£20,000 Reward To Catch Turkish Club Killers

Police hunting the killers of a 21 year-old shot dead while playing pool at a Turkish social club hope a £20,000 reward plus release of CCTV stills of the suspects will get tongues wagging.

Islington salesman Cem Duzgun was killed inside Clapton FC Club, Upper Clapton Road, Clapton on October 5 last year by two gunmen still being sought by police.

At 10.45 pm Cem was playing pool with a pal when the male suspects arrived at the venue, opening fire from the doorway.

The victim, who was nearest the door was struck with a number of bullets and pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers do not believe he was the intended target, but rather that the suspects simply fired indiscriminately into the venue.

The two men then left the scene on foot heading in separate directions - one north past Clapton BR station (next to the venue), before turning right to go east into Southwold Rd.

The second turned left on leaving the club and ran south along Upper Clapton Rd, then left into Cleveleys Rd.

Suspect 1: a light-skinned black man, in his early 20s, of medium height and slim build, wearing a navy/black jacket, grey hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers.

Suspect 2: a black man, in his early 20s, wearing a navy hooded coat, jeans and trainers. He carried a plastic bag containing the gun.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Andy Perrott of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "I believe there are people in the community who know who is responsible for this murder and hope the offer of a significant reward will persuade these individuals to come forward and help police provide some justice for Mr. Duzgan's family."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may assist the investigation is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8244.

Turkish or Kurdish speakers can call a special line on 020 8785 8944.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Couple Together Despite Twin Knife Attack

A woman who tried to stab her partner of nineteen years with two 9” kitchen knives while screaming she would kill him during a T.V. row dodged prison with a suspended sentence today.

Jobless Theresa Hogston, 51, slashed at David Diggins’ throat at their flat at Glenmill House, Hanworth Road, Hampton,Middlesex and threw the blade at his head during the “frenzied” attack.

Remarkably Mr. Diggins continues to support Hogston, who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, even trying to persuade police to drop the prosecution eight days later and the couple continue to live together.

Hogston pleaded guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court (pictured) to attempted grievous bodily harm, with intent, and threats to kill Mr. Diggins on December 1, last year.

Prosecutor Miss Hannah Dawson told the court: “The couple started arguing about the defendant’s apparent mood swings and also something silly about the television.

“The defendant told Mr. Diggins: ‘Don’t talk to me like that. I’m going to kill you.’

“She then appeared in the doorway with a large kitchen knife and he tried to disarm her and pushed her into the kitchen.

“She appeared again with another knife, again approximately nine inches long and she went for him in a frenzied attack saying: ‘I’m going to kill you this time’.

“He had to disarm her and she caught him in the ribs with the handle of the knife,” added Miss Dawson.

As Mr. Diggins fought Hogston off he managed to dial 999 and when officers arrived she was in bed crying under her duvet.

“She claimed she loved him and admitted she had waved the knife around his neck area and thrown the knife at his head,” explained Miss Dawson.

Recorder Mark Milliken-Smith QC told first-time-offender Hogston: “Ordinarily attempted grievous bodily harm, with intent, would result in a lengthy prison sentence of some years.

“The repeated use of as knife with intent to injure someone, with intent to do serious harm is extremely serious,” he added.

Accepting the attack was “spur of the moment” Recorder Milliken-Smith added: “Perhaps it was a reaction to an off the cuff remark by your partner that triggered the incident.

“It is impressive your partner wants to stand by you and take car of you.”

Hogston was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, on both counts and placed under two years probation supervision.

Amateur Hitmen Receive 30-Year Minimum

Two amateur hitmen who assassinated an East End crook and accused molester for £5,000 - allegedly put up by his own wife and stepdaughter – are starting life sentences.

Gunman Douglas Johnson, 30, of Witley Crescent, New Addington, Croydon and getaway driver David Austin, 43, of Dunley Drive, New Addington, must serve a minimum of 30 years.

Wheel clamping boss Charles Butler, 50, (pic.top) was shot outside his home opposite the Matapan pub in Green Lane, Dagenham at 11.45 pm on October 13, 2004 after pulling up in his burgundy Land Rover.

As he walked to his front door Johnson (pic.mid.) approached and chased the victim around the car and into the main road, shooting Mr. Butler as he stumbled.

He was taken to Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, where he died on June 23, 2005 after an eight-month coma. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as gunshot wound to the neck.

Rumours that Mr. Butler traded in stolen cars and had molested his step-daughter helped police put a case together after hearing Johnson’s brother was approached by the family to kill the victim.

