Gay Property Tycoon Murder: Polish Builder Charged

A man appeared in court yesterday charged with murdering a successful gay property developer, who liked to have large amounts of cash available for his various business ventures.

William John Saunderson-Smith, 58 - known to friends as ‘John’ – had been beaten around the head with a blunt object when found dead on October 21 at his home in Dewhurst Road, West Kensington.

Forensic officers who searched two addresses used by Mr. Saunderson-Smith (pictured) in Dewhurst Road and Sedlescombe Road, Fulham seized approximately £150,000 cash found in several plastic bags.

An incident room was opened at Hendon under Detective Chief Inspector Howard Groves who said: “At present details regarding Mr Saunderson-Smith's life, and the events leading up to his death, remain sketchy.

“Whilst local enquiries are ongoing, we are now extending our appeals to anyone who knew Mr Saunderson-Smith from his frequent visits to gay clubs in and around the Old Brompton Road and Kennington areas.

“This could be crucial in assisting us to build a complete picture about his life.



“I must stress that we are not treating this as a homophobic crime, however we are keeping an open mind as to the reasons behind his murder.



“We understand that Mr Saunderson-Smith had a number of people in his life though business and leisure interests. I am urging anyone who knew him to contact us.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8247 7821. If you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



Polish national Slawomir Bugajewski, 38, a builder of Braid Avenue, Acton appeared in custody at Ealing Magistrates’ Court.

Snapper-To-The-Stars Jailed For Sordid Sex Attacks On Young Models

A brilliant celebrity photographer has lost his career and freedom for a series of sordid sex attacks on half-naked young models at his studio during casting shoots.

Devon-born Lee Cropper, 31, saw his career rocket after moving to London from Plymouth six years ago and was one of actress Sadie Frost's favourite photographers.

He also took portraits of actress Billie Piper and his work adorned the front cover of Vogue magazine even though he had no formal training in the profession.

He was jailed for thirty-three months at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 24 year-old model on September 14, last year and two 22 year-olds on May 11, this year.

Between those attacks Cropper, who lived and worked at Omega Works, Hermitage Road, Haringey, North London, (pictured) received a supervision order for another sexual assault on a model in her twenties.

The victims were dazzled by his glossy portfolio of celebrity shots and felt they could not object to such a successful and well-connected photographer's creepy suggestions.

Prosecutor Miss Sandy Canavan told the court Cropper - nicknamed 'The Mofo' - booked ambitious models via an agency and used a different email address when he was blacklisted, following complaints.

A total of five models made statements to police and more serious charges of rape, attempted rape and two more sexual assaults were dropped.

"The defendant knew what the position was. He was a successful photographer, he had a successful career taking portraits of a large amount of famous models," explained Miss Canavan.

"It was clear early on they were not legitimate casting sessions, rather an opportunity for the defendant to sexually assault the victims."

The first model, who Cropper claimed was testing for ID magazine, described his studio as "looking dodgy" and the defendant as "red-eyed and hyper-active."

"He pulled his trousers down and said: 'I'm a pervert. Is that all right with you?' and said if she got naked he could take some really good photographs," explained Miss Canavan.

"He wanted her to play with his penis and because she was scared she masturbated him."

The woman fled as a second model arrived and immediately called police. "The officer dismissed her allegations without proper investigation and the defendant was free to offend again."

Canavan received the community order for fondling a model responding to a 'tasteful nudes' shoot, who was "reassured" by his portfolio of famous faces.

He encouraged the young woman to play with herself. "The defendant then grabbed her and quickly moved up to her breasts."

Canavan finally asked for two topless models comfortable with kissing each other and separately assaulted them, stroking the first's nipple and face and forcing his thumb into her mouth.

"He put her hand on his penis and asked her to rub it," added the prosecutor. "He then started to masturbate himself and she describes herself as being terrified."

The second girl was similarly abused. "He asked her to put her hands on his legs, telling her to rub his legs and started pointing to his crotch."

