, was seen splashing around in his boxer shorts lifting, dunking and playfully slapping the rear’s of female prison officers during the all-day pool party on July 24, 2021.

Prosecutor Kathryn Hirst told Croydon Crown Court Dawson and the complainant sat on a two-seater outdoor couch on the patio opposite prison officer Vedan Bolaky, 41, and her husband Keith Sowerby, 63.

“They noticed him putting his hand down her bikini top and massaging her breast and then putting his hand down her bikini bottom. They made eye contact and he quickly removed his hand.

“Shortly afterwards the complainant is seen on all fours being pushed upstairs by this defendant and some of the female guests ‘headed him off at the pass’ and made sure nothing happened.”

Mr Sowerby told the jury the celebration was also a surprise birthday party for his wife - a HMP Wandsworth prison officer - and he noted Dawson’s behaviour.

“I did feel he was a shark in the pool and felt his behaviour was a bit predatory. He was manhandling the women, lifting them up and throwing them about.

“I was not impressed and I was the only sober person there as I do not drink,” he added, finding himself seated opposite Dawson and the complainant at around midnight.

“She was very drunk and he was helping her up onto the deck and she was flopping all over the place,” explained Mr Sowerby. “She sort of flopped across his chest.

“I saw Mr Dawson’s hand inside her bikini top massaging her right breast for about twenty to thirty seconds and she was out cold.

“He slipped his hand down her stomach and inside the band of her bikini at the top. He realised he was being watched, I think, and pulled his hand out.

“She sprang up and was all over the place. I think she woke up and realised something wasn’t quite right.”

He later witnessed Dawson trying to get the woman upstairs. “She was on all fours and he had his hand on her bottom, pushing her up the stairs.

“I alerted people to get upstairs and keep an eye on her because he had been groping her on the patio. I know a full-on grope when I see it, it was out of order.

“As far as I am concerned she was unconscious. She was not aware of what was going on and it was not consensual.”

His wife, Vedan Bolaky, told the trial: “There was a female member of staff he lifted up and she said: ’No, no, no,’ and he threw her into the water.

“Later I saw the complainant was drunk and was not really able to speak and Mr Dawson’s hand was near her breast area, the hand was inside.

“Then his hand was over the border of her bikini bottoms.”

Party host Jessie Thorpe, whose overground pool was enjoyed by her fellow HMP Wandsworth officers, said: “He was very touchy feely with the girls in the pool. One girl was leaning over the side and he slapped her bum.”

She did not witness the patio incident, but later saw Dawson upstairs when the complainant was passed out in the main bedroom. 

By now the drunken female prison officer was somehow naked. “I was concerned for her so I slept on top of the covers next to her.”

The complainant has no memory of the incidents, having consumed three-quarters of a litre of vodka, plus shots at the party hosted by a colleague for mainly Echo Wing staff.

Describing Dawson, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault between July 24 and 25, 2021, she said: “He was quite a touchy person, he was known for that, but not in a strange way.

“He would hug the girls and pick them up.”

She brought a variety of bikini’s for the overground pool party. “He said that one was particularly nice and I should put it on.

“I think he said something about my bum looking nice in it, I think he slapped my bum. I was not annoyed, but didn’t like him doing it.”

Recalling little of the later evening she explained: “I was drinking vodka, I think. I came with a bottle of vodka and I did not see it after that and it was only me drinking it.

“The host, Jessie Thorpe said: ‘Drink as much as you want, I have loads of spare rooms,’ and that is why I drove there.” 

Dawson claims she consented to him touching her breasts while they were in the pool and spread her legs towards him, allowing him to touch her intimately.

Sobbing behind a screen as she was cross-examined the prison officer insisted: “I wouldn’t let him do that to me. I don’t think it happened.”

She also denied pushing her breasts into Dawson’s face when they returned to the patio area.

The defendant says she consented to touching and allowed him to kiss her neck during the party, admitting he touched her breast in front of a couple on the patio, but over her bikini.

Ms Thorpe admitted Dawson’s behaviour was “hot gossip” at HMP Wandsworth the following day.

