Intervening Passenger Punched During Race Abuse

A tube train passenger was punched in the face when he intervened into the racial abuse of an Asian traveller.

The victim was onboard an Elizabeth Line train travelling between London Liverpool Street and Seven Kings just after 10.00pm on August 2.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and are treating the incident as a racially-aggravated assault.

An unknown male passenger was witnessed racially abusing a gentleman of Asian appearance.

When the victim intervened he was punched in the face.

BTP have released this image of their suspect and are appealing for the assistance of the public to help identify him.

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

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 822 of 2 August.

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

Doctor Denies Stalking Labour MP Emily Thornberry

Dr Suzanne Lucey

A former Metropolitan Police doctor, accused of stalking MP Emily Thornberry, was arrested after travelling to the Labour Party’s Liverpool conference, a court heard yesterday.

Dr Suzanne Lucey, 55, an occupational health physician, is charged with stalking, involving serious harm or distress - the most serious version of the offence.

Today, at Westminster Magistrates’ Court Dr Lucey, of Owen Street, Angel, Islington, appeared on bail and denied the charge.

She is accused of stalking the MP between June 1, last year and October 24, this year in the City of Westminster.

This was by sending emails and making aggressive outbursts, causing mother-of-three Thornberry, 64, serious alarm or distress, which knowingly had an adverse effect on her day-to-day activities.

Thornberry has been the MP for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005 and Dr Lucey’s home is within the constituency.

Dr Lucey is currently complaining of harassment from the Met. 

Prosecutor Ben Holt told the court: “In this case Dr Lucey has stalked the Labour MP Emily Thornberry since the summer of 2023.

“This involved sending emails, turning up at the MP’s place of work and making violent outbursts, culminating in attending Liverpool’s Labour conference, which Ms Thornberry was attending.

Labour Battleaxe: Emily Thornberry

“This defendant attended a number of constituency meetings run by Emily Thornberry as part of her duties and attended appointments to discuss matters of concern to her.

“She asked for face-to-face meeting and sometimes the were not able to go ahead due to Ms Thornberry’s other commitments, resulting in a number of outbursts from this defendant.

“She attended further constituency meetings and travelled to Liverpool, where Emily Thornberry was attending the Labour conference in September and that resulted in her arrest.”

The case was specifically listed before the Chief Magistrates, Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring, who agreed it should be heard at Southwark Crown Court.

He bailed Lucey to appear there on December 10, on condition of residence and that she does not contact the MP or the constituency office.

Now a backbencher, having been Shadow Attorney General, former human rights lawyer Thornberry is currently Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

She has also been Shadow Foreign Secretary and Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade while in the Labour opposition. 

Serial Shoplifter Banned From Square Mile

A serial shoplifter – who preyed on vulnerable retailers - has been jailed for four months and banned from entering the City of London for five years.

Kyle Harrington, 37, of Harlow, Essex, was convicted of stealing more than £1,400 worth of items between March 31 and October 9.

He tended to target pharmacies and chemists, but also stole from supermarkets.

He also committed a public order offence.

He was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which bans him from entering the Square Mile for five years.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bentley, of the City of London Police, said: “The impact of shoplifting on our local business communities can cause significant alarm and distress to retail staff.

“We will continue to work closely with businesses across the City to tackle shop theft and encourage businesses to report criminal activity.

“CBOs are designed to tackle the most serious and persistent anti-social individuals and if Kyle Harrington breaches his is CBO conditions, we can arrest him and put him back before the courts.”

Harrington was convicted of the following:

• On 31 March, theft of £300 of pharmaceutical products from a pharmacy in Mile End;

• On 27 April, theft of pharmaceutical products from a pharmacy in Mile End;

• On 16 September, theft of 13 bottles of wine from Co-op on Cheapside valued at £115.05 and theft of £300 of beauty products from Boots on Cheapside and a public order offence at the same location;

• On 24 September, theft of £500 of beauty products from Boots on Cheapside; and

• On 9 October, Harrington attempted to steal £258.60 worth of No. 7 products from Boots on Cheapside.

