Brit Passports "Under Siege" Says Judge

The U.K. passport system is "under siege" from illegal immigrant fraudsters, a Judge said today when jailing a Nigerian woman who used two forgeries to unlawfully gain employment.

"The obtaining of forged passports is so serious only imprisonment is appropriate," announced Croydon Crown Court Judge Simon Pratt. "It is a prevalent offence, so prevalent it seems the whole passport system is under some kind of siege."

Dorothy Onwumere, 42, of Widecombe House, Crawford Estate, Camberwell, South East London pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing false identity documents, namely U.K. passports, with intent, on October 5, 2007.

She also pleaded guilty for possessing an article for use in fraud, namely a National Insurance number card on January 25, this year.

Judge Pratt is constantly dealing with bogus passport cases brought to his court by Croydon's U.K. Border Agency HQ at nearby Lunar House.

The court heard Onwumere's home was raided on January 25 after immigration investigators discovered she used two bogus passports as proof of identity in 2007 when getting a cleaning job.

During the search the National Insurance number card was seized.

There is no record of Onwumere entering the country, but in May, last year she applied for permanent leave to remain under the 14-year concession rule.

She claims to have paid £300 for each passport.

Onwumere was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Judge Pratt did not make a deportation recommendation but told the defendant: "You may find your behaviour results in the immigration service deporting you."

Cardiff City FC Hooligans Sentenced After Chelsea FA Cup Clashes

Ten Cardiff City FC football hooligans involved in violent scenes after least season’s FA cup tie with Chelsea FC have been sentenced today.

In a joint operation between the Metropolitan and South Wales Police Service’s – codenamed Turnhill – officers mingled with the crowds to spot known troublemakers.

The ten defendants are the first set of hooligans to be sentenced out of a total of ninety-five suspects committed to West London’s Isleworth Crown Court.

Three of them have pleaded guilty to violent disorder near Stamford Bridge stadium on February 13, last year.

They are: British Army soldier Nathan Pleace, 22, of Gabalfa Avenue, Cardiff.

Financial advisor Stefan Lewis-Davies, 24, of North Rising, Pontlottyn.

Peter Corkrey, 27, of St. John’s Lane, Nelson, Treharris.

Five have pleaded guilty to affray.

They are: Printing company worker and father-of-two Dean Hales, 30, of Highmead Road, Cardiff.

Jamie Brett, 37, of Ninian Park Road, Cardiff.

Hairdresser and father-of-two Shane Taylor, 39, of Gibson Close, Llanishen, Cardiff, who runs a successful hairdressing salon

Joshua Roberts, 21, of St. James Street, Treorchy.

Liam Driscoll, 27, of Arundel Place, Cardiff.

Two have pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour.

They are: Christopher Watling, 27, of Caemawr Road, Caldicot, Newport.

Joshua Evans, 18, of Min y Coed, Brackla, Bridgend.

The court heard police categorised the game as C-plus – the highest category for potential violence – and 6,000 Cardiff City fans arrived for the noon kick-off, which was the first time the teams had played each other in eighteen years.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Tobias said: “The reputation of the fans and the two clubs alerted police to the high probability of spontaneous and pre-planned disorder. It was believed violence would occur.

A young mum driving along Kings Road with her nine-month old baby were caught amid the clashes between violent fans and was forced to make a sudden u-turn.

A seven-months pregnant woman told police she feared for the life of her unborn child and her own as the mob descended on her Porsche and she was rescued by three people.

No members of the public were injured and the most serious injury to a police officer was a broken jaw caused by a thrown brick.

All the defendants were caught on either local authority CCTV or images filmed by Football Intelligence Officers charging towards police lines and Chelsea fans or shouting and gesticulating angrily.

Paratrooper Pleace, who has made several tours of Afghanistan, will be kicked-out of the Army after he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

“You were amongst the forefront of those causing difficulties,” Judge Martin Edmunds QC told him. “You picked up a traffic cone and threw it into the air and it landed between you and the rival Chelsea supporters.

