Cancer Expert's Internet Child Sex Shame

A consultant cancer specialist’s brilliant career is in danger of ruin after he was caught in a police sting downloading hundreds of explicit images of underage girls.

Consultant urologist Paul Sturch, 41, who treats prostate cancer, received a suspended prison sentence on Thursday and will also face professional disciplinary proceedings.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children between September 9 and October 17, 2023.

The charges reflect 831 Category A - the most serious - moving and still images; Category B images and 6776 Category C.

Police raided his Thameside apartment in Hitch Quay, Wandsworth after he was identified chatting online with an undercover officer concerning his interest in girls aged four years-old and up.

Sturch, who studied at the Royal College of Surgeon, has not returned to work at King’s College Hospital, Camberwell and describes himself as: “Appalled, crushed and overwhelmed by remorse and shame.”

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard his mental health deteriorated while working on the medical front-line of the Covid pandemic.

“The General Medical Council (GMC) are aware and a custodial sentence would almost certainly end his career, but not if you follow the recommendation of the pre-sentence report of a community sentence,” Simon Ray KC, defending, told Judge Anne Brown.

Earlier, prosecutor Jonathan Gold told the court: “His address was searched and he was seen attempting to tamper with or destroy a memory stick on which images were found along with a white iPhone.

“There are some aggravating features, the ages of some of the children are quite young, some are as young as four years-old.”

His KC reminded the court Sturch’s offending was purely online and did not involve physical contact with children and he still has ambitions to return to the medical profession.

“There is nothing professionally that brings him into contact with children. His speciality is very much adult men,” said Mr Ray.

“He was working to exhaustion to save lives during the Covid 19 pandemic and he has dedicated his life to the care of others.

“This frontline work on the Covid ward contributed to his mental disintegration that led to the commission of these offences.

“He takes full responsibility for his actions and offending, although he recalls little of his offending actions.

“He is a consultant urological surgeon with a speciality in prostate cancer, undertaking life-saving procedures. He has skills that are rare.

“If ever there was a case where the court can be sure offences will not be repeated its is this one.

“The effect on the defendant losing his career and everything he has worked for would be devastating. Work is his identity and it is something he has worked on all of his life,” added Mr Ray.

“If the defendant is struck-off it would be a personal tragedy and the NHS would lose a talented surgeon.”

Judge Brown sentenced Sturch to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, which includes thirty days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He will also be under Probation Service supervision for eighteen months, must sign the sex offenders register for seven years and was made subject to a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his internet use, plus further conditions.

“There were children under obvious distress and I will not go into details in open court,” announced Judge Brown. “We must take the age and vulnerability of the children into account.

“It is not for me to second-guess the GMC. I have to decide if there is an alternative to a custodial sentence.

“I do not think it is helpful to guess what the GMC will do in the future. I don’t know their work,” said the judge.

“By the time the police came to his flat he was no longer going to work,” said Mr Ray. “The police bodyworn camera presents a powerful of where he was at the time in his life. his state and the state of his flat.”

The defence submitted medical reports revealed Sturch had a depressive disorder that led to “poor judgement and impulsivity.”

“People can function when they really, really have to, but behind the scenes they are collapsing,” added Mr Ray.

NOT GUILTY: City Executive Innocent Of Embarrassing Square Mile Encounter

A City pension fund executive has finally been cleared after his arrest and prosecution for an explicit display of public affection with a drunken female financier.

Craig Brown, 62, has always admitted to the embarrassing incident in the heart of the Square Mile, but insisted the woman was consensual and this week a jury agreed.

His four-year ordeal finally ended with a not guilty verdict at Inner London Crown Court after a retrial on a charge of sexually assaulting the complainant by penetration.

The first trial heard the woman, who had been drinking all day, was the equivalent of four times the drink-drive limit and had no memory of the incident or the hours before it.

Grammar school-educated Brown, who lives in a £1.5m house in the Surrey commuter belt in Harestone Hill, Caterham, was the director of a company based in the City of London.

He told jurors he was “disgusted and mortified” by the CCTV images, which show his hand up the skirt of the woman under a covered walkway, near the Bank of England.

Motherwell-born Brown had met the experienced professional at a casual business lunch on July 21, 2021 and they continued drinking into the evening.

