"Dangerous" Kurdish Illegal's Tube Train Murder Bid

A Kurdish illegal immigrant is starting a life sentence for pushing a tube train passenger onto live tracks at Oxford Circus Underground Station.

Brwa Shorsh, 24, deliberately shoved a postman into the path of an approaching train, claiming the victim had given him a funny look.

He has already been refused asylum in Germany and France, but managed to somehow slip into the UK, where he has given authorities three different dates of birth.

After a trial at Inner London Crown Court a jury convicted him of the attempted murder of Tadeusz Potoczek on February 3 and he received a sentence of life imprisonment.

Judge Benedict Kelleher announced Shorsh must serve a minimum and eight years and forty-nine days before he could be considered for parole.

The court heard at 2.53pm, Mr Potoczek, a man aged in his sixties, was walking along the Victoria Line southbound platform, where Shorsh was sitting on a bench.

As he neared Shorsh, checking the arrival of the next train on the overhead screen, he was pushed – unprovoked – onto the tracks as an underground service approached. 

A witness immediately responded, pulling the victim back onto the platform. 

The train driver also responded quickly to the incident and thankfully the victim did not sustain any serious injuries.

Shorsh left the station and he was arrested by an officer, who recognised him from the CCTV images collected, just hours later at Warren Street station at around 10.30pm.

Judge Kelleher told him: “You were complete strangers to each other and, as I will set out, he had done nothing at all to you to even begin to justify what you did to him.

“What happened was captured on clear CCTV footage. 

“You had been lying down on a bench on the platform for some time, but were siting upright when Mr Potoczek approached.

“As he walked past, you stood up suddenly and pushed him hard to the side, causing him to fall onto the track.

“At the moment you did that, a train was seconds away from emerging the tunnel into the station.

“It was purely through luck that Mr Potoczek fell close to the edge of the track and did not touch the electric rail.

“He remained on his feet and thanks to the very quick reaction of another passenger, he was pulled to safety.

“The train driver saw what was happening and commendably was able to stop the train manually before it reached the point where Mr Potoczek had fallen.

“Had Mr Potoczek touched the electric rail or had the train not stopped in time he would almost certainly have lost his life or at least been caused very severe injury.

“You said that you had seen some women passing on the previous train, who you believed were laughing at you and that had made you angry.

“You said that you then felt disrespected by Mr Potoczek because of the way he looked at you.

“Although you denied trying to kill him you said that you did not care if he died.”

The victim told the trial he never looked at Shorsh in any particular way and this was accepted by the judge.

“I sentence you on the basis that for no other reason than that you were feeling generally angry and then wrongly perceived Mr Potoczek to have been looking at you, you made the spontaneous decision to try to take away his life,” continued Judge Kelleher.

“You were first identified in the UK in 2018, having entered illegally.”

Shorsh's multiple false dates of birth put him at between twenty-three and twenty-five years-old, however his personal life story to a psychiatrist adds up to a man in his late twenties.

This means he has consistently claimed to be younger than he is when asked to give his age.

Shorsh claimed a falling-out with his father as a teenager, prompted his departure from his native Kurdistan – losing his identity documents as he travelled through Europe.

“You say you were refused asylum in Germany and then France, before travelling to the UK,” added the judge.

“You were initially housed in Yorkshire, but then moved to London in late 2018. You appear to have been homeless on and off since then.

“You have since made an asylum application in the UK, but not until at least 2020.

“Within months of your arrival in the UK you committed a racially-aggravated offence of common assault and received a short sentence of twelve weeks.

“Once in London, between the beginning of 2019 and the end of 2023 you committed a further five offences of assault or battery, an offence of threatening a person in public with a weapon, a bike chain and three offences of outraging public decency.

“Most of the assault offences were committed towards officers attempting to move you along from railway stations.

“The last offence, committed in November 2023, was an unprovoked attack on a female rail passenger in which you struck her to the back of the head.”

Experts have assessed Shorsh's IQ at close to borderline learning disability and having no mental illness.

He continued to tell the Probation Service he believed Mr Potoczek disrespected him and deserved to be pushed and officers concluded Shorsh continues to pose a high risk of serious harm to the public.

A police officer who regularly saw Shorsh on the network since 2018 confirmed his behaviour and appearance had dramatically changed over the period.