“Drink played an element in your offending. You have number of tours, but on your return you have been involved in incidents of violence.”

Lewis-Davies, who has followed Cardiff City home and away for eight years, was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment.

“You were clearly at the front and involved in at least two charges shouting: ‘Fucking wankers’,” Judge Edmund told him. “You were at the heart of Cardiff supporters involved in serious violence and you threw two objects.”

Ex-Royal Navy man Corkrey, who works in a wheelchair factory, was sentenced to sixteen months imprisonment.

“You were on the front line of Cardiff supporters involved in repeated surges while considerable violence took place around you,” said the Judge.

“You were jumping up and down, goading, and intent on causing a reaction. You were aggressive and made gestures at mounted police.

“You were one of the first to arrive in Kings Road clearly looking for trouble. You picked up and hurled a missile at Chelsea fans and a traffic cone in the direction of police.”

All three defendants were also given six-year football banning orders.

Hales was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered to complete 120 hours community service.

“You were among the fans and part of the charges that took place,” Judge Edmunds told him, issuing Hales with a five-year football ban and ordering him to pay £250 costs.

Brett was sentenced to eight months imprisonment and issued with a six-year football banning order.

“We see you shouting and chanting amongst a group of agitated supporters and you are part of a surge towards the opposition and you resist police attempts to push you back.

“You regard what happened as an intrinsic part of football over the last twenty years.”

Lifelong season ticket holder and football coach Taylor was sentenced to six months imprisonment and issued with a six-year football banning order.

“We see you at the front of the crowd charging and you are repeatedly pushed back by police while chanting, shouting, waving your arms and gesticulating,” Judge Edmunds told him.

“You keep appearing in the front line.”

Roberts was sentenced to six months imprisonment and issued with a six-year banning order for being an active participant in the front line of Cardiff fans who charged at Chelsea supporters.

Jobless Driscoll was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months, ordered to complete 120 hours community service, pay £250 costs and was issued with a three-year banning order.

“You persistently waved your arms and goaded Chelsea supporters and were involved in a number of surges that went to and fro,” Judge Edmunds told him. “You had to be forced away by the police.”

Watling, employed by Scottish Southern Energy, was given a 12-month supervision order, ordered to complete 120 hours community service, pay £250 costs and was issued with a three-year banning order.

“It looks like you were in the wrong company that day,” the Judge told him. “You chose to remain there and by your presence encouraged others.

“We see you grabbing out at others and you were binge-drinking that day.”

Evans received a 12-month supervision order, was ordered to complete 80 hours community service and pay £250 costs and received a three-year banning order.

“You are part of the crowd that pushes forward and resists the stewards and we see you involved in a surge.”

Schoolteacher Downloaded Thousands Of Child Porn Images

A secondary school teacher, caught with over 12,000 sexually explicit images of children during a sudden police raid, dodged prison with a suspended sentence yesterday.

Science teacher Kenneth Ring, 26,(pictured) of Poynter Road, Enfield taught at Edmonton County school, but he quit in disgrace and his promising career is in tatters.

The first-time offender pleaded guilty to twelve sample charges of possessing indecent images of children on January 19, last year when officers from the Met’s Paedophile Unit executed a search warrant at his family’s home.

“You say you started this out of some form of perverted interest, you say you did not get any sexual satisfaction. I think you are lying,” Southwark Crown Court Judge John Price told Ring.

“How you can look at these images, including a three year-old girl in a sexual act, God only knows. It is so wicked and perverted and you are contributing to a perverted industry.”

Prosecutor Miss Usha Shergill told the court (pictured bottom) an online investigation into an internet forum which posted indecent images led officers to the house Ring shares with his parents.

Fifteen computer-related items were seized and five contained still and moving images, which Ring immediately confessed he was responsible for.

When quizzed at Edmonton Police Station the defendant denied gaining sexual gratification from the material and insisted he had never personally abused a child.

“He said he became obsessed by the images and viewed them for several years,” added Miss Shergill.