Detective Superintendent Keith Niven, of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "This has been a protracted and complex enquiry.

“The team of detectives investigating this murder have worked tirelessly throughout and it is as a consequence of their commitment, dedication and professionalism that convictions have been secured here today.

"Charles Butler was murdered in a gangland-style killing as he returned to his Dagenham home.

"As part of the investigation detectives took the unusual step of releasing very graphic CCTV images of Mr. Butler's final moments.

The grandfather was captured on his own security systems being chased by a gunman before being shot and fatally wounded.

"Today's result demonstrates the Met's ongoing determination to identify and bring to justice those who seek to use guns on the streets of London.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the witnesses who showed great courage in coming forward to give evidence at court."

Lazy Hubby Kills Divorce-Threat Wife

A husband who squandered his children’s savings and faced a divorce will spend at least 20 years behind bars after plunging a knife through his hard-working wife’s heart.

Jobless Mikdat Sahpaz, 47, of Carlton Avenue East, Wembley, Middlesex even attempted a clumsy cover-up and staged the ‘discovery’ of his wife’s body in front of their son, 11 and daughter, 13.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Elif Orac, 42, (pic.top) a school cook who sold her deli business to spend more time with her children and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a twenty-year minimum recommendation.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "Mikdat Sahpaz (pic.bottom) not only callously and coldly planned the murder of his wife, but he engineered the evening's events to ensure that his children were present when he supposedly 'discovered' their mother's body.

"Evidence gathered during the investigation exposed a man whose desire was to lead a life very much apart from his family, and who had secretly squandered the children's life savings to fund his selfish indulgencies.

“Sahphaz knew Elif's plans of divorce would bring an abrupt end to this comfortable lifestyle, and he was all too aware that he stood to gain very significant assets upon her death.

"My sympathies go out to Elif Oruc's children as they now have to come to terms with not only their mother's death, but the fact that it was at the hands of their father who now faces life imprisonment."

The court heard police were called by London Ambulance Service at 10 pm on July 9, last year to the family home where a woman was in the kitchen, suffering from a stab wound to the heart. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The defendant had earlier collected the children and drove to the home address where Elif's car was still parked on the driveway.

He went into the house with the children and put on his slippers before going into the kitchen and finding the body.

He told the children to go outside before calling the police and an ambulance.

Despite things having been removed from the house to indicate that a burglary had taken place, officers found no sign of a forced entry.

Friends of the victim had also told police that the marriage had been unhappy for some time and that Elif was contemplating divorce.

On July 13 police received a tip from a friend of the defendant's, who explained that Sahpaz had asked him for a lift to Wembley on the day of the murder and had later directed him to a secluded area in West Hendon where household items were dumped.

The friend later found a kitchen knife hidden in the rear of his van where Sahpaz had been sitting and the weapon bore Elif's blood.

Sahpaz claimed he had been at a local community centre at the time of the murder, even parking his car awkwardly to draw attention to its presence.

The police found Sahpaz had fresh scratches to his arm, which it is believed were inflicted by Elif as she sought to defend herself during the attack.

He attempted to explain the injuries away by suggesting he had been picking blackberries for an unknown friend.

Fraudsters Invent 'Phantom' Sheikh In $58m Deal

Two fraudsters posed as agents for a multi-millionaire Arab sheikh in a $58m property deal to scam three South African businessmen who jetted into London’s Square Mile to clinch the deal.

The property developers, who were seeking investment for a huge ranch project, became suspicious when asked for a £35,000 cash deposit and tipped off police.

Nigerians Ifeanyichkwu Kalu, 34, and Chukwuma Emetu, 34, both of Parrock Street, Gravesend, Kent, pleaded guilty to dishonestly making a false representation to Bernhardt Richter on April 6 that an Old Mutual plc bond was genuine, with intent to make a gain.

“This was a planned and organised fraud,” prosecutor Mrs Varinder Hayre told City of London Magistrates’ Court (pictured).

The victims had published their proposal and were seeking investment of $58m when contacted by the defendants, who claimed they represented Sheikh Muhammad, and a meeting in the City was arranged.

As part of the deal the defendants demanded a £35,000 deposit, which would be invested in a bond issued by Old Mutual plc and given to the three businessmen.

The victims became suspicious at the meeting, held in an office available for hourly hire, and asked the men for id, but were refused.

Enquiries with Old Mutual plc revealed the bond was fraudulent and City of London police were contacted, arresting the defendants at a follow-up meeting, when they again hoped to get their hands on the cash.

