Wimbledon Tennis Bodyguard Accused Of Trying To Rape Female Colleague

A Wimbledon tennis tournament players’ bodyguard molested and tried to rape a female colleague after the pair enjoyed drink and cocaine into the early hours, a court heard.

Both were employed as official ‘Player Escorts’ and after drinking at a local pub returned to the student halls of residence at the University of Roehampton, where they were housed.

Phillip Harrison, 32, of Littlewood Close, Browney, Durham has pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, plus a count of assault by penetration on June 30, 2023.

The close protection officers had just completed their duties in the qualifying tournament and celebrated with other colleagues at The Angel pub, and continued drinking at the university.

“I woke up to Phil in my bedroom. He was in bed with me naked,” the woman told the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury via a police video-recorded interview.

“I said: ‘What the f*** are you doing in my bedroom?’ and the next thing he was beside me.

“He just kind of laughed it off a little bit. He undressed and climbed into bed with me.

“He was kissing my back, neck and ears and was putting his hand on my breast and between my legs a few times and he kept trying to put his hand between my legs.

“He tried to push hard further between my legs around five times and was saying he was really horny.

“I told him to leave and he said I was moody. I rolled over onto my stomach so the mattress was protecting most of the parts of my body and he sat on top of me.”

Prosecutor Charlotte Newell told the court Harrison had been texting his affections to the complainant throughout the evening and had twice tried to kiss her when they were drinking in her room, along with another male colleague.

“He twice tried to kiss her and she rebuffed his advances, but continued making sexual overtures to her by text.”

At 7.24am Harrison texted: ‘Filth don’t come into it,’ ‘Let me tease and please you like never before’ and ‘Give into temptation.’

“He also tried to tempt her with more cocaine,” explained the prosecutor and also texted: ‘I’m coming for a cuddle. LMAO.’

“The Crown say Mr Harrison relentlessly pursued her for a sexual encounter. 

“He would not take no for an answer and persuaded reception staff to allow him access to her corridor and access to her room.

“He walked into her bedroom, where she was naked in bed. He undressed and got into bed, lying behind her.

“He stroked her body, cupped her breast and she moved his hand away, but he repeatedly put his hand between her legs.

“She rolled onto her front to stop him touching her and he climbed on top, pinning her down, straddling her as she kept her legs together.

“He climbed on top, pinning her down, straddling her and she prevented him by keeping her legs together.”

Eventually Harrison left the woman’s room, but continued sending her texts. “He told her he would lose everything and his life would be over if she reported him,” said Ms Newell.

“If she reported him the complaint would reveal she had used cocaine and it would negatively affect her career. That blackmail worked because she was conflicted, but decided it was necessary to do so.

“He confessed to a colleague he had gone too far and expressed suicidal thoughts, saying he could not live with his actions on his conscience.”

Harrison also texted the woman: ‘FFS I can’t believe I came into your room. Obviously out of control,’ ‘OMFG what a mess I was in’ and ‘I’m sorry if I was OTT.’

“Mr Harrison begged the complainant not to report him, but she did and he was arrested three weeks later at a London hotel and was interviewed.

“In a prepared statement he said she enticed him to her room where she had been flirtatious, but nothing had happened.

“He says there was no touching and she is lying about that. He says he did not even take his clothes off and just tried to give her a kiss and cuddle and she was not interested.

“He said he made no sexual advances and was shaken by the allegations.”

Trial continues…………..

Drug Dealing County Lines Duo Caught

A County Lines drug-dealing couple were caught after the male half of the duo was seen trying to dodge uniformed police at Dartford railway station.

The railway network was utilised by Roberto Rossi, 37, and Joanne Branscombe, 44, to transport cocaine; ketamine; amphetamine and cannabis.

The British Transport Police's (BTP) County Lines taskforce stopped Rossi on February 24 and seized cocaine; £1,000 cash and an iPhone used for drug dealing.

When an address he shared with Branscombe was searched further Class A and B drugs were found.

At Inner London Crown Court Rossi, of Hollingbourne Avenue, Bexleyheath received sixteen months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession, with intent to supply, ketamine and cannabis; possession of cocaine and possession of amphetamine.

Branscombe, of Samson Close, Dartford received twenty-two months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of possession, with intent to supply, ketamine and cannabis; possession of cocaine and possession of amphetamine.

When Rossi was approached and asked about his behaviour he admitted being in possession of cocaine. 

The search revealed Rossi was also carrying an iPhone which he denied was his with incoming messages asking for drugs, as well as more than £1,000 in cash.