Dawson has suggested the complainant made the sexual assault allegation to cover-up her own consensual behaviour - particularly as she had recently started dating another prison officer.

Prosecutor Ms Hirst added: “These were mostly all prison officers at the party at the home of a colleague, who had an overground pool in the back garden.

“Everybody was enjoying themselves and having a good time and at various stages the complainant got into the pool and Mr Dawson got in the pool with her and picked her up and slapped her bottom, which she describes as playful.

“He was very intent on her wearing a bikini and she was wearing a flimsy bikini and was entitled to do that and to have a good time.

“She had a lot to drink and she was very, very drunk. She drank an awful lot and had northing to eat and was so drunk she has no recollection of what happened to her.”

When the woman’s prison officer colleagues told her what happened the next day she reported Dawson to the police.

Dawson, of St. Catherines Court, Rosefield Road, Staines-upon-Thames made no comment when questioned.

Trial continues…………

HMP Wandsworth Officer Accused Of Staff Pool Party Sex Assault

A prison officer twice put his hand inside a drunken female colleague’s bikini at a Summer pool party for HMP Wandsworth staff, a court heard.

Joseph Dawson, 27, was seen by another prison officer and her husband placing his hand inside the top half of the woman’s bikini and massaging her breast before pushing his hand inside the bottom half of her “flimsy” outfit, the jury were told.

Croydon Crown Court also heard prison officer colleagues “headed Dawson off at the pass” when he was seen pushing the woman, who was crawling on all fours, upstairs to the bedrooms.

The female prison officer had no memory of the incidents, having consumed three-quarters of a litre of vodka, plus shots at the party hosted by a colleague for mainly Echo Wing staff.

Describing Dawson, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault between July 24 and 25, 2021, she said: “He was quite a touchy person, he was known for that, but not in a strange way.

“He would hug the girls and pick them up.”

She brought a variety of bikini’s for the overground pool party. “He said that one was particularly nice and I should put it on.

“I think he said something about my bum looking nice in it, I think he slapped my bum. I was not annoyed, but didn’t like him doing it.”

Recalling little of the later evening she explained: “I was drinking vodka, I think. I came with a bottle of vodka and I did not see it after that and it was only me drinking it.

“The host, Jessie Thorpe said: ‘Drink as much as you want, I have loads of spare rooms,’ and that is why I drove there.” 

Dawson claims she consented to him touching her breasts while they were in the pool and spread her legs towards him, allowing him to touch her intimately.

Sobbing behind a screen as she was cross-examined the prison officer insisted: “I wouldn’t let him do that to me. I don’t think it happened.”

She also denied pushing her breasts into Dawson’s face when they returned to the patio area.

The defendant says she consented to touching and allowed him to kiss her neck during the party, admitting her touched her breast in front of the couple, but over her bikini.

Prosecutor Kathryn Hirst told the jury: “These were mostly all prison officers at the party at the home of a colleague, who had an overground pool in the back garden.

“Everybody was enjoying themselves and having a good time and at various stages the complainant got into the pool and Mr Dawson got in the pool with her and picked her up and slapped her bottom, which she describes as playful.

“He was very intent on her wearing a bikini and she was wearing a flimsy bikini and was entitled to do that and to have a good time.

“She had a lot to drink and she was very, very drunk. She drank an awful lot and had northing to eat and was so drunk she has no recollection of what happened to her.”

Around midnight the defendant and the woman sat on two-seater outdoor couch on the patio opposite prison officer Vedan Bolaky, 41, and her husband Keith Sowerby, 63.

“They noticed him putting his hand down her bikini top and massaging her breast and then putting his hand down her bikini bottom,” explained the prosecutor.

“They made eye contact and he quickly removed his hand.

“Shortly afterwards the complainant is seen on all fours being pushed upstairs by this defendant and some of the female guests ‘headed him off at the pass’ and made sure nothing happened.”

When the woman’s prison officer colleagues told her what happened the next day she reported Dawson to the police.

Dawson, of St. Catherines Court, Rosefield Road, Staines-upon-Thames made no comment when questioned.