The defendants were committed in custody for sentencing at the Old Bailey on May 13.

Cyclist Left Brain-Damaged By Unprovoked Attack

Two young thugs who left a cyclist permanently brain-damaged after mistaking him for a paedophile and clubbing him to the ground were caged today for the "sickening" attack.

Portugal-born father-of-two Filipe Nunes David, 40, had the left side of his skull removed by doctors who were forced to perform a partial lobotomy following the brutal assault with woodden tree stakes.

Ringleader Brett Carslake, 20, (pic.l) of Fendall Road, Epsom, Surrey pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, with intent, to Mr. David in Cox Lane, Ewell on August 18, last year and was sentenced to a five-year minimum term for public protection - equivalent to ten years custody.

Jamie Bailey, 17, (pic.mid.) of Watersedge Estate, Watersedge, Ewell received five years' custody for the same offence.

A third defendant, student Frank Miller, 17, (pic.r.) of Cumberland Close, Ewell, who did not strike the victim, but did force him from his bike must complete a two-year intensive supervision and surveillance programme after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm.

"This was a brutal and unprovoked attack on Mr. David who was cycling along the road," Recorder Simon Oliver told the defendants at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

"The three of you involved yourselves in extreme and gratuitous violence. The attack was so serious and injuries so severe he was unable to remember it or provide a statement and needs full-time medical help."

Mr. David, (pictured) who needed emergency brain surgery and was in a coma for two weeks and in critical condition for a further three needs help washing and dressing himself, walking outside, upstairs and performing simple everyday tasks.

"We know Mr. David has a depression in his skull, we can see it," added Recorder Oliver telling the defendants: "I hope his appearance leaves you with a sick feeling in your stomachs. He's very lucky to be alive."

The group - fuelled by drink and drugs - were seen "celebrating" the attack and waving one of the heavy tree stakes in the air like a "trophy" as Mr. David, who has a son Victor, 2 and a daughter Jessica, 6, lay bleeding in the middle of the road.

"You were boasting of your actions, celebrating what you did. I find that sickening," added Recorder Oliver. "For you to consider taking anything into your own hands was appalling. Nothing whatsoever supported the rumour Mr. David was a paedophile."

Prosecutor Mr. Richard Jory said: "Mr. David will bear the physical and mental consequences for the rest of his life.

"He was left bleeding in the road and there was no remourse from the defendants who were part of a group celebrating in a nearby street shortly afterwards."

Cleaner Mr. David was waiting for his wife and kids to return home on the Watersedge Estate when ambushed by the trio.

"Jamie Bailey struck Mr. David to the head and there was an audible bang on impact. Brett Carslake used both hands to pull the length of wood over his shoulder and swung at Mr. David's head with full force. There was a loud impact."

Mr. David who pleaded "why me" after the first blow then had his packet of cigarettes taken by Bailey as he lay in a pool of blood, also suffering from a brain haemorrage, multiple fractures around his eyes and bleeding from his nose and mouth.

Victorious shouts of: "We've done it. We've beaten the paedophile," were heard by witnesses.

"They were excited and exhilarated and were showing off," added Mr. Jory. "One was holding the piece of wood and waving it about like a trophy."

One witness told police Carslake, who has a history of violence, and had been bailed by a local court earlier that day even wanted to return and club Mr. David again, but was restrained by members of the group.

Mr. David bravely attended court with the assistance of two nurses. "He remains grossly disfigured by the attack," added Mr. Jory.

Probation branded scaffolder Carslake as a "high risk" to the public who's only concern after the attack was how long he would be in custody, showing no remourse for Mr. David.

"You have destroyed this man. He is still missing a large part of his skull and brain," Recorder Oliver told the trio, telling Carslake: "You are a dangerous, vicious man and we need to stop you at once."

Partner Helena Sousa, 23, said: "Filipe was a good father, but since the attack most of the time he doesn't recognise us. I am now mother and father to our children and it's been really hard."

Heroin 'Factory' Man Caged

A heroin producer, who left tell-tale DNA at a ‘factory’ raided by police who seized £70,000 worth of the deadly drug, has been locked-up for seven years.

Mohammed Saleh, 23, of Stepney Causeway, Stepney, East London was arrested eight months after officers armed with a search warrant swooped on a flat in nearby Ellen Wilkinson House, Usk Street, Bethnal Green.

He was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court of being concerned in the production of heroin.

