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.

Cocaine Courier Caught With £24,000 Worth Of Drugs

A hardworking plumber, who risked delivering £24,000 worth of cocaine to fund the next stage of his business, is beginning a two-year prison sentence today after being stopped by cops exiting the Rotherhithe Tunnel.

Father-of-three Paul Collins, 42, of Northchurch, Daws Street, Walworth, South-East London, agreed a £1,000 fee to courier the drug, in a bid to raise cash for a Kingston College gas course.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court (pictured) to possessing 602 gms of cocaine, with intent to supply, on February 11.

Prosecutor Mr. Ben Temple told the court it was 9.30 p.m. when two police officers stopped Collins in his white VW plumber’s van as he exited the tunnel in Bermondsey.

They searched the vehicle and on the front passenger seat found the block of wrapped cocaine in a plastic carrier bag.

Collins was arrested and handcuffed and at Southwark Police Station gave a positive cocaine sample.

“He realises one stupid mistake has blown everything he has worked for,” said Collins’ lawyer Mr. Martin Goudi, describing his client as a hard-working family man trying to make a success of his business.

“It is a great shame to see you back in the dock of a criminal court,” Judge Roger Chapple told Collins, whose first drugs conviction was in the same building nearly twenty years ago.

“Class A drugs wreck lives, causes misery and chaos and engenders crime,” added the Judge, sentencing Collins to two years imprisonment as his family looked down from the public gallery.

Pianist's Child Sex Shame

A musician whose stash of child porn was discovered after his arrest for filming up a woman train passenger’s skirt with his mobile phone dodged jailed today (Monday).

Pianist Joe Paice, 39, of Brockley Road, Brockley, South-East London pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to committing a lewd or obscene act outraging public decency by filming up the woman’s skirt on December 14, last year.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a quantity of indecent photographs of children at his home address on the same day and was sentenced to an 18 month supervision order, including 150 hours unpaid community service work.

Paice, who also teaches music, was reported by a shocked passenger and British Transport Police arrested him when he arrived at East Croydon Station.

While in custody his home was searched and officers found computer files of the Level One images, which are at the lowest level of indecency.

Paice was also ordered to pay £150 costs and ordered to forfeit the offending computer equipment.

Do You Know This Pervert?

Police have released this Internet image of an unknown paedophile who filmed himself sexually abusing young boys in a bid to identify the monster.

The fat bald-headed pervert is believed to be from Northern England, possibly the Manchester area, and committed the offences while abroad.

He posted homemade footage online for other paedophiles and is now being hunted by the Metropolitan Police’s Paedophile Unit.

The footage has been recovered by officers conducting pro-active covert inquiries on the internet and show the suspect sexually assaulting a number of victims, who are thought to be between six and ten years old.

While the image of the suspect is not very clear, officers are confident that anyone who knows him would recognise him.

The man is described as white, aged about 40, and of large build.

He is thought to have visited a number of countries, including Egypt, Malaysia and Italy, and has strong links to Dubai.

Anyone with information which can assist the investigation is asked to contact the Met's Paedophile Unit on 0207 161 2780, or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Medical Equipment Firm Fined

A company that supplies specialist diagnostic medical instruments has been hit was a £4,500 bill after flouting safety rules designed to protect patients giving tissue samples.

Cellpath Limited, of Mochdre Enterprise Park, Newtown, Powys, Wales supplied microtome blades – used to take biopsy samples – that did not carry the CE safety mark.

They admitted three summonses at City of London Magistrates’ Court of supplying the Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, Lancashire, the Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, Kent and City Hospital, Birmingham in contravention of the Medical Devices Regulations between April 1 and May 31, 2007.

“We accept no patient was put at risk by these three supplies,” prosecutor Miss Deanna Heer, representing the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, told the court.

The agency’s senior device specialist Dr. Khalid Razak said the regulations were in place to ensure no blunted blades were used to obtain tissue samples from patients.

“The danger, if you have a very small piece of tissue, is that you waste a lot of it due to the blade not functioning and may have to go back for more.

“If the condition varies you may miss vital information that is lost,” added Dr. Razak. “It should be sharp from the start and if the next blade is faulty because of manufacturing problems you may have lost quite a bit of tissue.”

The prosecution agreed none of the blades supplied to the three hospitals were faulty.

“These are safety regulations and the breach arises from the fact this defendant became the manufacturer by attaching it’s own label and was responsible for the quality of the blade,” explained Miss Heer.

The company boasts it has a reputation for “innovation, novel product design and quality of both its products and service.”

Cellpath was fined £500 on each summons and ordered to pay £3,000 costs.

The prosecution dropped similar summonses regarding Beaston Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow and all summonses against company director Philip Webber, 43, whose family founded the business were also withdrawn.