Trial continues…………

Do You Know This Hoodie?: Train Passenger Punched And Robbed Of Phone

A late night train passenger was punched in the face and robbed of his mobile phone when he arrived at a north-west London railway station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these two images of their suspect.

Investigating officers are requesting the assistance of members of the public to help identify the unknown male.

At approximately 10.00pm on Wednesday, March 15 the male victim entered Kentish Town West station.

He was immediately approached by a mystery man who punched him in the face and snatched his phone.

Officers are keen to speak to the man in the images as he may have information that could help with their investigation.

BTP are treating the incident as a robbery.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 668 of 15 March.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ten Years For Tube Train Terror

A drunk, who was snubbed by a young woman waiting for a tube to Notting Hill Carnival has received ten years for trying to drag her into the path of the next train.

Arthur Hawrylewicz, 42, picked-up the terrified 22 year-old and attempted to leap off the platform at King's Cross Underground Station.

Fortunately, two of her friends intervened and pulled her to safety as Hawrylewicz, of Avondale Gardens, Cardiff was knocked unconscious by the train.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of attempting to murder Maria Osifeso on Bank Holiday Monday August 29, last year.

The victim was waiting on the Hammersmith and City line platform with her friends at around 1.30pm.

The platform was busy with Carnival goers and both Maria and Hawrylewicz were standing near the platform edge, waiting for the next train.

While they were waiting he attempted to speak to her, but noticing that he appeared drunk, the victim asked him to leave her alone.

As the train approached the platform Hawrylewicz grabbed Maria from behind with both arms and lifted her off the ground.

He attempted to turn and throw her, along with himself, in front of the train.

As he propelled himself around and into the path of the train, two of Maria's friends bravely managed to intervene and pulled her to safety.

Hawrylewicz then moved his head in front of the train and received a glancing blow which knocked him unconscious.

Officers quickly arrived on scene and arrested Hawrylewicz as he was taken to hospital for treatment.

His injuries weren’t serious and he was able to be interviewed by officers the next day.

In his interview, he claimed he’d drank three beers and a third of a bottle of vodka and travelled to King’s Cross with the intention of harming himself – but he didn’t recall any interaction with the victim.

Detective Sergeant Mike Blakeburn said: “This was a completely unprovoked and incredibly disturbing attack, which will have been beyond terrifying for the victim – a young woman who was on her way to enjoy a day at Notting Hill Carnival with her friends.

“Had it not been for their brave actions pulling her from Hawrylewicz’s clutches, we could easily have been dealing with a murder investigation.

“Hawrylewicz has never offered any explanation or rationale for why he did what he did and claimed throughout interview that he had no recollection of the incident, but the victim will have to live with this traumatic memory for the rest of her life.

Thankfully, he has now been handed a significant custodial sentence, which will provide him with plenty of time to consider the implications of his senseless and violent behaviour.

“As shocking as this incident it is important remember that events like this are incredibly rare on the railway network, and in this case BTP officers were on scene within minutes and able to quickly arrest Hawrylewicz and bring him into police custody where he’s remained throughout the investigation.”

Teenage Girl Sexually Assaulted Onboard Essex To London Train

A teenage girl travelling from Essex has been molested onboard a London-bound train.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these images of their number one suspect.

Investigating officers are requesting the assistance of the public to help identify the unknown male.

The young victim was initially approached outside Basildon railway station at approximately 5.00pm on January 21 by a male, who made inappropriate comments towards her.

She then boarded a London-bound train, and during the journey the same man sat next to her and sexually assaulted her.

Officers are keen to speak to the man in the images as he may have information that could help with their investigation.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 434 of 21 January.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Disturbing Individual" Pleasured Himself In Front Of Lone Female Train Passenger

A train pervert, who performed a sex act in front of a lone female he deliberately followed and sat opposite, has been locked-up.

Bobby Garande, 29, had been staring at the victim on the platform of Blackfriars station while waiting for a southbound Thameslink train at around 7.30pm on October 14, 2021.

After boarding, he walked through several carriages to deliberately sit in front of his chosen victim before masturbating while touching his nipples and staring at her.

Garande pleaded guilty to outraging public decency and was sentenced to twenty-six weeks imprisonment.