Officers from the Central Task Force broke into the unoccupied property on March 9, last year discovering a hydraulic press and equipment used to produce heroin packages.

Over 1kg of the drug was seized and Saleh’s DNA was present. He was eventually arrested on November 6.

Detective Inspector Colin Stephenson said: "This seizure will undoubtedly have resulted in a reduction in the supply of heroin across east London.

“The use of forensic techniques was vital in this case and led to the suspect being identified.

“His sentence will hopefully serve as a major deterrent to people involved in the drugs trafficking trade.

“My team continue to target serious and organised crime across east London."

Footballer Fatal Stabbing: Teen In Court

A teenager accused of murdering a promising young footballer, fatally stabbed in a late-night ambush as he strolled with two friends through a park, has appeared in court.

Moise Avorgah, 19, of St. Ann’s Road, Tottenham, North London is charged with the murder of 17 year-old Godwin Lawson (pictured) in nearby Amhurst Park, Hackney on March 27.

He is also charged with attempting to murder brothers Daniel, 18, and Julian Escobar, 20, who were rushed to hospital with stab wounds after the attack at 1.50am.

Aspiring footballer Godwin, from Enfield, North London – a member of Oxford United’s academy - was visiting relatives when he and his friends were reportedly set upon by four youths.

His death - from a stab wound to the chest - is believed to be the result of a vicious local postcode war.

His weeping mother Yvonne said: "Everything I lived for has just been robbed from me in one second.

"Godwin had the whole world at his feet. He had so much talent and wanted to be a professional with Manchester United.

"He told me, 'Mummy I'm going to make it. They will definitely take me because I'm really good. I'm going to get there'.

"He came down to see family and friends and he died. He was just minding his own business when it happened. He was doing so well."

Avorgah was committed in custody by Brent Magistrates to the Old Bailey where he will appear on June 16.

Couple In Dock For Selling Illegal And Dangerous Skin-Lightening Products

A couple who sold dangerous and illegal skin-lightening creams containing banned and prescription-only chemicals from their specialist Afro-Caribbean beauty store avoided prison yesterday for the "shocking offences."

Trading Standards seized 294 products containing unlicenced pharmaceuticals and 109 that breached cosmetic safety regulations

One popular product contained over twice the safe level of a banned topical steroid and others were prescription-only and capable of causing dangerous skin-thinning, permanent colour-change and the risk of secondary infection.

Iqbal Muhammed, 36, and his wife Farahat Muhammed, 33, both of Baring Road, Lee, owners of Super Grows Cosmetics, East Street, Walworth, South-East London were prosecuted after an undercover operation by Southwark Council’s team.

The maximum sentence for the offences is two years' imprisonment.

Both pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates' Court to selling three tubes of £2.99 'Movate' cream – containing prescription-only Clobestosol Propionate – to an enforcement officer on January 20, last year.

They were raided a week later and also admitted possessing skin-lightening creams containing further prescription-only Clobestosol Propionate; Betamethasone Dipropionate and Flucinonide, contrary to the Medicines Act on January 26.

They also admitted exposing for supply Clair Liss Genial Toning Body Lotion, Clear Essence Skin Body Milk and Skin Light la Crème, containing banned Hydroquinone, contrary to the Consumer Protection Act.

"These are shocking offences," Bench Chairwoman Vivienne Littlechild told the couple. "You have sold dangerous products to innocent members of the public to solve your financial problems."

Mr. Muhammed was cautioned in 2005 for similar offences at a Brixton Afro-Caribbean cosmetics and beauty shop.

"You can go to prison, Mr. Muhammed, for these offences. They are extremely serious matters," added Mrs Littlechild.

"They were sold knowing it was illegal by Mr. Muhammed. He has continued to sell chemicals to people foolish enough to want to bleach their skin."

Prosecutor Mr. Christopher Foulkes told the court Trading Standards twice warned the store the previous year of the dangers of supplying products with banned ingredients.

When quizzed Mr. Muhammed claimed he inherited the rogue stock after buying the shop in 2008, but dates on the illegal products revealed many had been bought by the defendants.

The three tubes of 'Movate' cream bought in the test-purchase contained Clobestosol Propionate.

"That is a topical steroid ranked number one in the U.S.A. It is very potent, prescription-only and should only be prescribed by an experienced dermatologist," added Mr. Foulkes.

"Betamethasone Dipropionate and Flucinonide are both also potent topical steroids ranked number two in the U.S.A.

"They are prescription-only and should not be used unsupervised because of the potential risks. They are prescribed for severe inflammatory skin disease and should be never used by children."

