HMP Wandsworth Locksmith Jailed For Making Cement Key Moulds

Career Up In Smoke: Martynov

A HMP Wandsworth locksmith, who made concrete moulds of a cell key and two wing keys while boasting of selling them for £100,000 to start a new romantic life in Trinidad, received four years and five months imprisonment yesterday.

Married Andrej Martynov, 44, exchanged flirtatious online messages with a colleague at the south-west London prison - where he is destined to start his sentence - urging her to join him in the Caribbean.

He was employed by private facilities management firm Carillion, who had a government contract at the prison and began working there despite hardly speaking a word of English.

Lithuanian-born Martynov, of Routh Street, Beckton pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office on or before September 12, 2019, namely while the ‘lock and key controller’ made moulds of keys and removed them.

“Anyone with access to those keys could release any of the fifteen hundred prisoners and allow them access to the grounds, up to the prison wall,” prosecutor Richard Job told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court today.

HMP Wandsworth is a Category B prison, housing murderers, terrorists and members of organised crime, said Governor George Pugh in a statement.

At least £422,000 was spent changing 840 locks and 1172 keys.

“The maximum sentence for these offences is life imprisonment and the defendant’s culpability is plainly high. It is grave offending, motivated by financial advantage,” said Mr Job.

“The level of harm is high because of the obvious risk to the public and in the words of the Governor the ‘eye watering’ cost of rectifying the damage done by this defendant.”

Martynov always denied there was any sinister or financial motive for creating the moulds, claiming he innocently wanted to familiarise himself with how high-security prison keys work.

The court held a Newton Hearing and he gave evidence, but his claims were rejected by the Judge Rajeev Shetty, who also heard from HMP Wandsworth work colleague Sabrina Ghany, who said Marynov had a crush on her.

He told her he could fund their new life in the Caribbean by selling the moulds to an underworld figure.

His boasts were reported by Ms Ghany and police raided Marynov’s matrimonial home and discovered in a sock drawer the two quick-drying cement moulds, containing three key impressions.

Sabrian Ghany

Ms Ghany, a project escort, who accompanies outside contractors and tradesmen within HMP Wandsworth, told the court she was one of only two fellow-workers who joined Martynov for his birthday drink in a local pub.

“He told me he fancied me and he was interested in me and made two sets of keys and was going to sell them. He said he was going to sell them for fifty thousand pounds each and start a new life.

“It sounded like a joke and I did not take it seriously. It didn’t sound genuine.

“Later we had a beer on Wandsworth Common and he said he wanted to sell the keys  and that he had a buyer.

“He said there was a woman interested and that we could go to Trinidad, where | am from and have a comfortable life there.

“He was very serious and very determined and I kept it very casual and did not show him any reaction, but he was saying it one too many times so I reported him.

“There was an extremely flirtatious facebook element, but I deleted it and apologised to him,” added Ms Ghany. 

“He specifically told me he made a set of Class One and Class Two keys.”

There is no evidence Martynov used the moulds to manufacture keys, but after their discovery all the keys and locks in the entire prison were changed.

Judge Shetty told Martynov, who was supported in court by his wife and his brother: “You made moulds of three different types of prison keys using a form of quick-drying cement.

“The moulds could have been used to make keys that would open cells and wings, but was only discovered when you told a fellow worker about your activity and you were romantically interested in her.

“You said that you had a buyer lined up to pay £100,000 which would allow you to start a new life abroad.

“She was not interested in you and reported you also for your talk about importing mobile phones into prison for profit.

“I reject that these mould were made for fascination or interest. It was done for profit, although there is no evidence you ever had a buyer or made any money.

“Some of what you told her was boastful or bravado.

“This was in breach of a huge amount of trust placed in you.

“The moulds, which could have been used to make keys to the wings and cells, could potentially have led to prisoners escaping.

Back In The Nick: Martynov

“The very purpose and fabric of the building is to prevent prisoners escaping. This could have caused great damage to society and the public.”   

Mr Job told the court Martynov began working at HMP Wandsworth in April, 2017 and was fully trained in sensitive security procedures.