Knightsbridge Underground Station: Female Passenger Sexually Assaulted

A female tube train passenger has been molested by a mystery male at Knightsbridge Underground Station.

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

They are requesting the assistance of the public in identifying him.

At approximately 4:20pm on Saturday, August 3 the woman was entering the passageway to the platform when she was sexually assaulted by a man. 

Officers believe the man in the image 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 447 of 3 August. 

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

Wannabe Killers Jailed For Hit-And-Run

Two pals are each starting sentences of twenty-four years imprisonment after a new dad was left with a critical brain injury when deliberately run over after a late-night row.

Following a physical altercation outside Billericay railway station, Essex at approximately 1.00am a Ford Fiesta crashed into the victim, who still suffers from his injuries to this day.

The car, which had been taken from its owner a week before and had false plates, was driven by Joshua Littlechild, 25, (pic. right), encouraged by his accomplice Joshua Lloyd, 28, (pic. left).

Both were convicted at Basildon Crown Court of attempted murder after an investigation by British Transport Police.

Littlechild, of Delphian Way, Bishop's Stortford, had already pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and aggravated vehicle-taking.

Lloyd, of Oak Green, Billericay also pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle-taking.

Both will be disqualified from driving for twelve months on the day of their eventual release.

They each also received twelve months imprisonment for the aggravated vehicle-taking charge, which will be served concurrently.

Lloyd alone will also serve another twelve months imprisonment concurrently for a charge of cultivating cannabis.

The court heard that on March 18, last year the victim and his friends were heading to the taxi rank outside Billericay railway station after a night out when the victim became involved in an altercation with Littlechild and Lloyd. 

Lloyd claimed the victim was the initial aggressor and punched him, causing him to react in fear and panic.

The two groups split, with the victim and his friends walking back towards the station to get a taxi as planned. 

While waiting at the taxi rank, a white Ford Fiesta driven by Littlechild drove at pace towards the group, hitting the victim and driving off.

The targeted man's head smashed the windscreen with force and the pair fled the scene.

The victim was left with a critical brain injury and required multiple surgeries to repair the damage. 

He suffers from severe headaches, struggles to remain balance and has severe cognitive issues. 

He has no short-term memory and struggles to recognise his newborn baby. 

He requires constant supervision, which has had a huge strain on his family.

The car was located a short distance from Lloyd’s address and text messages were found on his phone, from Littlechild, warning that police had located the vehicle. 

Lloyd was arrested at his home address on March 18 and Littlechild was arrested three days later in the Newcastle area. 

Upon arrest he was found with a suitcase and his passport.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Marc Farmer said: “This was a cowardly attack whereby the two suspects used a motor car to attempt to kill the victim. 

“The victim attempted to get out of the way of the car, but had no room to escape. 

“The defendants have shown no remorse and the victim has suffered life changing injuries. 

“This is a sad case whereby a minor scuffle has dramatically changed the lives of all involved.

“I am extremely pleased with the result in this case.

“Lloyd and Littlechild acted with extreme cowardice and malice and in attempting to kill someone over a such a minor disagreement they highlighted the danger they posed to the public.

“The victim suffered life changing injuries and I hope that the sentence handed down can provide the victim and their family some closure.

“I would like to thank all the officers who worked relentlessly on the investigation and who helped gather the evidence that made it possible to secure today's sentence.”

Square Mile Bag Thief Locked-Up And Banned

A heartless bag thief, who infested the City of London's bars and pubs, has been jailed for nine months.

Yasser Dennoune, 25, travelled into the Square Mile from Best Western Hotel, Dunheaved Road, Thornton Heath to prey on innocent victims.

City of London Police describe him as “prolific” and have successfully banned him from entering their jurisdiction for the next five years.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court he received nine months imprisonment.