“I have no hesitation at all in concluding that you are a dangerous offender,” Judge Kelleher told him. “You clearly pose a high risk of serious physical harm to members of the public.

“It is no exaggeration to say that this was an extremely dangerous criminal act that would strike fear into every traveller on the Underground.”

In The Wee Small Hours.......

Police are hunting a mystery male for his disturbing and explicit behaviour on an early hours tube train.

The unknown suspect was witnessed intimately rubbing himself between his legs.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these images to assist their search.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public for their assistance to help identify the man.

At approximately 3.30am on July 20 it was reported a male was behaving in an obscene manner onboard a Northern Line London underground train travelling between Charing Cross and Tottenham Court Road stations.

He was said to be masturbating over his trousers during the journey.

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

Anyone with information can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 with the reference 334 of 20/07/24.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Wanted: Sunday Morning Train Pervert

A an early-morning pervert started chatting to a lone female train passenger before sitting opposite and exposing himself.

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

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public to assist them in identifying him.

The woman was travelling on a London Bridge to Sevenoaks train on Sunday, July 14.

At approximately 7.40am a mystery male deliberately seated himself close to her and began engaging her in conversation. 

The unknown man then moved to sit across from her and exposed himself and began masturbating.

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

Anyone who recognises him, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 164 of 14/07/24.

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

Bag Thief Preyed On City of London Pub Drinkers

A prolific thief who targeted pub drinkers in the City of London – snatching bags full of valuables - has been jailed.

Mohamed Dhahri, 25, received sixteen months and has been banned from setting foot in the Square Mile for the next five years.

On 29 February, he stole a bag and personal items from The Pelt Trader with a total value of £1,000.

On 5 March, he stole a bag and multiple personal electronic items from the Sugarloaf with a total value of £3,000.

On 15 April, Dhahri took a laptop and a tablet from The Woodin Shades with a total value of £2,000.

On 15 July, he stole a bag with a laptop from Bloomberg Arcade, valued at £2,000.

Snaresbrook Crown Court made the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which subjects Dhahri to immediate arrest and potential imprisonment should he enter the City of London.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bentley, of the City of London Police, said: “With Mohamed Dhahri behind bars and also given a CBO banning him from entering the City, we hope that this will give reassurance to businesses, retail staff and also shoppers, as well as act as a deterrent to others thinking of criminal activity.

“We take such offences very seriously and this is a warning that we will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice.”

Support Worker Defrauded Disabled

A heartless Support Worker, who preyed financially on vulnerable physically and mentally disabled residents, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Megan Kirk, 23, of Church Street, Dorking was employed at Hartsbrook House, Ashtead Woods Road, Ashtead.

It provides supported living services to adults with a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy; learning difficulties; autism; epilepsy and sight loss.

Kirk pleaded guilty at Guildford Magistrates' Court to fraud by abuse of position on or about January 9, last year,namely dishonestly abusing that position to make a gain of £750 from Susanne Gibbins.

She also pleaded guilty to three similar charges relating to £300 from Bryony Webber; £520 from Jonathan Litten and £820 from Andrew Perks on dates between February 13 and July 24.

Kirk received eight months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

The court determined the offences were so serious only a custodial sentence could be justified and Kirk showed a “flagrant disregard for people and their property.”

It was also found she was guilty of a breach of trust over a prolonged period of time and the victims were vulnerable.

She was also ordered to complete 140 hours community service and a rehabilitation activity requirement.

The Thin Blue Wine: Cops Nick Shoplifter

A shoplifter who travelled into the neighbouring City of London to nick bottles of wine has been jailed and banned from the Square Mile.

Fathi Handuleh, 38, of Gibson Close, Tower Hamlets loaded up two bags with ten bottles at Co-Op, Cheapside on August 15.

He received sixteen weeks imprisonment and must comply with a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which prohibits him entering the City of London for the next three years.

Handuleh was observed on CCTV walking out of the store with the wine bottles, worth £110 and was arrested by police at St. Paul's Underground Station.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bentley, of the City of London Police, said: “We hope that this CBO will give reassurance to businesses, retail staff and also members of the public who shop in the area. 

We will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice. A CBO will help us protect businesses and communities from various offences, including theft and anti-social behaviour, as well as act as a deterrent to others thinking of criminal activity.”