“He would be in possession of prison keys that he would collect at the start of his day’s work and have access to the wings and the cells.”

Police raided his former home in Earlsfield Road, Earlsfield on September 13, 2019.

“When officers searched a chest of drawers they found two blocks of cement, each bearing the impression of keys and he said they were moulds of prison keys,” explained Mr Job.

“He used quick-drying cement, but said he had no intention to supply them to anyone else.

“Using the keys one could get from the cell to the prison grounds with only the wall to scale and as a result all the keys and locks in the prison had to be replaced.”

Police also found two containers of cannabis, which Martynov claimed he bought from a cyclist in Wandsworth Park for £80 and he paid a £246 fine, plus a total of £107 in court costs on his first appearance.

With the assistance of an interpreter Martynov told the court he innocently made the moulds to assist his understanding of prison locks.

“The prisoners block the locks and I thought I could make a tool to open the locks, like a tool bit,” he explained.

“I wanted to train myself how to pick the locks, I wanted to know how prison locks work so I could complete call-outs quicker and go home.

“I made the moulds and one day took them home in my pocket. I did not want to throw them away in case someone recognised them as prison keys.

“I realised I made a stupid mistake and I wanted to smash the moulds when my wife was out, but I did not get the opportunity.”

Martynov laughed at the suggestion he could charge £50,000 per key, insisting he did not discuss this with Ms Ghany.

“About prison keys we talked nothing at all. We have not talked about prison keys,” he said. 

“It was a bad idea to make the moulds, I recognise that. That is why I took them out to destroy them.”

While on bail awaiting sentence Martynov travelled to his native Lithuania to attend his father’s funeral. 

“He carries an extra layer of guilt because it was news of this case, passing to his father in Lithuania, that led to the stroke that killed him,” said Ryan Brennan, defending.”

The lawyer questioned if the moulds would have been any use to the underworld.

“It is questionable if workable keys could have been made from these moulds. There is still a distance to be travelled from the making of these moulds to harm.

“He is likely to go back to Wandsworth today and that is likely to be very difficult for him. It may be like a prison officer going into custody and being on the other side of the glass.

“He made a catastrophic error, something that is out of character,” added Mr Brennan, asking the court to give credit for Martynov returning to the UK after the funeral and not being tempted to take flight in Lithuania. 

“He will suffer greatly as a result of this one mistake.” 

Train Creep Targeted School Group

A mystery train passenger molested a schoolgirl as she got off with her fellow pupils at Kettering railway station.

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

Officers are treating the incident as sexual assault.

The group of school children boarded a train at Wellingborough to make the short journey to Kettering at approximately 4.45pm on Tuesday, September 12.

After the children sat down near the middle of the train, a man started to engage in conversation with one of the boys in the group.

As the train approached Kettering, the group of children stood up and walked towards the train doors. 

At this point it is reported that the man made a comment about one of the girl’s physical appearance and then sexually assault her.

The children left the train at Platform Two at Kettering and left the station.

It is believed the man may have got on a train headed for Leicester.

Detectives would like to speak to the man in the CCTV image, who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 2300107641.

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

Race Attack At Charing Cross Station

Police are seeking these suspected violent racist thugs after a tube train passenger was targeted and repeatedly punched in the face.

The victim's glasses were broken due to the flurry of blows and he was also on the receiving end of racist abuse at Charing Cross Underground Station.

British Transport Police (BTP) are treating the incident as a racially-aggravated assault.

At around 6.15pm on Saturday, November 4, a man in his thirties, wearing glasses and a red scarf, was queueing to enter Charing Cross Underground when two men made several racist comments towards him. 

Once he was inside the station, the two men continued to make racist remarks.

The victim started to make his way towards the Bakerloo Line, via the staircase, but because of congestion, waited at the bottom of the staircase before he could gain access to the platform. 

The two men, now at the top of the stairs, continued to shout racist comments to the man. 

One then walked down and assaulted the victim by punching him in the face multiple times, breaking his glasses.

Detectives believe the two people in the images could have information to help their investigation. 

Did you witness this incident, or do you know who the two individuals are in these images?

