Cocaine-Rum Suspect Claims Plot To Frame Him

A Romford man accused of killing an unsuspecting mini-cab driver who swigged from a bottle of cocaine-laced rum smuggled from the Caribbean told a jury today he was the victim of a conspiracy to frame him.

Former sprinter Martin Newman, 50, of Wadeville Avenue suggested the plot may go as far as the deputy Prime Minister of St. Lucia and involves drug dealers and corrupt Customs men.

Mini-cab driver Lascelle Malcolm, 63,(pictured) of Rutland Gardens, Haringey, North London, was given the St. Lucian 'Bounty' rum as a gift for picking up a friend from her holiday trip to the Caribbean island.

Croydon Crown Court has heard she was given the bottle by a holiday friend who the prosecution say was persuaded to carry it through customs by Newman.

“This is some sort of conspiracy,” the defendant told the jury from the witness box. “I don’t think I have been treated fairly.”

Contrary to being a ruthless drug smuggler Newman insists he was involved in a three-year anti-drugs crusade and was “set up” to silence him.

In evidence dismissed as “a story of ridiculous fiction” by prosecutor Mr. Oliver Glasgow Newman says CCTV footage at St. Lucia’s airport deliberately avoids identifying the real smuggler.

“I believe the CCTV was deliberately edited,” insisted the defendant who says another man who boarded the flight persuaded an associate to carry the cocaine-filled bottles of rum.

“The scenes shown on the CCTV don’t show all the people that were involved.”

The defendant told the court he tipped-off Customs men in St. Lucia and the UK about drug-smuggling operations on five occasions, but those corrupt officers identified him to dealers.

His account was described as a “fantastic tale” by Mr. Glasgow, who told the jury to ignore it and convict Newman.

He has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mr. Malcolm, who died on May 26 last year, and importing class A cocaine.

Friends and family paid their respects the next day and two mourners, including the dead man's 40 year-old nephew, toasted Mr. Malcolm with the cocaine-laced rum and were rushed to hospital after collapsing with seizures.

Police analysed the bottle of rum. "Pure cocaine had been dissolved into the alcohol. The cocaine within it was lethal. A teaspoon could cause an overdose," Mr. Glasgow told the jury.

Mr. Malcolm's friend, Antoinette Corliss, who he had collected from the airport told police the bottle of rum was given to her by friend Michael Lawrence, a native St. Lucian, who she had travelled back from the Caribbean with.

She confirmed it had been given to him by the defendant at the airport.

Trial continues......

Luxury Car-Stealing Gang Smashed

Members of a gang who plotted to steal 30 cars worth £390,000 during a string of raids in North London, Hertfordshire and Thames Valley – snatching keys during audacious home burglaries – have been locked-up.

Jobless Craig Foskett, 26, of Knoll Crescent, Northwood, Harrow, (pic.top) was sentenced to four years.

Jobless Lewis Nevard, 22 (pic.2^nd top) and jobless Ben Lordan, 21 (pic.3^rd top) both of Greenway, Pinner, Harrow were jailed for three years. 


Jobless Danielle Costello, 21 (pic.bottom) of Balmoral Drive, Hayes, Hillingdon, received twelve months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with an electronic curfew from 7pm -7am for six months and a supervision order for 18 months.

All four pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to conspiracy to burgle relating to fifteen separate break-ins.

They were originally arrested in November 2009 in a series of dawn raids at a string of addresses in north London.

Dozens of cars including BMWs, Mercedes, Audis and Jaguars were spirited away by the network after they seized the car keys after burgling the houses of the owners.

The gang often targeted driveways with two 'his and hers' cars on them, stealing both at the same time.

The vehicles, worth anywhere between £15,000-£60,000 each, were then sold on through a variety of channels.

Other property was also stolen from the same premises by the opportunist thieves - including cash, jewellery, laptops and credit cards.

Operation Okul was led by the Territorial Policing Crime Squad, and supported by local officers from the Territorial Support Group as well as borough officers from Harrow and Hillingdon.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thompson of the TP London Crime Squad, said: “We worked together with our colleagues from borough and other units on sustained enforcement to disrupt this gang involved in residential burglary, and the sentences show that we are committed to bringing these offenders to justice.