“I watch the video and being in that situation was very embarrassing. I should not have been there or in that situation,” he told the trial. “Obviously we were doing something we shouldn’t be doing in a public place.”

He graduated from Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt University with a degree in Maths & Statistics and had separated from his wife of sixteen-years a few months before the incident.

“I was flattered, slightly surprised and enjoying the moment. I was single again and it was fun,” father-of-two Brown said. “We continued to kiss each others’ face and neck and I like massaging legs, it is something I do.”

The jury watched CCTV of the woman sitting on the ground with a kneeling or crouching Brown running his hands up and down her legs and feet in the public area at approximately 9.30pm.

“She was giggling and enjoying the relaxation,” recalled Brown. “I massaged closer to the top of her thighs, becoming more sexual and I moved my hand up further.”

He admitted placing his hand between her legs and underneath the white lacy thong she was wearing. “It was initially stroking and then rubbing and she was clearly enjoying it. She was laughing and smiling and making murmurs of pleasure.”

However, the prosecution argued the compliant was too drunk to consent, but this was rejected by the jury’s verdict.

A group of friends, who had been attending a cricket match, stepped in and interrupted the couple, with the complainant assuring them: “He’s a good guy.”

Brown always maintained the activity was reciprocal and told the trial: “The complainant was consenting and capable of consenting that night.

“I thought she was good fun with an interesting and vibrant personality and we got on well.”

He told the court he intended to get the train home until the woman suggested continuing to drink. “It was two days after the Covid lockdown and we were pleased to be out.”

Brown had joined a lunch the complainant was enjoying with a City financial consultant at Cabotte French restaurant earlier in the day and after that man left they continued drinking at two other bars.

“We were kissing and cuddling in the bar and we were both being foolish, kissing and touching in the lift. We were laughing and joking, two people fairly drunk in London on a Summer’s night.

“We left the bar and I went to Tesco. It was a foolish decision, a bad drunken decision, but she suggested having more wine where we were sitting.”

The cricket group alerted police and Brown found himself arrested and placed into a cell for the evening.

“I was disgusted, bewildered, ashamed of everything that happened that previous night. I was very stressed and feeling terrible  that I had got myself into that situation,” he told the court. 

CCTV showed the pair enjoying their evening together, with the complainant smiling and exchanging moments of affection with Brown.

Nine days later the woman gave a video-recorded interview to police, confirming she had been drinking wine that day and was introduced to Brown.

“He seemed a pleasant guy and he knew his stuff and was very well-versed in the industry,” she recalled.

“I do not remember leaving the pub with him. It is a complete blank.

“I vaguely remember shouting, but don’t know how that related to what happened.

“I don’t know if I was attacked, I have no recollection. I have no recollection until the police and paramedics.”

Square Mile Bag Thief Banged Up

A City of London bag thief is starting a four-month prison sentence after suspicious police caught him red-handed.

Emad Lechhed, 26, snatched an unsuspecting man's bag from the ground outside a pub in the heart of the Square Mile.

Fortunately, officers from the City of London Police's Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team were patrolling the area and spotted him.

On the evening of June 12, Lechhed was loitering around a pub in Cannon Street, where plain-clothed officers were keeping an eye on him.

At around 9:30pm, Lechhed sneaked up behind a group standing outside the pub and picked-up the victim's bag, without him even noticing and made off.

Officers immediately sprang into action, running after Lechhed, who dropped the bag during the chase.

Lechhed was caught and arrested on London Bridge, just five minutes after committing the offence.

The bag was returned to the owner before he even realised it had been taken.

Inspector Dan Green said: “The stolen bag, and the contents, was soon returned to the owner, before they knew it was stolen. 

“The victim was full of praise for our officers when he got his bag back so quickly and we made an arrest.

“This is another fantastic result from our plain-clothed officers.

“Our warning to criminals; don’t come into the City to steal bags. If you do, you risk being spotted by our plain-clothed officers, who will track you down, arrest you and bring you to justice.”

Lechhed was also handed a Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from entering the City for two years.

'Cinderella Snatcher' Mobile Phone Thief Caught By Training Shoe DNA

A mobile phone thief – dubbed by City of London Police as the 'Cinderella Snatcher' after his missing trainer identified him – has admitted his crime.

