Guilty: Wimbledon Tennis Bodyguard Tried To Rape Female Colleague

Behind Bars: Harrison

A Wimbledon tennis tournament players’ bodyguard has been convicted of molesting and trying to rape a female
colleague after the pair enjoyed drink and cocaine into the early hours.

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 fought the charges, but was unanimously found guilty of attempted rape, plus a count of assault by penetration on June 30, 2023.

He was remanded in custody by Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court until sentencing on October 22.

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 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.”

She told the trial she did not really know anything about Harrison, apart from him being a Geordie, and had no real contact with him before that evening.

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.”

Retired London Underground OAP's Toilet Race Insult

A retired London Underground employee - determined to continue using the private staff toilet at his local station - pushed past an objecting female worker, saying: “How did you black people get into this country?”

Pensioner Peter Allen, 75, is now “embarrassed and humbled” by his behaviour, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard.

“You need to keep your temper in check and don’t racially abuse people,” District Judge Michael Oliver told him.

Allen, of Patriot Square, Bethnal Green pleaded guilty to the racially aggravated assault of Sara-Leigh Browne at Mile End Underground Station on February 8.

The court heard Allen routinely enjoyed access to the staff toilet, but was confronted by a member of Transport for London (TfL) staff, who did not know him.

Prosecutor Selma Michli said: “Mr Allen was seen by a female member of TfL staff loitering near the staff toilet and challenged him.

“He flashed a retired TfL identity card and pushed past the member of staff and said: ‘How did you black people get into this country?’

“Mr Allen also has a previous conviction for a racially-aggravated offence in 2019.”

His lawyer John Corcoran told the court: “He was employed for nearly thirty years on the London Underground and was quite cross when a new member of staff denied him access to the staff toilet, which he still enjoys at that station.

“This could be considered as a one-off. He is embarrassed and humbled to be here today and has been very wound up and upset about being here today.”

Allen claims a medical condition necessitated his need to have access to the toilet and his retirement continues to be funded by a £900pm TfL pension and £1,000pm state pension. 

“You deserve a degree of credit for pleading guilty and this was quite a serious offence,” DJ Oliver told him.

“You needed to use the lavatory and you had worked for TfL for a long period of time, but the person who challenged you was just doing their job and should be able to do their job without receiving racial abuse.

“You are seventy-five years-old and stayed out of trouble until 2019.

“It is true you regularly needed to use the toilet for medical reasons, but you are still responsible for this spectacular lapse of judgement.”

Allen was fined £300, with £85 costs and was ordered to pay the victim Ms Browne £200 compensation, plus the court a £120 victim surcharge.

Jailed For Speed Dating: Notorious Romance Fraudster Back Behind Bars

A notorious Casanova Conman has been sent back to prison after breaching a court-imposed ban on attending speed dating events.

Amir Tofangsazan, 36, was made subject to the unusual ban as part of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CRIMBO) aimed at preventing him swindling and exploiting women looking for love.

He has served multiple custodial sentences for offences involving creating fake dating profiles and claiming to be a lawyer, surgeon or property tycoon.

Tofangsazan, of Sidney Road, Stockwell targeted female victims on dating sites Plenty of Fish; Tinder and Bumble and would borrow money from them with no intention of paying it back.

He was released from his latest prison sentence in January, but is now back behind bars after receiving ten months’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to breaching the ten-year Criminal Behaviour Order by attending a Guildford speed dating event at All Bar One on April 10.

Tofangsazan also pleaded guilty to breaching the same order on May 30 in Lambeth by being in possession of a black Nokia mobile phone.

The CRIMBO was made at Lewes Crown Court on January 11, 2019 when he received three years imprisonment, following on from a sentence of seven years and nine months.

When those sentences concluded Tofangsazan similarly offended again.

He was recalled to prison when charged with the latest offences and attended the latest hearing via videolink.

The court heard that he was fortunate enough to benefit from council accommodation and retaining that property seemed to be his greatest concern.

Recorder James Lofthouse told him: “You are not a stupid man, that is plain. You were aware of the terms of your Criminal Behaviour Order and you broke it.

“The use of a speed dating service shows a targeting of the type of person this order is designed to protect.”

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.