If so, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2300130985.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If The Trains Weren't Bad Enough Eh?

A gang of violent robbers, who targeted passengers on the train and bus network, have been sentenced.

Victims were punched, kicked,threatened with a knife and often had gold and silver chains ripped from their necks during the campaign of terror.

Elias Angulo Ruiz, 22, (top left) of Ivatt Place, West Kensington received six years imprisonment.

Juan Martinez Vargas, 22, (top right) of Sudley Grange Road, Ealing received three years and one month's imprisonment.

Starling Rodriguez Jose, 24, (bottom left) of Kildare Road, Canning Town received three years and six months imprisonment.

Yoscar Lake, 22, (bottom right) from Thornton Heath was sentenced to eighteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He must also complete 80 hours community service work and must comply with a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order. 

All three of the imprisoned defendants received an eight-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which prevents them from:

Travelling on any form of TfL public transport unless they’ve paid with their own Oyster Card or contactless payment card.

Carrying a mobile phone, unless they can demonstrate it is registered to them, their employer or their parents.

Associating with or being in the company of any of the co-defendants.

All four were convicted at Inner London Crown Court of conspiracy to commit robbery, with Angulo Ruiz also convicted of an additional two counts of possession of a bladed article.

Their convictions relate to robberies that occurred on the London public transport system in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Over six weeks in the summer of 2019, the group committed 14 robberies.

They targeted people at train stations including Elephant & Castle, Tulse Hill and Sydenham, south London taking phones and jewellery.

In several of the robberies, they ripped gold chains from their victims’ necks.

In one particularly violent robbery on board a train between Tulse Hill and Streatham, a victim was punched and kicked in the face. 

In this robbery, the group took a silver chain that was worth just £36.

Investigating officers used CCTV to identify all of the suspects.

In March, 2020, Angulo Ruiz was part of a group found to be in possession of a bag containing two knives at West Croydon Railway Station. 

In September, 2021 he attempted to rob a man a knifepoint on board a train between Nunhead and Elephant & Castle.

Further offences by members of the same group relating to a robbery on board a bus in Thornton Heath and in the Old Street underpass formed part of the case.

Detective Sergeant Tulin Akdam said: “Criminals like this should know that we’ll make sure they face justice for the crimes they inflict on innocent members of the public.

“This cowardly group worked together to intimidate and target passengers across South London. 

“The rail network is covered by extensive CCTV, which we successfully used to prove that they were behind this crime spree.

“Our uniformed and plain-clothes teams patrol the rail network every day to deter robbery and make sure passengers have safe journeys. 

“Fortunately, incidents like this are rare. 

“If a robbery has just happened, always dial 999 – our officers will quickly deploy to your location and begin immediate enquiries to trace the culprits.”

"Disgusting And Callous Predator" Jailed For Train Sex Attacks

A public transport predator, who targeted lone vulnerable female train passengers, is starting a 14-month prison sentence.

Hailu Getemariam, 24, of Southend Lane, Sydenham molested three females within six weeks.

He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court for three offences of sexual assault and is now banned from sitting next to potential victims when travelling on a train.

That is part of a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed on Getemariam, who is also prohibited from talking to or touching females on trains.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for ten years.

The court heard how on March 25 the victim was travelling alone on a quiet train towards Beckenham Hill station when Getemariam boarded and took a seat beside her, despite there being several seats elsewhere.

Getemariam sexually assaulted the victim throughout the 10 – 15 minute journey. 

She reported feeling scared and blocked in by him due to the proximity of their seats.
As the victim attempted to leave the train at Beckenham Hill, Getemariam also departed the service. 

The victim confronted him and told him to leave her alone otherwise she would call the police.

Less than a month later, on April 18, on board a Northern line train between London Bridge and Balham Underground, Getemariam assaulted a second victim.

The victim reported boarding a busy service where Getemariam stood behind her. 

He used the busy train as a cover to sexually assault her. 

She was able to move further away, however he sexually assaulted her again.

Just over three weeks later, on May 10, a third victim boarded a Jubilee line train between Westminster and London Bridge when – despite there being plenty of space on the train – Getemariam intruded on her personal space and sexually assaulted her.