“I would like to take this opportunity to urge householders to take measures to secure their valuables and property.”

Volatile Couple's Internet Porn Row Leads To Death Threats

A couple’s Internet porn row ended with police rushing to their Bromley home after a 999 operator overheard the drunken man vowing to stab his girlfriend and slash her father’s throat.

Stephen Greenwood, 43, of May’s Hill Road pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to making threats to kill 34 year-old Vanessa Martin on April 19.

Prosecutor Mr. Hamish Reid told the court the couple had been together two years, but it had been a volatile relationship with Greenwood cautioned for an assault and for a row, which erupted over “candid” photos he took of his partner.

She told police Greenwood has a “ridiculous porn habit” and the pair had argued via text all day before he arrived home after a vodka binge.

As she watched television angry Grrenwood shouted: “You fucking ugly fat tart. I’m going to slit your father’s throat and if you call the police I will get you to.”

Mr. Reid explained: “She was terrified of him. She rang the police because she did not know what was going to happen.”

While on the phone Greenwood’s threats continued, with Miss Martin claiming he “was coming at her with knives” – which she later tried to retract in a withdrawal statement when the defendant was still in custody.

She also withdrew an allegation that Greenwood stabbed a door with a knife and insisted she was not frightened of him and believed he was not violent.

Following his arrest the defendant spent nearly four weeks in custody before he was bailed to and East London hostel.

“You accept you behaved in a truly disgraceful way,” Recorder Ian Bourne QC told Greenwood. “You have come very close today to losing your liberty.”

He was placed on a two-year supervision order, including an integrated domestic abuse programme and ordered to pay £200 costs.

Railway Station Bust-Up Forces Victim On To Live Tracks

Two drunken thugs who wielded metal chairs grabbed from a train station coffee shop – forcing the target of their anger onto live railway tracks – have dodged prison.

After a day’s drinking at Ascot Racecourse the pair, who have a history of causing trouble, got into a row with another group, which was captured on CCTV at Richmond railway station (pictured).

Bricklayer Michael Lester, 25, of Debden Close, Kingston-upon-Thames and health and safety student James Elderfield, 23, of Lowlands Road, Eastcote, Middlesex both pleaded guilty to causing an affray on June 18, last year.

Croydon Crown Court heard ex-football hooligan Lester, who has two affray convictions and recently completed a soccer banning order, was celebrating his birthday at the races, with pal Elderfield.

On their return Lester and Elderfield, who has convictions for threatening and disorderly behaviour, got involved in a row between a group and an unknown couple on the platform.

“You got involved after that other couple got attacked,” Recorder Alastair Hammerton told the pair. “There was a physical struggle with that other group, you slapped and pushed and received punches to the head and face.

“You armed yourselves with two metal chairs from the coffee shop and approached the group brandishing the chairs,” added the Recorder. “You swung them around and used them as weapons.

“One of the group, Michael McDermott, lost his balance and fell onto the railway tracks. You are fortunate he did not receive injury or was electrocuted.”

The terrified coffee shop staff barricaded themselves in after the chairs were grabbed and after the attack the defendants fled to a nearby pub.

Father-of-two Lester was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, placed under eighteen months supervision, which includes anger management classes and was ordered to perform 240 hours unpaid community service work.

Elderfield was sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, placed under twelve months supervision and ordered to perform 240 hours community service.

"Maniac" Drink-Drive Killer Caged For High-Speed Death Crash

Killed: Steven Moore

A "maniac" drink-driver who crashed into another car - killing the rear-seat passenger - while over twice the limit was sentenced to eight years today.

Uninsured L-driver Kirby Harty, 30, pinched the keys to his ex-girlfriend's Vauxhall Vectra after downing five double whiskeys at a nightclub and crashed during a high-speed bid to evade police.

Sixty sobbing relatives and friends of 25 year-old Steven Moore (pictured) a former BP buyer, packed Croydon Crown Court during the highly-charged sentencing in which they were denied the opportunity to read aloud their victim impact statements.

