Saturday, 7 December 2024

Cruel Catnapper Who Fought Deportation Sentenced

Caught On Camera: Cyrus
A cat thief suspected of deliberately coaxing two beloved pets into his car to be cruelly used as dog-fighting bait, has received twenty weeks imprisonment.

Carlos Cyrus, 30, brought kitty treats with him while prowling Surrey in a rented car, looking for pet cats.


He had recently been paroled from his latest custodial sentence for drugs and firearms offences when he brought heartbreak to the pet owners, who have not seen their cats since.


Cyrus, of Leeward House,
Southall previously pleaded guilty to stealing Tilly, 15, from owner Laura Hunt and Maisie, 17, from Jane McKeown in Chertsey on July 17 and 29.


He told Guildford Crown Court both cats were released at the end of their respective roads, but Surrey Police suspect he used the pets as bait in the illegal world of ferocious dog-fishing. 


Cyrus was convicted of a gang-related killing as a teenager, but successfully fought deportation to his mother’s native Jamaica.


The twenty week sentence will make no difference to his time behind bars because his parole was cancelled and he remains incarcerated at HMP Wandsworth until 2017.


Unfortunately, the court had no power to add a consecutive sentence.


The Crown Prosecution Service submitted an appropriate sentence for the offences is three-and-a-half years imprisonment, given the devastating effect the crimes have had on the cats’ owners and the pets themselves.

Sadly Gone: Tilly,15,


Laura’s Ring doorbell footage, which recorded Cyrus petting family cat Tilly outside her home before picking the moggie up and throwing her into his vehicle was vital in tracking him down.


Surrey Police visited several addresses associated with Cyrus and in one found more cat treats, plus suspicious animal antibiotics for wounds and infections.


The court heard Cyrus has convictions for twenty-one offences, including a seven-year sentence for manslaughter when he was twelve years-old.


He also has convictions for robbery and theft.


In April, 2021 he received six years imprisonment for possessing a handgun and drug supply.


He was paroled in March and arrested for the cat thefts after a probation appointment.


Cyrus’ Jamaican mother and Grenadian father had no legal status in this country when Cyrus was born and the Home Office attempted to deport him, but were defeated at the High Court in 2016.


He, his sister and his mother were granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK in January, 2005.


Over two years later in December, 2007 London-born Cyrus received eight months youth detention for robbery; attempted robbery; two assaults and aggravated vehicle taking.


In January, 2009 he was convicted of the manslaughter of a rival gang member and received seven years.


He was released in August, 2011, but was twice recalled to custody for breaching parole.


In August, 2015 Cyrus was served with a deportation notice with one reason the Parole Board’s finding that he continued to pose a “high risk of harm to others.”


The following day he appealed, quoting the European Convention of Human Rights.

Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Waterloo Station Sex Assault: Police Hunt Hoodie

A woman was molested after being followed through Waterloo station.

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

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

At approximately 11.30am on Thursday, November 21 the victim was sexually assaulted by an unidentified male, who tracked her through the busy terminus.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 327 of 21 November.

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

Sunday, 1 December 2024

City Police Seized £35K In Drugs During Motorists' Clampdown

City of London Police have seized £35,000 worth of cannabis during a special operation in the Square Mile.

The TITAN team (Targeted Intercept and Tactical ANPR) focused on suspicious vehicles.

While engaged in Operation Drive – a week-long intensive initiative targeting uninsured drivers – officers stopped a 29 year-old driver.

In the boot of the vehicle police discovered 3.5kg of cannabis (pictured).

The male suspect was arrested for possession of the Class B drugs, with intent to supply.

It was also discovered the driver was disqualified for motoring offences and had no insurance for the vehicle.

He was released on conditional bail, pending further enquiries.

Friday, 29 November 2024

Fare Dodger Pulled Knife

A train fare dodger pulled a knife on a member of staff when challenged at Gravesend railway station.

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

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

At approximately 3.00pm on Tuesday, November 5, a male tried to push through the ticket barriers at the Kent station and was blocked by a member of staff.

The man pulled out a knife from his bag before threatening the member of staff and shouting at them.

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

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 2400139265.

