'Night Crawlers' Crushed

A gang of wannabe villains who reveled in their own self-aggrandising notoriety – posting Internet rap videos of their criminal exploits – are now beginning well-deserved jail sentences.

Calling themselves the ‘Night Crawlers’ they posted YouTube videos under the name 'NC Bangers' starring members boasting about break-ins and thefts hailing themselves 'notorius criminals' who would never be caught.

Gang leader Matthew ‘Taze’ Murtagh, 20, (pic.top l.) of Brighton Road, Croydon taunted investigating police with cocky mobile phone messages like: “You’ll never find me” and “I’ll be celebrating Xmas with my Mates.”

He was forced to swallow those boasts when arrested on December 23, last year hiding out in a local B&B.

He received three years for conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and handling stolen goods, plus another two months for a separate assault.

Michael Hunte, 19, (pic.top mid.) of Old Lodge Lane, Kenley, Croydon, was jailed for 28 months for conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, plus two months for the assault with Murtagh.

Lee ‘Joops’ I'Anson, 20, (pic.top r.) of Haling Park Road, Croydon, dodged jail for handling property stolen by the gang.

Kevin ‘Spoils’ McBarron, 20, (pic.bottom l.) of Eldridge Road, Croydon, received 18 months for handling stolen goods, including two Mercedes.

Daryl ‘Dozey’ Axten, 20, (pic.bottom mid.) of Caterham Drive, Coulsdon, received 12 months for two burglaries.

Christopher Brookes, 19, of Court Road, Caterham, Surrey received 12 months for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.

The gang's criminal spree in Croydon was so prolific the burglary rate in the borough plummeted after they were picked up by police.

Croydon Crown Court heard they targeted residential homes, often swooping late at night while the residents were fast asleep.

The high performance cars they focused on stealing were frequently seized with their keys, which allowed the vehicles to be sold on or potentially used in other crimes.

The proactive operation to arrest and prosecute the gang was carried out by the London Crime Squad, (LCS) with assistance from Croydon borough officers.

The victim impact statements submitted to court showed that some of them are still coping with the trauma caused by the gang's activities.

One victim, a mother, has been caused such anxiety and is so fearful for the family's safety she is afraid to stay alone in her own house at night.

Her husband's statement concluded: “Our quality of life has considerably diminished since this burglary.”

Another victim told in his statement of the extent of the strain placed on his family.

His wife still cannot sleep and is extremely anxious about being away from her home after dark, having previously been very independent.

His young son is also now markedly more withdrawn.

“These sentences demonstrate the Met's commitment to tackling these offences,” said Detective Inspector Lee Hill of the LCS.

“Burglary is a heinous crime, which can have a devastating impact on its victims.

“Those responsible should be in no doubt of our resolve to arrest them and bring them to justice.

"The London Crime Squad will continue to disrupt those criminal networks involved in serious acquisitive crime, through intelligence-led policing operations.

“I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank officers from Croydon borough for their commitment and dedication throughout this operation.”

Public-Enemy Pervert Facing More Jail

A notorious sex offender convicted of peddling indecent images of children has pleaded guilty to flouting a court order prohibiting him going online to view inappropriate sites.

Jobless kitchen fitter and ex-youth football coach Leslie Blanchard, 53, (pictured) formerly from the Great Dunmow and Chelmsford areas of Essex was told to expect a “substantial custodial sentence.”

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to have communicated on an adult dating site called plentyoffish and search adult pornography on February 27, March 16 and July 20.

The offences are in breach of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order imposed on October 12, last year after he was convicted of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children.

The order prohibits him from using any internet chat room or forum or using the internet except for employment, education or keeping in touch with friends or family.

“I’m very concerned about this case,” announced Judge Anthony Pitts. “I know Mr. Blanchard, he’s an intelligent man, I have spoken to him many times and he is in flagrant breach.

“I am likely to impose a substantial custodial sentence.”

Blanchard was remanded in custody until November 1 for pre-sentence reports and will apply for bail on October 8.