Mr. Moore had just been picked-up with his friend Glenn Purvey, 24, at Carshalton Beeches train station by his pal's girlfriend Rhia Vassallo, 22, after the Tottenham fans watched their team play Hull City.

Harty, of Gaskell Street, Clapham pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in the early hours of January 17 in Wrythe Lane, Carshalton.

Mr. Moore suffered a broken neck when the Vectra crashed into the back of the stationary Renault Clio - driven by Rhia - and died on January 18 of diffuse brain swelling caused by a severe head injury.

Prosecutor Mr. Hamish Reid told the court the defendant confessed to police he had low-tolerance to spirits, but drank five double Jack Daniels and coke at 'Chicago's', Sutton.

His ex - the mother of his two daughters - ordered him to leave her home because of his drunken condition and Harty, who had just been fined for driving uninsured and without a full licence, grabbed her keys when her back was turned.

A police driver outside Sutton Police Station tried to stop Harty after spotting him jumping two red lights, ignoring a no entry sign and driving the wrong way along a one-way street.

He sped away, nearly colliding with another car, and claims he lost control on a speed bump, hitting the victim's vehicle as it waited to turn right.

"The Renault Clio was struck very violently from behind by the Vauxhall Vectra," explained Mr. Reid.

Harty fled the scene, escaping into a recreation ground, but was caught by police on the other side minus a shoe and with wet and ripped clothing.

At the police station his blood alcohol reading was 179 - the drink-drive limit is 80.

He told officers: "I don't have much memory because I was quite drunk."

Judge Stephen Waller told Harty: "You were driving at high speed and a member of the public says you were driving like a maniac.

"You struck that car at high speed from behind and the deceased, a passenger in that vehicle, subsequently died. You ran into the recreation ground, you were clearly trying to get away.

"No sentence that I pass can make amends or cure the enduring pain relatives and friends are suffering," added the Judge. "A young life has been lost in totally senseless circumstances."

Harty's lawyer Mr. Gordon Ross said: "The defendant would like to express his deep sorrow and regret.

"He has been unable to explain what possessed him that evening to take his girlfriend's car and drive off.

"He panicked because he knew if he was stopped by police he would be in a great deal of trouble.

"He accepts driving like a complete idiot and the fact he has caused somebody else's death will haunt him."

Harty will be released after four years, minus the two-and-a-half months he has spent on remand.

He was disqualified from driving for four years and must pass an extended driving test before he is granted a full licence.

There were angry outbursts from the packed courtroom as Harty was taken away with Mr. Moore's father shouting: "I'll kill him."

Serial Bank Robber Caught On CCTV

This is the face of a serial bank robber wanted by Flying Squad detectives for six raids in which staff were threatened with being shot.

At 3:50 pm on Thursday April 1 the suspect entered a branch of Barclays in Teddington, Middlesex and queued before handing the cashier a note demanding money.

He fled with a substantial amount of cash.

He returned at 12:15 pm on Thursday May 27 and again showed the cashier a note demanding money.

He claimed he had a gun in a carrier bag and threatened to shoot their colleagues and customers before fleeing with cash.

At 2:30 pm on Thursday July 8 the suspect entered Barclays on Hampton Hill High Street, but fled empty-handed.

The man is also believed to be responsible for a robbery at the Halifax in Teddington on May 20, 2009 and two attempted robberies on July 17, 2009 at the Halifax in Whitton and Santander in Twickenham.

The man is believed to be between 45 and 55-years old.

He is described as approx 5' 10" in height and of medium to heavy build, with bad blemished skin possibly pockmarked.

He speaks with a local London accent and has worn glasses during each of the robberies.

Trident Cops Arrest Suspect In Murder Investigation

A suspect has been arrested by detectives hunting the killer of a hard-working father-of-five shot dead trying to flee his black BMW car in Chingford, East London.

Wayne Powell, 39, (pictured) from Tottenham, North London suffered fatal multiple gunshot wounds in Higham Station Avenue on July 5.

Officers and an ambulance were called at 11:14 pm and Wayne, who worked at Seven Sisters Underground Station, was rushed to the Royal London Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem gave cause of death as gunshot wounds.

An incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector John Crossley from Operation Trident, which investigates violent black-on-black crime.

DCI Crossley said: "We are looking for a lone gunman who was wearing dark clothing. The suspect is believed to have left the scene of the shooting along a footpath in the direction of Coningsby Gardens.

"I would implore anyone who believes that they have information that could help this investigation to speak to police."

VAT Man Nails Tax Fraudster

A boss of a global private equity company who tried to swindle a £12,682 refund out of the VAT man – backed-up by bogus documents – has ben ordered to work for free.

Juell Rahman, 39, of Whitten Road, Twickenham runs Intra Partners Ltd., of 500 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, which has branches in Dubai and Mumbai.

He pleaded guilty at City of London Magistrates’ Court (pictured) to fraud on or about November 12, last year in relation to a false telephone invoice he gave Revenue and Customs when applying for a £12,682 VAT repayment.

He also pleaded guilty to further charges of making a false representation, producing a false sales invoice, a false list, a false online invoice and a false credit card statement in support of the bogus repayment.

He was prosecuted by the Central Fraud Group who told the court the repayment was never paid to the defendant after investigators discovered he was supporting his application with forged invoices and bank documents.

Rahman was sentenced to a twelve-month community order including 250 hours community service work.

Discarded Lollipop Stick Sparks Soho Stabbing

A knifeman who left a diplomat and banker in pools of blood after a lollipop stick tossed by their group touched his BMW as he drove through Soho has been caged for twelve years.

Darius Antoine, 22,(pic.) of Haggerston Road, Hackney, East London also intimidated the crowd with martial art nunchukas outside Moonlighting, Greek Street (pic.).

He was convicted by a Southwark Crown Court jury of wounding Bahamian diplomat Brian Dorsett, 33, and 40 year-old banker Ben McKinney, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, in the early hours of December 6, last year.

Both men had earlier attended a black tie function aboard HMS President, moored by Temple and a function for young diplomats in Buckingham Palace Road.

They were rushed by helicopter to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel after a chest wound punctured Mr. Dorsett’s lung and Mr. McKinney was stabbed in the stomach.

Detective Sergeant Andy Passingham from the Westminster Borough Serious Violence Team said: “We are really pleased with the outcome of this trial. This sentencing reflects the seriousness of this offence and the hard work of the team resulting in this man being brought to justice.”

Recorder William Boyce QC told Antoine he stabbed the victims ''for no reason whatsoever'' in a ''wholly unjustified'' attack.

Mr. McKinney was able to take down the BMW's registration number despite having been stabbed and Antoine was arrested on December 18.

Recorder Boyce added Antoine was ''carrying the knife to use as and when the occasion arose''.

“For no reason whatsoever he stabbed two men, one of whom was utterly helpless, and yet he still came back for more,” he added.

Leaving the club at about 5am one of the group, investment banker Adlai Kerr, threw a lollipop stick into the road, accidentally hitting the rear windscreen of a white BMW but causing no damage and leaving no marks whatsoever.

Antoine got out of the car and demanded an apology, but the group of friends thought he was making something out of nothing.

He went back to the car to get the knife and returned to stab Mr. McKinney.

Antoine returned to the car, but seeing Mr. Dorsett was “totally helpless” and held in a full Nelson by another man he returned to stab the victim in the chest, causing him life-threatening injuries.

The judge said it was ''a lottery'' whether the victims suffered fatal injuries or not and added that Antoine was lucky that both men made full recoveries.

“Each of them will be mentally affected for a long time to come by your shocking and unlawful behaviour,” added Recorder Boyce.

Witnesses then saw Antoine ''full of confidence and bravado'' head to the boot of another car and arm himself with a pair of nunchuckas.

He was caught on video, swinging the nunchuckas around in a ''completely arrogant and self-confident'' manner, ''prepared to take on anybody'', the judge said.

Drug Dealers Sold Heroin & Crack To Police

Four drug dealers who unknowingly sold heroin and crack to undercover police who seized over 500 wraps of the drugs when the gang were rounded-up are starting prison sentences.

