Ex-Gangster Dave Courtney Cleared Of Knuckle Dusters Charge

Another day in Court: 'Dodgy Dave'

Hardman Dave Courtney has beaten a police charge over knuckle dusters, a dagger and martial arts throwing star found at his landmark ‘Camelot Castle’ home in south-east London.

The 64 year-old, of Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court alongside housemate Brendan McGirr, 56.

Both were charged with possession of offensive weapons in a private place on December 29, 2022, after local police visited the address to discuss Courtney’s New Year organised bare knuckle fights. 

Officers returned half-an-hour later with a Sergeant and identified various weapons scattered around the property.

The charge against Bermondsey-born Courtney was withdrawn and film props company boss McGill pleaded guilty to illegally possessing all the dangerous items.

Prosecutor Sophie Akister told the court officers visited the address at approximately 6.40pm and only McGill was home, with Courtney on holiday.

“The officers wanted to speak to Mr Courtney because of intelligence reports regarding his New Year parties and organised bare knuckled fights.

“Mr McGill answered and allowed the officers inside, where they recognised various offensive weapons that are not allowed in a private place.

Brendan McGirr

“They returned around thirty minutes later and noticed many swords, some in buckets, but they were all clearly blunt and Mr McGill produced weapons and handed them over to the police voluntarily.

“They were hanging on walls and strewn across shelves and other surfaces and none were in locked cases,” added the prosecutor.

The six knuckle dusters were of various designs and the throwing star is a Japanese weapon known as a shuriken.  

Courtney’s home is a local landmark, bedecked with union flags and flags of St. George, plus a huge side wall mural of the ex-gangster depicted as a knight sitting on a knuckle duster-themed throne surrounded by his men.

“In a statement to police Mr McGill said the items recovered were all film props belonging to his company and he felt possession of them was lawful,” explained Miss Akister.

“He said they were for the purpose of theatrical productions and film and television and were used in rehearsals and were like displays in a museum.”

“I am asking for pre-sentence reports in this case,” said David Richter, defending, before McGill was bailed to Bexley Magistrates’ Court on August 14.

“We will go along with your request and we are going to adjourn for pre-sentence reports,” announced magistrate John Fitzgerald.

“You have pleaded guilty, but we are not going to sentence you today,” he told McGill. “I urge you to co-operate with the Probation Service. It is your opportunity to state your case.”

Jail For Train Knifeman

A train ticket-dodger was caught with a knife on him after an inspector caught him travelling without paying his fare.

Twenty-four hours later Suwilanji Siwale, 21, was starting a twenty-six week prison sentence.

British Transport Police officers attached to the County Lines Task Force searched him when alerted by his nervous behaviour.

Siwale, of Heronsgate, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex pleaded guilty to possessing an article with a blade or point at Chelmsford railway station on June 22.

He appeared in custody the following day at North Essex Magistrates' Court, which heard he was challenged by a Revenue Inspector when unable to produce a valid train ticket.

Due to his suspicious behaviour he was detained and searched by police officers and the concealed knife was found in his waistband.

PC Moyses Coutinho from BTP's County Lines Task Force said: "There is no reason why someone should carry a knife on the rail network, and I am pleased the courts were able to get this individual sentenced in such a timely manner. 

“In twenty-four hours he was found, arrested and sentenced, taking another potentially dangerous individual off the streets."

Teenage Schoolgirl Targeted By Train Creep

A middle-aged train creep, who harassed a 13 year-old schoolgirl, has been locked-up.

Roger Iriri, 55, of Ford Road, Dagenham, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing intentional harassment, alarm or distress contrary to the Public Order Act.

At Barkingside Magistrates’ Court he received 26 weeks imprisonment.

At just after 3.00pm on July 1, last year the victim entered Barking railway station as she travelled home from school.

She was approached by Iriri, who invaded her personal space and asked her how she was and what school she went to.

Two members of the public intervened to move the victim away from him, but as they did so he made a series of sexually explicit comments aimed at her.

The police were called by security guards at the station and officers raced to the scene and arrested Iriri.

British Transport Police Sergeant Helen Hardless said: “No one should be subjected to such repulsive remarks as they travel, especially not a young girl returning from school. 

“There is simply no place for offenders like Iriri on the rail network, and this case should serve as a stark warning to offenders – we will do everything in our power to bring you to justice.

“If you witness or experience a sexual harassment on the railway, report it to us by texting 61016. No report is too small or too trivial and we will always take your seriously.”

Heartless Foreign Thieves Nicked Train Passengers Bags

A pair of heartless bag thieves, who teamed up to target victims in rail station cafés, have been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Hernan Montero-Villegas, 54, (L) and Miguel Angel Contreras-Nova, 39, (R) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft and one count of money laundering.

At Inner London Crown Court Montero-Villegas received 18 months imprisonment and Contreras-Nova 14 months imprisonment.

The first incident occurred on February 25 when Montero-Villegas targeted a 54-year-old woman, who was drinking a cup of tea in Liverpool Street station’s Soho Coffee café.

He spotted her rucksack on the floor and began manoeuvring it away from her with his foot, before taking his own rucksack off, concealing hers behind it and leaving with both.