After moving away, the victim then witnessed him sexually assault another woman. 

Following this, she filmed Getemariam and took pictures of him.

Detectives from British Transport Police followed several lines of enquiry, including CCTV identification to link the three offences and circulated that he was wanted for questioning. 

On May 15 Getemariam was arrested.

Detective Constable Tom Bolton said: “Getemariam is a disgusting and callous predator, who took advantage of the rail network to sexually assault multiple women.

“The bravery of these three victims coming forward highlights how important each report to British Transport Police is. 

“By linking the three reports together, despite his not guilty plea, the evidence spoke for itself and he was found guilty.

“Vile behaviour like Getemariam’s will not be tolerated on the rail network and we are dedicated to tackling offences like this.

“If you are a victim of, or a witness to, a sexual offence on the railway - I urge you to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. We will always take you seriously.”

Early Hours Sex Assault At Canons Park Underground Station

A woman was sexually assaulted by two mystery males in the early hours after departing a train.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and have released this CCTV image of their suspects.

Officers are requesting the assistance of the public to identify the two unknown men.

The victim was approached by two males as she got off a Jubilee Line train at Canons Park Underground Station, north London just before 5.00am on Sunday, July 30.

They shared a brief exchange before the pair sexually assaulted her.

Detectives would like to speak to the men in the images as they believe they may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 81 of 30/07/2023.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Jailed: Tube Train Creep Who Molested 12 Year-Old Schoolgirl

A sexual predator, who filmed up women's skirts and molested a 12 year-old schoolgirl on an Underground train, has received three-and-a-half years imprisonment.

Juan Cervera, 40, of Anchor Drive, Tottenham also collected tens of thousands of indecent images, which police found when they raided his home.

It took six months to hunt Cervera down, with officers assisted by a sketch artist's recreation of his distinctive hand tattoo.

He was convicted by an Inner London Crown Court jury of sexually assaulting the girl on a King's Cross-bound tube train on November 18, 2020.

Cervera also pleaded guilty to offences of 'upskirting' and voyeurism.

The girl was travelling to school and wearing her uniform when she realised an unknown male passenger was staring at her.

In front of other passengers, Cervera brazenly approached her, put his hand up her skirt and sexually assaulted her.

She left the train and Cervera continued to follow her until she ran away from him at King’s Cross Station.

After an extensive investigation that lasted 6 months, Cervera was identified and arrested.

Police recovered multiple phones and hard drives from his address.

Officers found that they contained tens of thousands of indecent images, including upskirting, outraging public decency and voyeurism.

During questioning, Cervera showed no remorse for his actions, refusing to comment when he was shown CCTV of his actions and presented with the evidence from his devices.

Detective Sergeant Robert Wilkes said: “One brave victim coming forward led us to a vile and prolific offender. 

“Her testimony has helped us make sure that he is no longer a danger to women on rail network.”

Detective Chief Inspector Nia Mellor said: “This result comes after an extensive investigation that shows we will do everything in our power to put sexual offenders behind bars.

“British Transport Police detectives doggedly pursued this case, starting with limited lines of enquiry.

“The extensive CCTV on the rail network and intelligence sharing with other police forces led us to Cervera.

“Offenders should be in no doubt that, if you commit crime on the rail network, we will identify you.”

Cycling Mobile Phone Snatcher Caged

A ruthless mobile phone snatcher, who specialised in deliberately crashing his bike into victims, has been locked-up for four years and four months.

Jon Jon Halls, 20, of Upper Street, Islington was responsible for organised and planned snatches – many in the City of London.

As his crime spree progressed he became more and more violent.

On April 27 he deliberately crashed his bicycle into a member of the public walking along Shoreditch High Street.

This resulted in several mobile phones falling to the ground and Halls assaulting a passer-by, who chased him.

Inspector Dan Green, of the Proactive Crime Team at the City of London Police, said: “This was great collaborative work between the City of London Police and Metropolitan Police Service to bring Halls to justice. 

“I’m sure his arrest has had a significant impact on the snatch offences committed in the last six months. 