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

Ex-Racing Driver Billy Monger Banned For Midnight Speed Crash

Ex-racing driver Billy Monger - who as a teenager lost both legs in a
horrific crash - collided with three parked cars and demolished a garden wall when losing control of his Toyota while speeding, a court heard today.

The 25 year-old left the scene of the midnight crash with his female passenger, leaving behind a trail of destruction after ending up in a home's front garden.

He pleaded guilty at Guildford Magistrates Court to driving without due care and attention in Snatts Hill, Limpsfield, Surrey at 11.55pm on January 19.

The court heard Monger, of Highworth Farm, Stan Hill, Charlwood, Horley, wanted desperately to keep his licence to aid his own restricted mobility and continue training for the Iron Man triathlon world championships.

A witness estimated the speed of his black Supra to be at 40mph-50mph in the 30mph zone and, describing his own parked vehicle as “shaking” as Monger drove past.

A second witness described hearing a “loud raging engine” as Monger sped down the road, clipping a parked car and then barreling into the front driveway of a house, striking two more vehicles.

Monger was disqualified from driving for 49 days and fined £1,846, with £110 costs and a £748 victim surcharge.

Bench Chair Ann Whelan told Monger, who appeared via videolink: “We note your previous driving record and will not depart from the guidelines.

“From this moment in time you are a disqualified driver and cannot drive. If you do so it is a serious offence you could go to prison for.”

At the time of the crash Monger had six penalty points on his driving license for speeding offences on March 7, 2021 and October 28, last year.

Prosecutor Russel Greenhouse told the court: ”This was a damage-only four vehicle road collision involving a black Toyota Supra driven by this defendant  and a silver VW Lupo, a silver VW Golf and a red Citroen.”

The VW Lupo was parked in the road and was the first vehicle struck by Monger and the VW Golf and Citroen were parked in the driveway.

“It is a residential road with a slight gradient and a 30mph limit. Cars are parked on both sides, the weather was fair and the road conditions fine,” continued the prosecutor.

“There were two witnesses to the collision and the first, who was sitting in his car, says the black Supra passed him at high speed and his car shook as it passed at an estimate of 40mph-50mph.

“The vehicle has slightly lost control, scuffed the VW and gone through a bush and hedge and collided with the two cars in the driveway.

“The second witness says they heard a loud raging engine and saw the vehicle losing control, leave the road and come to rest in the garden.”

The witness checked to see if Monger and his female passenger were okay after the crash, which saw both of the Supra’s airbags deployed.

After a short period Monger and his companion left the scene, leaving his damaged vehicle behind.

Monger reported the accident the following morning, but gave no details regarding the circumstances of the crash and confirmed to Surrey Police he was the driver at the time.

The VW Lupo had damage to a rear wheel arch; there was damage to the front bumper of the Golf and rear wing damage and dents to the Citroen.

“The defendant’s vehicle was extensively damaged, with both airbags deployed,” said Mr Greenhouse. “There was damage to the hedge, a wall and damage to a highways sign outside the address.

“There is a fair indication of excessive speed and three other vehicles were damaged and a section of wall, hedge and a sign damaged.

“There was leaving the aftermath of the collision. This was not a low speed loss of control.”

Surrey Police originally charged Monger with failing to stop after the accident, but this was dropped.

His lawyer Duncan Jones told the court: “This is an unusual case, given Mr Monger’s personal background.

“This accident was caused by excessive speed and Mr Monger accepts that he drove without due care and attention and his lapse was driving too fast around the bend.

“He accepts that he was driving too quickly and this accident would not have happened otherwise.”

Insurance has covered all of the damage, the court heard, with Monger visiting the residential property to address the concerns of the vehicle owners.

“Mr Monger wants to make it clear that he does not want to get special treatment, but the impact of a disqualification for a young man with his disability is a relevant consideration for the court,” submitted Mr Jones.

“He has no previous convictions and has shown remorse by his guilty plea and you will see the impact and feelings of guilt this has had on him and he takes full responsibility for it.

“He was a former racing driver and in 2017, just before his eighteenth birthday he was involved in a crash and that accident was very serious and it was very high profile at the time.

“He was a young man with a bright future in motor racing and who knows where that would have gone, but the crash resulted in him spending five days in a coma and sadly both legs amputated.”

Monger was competing in the British F4 Championship at Donington Park on April 17, 2017 when he crashed at high speed in to the rear of another driver.