Miss Louise Sweet, defending, said: "His career as a photographer is over. There is no way he can go back to it. It is a small community.

"He is a man from humble beginnings and when he came to London had an admin job in the City and it was only the loan of a digital camera from a friend that convinced him he may have a talent."

After publishing his first photos on Myspace, Cropper's career took off and he was being commissioned within six months.

"He could not cope and he was not used to being exposed to fame and famous people and maybe felt insecure in that world and began to drink because he could not cope with the pressure of the job," added the lawyer.

Judge Shaun Lyons said: "These are not fleeting offences. There is a degree of insistence and persistence in each case and an abuse of trust and authority.

"They are willing and anxious to do as photographers wish, that is the abuse of authority.

"Any naked person is always at a disadvantage to the clothed."

Cropper was placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely; was banned from working with children and vulnerable adults; forfeited his camera, computer and photographs of the victims and was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Offenders Prevention Order.

At the peak of Cropper's career Sadie Frost said: "Mofo has taken some of my favourite pictures for both my company and myself. He has an edge over most with his gritty, cheeky and cool style."

Betting Shop Bandit Banged Up

A masked gunman who terrorised a string of bookmakers in North-West London – threatening frightened staff with a pistol until they handed over cash – has been caged for eight years.

Mikhail Holness, 25, of Harrow View, Harrow pleaded guilty to five counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, six counts of possession of an imitation firearm whilst committing an indictable offence and one count of possession of an imitation firearm in a public place.



The offences were committed at six separate Harrow locations - one venue was a repeat target - between June and August 2011.

On August 15 he robbed two separate bookmakers.



Harrow Crown Court was told Holness would enter bookmakers wearing either a baseball cap or bandana over his face.

He would walk up to the counter and demand money from the till or safe whilst brandishing a black handgun, threatening the staff member.

He would then walk calmly out of the shop.



Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Flying Squad, Holness was identified from CCTV and arrested outside his home on September 19.

On arrest he was found in possession of an imitation handgun wrapped in a carrier bag and concealed in a satchel over his shoulder.

He was also in possession of a full-face balaclava and gloves identical to those worn during some of the robberies.

Officers believe he was on his way to commit further robberies.


Detective Chief Inspector Harry Hennigan, of the Flying Squad at Finchley, said: “The weight of evidence gathered and presented against the defendant at court resulted in him pleading guilty.



Cannabis Factory Intruder Shot Dead

An armed cannabis cultivator, who shot dead an intruder trying to break into his Clapham flat, has been locked-up for ten years.

Raymond Andes, 39, of Plummer Road shot burglar Isiah Bovell, 21, (pictured) in the head with a Browning 9mm pistol on April 14.

Inside the flat – hidden behind a false wall – were 101 cannabis plants Andes was guarding.

He was cleared by an Old Bailey jury of murder, but convicted of manslaughter, possession of a firearm and production of cannabis.

Paramedics passing through the area were flagged down by a young man who told them his friend had been shot. 



They rushed to the area and saw Isaiah’s body lying on a grassy area at the rear of Plummer Road. 



Police officers attending the scene noticed a window at the rear of Plummer Road was slightly ajar and a large piece of glass was missing.



Armed officers forced entry into the property when Andes refused to answer and the defendant told them: “I was just smoking my last fag”. 



A search of the flat revealed the 9mm pistol, which was cocked back.

Near the pistol was a magazine containing six unfired cartridges – laid out for police to find.

Also found were three air guns, which were not cocked or loaded, and an axe. 



Detective Inspector Henry Lindsley of Operation Trident – which investigates violent black-on-black crime in the capital said: “Raymond Andes was no ordinary householder. He was protecting a Cannabis factory, a criminal enterprise.

“He did not call the police but instead used a high powered illegal gun to shoot Isaiah Bovell dead.”


Funeral Gun Murder: Four Arrested

Operation Trident detective who investigate violent black-on-black crime in the capital have arrested four suspects regarding a fatal funeral shooting of a mourner in South-East London.