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

Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Caught By The Buzz: Speeding Beekeeper Nicked By Police

"Never again": Clarkson
A speeding beekeeper perverted the course of justice by claiming his deceased wife was behind the wheel when he was caught breaking the motorway limit, a court heard today.

Widower Philip Clarkson, 68, forged the signature of his late partner when the letter arrived at their former matrimonial home, requesting information on who was driving.


Woolwich Crown Court heard Tracey Luxford Clarkson, who passed away aged 55 years-old in 2021, was still the registered keeper of a Vauxhall Corsa, snapped by an M20 camera travelling at 64mph in a 50mph zone on April 12, last year.


When the RTA Form 172 arrived at Clarkson’s house in Harefield Road, Brockley he completed it, confirming Tracey was the driver and she was fined and received three penalty points on her still-active driving licence.


He pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between April 11 and May 18, 2023 and was sentenced to four-week home curfew between 9pm-6am, plus £250 costs.


Judge Andrew Lees told Clarkson the sentencing guidelines suggest a starting point of six months immediate imprisonment.


“This is a very serious offence and in many cases leads to a lot of police time that is completely wasted and there has been an investigation here to get to the bottom of it,” the judge told him.


Prosecutor Arizuna Asante told the court: “The form, which requires a signed declaration, was signed as Tracey Luxford.


“It was not possible for her to sign that form because she had sadly passed away on September 27, 2021.”


Clarkson & Tracey
Clarkson was exposed when a subsequent police letter was sent to his address and an unnamed member of the household reported him.


When officers questioned Clarkson he replied “no comment” to all questions.


“Offences of this kind are always considered very serious by the courts, but this is at the bottom,” announced Judge Lees. 


The court heard Clarkson’s only income is his pension and he has resided in the same rent-controlled house for the last forty-five years.


“No doubt you have been kicking yourself since you did this and I am sure you will not do anything like this again,” Judge Lees told him.


“No, never again,” replied an obviously relieved Clarkson.

Monday, 25 November 2024

Station Stabbing: Racist Knifeman Caged

A vicious knife-wielding racist, who stabbed a member of rail staff in the back at Charing Cross station, has been locked-up for three-and-a-half years.

The still-traumatised victim suffered a broken rib and internal bleeding around his lung.

Jonathan Daniel, 21, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm; possessing a knife and racially/religiously-aggravated harassment.

Inner London Crown Court heard Daniel was asked by the victim to move away from the station's entrance because he was causing a disturbance and was being aggressive towards passengers on Friday, October 20, last year.

He became increasingly aggressive and as the victim turned away to radio for assistance from colleagues, he was stabbed in the back by Daniel who then ran away with the knife in his hand.

Hours later officers spotted Daniel in Leicester Square and he was arrested, while still carrying the knife he had used in the attack.

Investigating officer DC Gemma Lee said: “This was a horrific attack on someone who was just doing their job, helping to keep the railway network and those who use it safe.

“The victim suffered a broken rib and bleeding around the lung and remains traumatised by the events of that afternoon.

“There is no excuse for carrying knives or any other weapons on the rail network and we continue to work tirelessly to remove them from the railway.”

Saturday, 23 November 2024

TITAN Police Squad Take Down Square Mile Cocaine Dealer

A cocaine dealer, caught with twenty small sealed bags of the drug under his sun visor when stopped driving in the City of London has been jailed.

Alehandro Zeneli, 21, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to thirty-two months imprisonment.

He was driving in the Square Mile without a licence and insurance when police pulled him over for his suspicious behaviour at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 15.

Officers from the Targeted Intercept and Tactical ANPR team (TITAN) carried out a search of the vehicle in Farringdon Street and with the help of a police dog, found the hidden cocaine.

Along with the twenty sealed bags of cocaine officers also found £360 cash in the centre console.

Two mobile phones were also recovered, with one of the devices showing messages that suggested drug dealing.

Chief Inspector Jo Cash said: “City of London Police officers will proactively target offenders and we will take action to disrupt and purse those involved in the supply of Class A drugs on the streets of London.

“This sentencing should send a message to those involved in drug dealing, you will be arrested, charged and sent to prison.”

TITAN was launched following hugely successful intelligence-led operations to track down vehicles, using the City’s extensive camera network, known to be involved in criminality.