“The last time I saw you was quite some time ago at your review which I was told was going well and I was told you were making the best of efforts,” Judge Pitts told Blanchard.

A court ban has been imposed on publication of Blanchard's address for his own protection because he has been hounded by the public.

“There is one aspect of this case that has attracted intense press interest,” said Blanchard’s lawyer Miss Marion Smullen.”

Metal Thieves Spark High-Speed Airport Chase

Thieves who audaciously snatched £4,000 worth of sheet metal vital to fire safety at Biggin Hill Airport were involved in a high-speed chase with security, a court heard this week.

After smashing through a temporary perimeter fence they began loading the metal – which has a high scrap value – onto the back a flat bed truck then sped away through narrow country lanes.

Jack Haycraft, 22, of Lullingstone Avenue, Swanley, Kent was found not guilty at Croydon Crown Court today (Wednesday) to stealing fire training equipment from the airport on April 6.

His alleged accomplices Robert Simpson, 21, of Ronfearn Avenue, St. Mary Cray and 19 year-old Joe Simpson of Mells Crescent, Mottingham admitted the theft and were sentenced at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Mr. Geoff Gelbart told the jury at was 11am when a female security guard caught the trio in a restricted area only 100 yards from where aircrafts taxi to and from the runway (pictured).

She immediately radioed security and alerted police.

“Their attitude changed sharply and they said: ‘We don’t want the fucking police here. Why are you calling the police?” explained the prosecutor.

“Access to this area had been through a temporary security fence. That fence had been damaged as if someone had smashed through it.”

The airport says £500 worth of damage was caused.

A second security guard tried to head the truck off in his 4x4, but had to give up.

“The truck sped off at high speed in a dangerous manner,” Mr. Gelbart told the jury. “The roads around Biggin Hill tend to be narrow country lanes used by farmers, walkers and locals.”

The truck, driven by Robert Simpson, collided with hedgerows, smashing off his wing mirror and nearly had a head-on collision with an oncoming motorist.

“A Mercedes was coming in the opposite direction and he took a gap that did not exist, scraping the hedge and the side of the Mercedes.

Police intercepted the truck on the A21 at the Farnborough Hill roundabout and arrested the three defendants, recovering the stolen metal.

When quizzed by officers Haycraft told them: “I havn’t stolen anything.”

He claimed he innocently agreed to some labouring work and thought he was on an industrial estate when loading the sheet metal.

Haycraft, a type one diabetic, told the jury a lack of insulin caused him to feel “unwell and dizzy” at the time.

Ex-Marine Jailed For Iran-Bound Sniper Sights

A former Royal Marine who put our troops in danger by helping a notorious international arms dealer try to export 100 sniper rifle sights to blacklisted Iran was jailed for two-and-a-half years today (Tuesday).

Ex-Corporal Andrew Faulkner, 41, who protected the media in war zones after quitting the Army in 2000 following sixteen years service, tried to trick Customs into believing they were Dubai-bound hunting scopes.

“These items have an obvious military significance and one of these types of sights were found some years ago in an arms cache in Afghanistan,” Southwark Crown Court Judge Nicholas Lorraine-Smith told him.

“You accept these may be used by militia against armed forces in the Middle-East,” added the Judge.

“I have no doubt you are deeply ashamed that you put your financial needs ahead of those of your past and future colleagues in the armed forces.”

The company director of Fitten End, Newton, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, formerly of Dog Drove, Sutton St. James, Spalding, Lincolnshire was arrested after the consignment was seized at Heathrow Airport.

Faulkner pleaded guilty that on February 18, 2009 he was knowingly concerned in the unlawful exportation or attempted exportation of goods, namely optical sights for firearms.

Faulkner, who agreed to export them for Italian Alessandro Bon in exchange for 12,000 Euros, packed One hundred high spec German-manufactured Schmidt & Bender sights, worth 124,000 Euros, into seven boxes.

Bon and two other men are currently under investigation in Italy for illegal international arms dealing.

The Italian planned to sell them in Iran for $2,600 each – more then doubling his money.