Ronnie Khan, 21, (pictured) was shot dead on November 3 at 3.00pm at the junction of Forest Hill Road and Rockells Place, East Dulwich and a 17 year-old boy was shot in the ankle.

The incident happened in broad daylight at a time when there were lots of people in the area leaving a funeral nearby.

At least 50 people had recently attended the funeral of 17-year-old car collision victim Joel James Lee Morgan, which had just taken place at the nearby cemetery.

The suspects are two 20-year-old men and two 17 year-old girls who have been bailed to return to a police station later in the month.

An incident room has been opened under Acting Detective Chief Inspector Brian Lucas from Trident.

Any witnesses or those with information that may assist the investigation are asked to call the incident room on 020 8247 4554. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Commander David Zinzan, responsible for south east London policing said: “Following the shooting in East Dulwich on Thursday afternoon, extra officers have been drafted into the area and surrounding boroughs to reassure the public and make it clear to anyone even considering being involved in violence that it will not be tolerated.

“Our priority is to bring to justice those responsible for this horrific shooting and to prevent any further incidents from occurring over the coming days.

“A significant number of witnesses have come forward and detectives from Trident have been working around the clock to gather evidence and piece together exactly what occurred and identify those responsible for this outrageous act.

“Trident received strong community support while carrying out inquiries in the area last night, which continue today.

“Detectives from Trident are working closely with borough officers and local authorities to gather and share any intelligence and will continue to update our partners in the local authorities as the investigation progresses”

£10K Lost Cash Conman Sentenced

A fraudster dodged jail today for trying to convince police over $10,000 cash found by a train cleaner was his.

Phillip Cragg, 30, of Kittiwake House, High Street, Slough was tipped-off to the potential claim by a First Great Western Railway employee, but his inconsistent account quickly alerted police.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to commit fraud by false representation, namely claiming the $10,300 cash was his at Paddington Station on June 16.

Cragg was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which included completing 100 hours community service work.

City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard a cleaner handed in the lost money, found on a stationary train, to a police community support officer at Paddington Station on June 9.

British Transport Police (BTP) deposited the cash in a Barclays Bank lost property account.

On June 16 the defendant telephoned BTP in Birmingham, claiming he had left the cash behind on a Maidenhead to Paddington train.

“The operator advised him that he should contact Paddington Station lost property office and was told he would have to provide proof of ownership,” said prosecutor Miss Rav Chodha.

“The defendant then called back later, saying he had negative feedback from lost property, and arrangements were made to discuss matters with BTP at Paddington.

“The defendant attended to claim the money, but due to the large amount involved and inconsistencies in his account it was decided he should return the following day with proof of ownership.”

Cragg failed to attend the second meeting and was arrested during a dawn raid at his home on June 23.

“The defendant fully admitted the offence, saying he received a call from a friend who worked for First Great Western that ten thousand dollars had been found at Paddington Station,” added Miss Chodha.

“He admitted the conspired to unlawfully claim the lost money, which they planned to split fifty fifty.

“The defendant said he had to do it because his friend was a member of the railway staff.”

Halal Shop Murder: Suspect Named

Police have named and released a photograph of a teenage murder suspect they are hunting for the fatal stabbing of a shop assistant – killed in a halal food shop in a busy retail area.

Irfan Ahmad, 24, (pic.top) of Hanley Road, Finsbury Park suffered a stab wound to the chest inside Halal Food Direct, The Broadway, Wood Green, North London at 3.00pm on September 29.

The suspect is Ehsannullah Mohabat, 18, (pic.bottom) who was seen leaving the shop shortly after the stabbing and returned to his Enfield home before disappearing.

Police believe he has contacts in the London boroughs of Enfield; Haringey; Redbridge; Barnet; Waltham Forest and Brent plus links to Gloucester, Leicester and Birmingham.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and a £10,000 reward has also been offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the killer.

Mr. Ahmad was at work when he is believed to have become involved in some sort of altercation with Mohabat shortly before he died.