The team conduct a mixture of pre-planned and spontaneous tactical response to high harm offenders. 

They are targeting drug suppliers, phone snatchers, money launderers and those controlling modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Thursday, 21 November 2024

Woman Violently Kicked At Abbey Wood Station

A female train passenger was deliberately kicked in the leg as she entered Abbey Wood railway station in south-east London.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released these CCTV images of their suspect.

They are appealing for the assistance of the general public to assist in identifying him.

On Tuesday, August 20 at approximately 6.00pm the woman was walking into the station when an unknown male approached her and kicked her leg.

The victim's leg was bruised and resulted in mobility issues. 

She is still receiving medical treatment for the injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, recognises the man in the CCTV images is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 658 20 August. 

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

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Time's Up For Knife-Wielding Rolex Robber

A “calculating and dangerous” knife-wielding Rolex robber, who targeted victims on the London Underground, is starting an eight-year prison sentence.

Muridi Bahdon, 24, lunged at his victims with the weapon during his crime-spree last summer, telling one passenger: “I'm a killer,” before taking his £10,000 watch.

At Inner London Crown Court he was convicted of two counts of attempted robbery; one count of robbery; two counts of threatening a person with an offensive weapon and possession of an offensive weapon.

He will complete an additional five years on licence when he is paroled.

The court heard how, on July 1, last year, the victim was in the concourse at Earl's Court station waiting to pay for some items.

He was approached by Bahdon, who was brandishing a large knife, and demanded the victim hand over his Rolex. 

The victim used the jacket he was carrying to fend off Bahdon, who proceeded to lunge towards him with the knife. 

The victim then fled to behind the shop counter where he was able to call the police while Bahdon fled.

Three days later, on July 4 at around 1.40pm, a second victim was on board an underground service heading towards Sloan Square. 

As he arrived at Victoria station, Bahdon boarded the train and sat next to him, despite there being plenty of empty seats.

He also noticed Bahdon looking at his watch which made him uncomfortable and nervous. 

Due to Bahdon’s behaviour, the victim decided to leave the train at Sloan Square. 

As he looked back to check whether Bahdon stayed on the train, he saw he was rushing towards him. 

Bahdon grabbed the victim by his shirt and produced a knife, demanding him to take off his watch.

The victim attempted to flee, almost tearing his shirt off his body and causing injury to the back of his head, shoulders and legs. 

He was taken to hospital by ambulance, though his injuries were determined to be not life-threatening or life-changing.

An urgent appeal was circulated with an image to locate Bahdon and he was later located and arrested. 

Following this arrest, Bahdon was further linked to robbery on August 20, 2022. 

In this instance, at around 5.35pm, the victim was on an underground service from Earl's Court and entered the carriage where Bahdon was sitting.

Bahdon immediately approached the victim, pulled out a folded knife from his pocket, and demanded the victim hand over his watch, telling the victim “I’m a killer.” 

Fearing for his life and the safety of other passengers in the carriage, the man handed over his Rolex watch worth around £10,000. 

The victim immediately departed the train at the next station, Gloucester Road. 

Detective Constable Steve Faulkner said: “Bahdon is a calculating and dangerous offender whose actions will have a life-long impact on his victims. 

“I am glad to see this sentence imposed for his actions and hope this will go some way in helping the victims get closure from these incidents. 

“His brazen and determined level of violence were carried out in public, CCTV heavy settings, meaning we could quickly capture and circulate images to our policing counterparts and the public.” 

Sunday, 17 November 2024

Caught On Camera? Tube Train Pervert Wanted By Police

A mystery tube train pervert was seen by another passenger intimately pleasuring himself during an evening journey.

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

They are requesting the assistance of the general public to help identify him.

BTP are treating the incident as a criminal offence of outraging public decency.

At approximately 8.30pm on Friday, October 4 an unknown male passenger travelling on a southbound Northern Line Underground train between Tooting Broadway and Morden was witnessed touching himself inappropriately.

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 715 of 4 October.

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

Friday, 15 November 2024

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.

Wednesday, 13 November 2024

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. 

Monday, 11 November 2024

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.

Saturday, 9 November 2024

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.

Thursday, 7 November 2024

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.”