Prosecutor Mr. David Hewitt told the court: “The Crown’s case is this defendant was responsible for the arrangement of exporting optical sights from the UK to Iran via Dubai.

“The exportation of military items is controlled, but licences can be applied for,” added the prosecutor.

“The reason is military equipment is not sent to countries or users this country has concerns about to minimise the risk of military equipment being deployed against allied forces.”

Optical sights of 5x’s magnification are on the military list.

The Iran-bound scopes had a magnification of 3-12x’s and were described by Mr. Hewitt as: “Military and police marksman grade.”

There are also United Nations sanctions banning such trade with Iran.

“These restrictions are therefore applied more strictly, reflecting the general undesirable nature of trade with that country.”

Faulkner’s role was vital because Bon – who previously bought 900 such sights – knew exportations from the UK to Dubai were treated with less suspicion and helped legitimise his business.

Faulkner denies a prosecution suggestion he was a Royal Marines sniper instructor, claiming his expertise was underwater, earning him a six-month Dubai contract in 2006 with Peacekeeper International.

He worked for the wealthy as a bodyguard, protected BBC correspondents in Afghanistan and had a modest business selling body armour to the media.

From October, 2008 - while grieving from the death of his 17 year-old rugby-playing son killed while driving without a seatbelt in September – Faulkner agreed the exportation.

The tragedy effected his thinking, claimed Mr. Nick Bleaney, defending, plus “financial pressures.”

“He became ensnared in an enterprise that has brought shame on him and his family,” said the lawyer.

Faulkner was arrested on February 23 and charged at Snow Hill Police Station, City of London on September 1 and initially he denied the scopes were Iran-bound.

Judge Lorraine-Smith conceded Faulkner’s judgement was “clouded” by the death of his son, but told him: “You were the front man, your name and address was on the documents.

“You were prepared to do this for twelve thousand Euros.”

Benefits Blown On 'Blow'

A jobless single dad who used benefit handouts to buy cocaine was caught by police snorting a line in his car.

Father-of-two Timothy Bell, 30, pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) to possessing £25 worth of the class A drug in a Bromley street on May 28.

The unemployed plumber, who receives £140 per week and is single-handedly raising children aged one and seven, was seen by officers sitting in his car snorting the cocaine.

When approached he threw a small bag containing the drugs away, but later admitted: "I had two lines of charlie earlier."

Police also recovered £120 cash stuffed in the car's console.

"I have heard you have modest means, but obviously not insufficient to buy cocaine," Judge Nicholas Ainley told Bell, fining him £150, with £120 costs.

Flash-Cash Brothers Binned After Raid

Two brothers caught flashing cash and white gold ring snatched during a ruthless Costco armed robbery in which a brave security guard was shot in the stomach in front of horrified colleagues have been locked up.

A five-strong gang armed with a hammer and shotgun smashed a display cabinet containing £70,000 worth of jewellery after bursting into the Imperial Way, Croydon store on September 17, last year.

Jobless Yohan Clarke, 31, (pic.l.) was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 22 year minimum after pleading guilty to conspiracy to rob, possessing a firearm with intent to rob and inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on the 24 year-old guard.

His brother, Yamani Clarke, 23, (pic.r.) of Crowther Road, South Norwood, pleaded guilty to handling the proceedings of the robbery and was sentenced to 40 months.

Croydon Crown Court heard the gang threatened staff and used a claw hammer to smash a triple glazed display cabinet containing the jewellery - including a single 18-carat white gold ring valued at about £3,500.

While being chased from the store one of the robbers shot the employee in the abdomen and waved the gun as if warning staff not to continue following.

They then ran off across Purley Way and through some fields.

The wounded employee was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency life saving surgery to remove cartridge from near his aorta.

He also suffered blast injuries to his colon, gun shot wounds to his bowel, stomach, pancreas and spent a substantial time in intensive care.

Eight days later police in Redhill, Surrey stopped a car containing Yohan Clarke and seized a digital camera.

Analysis of the camera's memory card revealed photographs of the Clarke brothers posing with wads of cash and the ring taken during the Costco robbery.