A post-mortem examination held the following day gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.



An incident room opened at Belgravia under Detective Chief Inspector Steven Lawrence from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

DCI Lawrence, said: “Mr. Ahmad was killed in a busy area, in the middle of the afternoon and we need to hear from any witnesses who have not yet come forward.

“Do you have any information about the murder or the whereabouts of Mr Mohabat? It is essential that anyone with information contacts us as soon as possible.”



Mohabat is described as 5ft 5ins tall and at the time of the incident he was wearing a black hooded top with red writing on the front, baggy grey trousers and black trainers.



Anyone who can help should call the incident room on 020 7321 9290 or to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



There has been no arrest at present.

Killed Two Hours After This Birthday Photo

Two hours after this birthday photo was taken 32 year-old Paul Gunner was killed outside a Bexley kebab shop when punched to the ground during a row with three men.

Police have arrested three suspects on suspicion of murder, but continue to appeal for witnesses to what happened at 1.00am on October 16 in Bourne Road.

Three white males approached Paul and after the altercation fled on foot in the direction of Gravel Hill – leaving him dying on the ground

Detectives are also keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a separate incident where a man was assaulted outside the same venue approximately 10 minutes earlier.

It is believed the suspects threw chips at a blonde woman and a man who intervened was punched.

Detectives are still appealing for that man and the blonde woman to come forward, or anyone who may have witnessed this event.

Detective Inspector Rick Murphy said: “It’s tragic that Paul Gunner would go out to celebrate his birthday and not return.

“A happy event has been turned into a painful one for friends and family of Paul who are still shocked and devastated by his death.

“I cannot stress how important it is for anyone who was in the area that night and who may have witnessed the assault on Paul or the earlier incident to contact the police.

“I would like to reassure anyone concerned about coming forward that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.”

Anyone with information is asked to called the Incident Room on 020 8721 4868 or if you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Late on Sunday October 16 three men aged 31; 32 and 25 were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They were bailed to return to a south London police station to a date this month.

Legal Worker Nicked £60K From Top Law Firm

A legal executive, who looted over £60,000 from her solicitor employers after her schoolteacher husband quit work, dodged jailed with a suspended sentence today.

Mother-of-four Oonagh Grant, 52, of Altyre Close, Beckenham was a registered conveyancer with top West End firm Manches until she was caught and sacked after an internal probe.

She pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to ten counts of theft between September 14, 2007 and July 29, last year and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 2 years.

Prosecutor Miss Lesley Jones told the court Grant - who was earning £82,500 a year - was responsible for unauthorised transactions totalling £63,298.56 which she paid into her ill father's account.

She had power of attorney over his finances so controlled the money, which she spent on family bills, which included maintaining her 15 year-old daughter's private school education and drama aspirations.

"On august sixteen last year a number of financial irregularities came to light involving fraudulent transactions she was involved with," explained Miss Jones.

"A number were paid by cheque and authorised by the defendant and others were by bank transfer."

Police were informed on August 20 and Grant was arrested at her desk, making a full confession.

"She confirmed she paid money into her father's account after seeing she had an opportunity, having control over various financial transactions.

"Mrs Grant was in a high degree of trust and comes into the top bracket of at least three years' imprisonment," added the prosecutor.

Grant's lawyer Mr. David Bentley said: "Depression may well have been a significant factor in this case. Her current diagnosis is moderately to severely depressed for some period of time.

"She felt it was better stealing than than admit she was unable to cope financially and emotionally and this has come as a shock to those who knew her.

"She is someone who likes to give the impression to the world that she can cope and tries to deal with the problem herself."

Grant is now a £500 per week teacher and the sole breadwinner of her family. She also has girls aged 17 and 23 and a 12 year-old son.

"All it did was reinstate the loss of income from her husband's job," added Mr. Bentley. "She did it out of desperation and stupidity and her mind was effected by the depression and stress she was under."