Camden police’s Criminal Investigation Department mounted a surveillance operation after intelligence collected by the Safer Neighbourhoods Team identified the dealers.

They are: Lee Porter, 34, of Endsleigh Gardens, Bloomsbury (pic.top) David Gittens, 44, of Parker Street, Holborn (pic.2^nd top) Adrian Thompson, 23, of Little Dimocks, Balham (pic.3^rd top) and Jonathan Fox, 49, of Parker Street, Holborn.

Porter received three-and-a-half years for supplying heroin and crack cocaine.

Gittens received four years and four months for being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and money laundering.

Thompson received eight years for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and money laundering.

Fox received five years for being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Porter was identified by officers as a street dealer within the network and Gittens and Fox would hold on to the packages and collect the money with Thompson also delivering drugs on a daily basis.

On January 13 officers identified a vehicle used by the gang in Parker Street, Holborn while Porter and Gittens, loitered nearby.

Police stopped the vehicle, arresting the passenger Thompson, who had over 500 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin.

Officers also arrested Porter and Gittens -who was carrying a large amount of cash –and Fox was arrested following the execution of a warrant.

All four men pleaded guilty at Blackfriars Crown Court.

Detective Constable Paul Heselwood from Camden CID said: “Drug dealing in Camden is an increasingly risky business and it's only a matter of time before we catch you.

“I hope these long prison sentences act as a deterrent and make people think twice.”

Body-In-Suitcase Killer Caged For Life

The killer of a lonely-heart Internet date – who drained his hardworking victim’s bank account of cash after dumping her body in a suitcase – has been caged for life with a 30-year minimum.

Callous IT specialist Clinton Kennard Bailey, 36, of Malpas Road, Lewisham, South-East London placed a personal ad on website Gumtree – answered by Philippines-born care nurse Leah Questin, 37.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of murdering Leah – whose decomposed body was found in The Old Pond, Buckland Road, Cliffe, Rochester, Kent on September 24, last year.

Detective Chief Inspector Jacqueline Sebire of the Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “Leah died at the hands of Clinton Bailey who, during their short relationship, deceived her and took advantage of her generosity.

“Following her death, Bailey emptied out Leah's bank account of the money she had worked incredibly hard to save.

“He has throughout the investigation lied and denied ever murdering Leah, showing no remorse for his actions.

“There is no excuse or explanation for Clinton Bailey's actions. I would like to send my respects and thanks to Leah's friends and family for the support and courage that they have shown throughout the trial and investigation.”

Leah came to the UK in 2008 to fund her education in health care.

She had a small circle of friends and colleagues, so used the Internet as a way of meeting people and in mid-August last year she responded to an advert posted by Bailey.

The pair met and then formed what the prosecution believe she hoped was the beginning of a romantic relationship.

During this brief four-week period, Bailey persuaded Leah to devote her time and attention to him, with Leah even lending him money whenever he asked for it.

Officers discovered Bailey made a series of cash machine withdrawals from Leah's savings account after he killed her, completely draining her savings.

He also kept her mobile phone following her death and continued to send text messages to close friends and on occasions himself, in an attempt to suggest she was still alive.

Bailey had also kept and used Leah's Oyster Travelcard during this time.

The suitcase and padlock in which Leah's body was discovered in was purchased by a man matching Bailey's appearance, at the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre.

The exact cause of Leah's death was impossible to determine.

Natasha Lazovic, regional manager for Four Seasons Health Care Home, The Lansdowne Care Home, Cricklewood, North-West London where Leah worked said: "Leah's death was a tragedy.

"She was a dedicated and caring person who was extremely well liked by her colleagues and the residents who she looked after. She is sadly missed."

Jealous Ex Jailed For Killing Mum-Of-Two With Kitchen Knife

An "insanely jealous" jilted boyfriend - enraged his his ex's new Facebook lover - was caged for nine years today after plunging a seven-inch kitchen knife through the mum-of-two's heart, killing her in front of their two year-old toddler.