Between November 6, last year and January 26 he stole from unsuspecting patrons – mostly women – in licenced premises and used one victims' bank card to buy items in Tesco.

Dennoune stole a backpack from the Golden Fleece pub; a bag from All Bar One, Cannon Street; a bag from The Sea Horse, Queen Victoria Street and a bag from Austin Friars.

He is now subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), prohibiting him entering the City of London for five years.

Detective Sergeant Helen Bentley, City of London Police, said:

“A banning order helps us to 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 we will bring those committing crimes in the City to justice.”

“We hope that this sentence gives reassurance to businesses, retail staff and people who visit the city, as well as act as a deterrent to others thinking of criminal activity.”

Hotel Assault: Bathrooms Boss Risks Flushing Relationship

Court Date: Richard Sharp & Natalie Robb

A luxury bathrooms entrepreneur split his partner’s eyebrow open during a drunken late-night hotel room attack, a court heard.

Richard Sharp, 39, boss of Leeds-based Phoenix Bathrooms - which recently enjoyed an £11m annual turnover - struck after the couple attended a party.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting mum-of-two Natalie Robb, causing her actual bodily harm, at the Waverley Inn, Weybridge on May 13, last year.

She has stood by Sharp, arriving alongside him at Chichester Crown Court, where he received eight months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

The court heard Managing Director Sharp, of Old Lane, Drighlington, Bradford and Natalie returned to their hotel room at approximately 1.30am to drink more Prosecco.

Prosecutor Ms Adele Pullarp said Natalie found Sharp to be “loud and cocky” and when she saw a smashed glass on the floor he claimed she was responsible. 

“He said she did it and he hit her. She does not recall how many times he struck her, but it was more than once.

“She screamed out in a lot of pain and could see Mr Sharp hitting himself and she took the lift down to the reception area.

“The police and ambulance service were called and Ms Robb was taken to hospital with bruising and swelling and a laceration to her left eyebrow,

“There was also bruising to the hand she raised to protect her face during the assault.”

Sharp was arrested when police officers went up to the hotel room.

“He said he only swung to stop Ms Robb hitting him and struck her in the face,” added Ms Pullarp.

“There was more than one blow. She describes being hit more than once and a member of hotel staff described her as being very distressed and hysterical.”

Ms Robb withdrew her victim impact statement and wrote a letter to the court, resulting in the Crown Prosecution Service not applying for a restraining order against Sharp contacting her.

“Ms Robb is here today and sits in the public gallery,” said Mr Lawrence Selby, defending. “If a sentence of immediate imprisonment is passed she and their children and the employees of the business will suffer.

“He is desperate to seek help to find out how this started and how to ensure it is never repeated.

Richard Sharp & Natalie Robb arriving at court

“There is a cry for help from him and Ms Robb,” added the lawyer, describing his client as a “very lucky man” for continuing to enjoy his partner’s support.

“Ms Robb has written an extremely magnanimous letter to the court,” announced Recorder John Hardy KC. 

“I see Mr Sharp has made an undertaking to the Family Court that he will not consume alcohol while in the company of his children or twenty-four hours before.

“This was an unpleasant and unjustified episode of domestic violence towards your loving partner, who is still loving towards you,” he told Sharp.

“In her letter she notes your behaviour towards her, your children and the world in general has improved.

“That letter speaks volumes for her character. She is not the kind of victim of domestic violence who says ‘I forgive him’ as she is realistic and still wants you to contribute as a father to the children.

“I can step back from the brink of an immediate custodial sentence.”

Sharp was also ordered to complete 150 hours Community Service, plus ten sessions of a Probation Service-imposed rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £150 costs.

Glazing Boss Smashed Employee In Face

Binger arriving at Chichester Crown Court

A glazing firm boss punched a veteran employee to the floor after accusing him of dishonestly swindling fuel, a court heard today.