The couple’s lawyer Mr. Stuart Frame told the court: "The products were bought from an itinerant African lady that sometimes pops into the shop and sells the products out of a suitcase.

"The products are extremely popular in Afro-Caribbean areas. There is a high demand and Mr. Muhammed succumbed to commercial pressures. Mrs Muhammed had a far lesser role.

"It is sad perhaps that people feel the need to alter their complexions, but the demand exists."

The couple were sued by the shop’s former owner and were ordered to pay £50,000.

"They found themselves under considerable commercial pressure. These offences were not committed out of greed," added Mr. Frame.

"This case has caused incredible anxiety to them. They are terrified.

"Mr. Muhammed fears he could go to prison for this and if he did the business would not survive."

Mr. Muhammed was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £500 costs.

Mother-of-two Mrs Muhammed was conditionally discharged for twelve months and ordered to pay £500 costs.

Teen Facing Custody For Gang's Gun

A Hackney teen, persuaded by a notorious local street gang to ‘mind’ a sawn-off shotgun recovered by police from his bedroom in an early-morning raid, faces at least three years behind bars after admitting his first-ever crime.

The 16 year-old, of Eastdown House, Amhurst Road, pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to possessing a prohibited weapon at the address on February 10.

Along with the weapon police recovered violent handwritten gangster-rap lyrics glorifying the ‘A-Road Gang’ with lines like: “Fuck with us and you’ll see the barrels of a twin-gauge.”

Prosecutor Mr. Colin Hart told the court (pictured) officers armed with a search warrant entered the flat, which the defendant shares with his mother and sister, at 7am and found the gun hidden under clothing in the bottom of the wardrobe.

When quizzed by police the teen confessed having the Italian-made 20-bore gun for a month. “He claimed a member of the Amhurst Road Gang told him to look after it.”

He also told officers he had forgotten whether he was the author of the violent lyrics or had been given them by somebody else.

“These lyrics refer to firearms, shooting and killing people,” Judge Roger Chapple told the youth, who cannot be identified because of his age, remanding him in custody for sentencing later this month.

“You have pleaded guilty to a serious offence.”

Company In Dock After Lift Engineer Crushed To Death

A company learned it faces a date with the Old Bailey after a lift engineer they sub-contracted at a prestigious Mayfair development was crushed to death despite desperate efforts to save his life.

J Brown Services Limited of Nirvana House, London Road, West Kingsdown, Kent pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court to a summons brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

Andrew Bates, 40, was tragically crushed to death when a lift he was fitting safety equipment to suddenly began moving at 17 Woodstock Street, a four-storey terraced office block, on December 6, 2005.

“Cables hanging from the shaft got snagged on bolts sending a rogue signal to the lift and causing it to move and then trapping Mr. Bates,” prosecutor Miss Hillary Ross told the court.

“Men on the site report they heard screams and Mr. Bates was trapped between the top of the lift roof and the shaft and they were unable to free him.

“They had to call the fire brigade to free Mr. Bates who later died in hospital,” added Miss Ross.

“The prosecution’s case is that he was unfamiliar with the lift and had no formal qualifications. When someone has neither that person is unqualified to take on the job.”

The court was told the building refurbishment included the removal of the old lift and installation of a new one and J Brown took over the half-finished job when the original contractor ran out of time.

Mr. Bates was not an employee of the company, but was a sub-contractor they knew and was working with a member of the Brown family when the tragedy occurred.

The Health and Safety Executive say J Brown should have used five-core cable instead of three-core which reduces the chances of a rogue signal.

They also maintain a person should have been assigned to manually control the lift.

The company’s lawyer Mr. Angus Withington told the court J Brown ceased trading on August 31, 2007 and will be wound-up at the conclusion of the prosecution.

It’s current assess total £11,300.

“There’s no doubt this was a tragic accident,” said Mr. Withington. “The lift was travelling extremely slowly when Mr Bates attempted to jump off, but failed and was trapped.

“The tragedy is if he had stayed where he was he would have been in a safe place designated for that purpose.”

An inquest at Westminster Coroner’s Court recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The Health and Safety Executive’s expert Dr. Anthony Wray told the inquest Mr. Bates would have had only a split-second to react when the lift started moving.

The company admitted that being an employer they failed to ensure that the safety, as far as was reasonably practicable, of persons not in their employment would not be effected by their work installing a lift between November 30 and December 6, 2005.

They will appear at the Central Criminal Court on a date to be fixed.