Detective Inspector Neil Williams of the Met’s Flying Squad said: “I am pleased with the sentences and pleased that a dangerous criminal will be spending a substantial amount of time away from the public.

“This incident could have easily turned into a murder enquiry and whilst we always encourage people to dial 999 in an emergency, I applaud the bravery of staff in Costco who intervened on that day and helped to give first aid.

“Enquiries to trace the three outstanding suspects and various items of jewellery continue and I am appealing to anyone who may have information that could help us to contact the police and ensure that all of the violent individuals involved in the robbery are brought to justice.”

RBS Superglue Protesters In Court

Two climate change protesters, who were part of a group who super-glued themselves together on the Royal Bank of Scotland's trading room floor have admitted trespassing.

During a Londonwide day of protest twenty-five demonstrators blocked the doors of the bank's City of London HQ as another half dozen vaulted security turnstiles and dashed up to the second-floor.

Once there they formed an interlocking ring secured by super-glue and chanted anti-RBS slogans.

Bristol University biology student Bryony Tayler, 21, of South Street, West Rainton, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear and Plymouth University theatre and performance student Chico Carino, 23, of Faringdon Road, Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon, Oxfordshire appeared at City of London Magistrates' Court.

Both pleaded guilty to a summons of aggravated trespass at the Bishopsgate building on September 1, last year, contrary to the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

Prosecutor Miss Alexa Morgan told the court it was 8am when the group - protesting against RBS's investment in Canadian tar sands production - swooped on the building.

"They super-glued their hands and arms together and were chanting anti-RBS slogans and disrupting trading on the floor.

"Specialist police officers attended and unglued them as they insisted RBS only use renewable fuels as a company," added Miss Morgan.

"This is a crime of conscience," Carino told the magistrates. "Nothing is being done to save the world from the grave consequences of climate change."

He told the court the bank's continued investment in tar sands - extracted from the lands of indigenous peoples - was "illegal and immoral."

Critics believe it takes three times as much energy to dredge crude oil from land deposits as it produces.

The defendants were conditionally discharged for twelve months and each ordered to pay £60 costs.

Jail For Cradle-Snatcher Who Made 12 Year-Old Pregnant

A 20 year-old man who caved in to his 12 year-old girlfriend’s desire to become a young mum has been jailed for two years.

Jobless Alistair Dawson, now 21, of Green Point, Water Lane, Stratford was only arrested after the girl’s father’s death threats were reported to police.

Heavily-tattooed Dawson pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to two counts of sexual activity with a child in June and September, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Bernard Eaton told the court police began enquiries after the girl’s father told his G.P. he wanted to “kill” the man who made her pregnant and the doctor raised the alarm.

When questioned the girl agreed the couple had consensual sex and she insisted on no protection due to her wish to have a child.

She later gave birth to a healthy girl and Dawson’s bail conditions were relaxed so he could attend the delivery.

The girl began taking the pill aged 11 and previously dated a 15 year-old who “bullied her for sex”, but insisted she instigated a physical relationship with the defendant.

When quizzed by police Dawson insisted he believed his girlfriend was at least 14 years-old when they met.

Police describe them as having a “caring relationship” explained Mr. Eaton and the couple even hope to raise their daughter together.

The girl was known to stay out late into the early hours and drink alcohol despite her age and has come to the attention of social services, the court heard.

She became pregnant when sleeping-over with Dawson at the flat he shares with his mother (pictured).

“It has to be a sentence of custody,” Judge Peter Grobel told Dawson. “You are not a mature adult, but you are an adult and you had consensual sex with a girl.

“You were aware that she was too young, but took the view that you could not help it, that you had fallen in love.

“It is also a great pity that there was an absence of grown-up guidance here.

“I accept that she appears to have initiated it or made the running, but you had sex with a young girl very much underage,” added the Judge.

“These girls require the protection of the law. That is why you have to go to prison.”

Dawson was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Throwing Out The Trash

A Middle-Eastern pickpocket who targeted a late-night victim with an accomplice and attacked a suspicious policeman in the West End has been jailed and recommended for deportation.