His inspirational recovery has seen him receive the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen  Award in 2018 for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.

“That recovery was played out in public and replayed again and again and again and he has become known for his resilience, regarding his life,” added Mr Jones.

The court also heard Monger provides expert analysis for Channel Four’s F1 coverage and he raised £3.2m for Comic Relief in 2021 by completing a walking, cycling and kayaking challenge.

He also intends to compete in the world Iron Man Championships in Hawaii and set a new world record time for a double leg amputee.

“He is a role model to young people, particularly young people with disabilities and sadly this lapse in driving is something he has to take responsibly for.

“The reputational damage for a driving accident is punishment enough and he has got to deal with that. A reputation that was otherwise outstanding.

“The accident has also brought back  distressing memories from the racing accident that changed his life, causing anxiety, effected sleep, guilt and uncertainty as to what was going to happen today.

“This is a young man with truly exceptional personal circumstances. 

“He uses prosthetics to get around and he is resilient and resourceful, which  is when he has achieved what he has in his career.

“I would ask you to take an exceptional course and impose five points or less. Perhaps there is no alternative, but a disqualification would have a serious impact on him.”

Suspected Hate Crime Assault Filmed By Accomplice

A lone tube train passenger was abused by two males, who then attacked the victim while recording the assault during a suspected hate crime.

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

The victim was travelling alone at approximately 9.00pm on June 26 when two people sitting
opposite began to abuse them.

The target of the mystery duo's abuse departed the train at Wood Lane Underground Station, White City, west London.

The victim was followed off the train and was kicked by one of the males, while the other recorded the assault.

Officers would like to speak to the two individuals pictured as they believe they may have information which could help with their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 833 of 26 June.

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

Sticky Fingered Beardy Excluded From City Of London

A persistent City of London shoplifter has been locked-up and banned from entering the Square Mile for two years.

Mohamad Ahmadpour, 37, nicked umbrellas, cans of Red Bull, perfume and boxes of chocolates.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court he received twenty-two weeks imprisonment and a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which carries the exclusion order.

Ahmadpour, of Colindale, Barnet, was convicted of multiple thefts from shops in the City of London and two common assaults.

On March 17, he stole two bottles of perfume from TK Maxx in the City. 

He was chased down the street by loss prevention officers and when the security guards detained him, Ahmadpour punched one of them in the chest.

He was also convicted of an assault on February 27, when he spat at an enforcement officer from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bentley, of the City of London Police, said: “Mohamad Ahmadpour was a persistent thief in the City of London. 

“We hope that this CBO will give reassurance to businesses, retail staff and also members of the public who shop in the area, as well as act as a deterrent to others thinking of criminal activity. 

“A CBO will help us protect businesses and communities from various offences including theft and anti-social behaviour.

“We take such offences very seriously and this is a warning that will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice.”

Ahmadpour was also found guilty of stealing cans of Red Bull from a Co-op store on February 20.

He was also spotted by two City of London Police officers stealing boxes of chocolates from Sainsbury’s on April 12 and was arrested 

He also stole eight umbrellas from Cards Galore on May 17.

Come And Lie On The Coach In Burnham-on-Crouch

An Essex train passenger was kicked in the back and then repeatedly punched and spat on after boarding the carriage.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of the suspect they are hunting.

Investigating officers are appealing to members of the public for their assistance in identifying him.

BTP are treating the incident as assault.

At around 7.20pm on Thursday, August 8 a man was kicked in the back, causing him to fall, shortly after he boarded a train at Burnham-on-Crouch station.

The attacker left the carriage before returning and throwing punches and spitting at the man.

He was then made to leave the service by the train manager at Althorne station

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

Anyone who recognises him, or has any other information, is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2400086842 of 8 August.

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

Jailed: Pirvu The Pervert

A tube train pervert, caught pleasuring himself by a shocked passenger and staff on the station platform, has been locked-up.

Dan Pirvu, 26, was also hit with a five-year ban, prohibiting him entering the entire London Underground network.

He was witnessed masturbating with his trousers pulled down on the District Line platform of West Ham Underground Station at 9.05pm on Friday, November 17, last year.

At Inner London Crown Court Pirvu, of Ripple Road, Barking received nine months imprisonment after being convicted of exposure.

He also will also sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and be subject to a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which includes the tube ban.