A total of 12,130 indecent still and moving images were found on various computer equipment ranging from the lowest to highest levels of indecency.

There were 217 at Level 5 – the most serious – including a girl aged under twelve years-old involved in sexual activity with an animal.

Simon Ray, defending, told the court: “Mr. Ring recognises this is not a victimless crime and it does create a market for more images.

“It was easy for Mr. Ring to delude himself because the abuse had already taken place and he was insulated from the material he was using.

“His remorse is heartfelt and genuine,” added Mr. Ray. “He has made efforts to obtain help and counselling, even before his arrest.

“He was a hardworking and dedicated teacher and that career is irretrievably ruined by his disgraceful behaviour.

“He will never work with children again.”

Judge Price sentenced Ring, his head bowed in shame, to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 200 hours community service work.

He was also ordered to attend thirty-five two-hour sessions with the community sex offenders group and pay £350 costs.

“My main aim is to protect the public and children,” added the Judge. “You did not directly interfere with children, but you encouraged those who do by subscribing to such sites.

“What can be done to stop you?”

Bespectacled Ring was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, banning him from contacting children aged under sixteen via the Internet or any other electronic device.

He is also disqualified from unsupervised contact with children aged under sixteen without the consent of their parent or guardian.

Ring, who told Judge Price: “It will never happen again,” will sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Mamma Mia! Mayhem At Family Matinee

An angry dad attacked staff during a family matinee performance of Abba-themed West End musical Mamma Mia! when theatre-goers complained about his two noisy children.

One member of staff was head-butted and another punched when they told Essex-dad Robert Francis, 41, his family would be forced to leave if they did not behave, City of London Magistrates' Court heard.

Francis, of Rose Barn Cottage, Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping attended the performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street (pictured) with his wife Michelle Francis, 40, and their children aged five and six.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Graham McAlpine and Salim Rehman on July 24, last year. A charge of racially aggravated threatening behaviour was dropped.

An assault charge against Mrs Francis, who allegedly slapped Mr. McAlpine across the face, was also dropped

Prosecutor Mr. Ijaz Malik told the court it was just before 4pm when staff received complaints from patrons sitting behind the family about their behaviour during the first half of the performance.

The theatre manager Graham McAlpine approached the couple during the interval in the American Bar.

"He decided to chat to them and advise them about their behaviour, but at this point Mr. Francis began to get aggressive towards the staff members," explained the prosecutor.

"He told staff he had paid money to attend and would behave how he liked."

The couple were warned again they would be removed if their behaviour continued.

"Mr. Francis then hit Mr. McAlpine on the arm with his clenched fist and as the manager moved back and attempted to request security a melee ensued," said Mr. Malik.

"Mr. Francis placed his face in Mr. McAlpine's face and aggressively asked for his money back."

At this point Mr. Rehman tried to remove the defendant from the theatre and was allegedly told: "Get your hands off me you Taliban," by Mr. Francis.

This remark, which Mr. Francis denied making, was not pursued by the prosecution.

"Mr. Francis then moved his head back and head-butted Mr. Rehman in the face, causing painful swelling to his nose," added Mr. Malik.

The couple fled the theatre, but were traced and arrested by prior appointment at Charing Cross Police Station.

First-time offender Mr. Francis was sentenced to forty hours community service work, ordered to pay £50 compensation to each victim and £100 costs.

Shame-Faced Ex Cop Jailed For Child Porn Pics

A disgraced police officer, who quit the Met when arrested for hoarding and peddling indecent images of young teenage boys, was jailed for twelve months today and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Ex-Lambeth PC Jordan Janssen, 38, of Atkins Court, Maryon Grove, Charlton, South East London was caught with 182 images following an online probe into paedophiles.

The first-time offender was arrested on July 15 by the Metropolitan Police’s Paedophile Unit and resigned later that month.

He pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court (pictured) to one count of making indecent images between January 1 and June 30, last year and distributing an indecent image via email on March 14, last year.