Investigating officer DC Rob Chaplin said: “Anyone who uses the rail network to transport illicit drugs or engage in criminality of any kind, would do well to remember that we have eyes everywhere.

“Our expert officers are specialists in detecting all manner of suspicious activity.

“Blundering Rossi fell foul of this and led us straight to his home where it became clear he and his girlfriend were engaged in a drug dealing operation.

“Thanks to our County Lines taskforce these dangerous drugs are now off the rail network and off the streets. Our work to stop the trade in drugs via the railway is 24/7 and will never cease.”

Square Mile Ban: Thief Locked-Up

A prolific thief, who deliberately targeted bags and phones of victims in the City of London, is starting a two-year prison sentence.

Hamza Kalouache, 34, frequented pubs, train stations and other public places, heartlessly snatching peoples' valuable personal property.

After leaving prison he must comply with a two-year ban from entering the Square Mile after a Criminal Behaviour Order (CRIMBO) was imposed.

He was sentenced for his most recent known thefts of a bag from a pub in Watling Street and a mobile phone and wallet at King's Cross Station.

Kalouache has eight similar previous convictions since 2020

City of London Police said a CRIMBO was necessary to protect members of the public, due to the serious nature of his offences.

Inspector Dan Green, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime team said: “Hamza Kalouache’s criminal activity in the City of London will have caused a significant level of harassment and distress for his victims.

“He is a professional thief, targeting the valuable property of victims who are frequenting Public Houses within the City of London and showed no signs of stopping his criminal activities. 

This CRIMBO will aim to prevent him from committing similar offences and act as a deterrent for reoffending.

“We will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice and we will use all of our resources to help prevent and deter any further criminal activities.”

If Kalouache breaches his CBO, he could face further jail time.

Hat Trick: Duo Hunted For Victoria Station Watch Mugging

A passenger at Victoria Station had his £5,000 Tag Heuer watch snatched from him by two unknown men as he walked to the taxi rank in the early hours.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their two hat-wearing suspects.

Investigating officers are appealing to the public to assist them in identifying the mystery pair.

They are treating it as an offence of robbery.

Shortly before 4.30am on Saturday, July 20 the victim was walking from the Southbound Victoria Line to the taxi rank in front of Victoria Station.

Two men followed him and grabbed his Tag Heuer watch, worth around £5,000, before running off.

Officers believe the men in the image may have information which could assist their investigation.

If you recognise them, or have any other information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 115 of 20 July.

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

Woman Molested On Tube: Do You Know This Man?

A late-night female London Underground passenger was sexually assaulted while travelling with a friend.

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

They are requesting members of the public assist them in identifying the unknown male.

Investigating officers are treating the offence as sexual assault.

At approximately 11.15pm on Sunday, June 23, the victim was traveling with a friend from Wembley Park on the Metropolitan Line when she was sexually assaulted by a man.

Officers believe the person in the image has information that could assist their enquiries.

Anyone who recognises him or has any information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 60 of 24 June.

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

Stormzy's Illegal Lambo Tinted Windows Rap

Rapper Stormzy will be sentenced for having illegal heavily-tinted windows on his £200,000 Lamborghini after a court rules if he was using a mobile phone while driving his Rolls Royce Wraith.

The award-winning musician, 30, did not appear at the Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court hearing,
where he was listed under his real name Michael Ebenezer Owuo Jr. 

He pleaded guilty via his lawyer Humzah Ilyas to a charge of using a motor vehicle in a condition likely to cause danger of injury, namely front driver and passenger side tinted windows that allowed only 4% light.

This relates to Stormzy driving his red four litre Lamborghini Urus in Coombe Lane, Kingston-upon-Thames on October 17, last year.

His address is a five bedroom £2.5m house in nearby Coombe Lane West.

“He has pleaded guilty on the windows and we will deal with that at the conclusion of the trial,” announced bench Chairwoman Deborah Draksmith.

The Croydon-born BRIT Award-winning artist pleaded not guilty to driving his grey £225,000 6.6 litre Rolls Royce Wraith in Addison Road, West Kensington on March 7, this year while using hand-held mobile phone.

Prosecutor Alice Holloway told the court: “This defendant is not here today and there are two matters. One is driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition with excessively tinted windows.

“He has pleaded guilty to that offence after initially pleading not guilty and the trial was listed for today.

“There is also a mobile phone driving offence and that is a not guilty plea and today’s hearing is to fix a trial date.”

Stormzy’s lawyer asked for permission to potentially change the October 16 trial date to fit his client’s busy schedule.