Glazier Rory Binger, 46, owner of Banstead Glass & Glazing Services, continued pummelling the grandfather as he curled up in an attempt to defend himself.

At Chichester Crown Court he was fined £1,000, with £500 costs and ordered to pay £500 compensation to victim Ian Brown.

Binger, of Outwood Lane, Chipstead pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Brown, causing him actual bodily harm, on October 3, last year at the Epsom location.

“There was a dispute and this defendant accused Mr Brown of stealing fuel and confronted him about the theft,” prosecutor Mr Dan Santos Costa told the court.

“This resulted in an argument and Mr Brown pushed Binger away and the defendant responded by punching him twice to the head, causing him to fall to the floor.

“The fight continued on the floor and was recorded on CCTV and the prosecution case is that Binger continued punching Mr Brown.

“Binger also pushed away a witness that tried to intervene and he continued punching Mr Brown.

“Mr Brown was curled up in the foetal position and was quite defenceless at the time.

“He suffered no breaks or fractures, but Mr Brown received two fairly thick black eyes and swelling around his eyes.”

Binger always described his actions as “excessive self-defence” after Mr Brown became physical during the row.

In his victim impact statement Mr Brown - who suffers chronic obstructive airways disease - confirmed that he has known Binger for thirty years and considered him a friend.

He has now been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has signed-off work with disability for three years.

A particularly stressful consequence of the assault was the reluctance of Mr Brown’s grandchild to come near him due to the bruising and swelling to his face.

“Mr Binger acted entirely out of character,” said Lyle Thompson, defending.

Recorder John Hardy KC told Binger: “It is always sad to see a man before the Crown Court who is a hard-working family man, running his own business and generally speaking is a decent member of society.

“On that day you had a dispute with Mr Brown and whether that was justified or not is nothing to the point, but the red mist descended and you punched him to the ground and continued punching.”

Afghan Resettled In UK Accused Of Littlehampton Park Sex Attack On 14 Year-Old Dog-Walker

Crawley Magistrates' Court

A young Afghani immigrant - allowed into the UK under the Armed Forces resettlement scheme - appeared in court yesterday, accused of molesting a 14 year-old girl walking the family dog in a Littlehampton park.

Gulahmad Oryakhail, 21, is said to have forced his hands under the young teenager’s bra and between her legs near the tennis courts in Maltravers Leisure Park.

He appeared in custody at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, where he was sent to Lewes Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 26.

He is charged with sexually assaulting the girl on October 25 and with stalking her between October 25 and October 27.

Oryakhail, of Fairlight Court, Pier Road, Littlehampton, who works part-time in a local Wimpy bar, obtained UK residency via his brother, who assisted the British Armed Forces, enabling the entire family to settle in the UK.

In 2021 the UK government agreed that Afghan citizens, who had served with or assisted our Armed Forces, were entitled to permanent residency under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.

Their application can also include a partner, dependent children and additional family members and as of November, 2023 there were still over 2000 eligible Afghans in the queue for UK residency. 

The court heard he repeatedly kissed the schoolgirl on the lips and neck, while asking for sex and tried to drag her towards a more secluded area.

Long-haired and bearded Oryakhail, who required the assistance of an interpreter, had been riding his bike in the park and will contest the charges.

Prosecutor Mr Jeremy King said Oryakhail then bombarded the complainant with message to her phone over the next two days and was arrested near her home address.

He has been in the UK for twelve months and lives with his parents.

The girl’s family were on the look-out for Oryakhail and were described by Mr King as “angry and agitated” when police arrived to arrest him.

The prosecutor asked for the young Afghani to remain in custody because: “He would be a real risk to vulnerable young people in the area.”

He also asked for the remand for Oryakhail’s own protection from the girl’s family, but the magistrates emphasised this was not the reason they agreed he should remain in custody.

Oryakhail claims the girl told him she was 18 year-old and consented to sexual contact with him and voluntarily gave him her phone number.