Spencer Duarte, 27, of Bromfield House, Bromfield, Saffron Walden, Essex was caught by traces of DNA in the footwear, which he lost during a scuffle with a have-a-go-hero.

He pleaded guilty to stealing a mobile phone from Brian de Clare in the Square Mile on August 7, last year.

Duarte also admitted going equipped for theft with face masks and tin foil, used to wrap stolen phones to block their location and ability to be traced.

Inner London Crown Court heard Duarte, who will be sentenced on a future date, was dressed as a commuter and riding an electric bike in Ludgate Hill.

At approximately 12.00pm he struck, snatching a mobile phone from a pedestrian's hand and was tackled by a member of the public, who knocked him off the bike.

During the melee Duarte lost the training shoe and his rucksack, with three mobile phones falling to the ground.

Crime scene investigators recovered the trainer left at the scene, which was then sent to be forensically analysed.

Physical Forensics Manager Andrew Walker, of the City of London Police, said:“We were able to get sufficient levels of DNA from the shoe to obtain a single, major profile that was suitable for searching against the National DNA Database.

“This search generated a ‘hit’ to a male whose profile had previously been uploaded. 

The slipper fitted our Cinderella and we were able to bring him before the courts.”

Duarte was spotted and stopped by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service on September 9 and brought to Bishopsgate police station for interview, where he was arrested on suspicion of theft from a person.

Police Constable Jake Dean, of the City of London Police, said:

“Do not come to the City and think you can steal from residents, workers or visitors without paying the penalty. 

“Our targeted patrols, excellent police work and extensive CCTV will mean you will be caught and brought to justice.

“Phone snatching has a significant impact on victims and our key priority has been to reduce the number of phones stolen and relentlessly target those criminals responsible.”

After initially being tackled and falling off his bike, Duarte attempted to flee, but was then pulled from his bike a second time.

He then made off on foot, losing his shoe and his rucksack, which had a pack of disposable face coverings and two rolls of kitchen foil.

Duarte was also seen discarding his cycle helmet and the other shoe.

Constituent Accused Of Sending Anti-Semitic Emails To Labour MP

A constituent, accused of bombarding Labour MP Helen Hayes with anti-semitic emails, appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court today.

Austin Crick, 55, is said to have also attached images of injured and dead children to the messages, which concerned the ongoing Israeli-Gaza conflict.

Hayes, 50, has been the MP for Dulwich and West Norwood since 2015 and Crick resides in East Dulwich,

He is charged with the racially-aggravated harassment of the MP between February 20 and May 21, last year.

The prosecution say Crick, who was smartly dressed in a white shirt, dark red tie with a large Palestinian badge attached to his jacket, sent the emails on on February 21; March 4; April 9 and May 20.

He indicated a not guilty plea and elected Crown Court trial.

Prosecutor Medinat Muhammed told the court: “The defendant repeatedly sent anti-semitic emails to his MP.

“They relate to the ongoing crisis between Israel and Gaza and he used aggressive and offensive language and graphic photos of injured and dead children.”

The court heard Liverpool-born Hayes, the current Chair of House of Commons Education Select Committee, took the decision to report Crick to the police because his behaviour was effecting members of her team.

Crick was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 25 on condition he does not contact the MP or her senior parliamentary assistant Niall Adams.

Banned: Investec Banking Giant Founder Caught Using Mobile

The multi-millionaire founder of global banking giant Investec received a six-month driving ban today for using his mobile phone while driving his Bentley in the West End.

South African businessman Bernard Kantor, 75, was reported by a cyclist, who recorded him checking emails on his phone while stationary at temporary traffic lights.

He fought the charge for a year, but pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court to using a handheld mobile phone while driving in Portman Street, on June 9, last year.

Kantor already had nine points on his driving licence for three speeding offences and the six points imposed for this latest offence triggered the automatic disqualification.

Prosecutor Barto De Lotbiniere told the magistrates: “A cyclist saw the defendant in a Bentley motor car in Portman Street and the car was queuing at temporary traffic lights.

“He recorded the defendant using his mobile phone and submitted the video footage to the police.”

When caught Kantor was two miles from his £5.5m home in Queen’s Grove, St. John’s Wood.

His lawyer John Dye told the court: “There is footage. People on bikes are recording what people are doing in their cars.