“I do not have dates to avoid for my client given the nature of his job,” said Mr Ilyas. “Mr Owuo is an international musician and if there is a tour or show it creates incredible difficulties for him.”

Ms Draksmith announced: “The bench are happy to grant that application, but you must inform your client that should he not turn up on the day of the trial it will go ahead in his absence.”

Mum's Drink-Drive Crash

A mother-of-two crashed into another car while over twice the drink-drive limit and with a pair young children in her vehicle.

Ramune Gaigalaite, 37, was seen swerving all over the road and into the path of oncoming traffic before the collision.

“Police officers noted she smelled of alcohol, her speech was slurred, her eyes were glazed and she was unsteady on her feet,” prosecutor Pamela Ciesla told Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Gaigalaite, of Rokewood Apartments, High Street, Beckenham pleaded guilty to driving a Vauxhall Mokka in nearby Westgate Road on June 13 with excess alcohol in her breath.

Her reading was 85 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

She also pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of two children, namely boys aged five and seven years-old, who cannot be identified.

“She was witnessed by officers driving erratically,” explained Ms Ciesla. “She was all over the road and crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic and collided with a black VW Golf.”

Gaigalaite failed a roadside breath-test and was arrested.

“She seemed incapable of keeping control of the children and the police officers had to ensure they did not step into the busy road.

“The offence is aggravated by carrying passengers and being involved in a collision.”

The first-time offender’s lawyer Bruce Reid told the court: “They are not the most serious offences, although I choose my words carefully because there are aggravating features to the excess alcohol charge.

“She was feeling overwhelmed and was drinking at home although she says alcohol is not a problem for her.

“She was under extreme pressure, looking after the children.”

Gaigalaite was bailed to return for sentencing on August 23 and bench Chair Beverley Thomas told her: “For these offences we need to know more about you and your situation.

“We will obtain a pre-sentence report from probation, which will be very important and the court will take all your circumstances into account.

“We are going to impose an interim disqualification from driving and that starts now.”

Ex-Boyfriend Facing Multiple Charges

A man accused of violence within an alleged controlling domestic relationship has appeared in court.

Dave Newman, 48, of Samos Road, Penge - now living in Biggin Hill - appeared on bail at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

He is charged with three counts of assault, causing actual bodily harm, on the same female on November 16, 2022 and June 16 and 17, last year.

Newman is also charged with engaging in a controlling or coercive behaviour within a relationship between October 1, 2022 and December 31, last year.

This is alleged to involve which friends the victim could see, threatening to hurt himself or his dog, calling the complainant degrading names, preventing her ending the relationship and visiting her in contravention of a civil injunction.

Newman is also charged with the sexual assault of a female on November 10, last year and being in charge of a dog, namely an American XL Bully, dangerously out off control on the same day when a friend of the woman was injured.

He is also accused of the intentional strangulation of that same male on November 14, 2022.

Newman was bailed on condition he does not contact the complainants or visit their addresses and will appear at Woolwich Crown Court on August 16.

Stolen 1966 Daimler: Man In Court

A man accused of selling a stolen luxury Jaguar Daimler has appeared in court.

Edward Brown, 47, of Cobden Road, Luton, Chatham indicated not guilty pleas to the charges against him.

He appeared on bail at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and elected jury trial.

Brown will next appear at Woolwich Crown Court on August 16.

He is charged with handling stolen goods between June 3 and 6, 2022, namely the green 1966 2.5 litre Daimler belonging to Lee Jarlett.

He is also charged with fraud by false representation on or about June 6, 2022, namely selling the vehicle for £2,000.

The court heard the car was stolen after a burglary. 

Bench Pest: Suspect Hunted By Police

A woman was molested by a mystery male as she sat on a bench outside Maidenhead railway station.

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

Investigating officers are requesting the assistance of the general public to identify him.

They are treating it as an offence of sexual assault.

On Sunday, June 30 at approximately 8.00pm a woman was sitting on a bench outside the station when she was approached by a man who touched her inappropriately and made a remark.

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 589 of 30 June.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

His Majesty's Pleasure: Train Pervert Locked-Up

A train pervert, who twice pleasured himself in front of lone female passengers on the same day, is starting a prison sentence of two years and eight months.

James Gathercole, 39, deliberately placed himself in the eyeline of the 27 year-old and 19 year-old victims on suburban services in south-west London.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to two counts of exposure and also received a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard Gathercole committed both offences on Sunday, May 26.

The first occurred at 3.20pm on a train from Motspur Park Station to Wimbledon Station.

