Nightmare Neighbour Sentenced

A nightmare neighbour, who 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 - has been sentenced.

Omar Yasin, 61, also followed the wife 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 fought the case, but was convicted of harassing Alistair Patterson and Katerina Kim in August and September, last year.

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.

Earlier this year at Wimbledon Magistrates Court Yasin was placed on a twelve-month Community Order and fined £180, with £200 costs, plus a £114 victim surcharge.

He was also made subject to a two-year restraining order, prohibiting contact with the couple.

Katerina told the trial 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.”

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……………..

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.”

NOT GUILTY: British Blacklist Founder Cleared Of Windrush Day 'Assault'

Cleared: Acua Gyamfi

An ex-BBC Radio London producer has been cleared of an assault-that-never-was on a black activist during a £35,000 sponsorship row.

Acua Gyamfi, 46, who herself promotes black creatives, was found not guilty of assaulting Alisha Hall, 41, outside a Windrush Day celebration.

  

She founded The British Blacklist in 2012 and told City of London Magistrates’ Court: “It is a media platform showcasing the talents of black creatives across the arts. 

“A labour of love that turned into a massive media project.

“I was introduced to Alisha Hall in August, 2021 by two friends at the British Film Institute (BFI) because I was planning a lunch for black filmmakers at the London Film Festival.

“I was looking for sponsors and they were approached by Alisha, who offered to sponsor the BFI London Film Festival.

“She offered support by sponsoring the introductory soiree and my two BFI friends said: ‘She has approached us, she is sponsoring us.’

“Alisha agreed to be the sponsor of the lunch and she asked for invoices for the £35,000 agreed amount for the event at the NoMad Hotel, Covent Garden.”

The luxury hotel is housed in the converted former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court listed building.

The event proceeded on October 8, with Gyamfi paying £20,000 out of her pocket to secure the location, confident Hall’s sponsorship would be paid.

“She was the guest of honour because she was the main sponsor,” Gyamfi told the court. “She said the money would be paid in three days so I used my money to pay for the venue.

“That money was not paid and she was very apologetic and said it was Santander’s fault. I used my money, £20,000, with confidence that Alisha was going to reimburse me, but that did not happen.

“She said there was ‘account maintenance’ and then there were multiple emails from her saying: ‘The money is in your bank. The money will be in your bank.’

Alisha Hall

“I started to feel quite suspicious as to where the money was and she claimed to have gone to the bank with her legal team.

“In November I was suspicious that this money was not going to come and in January I told her I did not believe the money was going to come.”

Both women attended a Windrush Day celebration at the Film and TV Charity HQ in Golden Square, Soho on June 22, last year.

“I saw Alisha in the garden area and made a point to say ‘hello’ and she kind of gave me a dismissive ‘hello’ back,” explained Gyamfi.

“I wanted to speak to Alisha to clear up why the money had not been paid and I went over to her and said: ‘We should talk.’

“She said: ‘I don’t want to talk to you, I don’t have to. Go away,’ It surprised me and I was flustered.

“I said: ‘You owe me £35,000, you owe the BFI £200,000 and Rhapsody Media £38,000.’

“I was bemused at this point and didn’t understand why she did not want to engage in conversation. I thought I could appeal to her better nature. 

“She was saying: ‘Leave me alone, go away, I don’t have to talk to you,’ and she started to get more flustered.”

The court heard Hall began shouting: “Get my lawyer, get the police,” and told the event’s organiser Gyamfi was “harassing” her.

Gyamfi told her: “You call the police because I am asking you to confess, to come clean or apologise for not paying me.”

Hall’s mother Elain Roberts intervened, suggesting the complaint was a matter for solicitors.

“Alisha then sarcastically said: ‘She doesn’t have the money for a lawyer,’ and it got more irate between us.

“She was being very unapologetic and and was swearing at me, telling me to f*** off. She was creating a storm to make it look like she was the victim.

“Something inside broke my spirits so I started to cry and get upset and emotional, asking: ‘Alisha. Why are you being like this? Tell the truth and pay the money you owe me.

‘You have ruined my life and I owe my mum £19,000 because she bailed me out.’

“She continued to tell me to ‘f*** off’ and to leave her alone and go away.”

The court viewed CCTV of Gyamfi following Hall and her mother outside and down the street, but denied she clenched her fists to punch the complainant.

“There is no way I would have done this. It was more emotional hands and I was upset.

“I’ve not had a fight in my life and I had no intention ever of hitting her, especially with her mum being there and the event, that environment.

“That was never, ever something I would do or thought to do. I did not go to hit Alisha or intend to hit Alisha and her mother showed no fear of me.

“I was saying to her: ‘You have ruined my life. You f***ed up my life.’ I was embarrassed, very distressed, very emotional.

Prosecutor Sharon Michaels asked: “You clearly believed she owed you money and was trying to get out of it, yes? That she had scammed you and was basically a very dishonest person.

“You said she scammed you as a bogus sponsor, that she’s bogus and a scammer, yes?” suggestions Gyamfi agreed with from the witness box.

“You invaded her space didn’t you?” asked the prosecutor and referring to following Hall outside said: “That’s rather intimidating isn’t it?”

Gyamfi denied she was aggressive, but was just taking a rare opportunity to speak to Hall face to face.

“Communication had been going on for so long and it was my first chance. I was calm and thought I would appeal to her best nature.”

Describing Gyamfi’s behaviour on the CCTV footage Ms Michaels said: “You’re waving your hands around and Ms Hall is trying to get away from you and you are still following.

“We see you thrusting your hands out, flailing your arms. You are waving, flailing your hands in such a manner that a man in a blue suit and another man have to step in because of your behaviour.

“Her mother steps in to stop you trying to hit her daughter. You are clearly trying to hit her and if the mother had not stepped in you would have connected.”

Gyamfi said: “I didn’t throw any punches at Alisha. I did not stand in  a boxer’s stance.”

Her lawyer George Skinner said of Hall: “She has spun a web of lies. She did not fear an attack that day.

“Ms Gyamfi is a role model, an inspiring person that has built an impressive career and uses that to help others.

“In the circumstances of the £35,000 owed you may feel she was incredibly controlled,” he told the magistrates.

Gyamfi, of Ember Court, Emlyn Gardens, Shepherd’s Bush was found not guilty of assaulting Alisha Hall in Golden Square on June 22, last year.

“It is agreed there was an argument inside and outside the venue and you followed Ms Hall and her mother outside and at the time raised your arms,” announced bench Chairwoman Sneha Kooros.

“Ms Hall’s evidence was that during the event’s Q and A you deliberately sat behind her and her mother and approached her about money she owed you on multiple occasions.

“She said she was frightened and embarrassed and asked someone to call the police.

“You followed them across the road and she said that you told her you were going to ‘get her’ and she said she thought she was going to be hit by you and you circled around her with raised clenched fists.

“We feel you were credible and honest in giving evidence and were concise and plausible,” the magistrate told her. “Your actions did not amount to common assault.

“It was a heated conversation that could have gone wrong, but it didn’t.”

Ticket Barrier Sex Assault At Letchworth Station

Transport cops are hunting this suspect after a woman was sexually assaulted at a train station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released the CCTV image.

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

The woman complained to BTP that she was sexually assaulted at Letchworth railway station, Hertfordshire at 11.50pm on Saturday, November 26, last year.

She says the incident occurred by the station's ticket barriers, just before midnight.

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

He is described as white, aged approximately thirty to fifty years-old with shaved, balding hair and wearing a green shirt, blue trousers (probably jeans) and black trainers.

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

In both cases, quote reference number 173 of 28/11/22.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.