Jailed: Speeding Mercedes Death Driver

Ten Years: Octavian Cadar

A speeding Mercedes driver, who killed a psychology graduate as she crossed the road with her fiancé, was jailed for ten years yesterday.

Octavian Cadar, 39, was travelling at 55mph when he fatally struck Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida, 27, the daughter of an Ecuadorian politician.

She studied psychology at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland and graduated from King’s College London with a Master of Science in Psychology.

She was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck just to the south of Wandsworth Bridge while crossing Bridgend Road, Wandsworth at 10.00pm on March 16, 2022.

Cadar, of Exmoor House, Clydesdale Way, Belvedere, Bexley was unanimously convicted by an Old Bailey jury of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was also disqualified from driving for ten years.

Despite an Air Ambulance attending the scene, sadly nothing could be done to save Charlotte, who was employed by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust as a research assistant within their Department of Psychology.

She is the daughter of Ecuadorian politician Carlos Sagnay de la Bastia - uncle of private art collector Harriet Clapham, the wife of Sotheby’s director Harry Primrose, Lord Dalmeny. 

Her fiancé Michael Williams was crossing the road with her and witnessed the horrific collision, which saw Charlotte thrown into a road sign and over railing.

Tragedy: Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida

They had been holding hands, but Charlotte was struck as she attempted to return to the safety of the pavement.

Cadar had initially claimed the couple were “messing about in the road” and was aggressive at the scene of the tragedy.

Mr Williams described him as “angry” as the driver shouted: “Why did you freeze? Why didn’t you keep walking?”

Following the tragedy Charlotte’s closest friend Kristina Smirnoffa wrote: “It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Charlotte Sagnay de la Bastida at the young age of twenty-seven.

“Charlotte was everything, a loving fiancé to Michael, a caring friend, a kind daughter, a hard worker, a fantastic cheerleader.

“Charlotte was the main character in most of our lives. Charlotte lit up every room she walked into.

“She was a true princess and a fighter. She was beautiful inside and out…for the way she thought…for the way her eyes sparkled…for the way she lifted others up around her.

“She was taken from us so soon, so suddenly, without a goodbye. Charlotte will be missed dearly.”

At the time Detective Constable Jenny Burr, who led the initial investigation, said: “Wandsworth Bridge is a popular and busy route across the Thames and it is likely that people either witnessed the collision, or may have dash-cam footage that could assist our investigation.

“I am appealing to those people to get in touch. Our thoughts are with her family.”

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.