“Four phones were recovered from victims Halls had targeted in the City. All have been returned to their owners.

“If you come to the City with the intention of stealing mobile phones you will receive a robust response as we work hard to bring you to justice. 

“We will relentlessly target those who offend in the City and those who dispose of stolen phones.

“Should you be a victim of, or witness, a phone snatching, call 999 immediately.”

Midnight Sex Assault At Green Park Underground Station

A tube train passenger was sexually assaulted and twice bitten to the chest by a mystery male, who approached him requesting directions.

The wanted man shook the male victim by the hand, feigning appreciation for assisting him, but this was all part of the assault.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of the suspect they wish to speak to.

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

The victim was walking from the Victoria Line towards the Piccadilly Line at Green Park Underground station just before midnight on September 30.

He later made a complaint to BTP officers that a man approached him, asking for directions and shaking his hand.

The man then sexually assaulted the victim and bit their chest twice.

Detectives would like to speak to the man in the CCTV image, who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 121 of 01/10/23.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wanted: Armistice Day Yobs

Transport cops are hunting four mystery males, wanted for abusing a lone passenger on Armistice Day.

British Transport Police (BTP) have launched the investigation into the offence, which occurred on the London Underground.

Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War One and large groups of demonstrators and counter-demonstrators descended on Central London, particularly The Cenotaph memorial, Whitehall.

BTP officers are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying the four unknown individuals.

They are treating the incident as a “serious public order offence”.

It happened at approximately 4.30pm on Saturday, November 11 on a Circle Line tube train as it travelled eastbound between Westminster and Mansion House Underground Stations.

A group of six or seven men boarded the train at Westminster Underground Station, approached a lone man and started shouting abuse at him.

Detectives would like to speak to the men in the images, who they believe may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 542 of 11/11/2023.

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

Extinction Rebellion Vandals Spray-Painted Grade-I Listed Guildhall

Two Extinction Rebellion protesters, who sprayed a red paint-like substance on the City of London's historic Guildhall, have been sentenced.

The used pair adapted fire extinguishers to cause over £15,000 worth of damage to the Grade-I listed building.

Stuart Basden, 41, of Hebden Bridge and Robert Possnett, 62, of White Rose Cottage, Nacton Lane, Great Barton, Bury St. Edmunds were convicted of causing criminal damage by an Inner London Crown Court jury.

Both were sentenced to two months imprisonment,
suspended for eighteen months and ordered to complete 150 hours community service.

They must also each pay £1200 compensation.

The protesters – who claim they are global environmentalists bringing awareness to climate change – sprayed the facade of the Guildhall on August 27, 2021.

Detective Sergeant David Honan, City of London Police said: “Peaceful protest is the cornerstone of our democracy and we will facilitate lawful protests proportionately and respectfully.

“This prosecution sends out a clear message that criminal damage towards businesses and institutions will not be tolerated and will result in police action, in partnership with Crown Prosecution Service.”

New Year Rapist Jailed For Square Mile Atack

A violent rapist, who struck on New Year after a lone female got off a bus in the early hours, has been locked-up.

The woman was dragged into an alleyway in the City of London, beaten and raped just a few hours into 2023 by a complete stranger, who targeted her.

Awet Solomon, 24, of Bath Road, West Drayton received six years and nine months imprisonment.

At Inner London Crown Court he also pleaded guilty to strangulation and inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Within thirty-six hours of the attack being reported Solomon was arrested, charged and remanded in custody.

When the victim departed the bus in Mansell Street and began walking towards Whitechapel High Street Solomon pounced.

He dragged in to an alleyway, beat her and subjected her to a violent rape.

Detective Superintendent Richard Waight, of the City of London Police, said:

“I would like to thank the victim for showing tremendous courage and strength to come forward to report such an abhorrent incident and in supporting this investigation.

“City of London Police take allegations of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and we investigate them with the utmost sensitivity. 

“We will believe you, listen and support you throughout every step of the investigation and do everything we can to bring the offender to justice.

“I would also praise all those who investigated this crime. 

“Their diligence and hard work has contributed to making the City a safer place.”