The sex act continued for approximately fifteen minutes and when the victim realised what was happening she moved carriages and alerted another female passenger.

Garande escaped the train at Elephant and Castle station and was identified by British Transport Police (BTP) via CCTV enquiries.

By then he was in custody on a similar charge.

James Mayled of the BTP said: “Garande is a disturbing individual, who made a targeted and prolonged attempt to masturbate in front of the victim for his own sexual gratification as she travelled home on her own. 

“It should go without saying that women and girls have the absolute right to use the railway safely and in peace, without offenders like Garande subjecting them to such repugnant behaviour.

“Thankfully the railway network is generously covered with over 150,000 CCTV cameras – meaning the incident was captured clearly and in its entirety, and we were able to swiftly identify Garande and apprehend him.

“The custodial sentence he’s been handed shows just how seriously behaviour like this is taken, so I would urge anyone who experiences anything which makes them feel uncomfortable while travelling to let us know by texting us discreetly on 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. We will always take you seriously.”

Tube Train Sex Assault Victim Didn't Want To Play

A male tube train passenger was molested while travelling through east London by a man who followed-up the assault asking: “Do you want to play?”

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their mystery suspect.

They are requesting the assistance of the public to help identify the unknown man.

The victim was onboard a Central Line Underground train just before 8.00pm on February 20.

An unknown man sat next to the victim before sexually assaulting him.

The victim got off the tube at Leytonstone Underground station and sat on a bench. 

A short time later the man approached and said: “Do you want to play?”

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 621 of 20 February.

Alternatively, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Twelve Year-Old Girl Raped In Railway Station Disabled Toilet

A “predatory” railway rapist, who attacked a 12 year-old girl in a disabled toilet at King's Cross station, has been jailed for ten years.

Alvin Tuitt, 24, approached the girl earlier on her journey, paying for her onward ticket and lending her a power pack to charge her mobile phone.

He pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one count of attempted rape and will spend an extended five-year period on licence when released and remain on the sex offenders register for life and be subject to a permanent Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Inner London Crown Court heard Tuitt, of Boone Street, Lewisham approached the girl at Maryland station, Newham on Monday, October 10, last year as she was travelling to King's Cross.

He accompanied her on her journey and upon arrival to Kings Cross, took her to a disabled toilet where he raped her and then attempted to rape her again. 

She reported it to police later that day.

Tuitt, who was previously convicted of a similar offence, was arrested, charged and remanded within 24 hours of the offence taking place.

The judge commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting this to police.

Detective Constable Mark Pink said: “The victim in this case was 12-years-old and was extremely vulnerable.

“She has been extremely brave in telling police what happened and providing testimony to assist the investigation. 

“The effect that this incident has had on her life and that of her family cannot be measured.

“Tuitt is a predator with a previous conviction for a similar offence and he rightfully now faces a long time behind bars.”

Horseshoe Railway Station Murderer Caged

Virgo Kirkpatrick

A horseshoe-wielding train thug, who struck another passenger following a loud music carriage row, is starting a life sentence after being convicted of murder.

Virgo Kirkpatrick, 42, inflicted the fatal blow when the argument with 24 year-old Thomas Parker continued on the platform of Reading Railway Station.

The victim had been returning home with his brother Craig, 27, from an Arsenal match in London at around 11.00pm on Saturday, July 30, last year.

They complained about the loud music coming from father-of-four Kirkpatrick's group and a pair of off-duty police officer's intervened.

However, at the station Kirkpatrick, of Whitby Road, Slough followed golf course greenkeeper Parker and struck him over the back of the head with the heavy horseshoe he was carrying in his rucksack.

A Reading Crown Court jury found him guilty of murder and he will have to serve a minimum of twenty-one years and 123 days of a life sentence.

The victim's family said afterwards: “Whilst we are happy with the verdict as the best possible outcome in this situation, for us this is not a celebration, as the loss we have endured is far greater than any prison sentence.

“Tom had his whole life ahead of him, and he brought so much joy to his family and friends. 

“He had never, and would never hurt a soul, so it is heartbreaking that he was taken from us in such an evil and senseless attack that could have been avoided.