The court heard a member of the public approached a member of TfL staff and reported Pirvu for exposing himself.

The member of rail staff flagged this to the CCTV control room, who could immediately see Pirvu on the platform with his trousers exposing both his bottom and genitals. 

Pirvu was also witnessed by the TfL staff member with his trousers around his knees, exposing himself, and causing members of the public to move away.

Pirvu was reported immediately to British Transport Police, who attended the station and arrested Pirvu at 9.13pm.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Taylor said: “There is no place for this kind of behaviour on the rail network and we will work quickly to apprehend these kinds of offenders.

"I hope this sentence, along with the Sexual Harm Prevention Order will give him time allow him to reconsider his actions and prevent him from offending again in the future."

RSPCA Trustee Accused Of Hotels And Taxis Expenses Fiddle

An RSPCA trustee funded his “lavish lifestyle” by swindling the animal charity out of over £100,000 during a five-year expenses scam for hotel stays and taxis, a court heard yesterday.

David Mawson, 50, is accused of exploiting the charity’s bank accounts to enjoy hundreds of nights in hotels he was not entitled to, plus free journeys.

“This case is about fraud, we say, Mr Mawson committed over a five-year period between 2012 and 2017,” prosecutor Andrew Hallworth told the Inner London Crown Court jury.

“It was a fraud committed by Mr Mawson when he was a trustee of the RSPCA, so this was a serious breach of trust by him.

“It was a fraud that was committed on a regular basis and involved Mr Mawson fraudulently using the charity’s bank card to fund his own lavish lifestyle to obtain free hotels and free taxi rides.”

The prosecution say Mawson defrauded the charity of approximately £91,300 in hotel stays and approximately £10,000 in taxi fares.

“He had no right or permission to do what he did, despite anything he may say to the contrary and as such he acted dishonestly throughout.”

The court heard it is the local voluntary trustees who make the day-to-day decisions regarding charity shops, local animal welfare projects and have a legal responsibility.

Trustees are allowed to bill for “reasonable and necessary” costs, but the jury were told the money should not be for personal benefit.

Mawson, of Staines Road, Twickenham has pleaded not guilty to one count of fraud by abuse of position between January 1, 2012 and December 21, 2017, namely while occupying the position of trustee he dishonestly abused that position regarding hotel and taxi expenses, intending to make financial gain.

The SELB has three charity shops in West Norwood, Grove Park and Sydenham and Mawson was the SELB Secretary since 2009.

“He exercised control over the SELB’s bank accounts and was, we say, more active in the daily running than others, anyway more busy than he would admit.”

Mawson typically booked Premier Inn rooms and spent over £18,000 on the SELB Barclaycard; over £43,000 on a Co-Op debit card and over £29,000 on a CAF Bank corporate account, the trial heard.

Between 2013 and 2017 Mawson  enjoyed a total of 436 nights at various Premier Inn’s paid for by the RSPCA’s accounts.

“However the true number is likely to be much larger as individual payments through the bank statements may represent more than one nights’ stay,” explained Mr Hallworth.

“There was no charity business going on that would justify these hotel stays or taxi journeys.”

Taxi firm Addison Lee received over £10,000 from RSPCA accounts for journeys booked by Mawson.

Eventually the police were alerted by SELB Chair Gerda Glage and her husband Ivan House and accountants completed a full forensic audit of their accounts between 2012 and 2018.

Mawson was removed from his RSPCA post in September, 2018 and later questioned by police officers.

“He claimed that it was no secret that he was using charity funds for hotel and taxi expenses and that he submitted relevant claims.”

The prosecution also produced a map of unnecessary taxi journeys billed by Mawson.

Mawson said a “dodgy neighbour” who had at least one spell in prison resulted in Premier Inn allowing him to stay for additional nights.

However, Mawson never called the police about any issues with the neighbour, said the prosecutor. 

“Even assuming that charity was aware of this, which is not accepted, and endorsed his use of the charity’s bank accounts for that purpose, which is also not accepted, there were in fact eight-four occasions when the charity paid for Premier Inn bookings when his dodgy neighbour cannot have been an issue to him, because he was in prison.

“So even if you were to give him the benefit of the doubt about some of the expenses it is difficult to see any defence to those bookings where no charity business was taking place or when his dodgy neighbour was in prison.”

The trial is expected to last seven days.