He sat opposite the 27 year-old and proceeded to masturbate and expose himself.

Later that evening at 7.20pm Gathercole boarded a train at West Sutton Station towards London Blackfriars and sat near the 19 year-old.

Again he proceeded to pleasure himself before getting up and walking through the carriage.

 After viewing CCTV and a clip that one of the victims recorded, the investigating officer was able to identify Gathercole as the suspect.

Investigating officer DC Potter said: “Gathercole has acted in a disgusting manner choosing the young women to target.

 "Gathercole will be able to consider his actions while serving time for his crimes.

“The SHPO will ensure he is not able to target anyone again and should allow for him be able to learn from his actions.

 "We take all reports of sexual assault seriously and with the full support of victims in such cases this shows the positive results we are able to achieve."

The SHPO prevents Gathercole from :

Traveling on the Underground railway network or enter any railway Station unless he has notified his allocated offender manager.

Approach, follow, touch or make any attempts to communicate with any lone female (previously unknown to him).

Undo, loosen, or remove, totally or partially, any item of clothing below the waist, whilst in any public place.

Touch himself in any way that would be considered lewd or obscene.

Pervert Planted Sickening Child Abuse Images On Trains

A sick pervert deliberately planted disturbing print-outs of young children being abused on train services.

Steve Blackthorne, 38, of Winchester, Hampshire left bundles of printed A4 sheets containing the images – traumatising unsuspecting witnesses who found them.

He received two years imprisonment, suspended for two years and must comply with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Blackthorne pleaded guilty to the making and distribution of indecent photographs / pseudo-photographs of a child.

He must complete 150 of unpaid work and pay £650 costs.

Winchester Crown Court heard how on Sunday, January 23, 2022 a train guard was handed six pages of A4 sheets by a passenger.

They had been left behind by Blackthorne when he departed the service at Basingstoke.

The pages contained horrific indecent graphic images of children: 16 Category A (the most severe), five Category B and 16 Category C.

The images left the guard in tears and he alerted British Transport Police (BTP) who met the train at Southampton station.

Just a few days later, on Monday January 31 a member of cleaning crew discovered a further batch of images when he pulled down a folding table. 

Horrified and upset by what the pages contained he immediately reported it to his manager who in turn called BTP).

The six pages again contained 16 Category A, five Category B and 16 Category C indecent images of children.

A CCTV search identified Blackthorne as the passenger who had left behind the print outs.

On Monday, March 14 officers swooped on Blackthorne at Basingstoke station and arrested him. 

A search of his mobile phone found 60 Category A, 27 Category B and 81 Category C images.

A laptop he was carrying was also seized and upon examination was found to contain two Category A and three Category C images.

A search of his home address produced another laptop which held a further 10 Category A images.

In police interview he admitted printing the images out at work from a work computer.

Investigating officer DC Phil James said: “Such was the level of Blackthorne’s depravity that the images he had collated left those who inadvertently happened upon them deeply traumatised.

“No one in their right mind would ever willingly choose to see these sickening images.

“Blackthorne showed no shame in his perversion even transferring the images to a work computer so he could print them out at work to look at at his leisure.”

Sutton Station Sexual Assault: Do You Know This Man?

Police are hunting this mystery man after a female passenger waiting for a train at Sutton railway station was molested.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this image in the hope he can be identified by the public.

At approximately 1.40pm on Thursday, June 6, the woman was waiting for a train when she was approached by an unknown male, who began making her feel uncomfortable. 

As she moved to leave the area, the man sexually assaulted her.

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

If you recognise him or have any other information that could help, please contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 389 6 June.

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

Passenger Knocked Unconscious Onto Track

A train passenger was punched out cold onto the track when fighting broke out at a Surrey railway station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these CCTV images of two suspects.

Investigating officers are appealing to the public to assist them in identifying the mystery males.

At approximately 8.09pm on March 8 four men were at Horsham railway station when they had a verbal disagreement. 

The dispute became physical and a fight broke out and one man was punched in the head, causing him to fall on the tracks and lose consciousness.

Officers believe the men in the CCTV images may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2400066938. 

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

Super Fare Dodger Caught At St.Pancras

St.Pancras International

A super fare dodger, who saved thousands of pounds by commuting into the capital with forged train tickets, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Construction worker Rory Stickles, 46, who was employed by Network Rail via an agency saved at least £27,959 in fares when travelling from his Kent home to St. Pancras.

At Inner London Crown Court he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years and ordered to pay a £10,000 fine.