“The past eight months have been hell for us as a family, not made easier by the gruelling two weeks of court, where Tom’s name and character were attacked, untrue and unfair to a person who is no longer here to defend himself.

Thomas Parker

“It is this reason, and the lack of emotion or remorse shown in Mr Virgo’s apology, said in a desperate attempt to save himself, that we do not, and will never forgive him.”

They added: “Furthermore, we as a family would like to thank all the emergency services involved that night of the 30th July including the British Transport Police for their on-going support.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Langley, the Senior Investigating Officer for BTP, said: “Whilst no prison sentence can bring Tom back for his family and loved ones, we’re pleased with the sentence handed down by the court.

“Virgo is a dangerous individual who needlessly and senselessly took the life of another man just because of a petty argument about some loud music. 

“It is only right that he now faces more than two decades behind bars.

“My thanks go to the investigative team in this case, who worked tirelessly to get justice for Tom, and to the family – who have held themselves at court during the trial with absolute dignity.

“I can only hope that today’s sentence gives them some closure and peace that justice has been done.”

Who Is This Suspect?: Fulham Broadway Passenger Wounded

A tube train passenger suffered a large deep wound to his forehead after being struck by a mystery male on the edge of the station platform.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of a man they wish to question in relation to the violent incident.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public to assist them in identifying the suspect.

The victim was waiting for an Underground train on Saturday, March 4 between 5.00pm and 5.20pm at Fulham Broadway station in west London.

He was attacked and suffered the serious injury.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the image who may have information that can help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.

In both cases quote reference number 23000257765.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Female Tube Train Passenger Religiously Abused

Transport cops are hunting two mystery men after a female tube train passenger was subjected to religious abuse and threatened with death.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these two CCTV images of the males they wish to question.

Investigating officers are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying them.

BTP are treating the incident as a hate crime.

The victim boarded a southbound Victoria Line train at Finsbury Park station at approximately 1.00pm on Tuesday, February 21.

While on the train she was subjected to religious abuse by two male passengers, which included threats to kill.

The two men left the train at King's Cross station.

Investigators would like to speak to the men in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.

In both cases quote reference number 316 of 21/02/23.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wine-Drinking St. Patrick's Day Sex Pest Hunted

A railway station wino repeatedly pestered a female passenger – requesting her phone number – before sexually assaulting her.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of the suspect they wish to speak to in relation to the alleged offence committed on St. Patrick's Day.

Investigating officers are requesting the assistance of the public to assist in identifying the mystery male.

The woman was approached at approximately 1.45pm on Friday, March 17 at Frimley railway station, Surrey.

She has described an unknown male, who was drinking a bottle of wine at the railway station, approaching her and repeatedly asking for her phone number before molesting her.

Investigators would like to speak to the man in the image who may have information that can help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 238 of 18/03/23.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

County Lines Drug-Dealing Hoodie Locked-Up

A young drug-dealing hoodie, caught hiding from a County Lines police crackdown at a railway station, is starting a three year sentence.

Brandon French, 21, caught caught with 15 wraps of heroin and 17 grams of cannabis at Colchester railway station, Essex by the British Transport Police's County Lines Taskforce.

He tried to hide his identity by pulling his hood across his face, but as the officers approached they detected an instant whiff of cannabis.

French, of St. Mary's Road, Hastings pleaded guilty to possessing heroin, with intent to supply and possessing cannabis at the station on January 23.

Ipswich Crown Court heard it was just before 1.00pm on that day when plain clothed officers approached and searched French and found the drugs along with a burner-style phone.

Detective Inspector Matt Davies said: “The custodial sentence French has received is reflective of his serial county lines offending. I hope he spend his time in jail reconsidering his illegal business interests.

“You may not spot them, but our plain clothes officers are on the railway every day conducting operations to put drug suppliers like French before the courts.

“Our message to anyone using the network to move drugs is clear – we will catch you and you will face justice.”

Early Morning Double Sex Assault On Tube: CCTV Image Released

Two early morning female commuters have been molested at north London's Camden Town Underground station.

The first was targeted on the escalator and the second as she ascended stairs.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of their suspect.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public to assist in identifying the unknown male.