“These are serious offences,” Judge Deborah Taylor told bespectacled Janssen. “The making and distributing of these images are not victimless crimes.

“Children are often forced or trafficked into sexual crime and must be protected from exploitation.”

The court heard Janssen had a particular fascination with boys aged around thirteen years-old.

The majority of the images were Level One – the least serious – but did include all levels up to one Level Five image – the most serious.

The email he distributed included three images. One Level One and two at Level Four.

The court heard Janssen made no financial gain from his activities and fully co-operated with police, pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“Having regard to the nature of the material only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate,” announced Judge Taylor.

The judge made a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for five years, which bans Janssen from inappropriate Internet use, professional and social contact with children under sixteen years-old without supervision and text messaging with children.

He will also sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years.

Detective Inspector Noel McHugh, of the Paedophile Unit said: “This result demonstrates that those who are engaged in the production and distribution of indecent images of children will be discovered, no matter who they are.”

Paedo Footie Coach Caged For Thirty-Five Years Of Sex Abuse

An ex-football coach who sexually abused a string of young boys over 35 years – plying them with booze and showering them with gifts – has been locked up for a minimum of nine years.

Retired caretaker David Berry, 70, (pictured) of Jubilee Road, Greenford, Middlesex filmed himself having sex with the youngsters – aged between 8 and 17 years-old.

Berry exploited his position of trust while working in a school, even befriending some of the victims' families.

He first began abusing a teenage boy in 1975, and he continued abusing others until just weeks before he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police’s specialist rape investigation unit, Sapphire, on April 22, last year.

When police searched Berry's home they found videos and images of the pensioner sexually abusing young boys.

He was arrested and quizzed and as the scale of the abuse became clear, the investigation was transferred to the Child Abuse Command's Serious Case Team for further investigation.

He was charged with a total of 45 serious sexual offences against children including sexual assault, gross indecency and rape.

At Isleworth Crown Court he admitted 22 counts of serious sexual abuse, including repeated rape relating to five victims.

He referred to having relationships or "flings" with the boys, and even described sexual activity as being “mutual”.

All of the victims were known to the defendant, who deliberately targeted, groomed and abused them when they were very young.

His abuse continued until the boys reached the age of or 17 before turning his attention to another younger child.

The victims are now aged between 13 and 50-years.

Berry preyed on vulnerable victims, including a child with learning difficulties, plying some of them with alcohol to facilitate some of the abuse.

As a reward Berry showered his victims with gifts and provided them with pocket money.

A mother of a one of those abused by Berry as a child said: “I was so shocked and sad for him.

“It explained his behaviour in the past - his drinking and temper.

“When he was telling me [about the abuse] he was angry and upset.”

Wheels Fall Off Lavish Lifestyle Of Flash Car Crook

A flash conman with a love of fast cars, who used a variety of aliases to supply East London criminals with a fleet of top spec motors, has been locked-up for two years and nine months.

Tyrone Somerszaul,36, (pictured) of Kings Gate Mews, Hornsey, North London also pocketed £60,000 in incapacity benefit while running ‘Fineline’ and ‘Taylor Prestige’.

Between 2004 and 2009 he used at least three identities – Tyrone Simmons, Dean Miller and Sean Kimani – to run the vehicle leasing companies.

His fleet included a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Mercedes and BMW – all vehicles used by gang members.

Somerszaul pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown court to eight fraud charges and confiscation proceedings will follow.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Matt Foy of Hackney Borough CID, said: “Today's sentencing brings to a close a long-running and protracted investigation by Hackney Police into the complex criminal dealings of Tyrone Somerszaul. 



“By bringing him to justice and calling time on his bogus vehicle leasing company, police have curtailed not only his freedom but his lavish criminally-funded lifestyle.”



Detective Chief Inspector Gary Bruce of Hackney Police, said: “This investigation has disrupted the activity of suspected gang members in Hackney who used Somerszaul's vehicles to get around the streets of the capital.