Stickles, of Wakefield Way, Hythe claims he bought the tickets from an unidentified person and did not know they were forged, but conceded they were not legitimate.

An expert calculated the potential loss could have been as high as £85,546.

He pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation, plus nine counts of possession of an article for use in fraud.

Stickles' dodge came crashing down at 9.20pm on January 26, last year when his ticket was examined at the St. Pancras International railway station barrier.

He presented a staff ticket, which was out of date. 

Upon further inspection, the member of staff noticed further inconsistencies and believed it to be fraudulent. 

The member of rail staff then showed the ticket to British Transport Police officers and explained the situation.

Stickles was searched on the spot by police and found to be in possession of nine tickets and passes believed to be fraudulent. 

The tickets dated back to 2019, amounting to four years’ worth of journeys made fraudulently between Folkestone and St Pancras International. 

These were seized, checked, and confirmed to be counterfeits. 

Investigating officer Police Constable Matthew Spencer said: “Stickles’ fraud covered four years resulting in a significant loss of revenue to Southeastern. 

“He believed he was above other rail passengers in not having to pay the full fare. This is not a victimless crime, with losses like this impacting the honest fare-paying public.

“We will not tolerate fraud on the rail network and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.”

Dope!: Drug Dealer Trapped By His Own Joint

A dopey drug dealer, caught smoking a joint outside the nation's busiest railway station, has been locked-up after 25 heroin wraps were found on him.

Dexter Sharpe, 38, also had over £2,000 cash and is now starting a prison sentence of five-and-a-half years.

Investigating officer DC Emma Martin said: “Sharpe’s sentence reflects the severity of his crime and how serious the courts regard such offending.

“Drugs are a blight on communities and this is yet another example of our intervention removing more drugs that were destined for the streets.

“Anyone involved in the transportation of drugs on the rail network should beware – we have eyes everywhere - you will be caught and face the consequences.”

Sharpe, of Timsbury Walk, Wandsworth pleaded guilty to possession, with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of cannabis.

Inner London Crown Court heard Sharpe was stopped by officers and detained for a search after he was caught smoking a joint outside Clapham Junction station on Tuesday, July 26, 2022.

He was arrested and while in custody an amount of cannabis was also found among his belongings and the heroin was estimated to have a street value of £500.

In police interview Sharpe claimed an incriminating mobile phone phone, the cash and heroin did not belong to him, but refused to explain how he came to be in possession of them.

Mystery Trackie Suspect Wanted

A tracksuited female is wanted by police after a fellow passenger was hospitalised after being deliberately shoved to the floor at Ilford Station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of their suspect and are appealing to the public for their assistance in identifying her.

At around 9.10am on Friday, June 14, the female victim was approaching the barrier line at the station when an stranger pushed her to the ground in an unprovoked attack.

The victim sustained bruising to her arm and attended hospital.

Officers believe the woman in the CCTV image may have information that could help their investigation and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault to get in touch.

Anyone who recognises her, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 177 of 14 June.

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

Banged Up: "Dangerous Sexual Predator" Who Targeted Teen

A “dangerous sexual predator”, who persistently stalked a young teenage woman on the transport network one night, has been caged for eight years and three months.

Claudiu Rizea, 39, pursued the 18 year-old across central London in the early hours, grabbing and molesting her.

He even tried to follow her into toilets at Baker Street Underground Station and was eventually arrested as he followed her onto the station platform.

Rizea, of Stanley Road, Harrow pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to sexual assault and indecent exposure.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life

The victim was on her way home on Friday, September 8, last year when Rizea approached her outside Euston station and offered her a cigarette. 

He then followed the young woman to Westminster before approaching her again and attempting to hug and kiss her before exposing himself to her when she reached Baker Street Underground Station.

She moved away only for Rizea to then drag her out of the station and sexually assault her.

The victim managed to escape and make her way back into the station only to be repeatedly approached by Rizea, who grabbed her arms and hair and again tried to drag her away.

She  managed to get to safety by locking herself in a cubicle at the station toilets. When Rizea attempted to enter he was prevented by a member of rail staff.

As she made her way back to the platform she saw Rizea walking towards her and alerted station staff who called police and arrested Rizea.

Investigating officer DC Gemma Lee said: “This was a terrifying and sustained attack on a young woman who has been left deeply traumatized by the incident.

“Despite her repeated attempts to flee, Rizea remained undeterred and determined to carry out his hideous and sustained sexual attack and subject her to further distress by following her across the city.

“Rizea is a dangerous sexual predator, who, thanks to the bravery of this young woman is now behind bars where he belongs.”