Builder Paul Fender, 44,(pictured) of The Parade, Greatstone, New Romney, Kent killed 28 year-old Karren Martin after she smirked and told him: "Yeah. So what. I am seeing someone."

He was acquitted of murder by a Croydon Crown Court jury on grounds of provocation, but was convicted of the manslaughter of Miss Martin who died almost instantly at her rented bungalow in Hardy Road, New Romney (pic.below) on November 20, last year.

The couple's two- year old daughter Lilly was in the lounge when her father killed her mother. Miss Martin also has an 11 year-old son Callum from a previous relationship.

The victim began a sexual relationship with an old schoolfriend she met again via Facebook a few weeks before her death - telling friends this was the man of her dreams.

Fender confessed to police he did go around to her house to confront her about the new boyfriend and flew into a rage when she confirmed it was true.

"You had become obsessed by her and insanely jealous of anyone with her," the Recorder of Croydon Warwick McKinnon told Fender.

"You killed her because you could not accept she was with someone other then you and when she admitted she was sleeping with someone else and laughed you reached for that knife and plunged it into her.

"You gave her no chance, you had become self-obsessed and were obsessed by her," added the Judge.

"It had to be all or nothing and in the end you made the determination it would be nothing and have left a trail of suffering in your wake.

"This was a dreadful killing of a woman in her home and I regard such provocation to be minimal," the Judge told Fender. "You killed her with toddler Lilly, aged two watching on.

"You have deprived little Lilly of her mother as you have with her son Callum. You gave her no chance, there was no struggle."

The defendant told detectives: "I just wanted all the pain to go away, I'd had enough, I just thought she'd be injured. I was shaking in anger. It was jealousy after she told me she was seeing this bloke."

The couple endured a troubled relationship between 2005 and 2007, ending when Miss Martin moved out three months after the birth of their daughter in November.

She had to leave her new boyfriend's house the night before she died so Fender would not spot her car absent from the drive.

In the early hours happy Miss Martin's final Facebook entry read: "Yippydee doo daa, yippydee day. My oh my, what a wonderful day."

The same morning Fender was buying building materials with a workmate and told the colleague "he was burning up inside."

After the stabbing Fender called 999 and sat outside the bungalow hugging Lilly in the back of his car as ambulancemen battled in vain to save Karren.

He also later told police: "Let this be a lesson to you. Don't love someone too much."

Fender's QC Richard Barraclough said of the first-time offender: "There is immediate and genuine remourse that continues to this day.

"The defendant lost self-control as a result of what Karren Martin said and the jury found the loss of control was reasonable in the circumstances."

Judge McKinnon added: "No sentence can bring Karren Martin back. She's tragically gone long before her time was due."

Cannabis-Dealing Student's Dreams Destroyed

A “greedy” student whose dreams of becoming a stockbroker were shattered after being caught selling cannabis to fellow academics has walked free with a suspended prison sentence.

Faraaz Junjua, 19, of Highbury Gardens, Ilford, Essex made a name for himself selling £10.00 bags of the drug to Kingston University students and was arrested after being caught smoking cannabis twice in the same evening.

Now employed as a car salesman and living back at the family home Junjua pleaded guilty to possessing 54 gms of the drug, with intent to supply, at Seething Wells Halls of Residence, (pictured) Portsmouth Road on February 16.

Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court heard security guards smelled cannabis coming from a room and when they investigated Junjua admitted he was responsible, pulling a small plastic bag of the drug from his pocket.

The incident was reported to management, but later that evening they investigated cannabis smoke coming from another room and again Junjua was inside with four small bags of the drug.

Police were called and under the defendant’s bed officers found a black suitcase containing ten bags of cannabis, a plastic carrier bag containing more cannabis, weighing scales and £650 cash.

When quizzed Junjua admitted selling cannabis to students for the previous three months, for £10 a bag, confessing he got “greedy” and pocketed £800 during the period.

“People like you hang around the edge of students and make money out of them,” Judge Paul Dodgson told the defendant. “If Kingston University students think it is alright to use cannabis, then they need to know it is not.”

Junjua was sentenced to twelve months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to perform 150 hours community service, pay £300 costs and forfeit £350.