“I would like to commend the efforts of DC Matt Foy and PC Carrie Waller who have worked tirelessly on a complicated case, which has ultimately seen a serious criminal imprisoned for nearly three years.”

Police Track Down Murderer On-The-Run

An Albanian, who stabbed his sister’s black boyfriend to death after discovering their relationship, now faces 14 years in a top-security prison after being captured in Kosovo.

Gerald Mitre aka Aldo Aliaj, 25, (pic.top) killed 24 year-old Aaron Stokes (pic.bottom) in the Centrepoint Hostel, New Cross, South-East London on January 2, 2006.

The victim, who lived in the hostel where Mitre’s sister also resided suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest and the defendant fled before police arrived.

Mitre’s sister lied to officers, telling them an unknown intruder had stabbed Aaron and later confessed to the murder herself.

She was charged with murder and perverting the course of justice, but on the eve of her trial confessed it was her brother who killed Aaron.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service's Homicide and Serious Crime Command launched a national manhunt to find Mitre, but by early 2007 intelligence suggested he had fled to Albania.

Albania accepted jurisdiction of the case and in June 2009 three Albanian Judges, a prosecutor and a defence lawyer appointed by the court on behalf of Gerald Mitre flew to London to take evidence from witnesses.

The hearings took place over a two day period at a specially constituted court presided over by a British District Judge.

After the hearing in the UK the Albanian judges returned to Albania to conclude the trial.

In January last year the parents of Aaron flew to Albania to hear the court find Mitre guilty of murder and sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Mitre was arrested in Kosovo on December 29, last year and currently awaits extradition to Albania.

Detective Inspector Nick Sumner, who led the murder investigation, said: “I am pleased for Aaron’s family, they have displayed great patience, dignity and understanding in their wait to achieve justice for the senseless murder of their son.

“As Mitre awaits extradition to Albania to serve his sentence they are even closer to getting the justice they deserve.

“Whilst Mitre managed to flee the UK, he could not escape British law.

“The Metropolitan Police Service and Crown Prosecution Service in partnership with the Albanian authorities made sure of that.”

Reviewing Lawyer, Lorna Heger of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This case is a very good example of different countries working together in the spirit of international cooperation.

“I am very grateful to the Albanian judicial authorities for their assistance. I am also very pleased for Aaron’s family that the person responsible for the murder of their son has been brought to account.”

Teenage Murder: £20,000 Reward Offered

A £20,000 reward is up for grabs for information that nails the killers of an East London teenager, who suffered fatal stab wounds when a fifteen-strong gang attacked him and a friend.

Isschan Nicholls, 18, (pictured) was stabbed in Parnell Road on January 13, last year by a mob armed with knives, baseball bats and lengths of wood.

His 17 year-old mate was also stabbed during the 9pm attack and was successfully treated at the Royal London Hospital and discharged.

Isschan was rushed to the same hospital in a critical condition and died two days later from stab wounds to the abdomen and thigh.

The teenager’s family have been left devastated by his murder and is urging anyone with information to come forward.



Isschan's mother, Jennifer, said: “It has been a year since Isschan was tragically taken from us and this alone has had a major effect on our lives.

“Coupled together with the fact that no one has yet been charged, it makes the whole incident even more unbearable. 



“We would like anyone that knows anything about what happened to Isschan to please come forward and give their information to the police.

“Someone knows who did this. Please come forward.”



Detective Chief Inspector Dave Manning of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “A number of arrests have been made during the investigation into Isschan's murder.

“Unfortunately we have not been able to bring any charges against anyone. 



“I know there are people in the east London community who know what happened on that night last year, including the identity of the person who stabbed Isschan.

“I would ask that they examine their consciences and consider the trauma and devastation suffered by Isschan's family. 



“It is time for them to come forward with the information needed to bring a successful prosecution for Isschan's murder and provide his family with some closure.”


Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4054.

If you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Twelve people were initially arrested in connection with the investigation, two women aged 28 and 43 and 10 males aged between 16 and 25.

Nobody has been charged.