The victim’s rucksack contained €100, £40, her driving licence, bank cards and a phone charger.

Less than a month later, on March 22, Montero-Villegas and Contreras-Nova stole a 50-year-old woman’s bag from the Starbucks inside London Waterloo station as she sat with her colleagues.

Contreras-Nova pretended to be on the phone and walked around the café while Montero-Villegas again used his foot to move the bag away from the victim. 

He picked it up and left the café with Contreras-Nova in tow.

Her bag contained a purse containing £200 and other various items including her reading glasses and an umbrella.

The final offence occurred on March 28 in London St Pancras’ Paul Express café when Montero-Villegas and Contreras-Nova again combined to swipe a 50-year-old man’s satchel.

It contained two Eurostar tickets, a film script, earphones, a phone charger and his passport.

Just two days later, on March 30, a BTP officer patrolling London Bridge station spotted the pair and arrested them in connection to the bag thefts.

They also had £3,000 cash on them.

PC Steve Bryan said: “Montero-Villegas and Contreras-Nova are clearly experienced bag snatchers, who have refined their tactics to avoid being detected by the unsuspecting victims they target.

“What they failed to realise is that the railway is a CCTV-rich environment and here at BTP we are relentless in our pursuit of thieves. We won’t stop until they’re put before the courts.

“I hope the adequately long prison terms handed down to them provides the three victims with the comfort of justice being served.

“If you’re a victim of theft on the railway, report it to us as soon as possible by texting 61016 – we’ll always take swift action.”

Ticket To Rye Sex Assault

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image of a suspected train sex pest after a woman travelling to the coast with friends was molested.

Detectives are treating the investigation as sexual assault and are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying the unknown male.

The incident occurred on-board a train between Ashford International and Rye in Kent. 

At around 11.30am on May 27, the victim was travelling towards to Camber Sands with three friends.

As part of the journey they boarded a service from Ashford to Rye and stood in the train’s carriage. 

A man was also standing in the carriage and during the journey he sexually assaulted the victim. 

When the train arrived at Rye, the man put on a black surgical mask and ran out of the station.

Detectives 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 396 of 27 May.

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

"Predatory" Hair Stylist Finally Caged

Jailed: Luckhurst

An award-winning hair stylist, who felt he had “a licence” to molest two 17 year-old trainees, is finally behind bars after the Attorney General’s Office appealed his ‘unduly lenient’ suspended sentence.

Married father-of-two Alan Luckhurst, 37, groped the breasts and bums of the young women after taking them into a rear private area of his salons.

Luckhurst claimed he had “already been punished a great deal” after spending two years on police bail before being charged and enduring multiple trial postponements during lockdown and barristers strikes.

He was awarded the ‘Retailer of the Year’ prize while managing a Headmasters salon, where he sexually assaulted the first victim.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard he was arrested and on bail for those offences when he molested the second victim at another salon Luckhurst opened himself.

On March 27, after fighting the case for years and forcing his young victims to give evidence before a jury, Luckhurst was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

However, that sentence by Recorder William Featherby KC, who noted Luckhurst was at “low risk” of re-offending, was overturned by the Court of Appeal, which imposed two years and six months immediate imprisonment.

Award Winner: Luckhurst & Mark Wright

The case had been reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme and Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP announced: “Luckhurst’s vile crimes are only exacerbated by the trust placed in him to look after young students on work experience.

“The severity of his appalling behaviour has now been recognised by the courts and he will spend time in prison for crimes that have left a devastating impact on his victims.”

The Metropolitan Police even urged other potential victims to come forward after the hairdresser was originally sentenced.

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin said at the time: “Luckhurst completely abused his position as manager of these young women and took advantage of being alone with them during their time at work.

“It is clear that the offences he committed have had a serious and significant impact on both their personal and professional lives.

“We believe there may be other young women who may have worked with Luckhurst and been victim to his predatory behaviour.

“We would urge anyone who believes that to be the case to come forward and speak to us.”

The stylist, of Priors Barn House, Beaumont Drive, Worcester Park, Sutton, proudly published on social media a photo of himself and TOWIE star Mark Wright, who was guest of honour at one of those industry award ceremonies.

When he was originally sentenced last March Recorder Featherby told heavily-tattooed Luckhurst: “Both were seventeen years-old and you were the manager and later the owner of two salons and you accepted apprentices from colleges to work in your salons and you sexually assaulted both of them.

“You went considerably further than ‘making passes’ when you took them into a private room at the rear of each premises under the pretence of discussing their progress.”

Luckhurst fought the charges, but was convicted of six counts of sexually assaulting the first victim, plus one charge of sexual activity on various dates in 2017 at Headmasters Hair Salon, Twickenham.

Regarding the second victim he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual activity on various dates in 2021 at The Avenue salon, Sutton.

The original sentence also included an 18-month Community Order; to attend 35 days of a sex offenders programme; comply with up to thirty days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and obey a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting him employing staff under 18 years-old.

Luckhurst repeatedly touched the breasts of the first victim; placed his hand between her legs and pressed his groin against her bum. 