Mohammed Abuabdallah, 23, of Larch Road, Cricklewood struck up a conversation about football with a random lone male, who was distracted during the chat, and his wallet snatched.

Just a week later he was suspected of doing the same thing and was chased by police, punching the arresting officer on the chin.

Abuabdallah pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to stealing a wallet in Edgware Road, Bayswater on May 9.

He also admitted assaulting a police officer in Falconberg Mews (pictured) on May 16 and possessing a cannabis cigarette on the same occasion.

Prosecutor Miss Usha Shergill told the court it was 2.30am when the defendant and his accomplice approached a man they "tried to befriend" who immediately noticed his wallet was missing after the conversation.

He confronted the pair outside Marks & Spencer, Marble Arch and his wallet was thrown back at him.

During a struggle the victim pulled Abuabdallah's jacket off, which the police discovered contained tell-tale DNA identifying the defendant.

A week later a similar victim claimed his wallet was taken by the defendant at 2.40am and when police searched him the cannabis was found and the officer assaulted after a short chase.

Judge Geoffrey Rivlin QC sentenced him to nine months imprisonment and recommended deportation announcing: "Your intent was to deprive your victim of what property you could and through sleight of hand removed his wallet.

"You also punched that officer in the jaw. It is a very serious matter to assault a police officer.

"You had hardly set foot in this country when you started committing crime."

Grafter Chucked Out Of U.K.

A hard-working illegal overstayer, who tried to use a forged passport to secure a job at Europe's biggest shopping mall in the Olympic Park, has been jailed and now faces deportation.

African Perrigrinus Dzeha, 41, a deacon at his Peckham church, arrived in the U.K. as a teenager twenty-five years ago and never returned home.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to possessing the passport with intent to establish registrable facts about himself and was sentenced to five months imprisonment.

The first-time offender, who has never claimed benefits, was caught after applying for a job at Westfield Shopping Centre, Olympic Park, Stratford, East London (pictured).

The carpenter has earned a living in his chosen trade or labouring work and is also an active volunteer in Southwark youth projects.

"You have to receive a custodial sentence," Judge Peter Grobel told Dzeha.

Accountant's Bizarre Cash Bid Costs Him His Freedom

An accountant who went off the rails and tried to rob a Caribbean takeaway after convincing himself the lone woman behind the counter owed him cash has been jailed for twenty months.

Hastings-born New Zealander Lloyd Spence, 40, of Moreland Road, Bromley is the ex-financial controller of the National Childminding Association with an unblemished twenty-year career in the accountancy profession.

He obtained an accountancy degree in 1994 from New Zealand’s Massey University, qualified as a chartered accountant four years later and up to his arrest was managing director of Spens Consulting Ltd.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to attempting to rob Pat Henry at Crystal Food Bowl, Downham Way, Bromley on May 6 and possessing a shovel as an offensive weapon on the same occasion.

“You made demands for money from the till and picked up a stool and threatened the shopkeeper,” Recorder Edward Connell told the defendant (pictured).

“You were urged by the man you were with to stop, and left, but picked up a shovel you had hidden in bushes in case there was trouble and returned to the scene.

“This offence is aggravated by the pre-planning and the fact the victim was in a shop by herself and vulnerable and you picked up a stool and threatened her.”

The court heard father-of-one Spence, whose marriage has recently collapsed, was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder in Highdown Prison.

“The personal circumstances are regrettable and it is shocking it has taken so long for the diagnosis,” said Spence’s lawyer.

Her client has also been employed as the finance manager for the Genesis Housing Group.

Drunken Model Blinded Victim With Umbrella

A boozy wannabe male model, who blinded a young man's eye with a flying umbrella, walked free with a suspended sentence today while his victim will "suffer every day for the rest of his life."

Student and part-time tennis coach Sam Jamily,19, (pictured) of Ash Row, Bromley initially lied to police about the dispute in a local scout hut, but confessed the next day after a troubled night.

The Kingston University student pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to inflicting grievous bodily harm on the victim on November 21, last year.