“To have some sympathy he was in stationary traffic and checking emails because the traffic was going nowhere.”

Kantor was fined £800, with £85 and ordered to pay a £320 victim surcharge.

“We are going to have to disqualify you as well,” bench  Chairman Steven Phaure told him.

“For using your mobile phone it is six penalty points we are putting on your licence and that means as you know, you have fifteen points and we will have to disqualify you for a period of six months from today.

“You cannot drive any motor vehicle on a public road and if you drive while disqualified you will be committing a serious offence and may go to custody.”

“Thank-you kindly,” replied Kantor. “Fortunately I never drove here.”

Kantor co-founded Investec with his brother Ian in Johannesburg in 1974 and became the MD of its UK operations in 1997.

The investment banking giant was a long-term sponsor of Test Match cricket in England, plus the Derby Festival in horse racing and continues to sponsor international rugby.

Station Robber Caught Red-Handed By Police On Platform

A young train station platform robber – who threatened to stab the victim if he raised the alarm – has been locked-up.

Joseph Richard, 23, struck at Pitsea railway station, Essex, telling his 20 year-old male victim he would be seriously harmed if he did not hand over his silver necklace.

When British Transport Police (BTP) officers appeared by chance on the platform the threats continued, with Richards ordering the victim to pretend and act as if they were friends.

Fortunately, the victim raised the alarm and Richards was arrested on the spot.

At Basildon Crown Court he received forty months custody after pleading guilty to robbery.

At approximately 2.40pm on Monday, September 2, last year the victim was on his way to work when he was approached by Richards, who engaged him in conversation.

Richards shook the victim's hand and refused to let go. 

He then walked the victim towards a bench, where Richards demanded the necklace, threatening to seriously harm him if he refused.

Shortly afterwards BTP officers arrived on the platform and Richards told the victim to act as if they were friends or he would stab him.

When officers approached the victim was able to inform them he had been robbed and Richards was taken into custody.

Investigating officer DC Daryl Keogh said: "The young victim was on his way to work when Richards subjected him to a frightening ordeal that left him seriously fearing for his safety.

"BTP officers were in the vicinity in relation to another matter and were quickly able to take action when the victim bravely informed them what had just happened, despite having been threatened not to do so.

“The railway network is a CCTV rich environment and directly influenced Richards' subsequent guilty plea. 

“As a result he will now spend a substantial amount of time behind bars. 

“I hope this serves as a deterrent to anyone else concerned in such offences that robbery on the railway network will be investigated and offenders brought to justice."

Anyone who is the victim of robbery on the rail network, or a witness, should speak to an officer or member of staff, or you can text us on 61016, or call 0800 405040. In an emergency always call 999.

Train Stamp Thug Fractured OAP's Skull

A teenage thug, who repeatedly stamped on the head of an 84 year-old train passenger – inflicting a fractured skull, plus other serious injuries – has been locked-up.

Zepheniah Dufeal, 18, of Church Street, Edmonton left the elderly gent fighting for his life with bleeding to the brain, fractured ribs and a collapsed lung.

He attacked the OAP at Edmonton Green station, just after 8.00pm on Tuesday, July 16. 

At Inner London Crown Court Dufeal received fourteen years after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

The pair – who did not know each other - departed the same train, but before leaving the station Dufeal lashed out at the octogenarian.

He struck out at the retreating victim a second time, causing him to fall to the ground.

Dufeal then stood over him and proceeded to stamp on his head twice, before slapping him in the face and throwing the victim’s baseball cap down.

Dufeal then made his way out of the station, leaving the victim on the ground.

Fortunately, the man was found by another passenger, who alerted staff and he was taken to hospital. 

Officers viewed the CCTV, which captured the entire incident and Dufeal was recognised by an officer following a shared ID briefing. 

Dufeal was arrested the next day at his home address, near the station.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Attwell for Major, Serious and Organised Crime said: “This was an exceptionally violent and unnecessary attack on an elderly man. 

“Dufeal acted in such a horrific manner and with such brutality, it is only luck that the victim was able to survive such a horrifying attack.

"I want to thank the victim and his family for their support throughout this investigation and trial. 

“I hope they feel some sense of comfort and reassurance knowing this individual has been convicted as a result of his cruel and heartless actions.”