Just after 8.00am on Monday, February 13 the first woman was sexually assaulted by a man on the escalator at the station and again as she made her way to the platform.

Shortly afterwards the second victim was sexually assaulted by the same man as she walked up the stairs in the station.

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 81 of 13/02/23. 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GUILTY: Graduate Sound Engineer Convicted Of Multiple Sex Assaults On Guest

The music producer host of a wine and movie night has been convicted today of sexually assaulting his investment specialist guest, who woke to find his hand inside her knickers.

The woman says her breasts were also groped by fellow graduate Jacques Foce, 33, who later texted: “Thanks for a great night.”

The Cass Business School graduate, who is employed by a global investment company told the Inner London Crown Court jury: “He had unbuttoned and unzipped my jeans.

“He was moving his fingers under my trousers, under my underwear. I was frozen, I was in shock.” 

South African native Foce, of Heyford Avenue, Nine Elms, Lambeth, a former sound engineer for Cape Town’s Smile FM, was unanimously found guilty of five counts of sexual assault in the early hours of July 4, 2020.

The trial heard the woman had been invited over to the converted Victorian flat Foce shared with his absent long-term girlfriend for the evening, confirming via text: “I’m easy as long as it involves wine.”

Describing Foce, a graduate of Cape Audio College, to the jury she said: “He would always hug people when they walked into the room and he calls everyone ‘hon’ or ‘darling.’”

She fell asleep on the sofa next to host Foce, but was woken just after midnight by his actions, she told the trial.

“It was the sensation of his hand,” she explained, describing Foce touching her between her legs. ‘It took me a while to put two and two together of what was happening to me and I was scared.

“I did not think he was capable of doing this to me. I did not know what else he was capable of doing so just thought it was safe just to take it.

“He continued to rub me, stopping and starting,” confirming she did not shout at Foce or tell him to stop.

“He was touching me and then left the room in a hurry and when he came back he touched my face, he kissed my forehead, stroked my face and touched my hair.

“When he finished he turned on the light and said: ‘Wakey, wakey’ and shook me awake.”

She told the jury Foce encouraged her to sleepover in the spare bedroom. “He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. It terrified me.”

She insisted on leaving and during her Uber ride home also received a heart emoji text from Foce and she replied: “Thank-you for a lovely night.”

Prosecutor Mark Trafford KC told the jury: “The defendant is known to be charming and a hugger, to be tactile,” and had once suggested the reluctant complainant join him in a threesome with his long-term girlfriend.

He had complained to the woman he and his girlfriend were not “compatible in the bedroom” and needed to do something “out there,” the court heard.

“On the evening they had both been drinking, they had a glass or two of wine and she fell asleep,” explained the prosecutor. “When she woke up on the sofa she found her jeans unzipped and her trousers slightly down.”

Foce’s hand was between her legs, the KC told the jurors. “She was totally shocked and frozen by this and she feigned sleep, keeping her eyes closed in the hope it would stop.

“He then stopped and zipped up her jeans and then within seconds unzipped them again and carried on.

“Then he touched her breasts and her face and kissed her. She was completely frozen by this.”

Later Foce sent her text, which read: “I’m such an a***hole. I woke up hoping it was all a bad dream. I’m sorry.”

“I am so sorry I’ve done this, but really want to fix this.”

Mr Trafford added: “These are not the texts of someone that blanked out. Alcohol is not an excuse for assault of any kind and certainly not for a sexual assault.

“The defendant said that never happened, but he took advantage of her.”

Recorder Darren Reed told the jury: “I will be assisted by a report from the Probation Service so I am not going to sentence the defendant now.”

Foce will also have to sign the sex offenders register. “Counts two and three trigger the notification requirement as of today,” announced the Recorder, indicating the length of time on the register will depend on the sentence.

“I certify you have been convicted of sexual offences,” he told Foce. “As of today you must keep the police aware of your address and the name you are using.”

Bailing Foce until June 9 on the condition he surrenders his passport within the next twenty-four hours Recorder Reed told him: “It is important you are back at this court.

“I am giving you the opportunity to meet the Probation Officer and it is up to you to make use of that opportunity.”