He is on the books of Go Management International, who have offices in Central London, Barcelona and Tel Aviv.

"You had far too much to drink and threw a rolled-up small umbrella at somebody," Recorder Robert Rhodes QC told Jamily, who coaches kids at a David Lloyd centre.

"This young man has lost the sight of one eye, the effect has been appalling for him. He will suffer every day for the rest of his life."

First-time offender Jamily, whose own promising tennis career was wrecked by injury, was sentenced to twelve months youth custody, suspended for twelve months.

He will also have to obey a nightime curfew for six months.

Gunman Caged For Teen Head Shot

A gunman who shot a 16 year-old boy in the head after the youngster’s group retaliated to his accidentally shooting a youth worker in the knee has been locked-up for minimum of seven-and-a-half years.

Louis Vicente, 23 (pictured) of Acton Street, Holborn began rowing at 9.30pm on January 18 with a group of youths in Queens Crescent, Kentish Town after they left a community centre.

The 27 year-old youth worker intervened and was shot in the knee by Vicente, who walked to his car while continuing to hurl abuse at the group.

One of the youths hurled an object at the vehicle’s roof as the defendant fled and he retaliated with a second shot, which struck the teenager in the head.

Both victims were rushed to the Royal Free Hospital, treated for their wounds and discharged with 24 hours.

The Blackfriars Crown Court jury cleared Vicente of shooting the youth worker, but convicted him of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, on the teenager and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Vicente’s car was found abandoned in nearby Marsden Street with documentation identifying him inside.

On January 28 Operation Trident officers – who investigate black-on-black crime in the capital - arrested Vicente.

Detective Inspector Michael Millar from Trident said: “Vicente was walking the streets of London in possession of a loaded firearm.

“In firing this weapon indiscriminately into a crowded street he showed a total disregard for the safety of those around him, and in the process wounded a completely innocent bystander who was lucky to escape with relatively minor injuries.

“I hope this conviction sends a clear message to those members of the community who believe it is acceptable to carry and use firearms that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Today’s sentence should reassure the communities of London of our ability to bring those involved in gun crime before the courts, and so encourage more people to report violent crime impacting on their neighbourhoods.”

Drug Addict Jailed For Broken Bottle Mugging

A violent crack cocaine addict, who held a broken bottle to an 84 year-old Alzheimer sufferer’s throat and snatched his wallet, has been jailed for four years.

Ali Ismail, 32, (pic.top) of Maiden Lane, Camden, North London was caught on CCTV carrying out the early-morning attack in nearby Oxenholme, Harrington Square on June 6.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard the victim was making his way home with his shopping at 8.43am and as he entered the communal stairway to the block Ismail pounced (pic.bottom).

The victim refused to co-operate, was assaulted, pushed over and had his wallet stolen.

The victim was unable to recall the incident and told police – called by a neighbour - he thought he had fallen over and lost his wallet.

The officers, not content with the confused account provided by the victim, viewed CCTV of the incident, which clearly showed the robbery.

At approximately 1.20pm the same day, a police officer patrolling the area, arrested the suspect on suspicion of robbery.

He was taken to a police station and the victim's 'Freedom' pass was found under the sole of his shoe.

Ismail later admitted robbing the victim in order to get money to fund his crack cocaine habit.

Police Constable Lizzie Jones from Camden's Robbery Squad said: “I am really pleased with this sentence, particularly because Ali Ismail preyed upon an elderly and vulnerable man.

“This crime caused a great deal of distress to the victim and his family and they now feel reassured to know he is behind bars.”

Ink Cartridge Man Not Guilty

The former employee of a prestigious City bank, accused of tricking his way into the building by purporting to still be a member of staff and helping himself to £40,000 worth of ink cartridges, has been cleared.

Johnstone Peter Otaigbe, 42, of Roycraft Avenue, Barking, Essex, had been charged with entering BNP Paribas, 55 Moorgate, between November 12, 2008 and January 28, this year, as a trespasser, and stealing the printer cartridges.

He was unanimously found not guilty by a jury following a trial.