He also groped the breasts of the second victim and once made her touch him intimately between the legs.

All the offences involved groping over the girls’ clothing apart from one incident when he forced his hand under the second victim’s bra.

“You plainly felt an attraction two these young women and felt you had some sort of licence to touch them,” Recorder Featherby told Luckhurst. “You made them both feel vulnerable and frightened.

“They continue to feel violated and vulnerable and these experiences put their careers in other directions.”

Luckhurst’s lawyer Kimberley Aiken told the court in March: “These convictions have been a massive blow to this man, who has built his career up. He has felt suicidal and his business has been limping on.

“The last six years have been an apocalypse for both him and his wife and they twice had to cancel their wedding when trials were listed and then cancelled.”

Luckhurst spent two years on police bail before the Crown Prosecution Service decided to charge him and his trial was further delayed by Covid and barristers strikes.

“He has already suffered a great deal,” added Ms Aiken. “It is not normal to have to wait his long.

“He understands he is here today to be punished and feels he has already been punished a great deal.

“Apart from these dreadful convictions he has had a positive stable life and adores his two children.

“He has had a pretty rotten wake-up call. He has had the shock of his life and now accepts he was in the wrong, late as it is.

“I ask the court to pass a sentence that allows Mr. Luckhurst to continue building his life, a charitable life rather than living a life in shame on the sex offenders register.

“It was another awful day in his life when the police visited his home.”

Recorder Featherby told Luckhurst: “Other than these offences you are a responsible person who has been involved in charitable works and fundraising.

“The financial impact on you and your family is considerable, running into the tens of thousands of pounds.

“These are multiple and repeated offences, but the Probation Service say you are at ‘low risk’ of re-offending.”

Four Men Accused Of Diverting Pet Food Meat To Public:

Anthony Fear (L) & Mark Hooper (R)

Cheap waste meat destined for pet food was deliberately diverted for human consumption by four businessmen, whose plot was “motivated by massive profits,” a trial heard.

The ‘low risk’ animal parts, which typically sold for £100-£120 per ton immediately became much more valuable when sold as food to the public, Inner London Crown Court was told.

A visit by Southwark Council’s Food Safety Team on an unhygienic, secret, illegal “cutting room”, where 1.9 tons of meat and poultry were seized, uncovered the scam, the jury heard.

Four men and one company are charged with conspiracy to defraud by diverting animal by-product, which was unfit for human consumption, into the food chain between June 1 and September 22, 2020.

They are Anthony Fear, 61, of Somerset Bridge, Hamp Bridge, Bridgwater, Somerset and his company Fear Animal Products Ltd.

Fear Animal Products Ltd. manager Mark Hooper, 62, of Somerset Bridge, Hamp Bridge, Bridgwater.

Ali Afzal, 44, of East Street, Walworth.

Ali Afzal (L) & Azar Irshad (R)

Azar Irshad, 37, of High Road, Ilford.

Afzal and Irshad alone are jointly charged with seven counts of failing to comply with food regulations and individually each face one count of failing to comply with the regulations.

Prosecutor Ryan Thompson said: “This is a case of food fraud. 

“These defendants conspired together to defraud by taking meat and poultry animal by-product that was unfit for human consumption and diverting it into the food chain and were motivated by massive profits.”

The case involves animal parts deemed ‘low risk’ yet still unfit for people to consume, the jury heard.

“This is frequently used for pet food and has a low value,” said the prosecutor.

Council officers visited the Walworth premises, which were only accessible via a secure gated narrow walkway to the rear and another business to the front, on September 22, 2020.

Among the meat seized were 160 kilos of lamb testes and the labels on the by-product led investigators to Fear and Hooper.

Both are involved in running Fear Animal Products Ltd. said Mr. Thompson. “The company collects animal by-product and transports it to another company, a pet food manufacturer.”

The prosecution say Afzal and Irshal were responsible for the Walworth premises, which were unclean, lacked facilities such as hot water and had illegal food stock that should not be sold to the public.

The court heard Southwark Council were tipped-off by the National Food Crime Unit in March, 2020 about the selling of illegal meat, but an inspector could not access the cutting room premises.

“Via a flat roof he saw this premises and took a photo of it and noticed a foul odour of rotting meat coming from the ventilation fan,” explained Mr Thompson.

Southwark Council returned on September 22, gaining access via a blocked door from another business and found two workers inside.

“There was a large quantity of raw poultry being cut up, skinned and washed and lemon juice was used to try and clean the chicken and there was a water hosepipe.

“The condition of the premises was extremely poor. There was no hot water for hand-washing, just a hose and there was chipped and missing paint on the walls.”

In a large chiller was found 160 kilos of lamb testes, two kilos of beef burgers and in a black bin liner illegal sheep’s heads along with cows feet and tongues.

The jury were told labels on the by-products led them to companies in Wales and Cornwall, from which Fear Animal Products Ltd. collected the ‘low risk’ meat.

Fear Animal Products Ltd. was responsible for transporting tons of the meat to Doncaster, where it became pet food, but instead it ended up in a secret Walworth cutting room, destined for human consumption, the jury heard.

Trial continues…………..