Roger Stewart QC told Grant: "Our society depends on people being able to trust each other. When you were dealing with clients' money you owed an obligation to those clients and your employers.

"I am influenced by the fact you are looking after your father and your husband depends on you as well as three of your four children."

Grant was also ordered to perform 200 hours community service and confiscation proceedings will follow.

"This is an exceptional case. The court has been very lenient towards you," added the recorder.

Rihanna Roadie's Road-Rage Rap

Pop star Rihanna's roadie Michael Bradley was hit with a £1,465 court bill today for a 'road rage' attack on a fellow motorist in the busy West End.

The 57 year-old was driving his 18-wheeler along Edgware Road - transporting catering equipment from Hyde Park's Wireless Festival - when he jumped out of his cab and punched a BMW driver twice in the face.

Bradley, of Challoner Crescent, West Kensington was convicted at City of London Magistrates' Court of assaulting 35 year-old Ahmed El-Hammoud and using threatening words or behaviour on July 5.

Prosecutor Miss Melanie Lee told the court driving conditions were "treacherous" as the victim pulled over by the side of the road and parked up.

"Mr. Bradley was driving a thirty-seven ton truck and stopped in the middle of the road and went over to Mr. El-Hammoud.

"He had his window lowered and Mr. Bradley started swearing at him and Mr. El-Hammoud put his hand through the window and a witness thought he raised his middle finger.

"This enraged Mr. Bradley who shouted: 'What do you think you are doing?' while waving his arms about.

"He leaned through the open window and punched Mr. El-Hammoud twice," added Miss Lee.

"Mr. Bradley then, while leaning in, removed the keys from the ignition, took them, and left.

"Mr. El-Hammoud was left there abandoned in his vehicle. He had no keys to start it and contacted his wife who had a spare set of keys."

Bradley, whose trial was delayed during the Rihanna tour agreed with the facts, but said: "The one thing I did not do was punch the man.

"I do regret the actions. Taking the man's car keys was totally unjustified. I can only apologise for being stupid."

Bradley, who has a public order and harassment conviction, was fined £500 for assault; £300 for threatening behaviour; ordered to pay £300 compensation to the victim; £350 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Vicious Double Rapist Finally Caged

A notorious rapist - who pounced on two young lone women in the 1990’s – has finally been caught and caged for 16 years after his DNA was taken when arrested for collecting sick sex images.

Ex-cobbler Frank Joseph Watson, 47, of Gibbon Close, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire raped a 22 year-old in 1991 and an 18 year-old in 1997 – threatening to cut the second victim into pieces.

He was arrested on April 20 by Hertfordshire Constabulary and a routine DNA swab linked him to the cold case rapes committed in Potters Bar and Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

On September 13, 1991 the 22-year-old woman, who was walking home along Darkes Lane, was grabbed and dragged to the ground by Watson.

Six years later, on August 21, 1997, Watson attacked an 18-year-old woman who had been out walking on Aberford Park, Brook Road.

He grabbed her from behind by the neck, and demanded: “You better lie down before I stab you, or I'll cut you into little pieces.”

Watson forced the victim to the ground and then raped her.

In both cases Watson, who did not know his victims, made off, leaving the women where he attacked them.



At the time detectives made extensive enquiries, and the two offences were linked.

Forensic evidence was gathered, however, it was not enough to be progressed because of DNA technology available at the time



The Metropolitan Police Cold Case Sapphire Team reopened the investigation in early 2011.

Watson’s DNA was matched with other samples taken during the course of the original investigation owing to the enhancement in forensic technology. 



Detective Constable Danny Maiden, said: “This case shows how together with our colleagues from other forces, offenders can be brought to justice even years after an offence has been committed.

“I give thanks to the hard work of officers and those who deal with forensic evidence, and pay tribute to both victims who have bravely given their accounts at court.

“I hope this result gives some sense of closure to the victims who have had to live with this horrifying ordeal for many years.

“This decision proves that men like Watson will not evade justice, not matter what length of time passes, and that the Met will continue to pursue criminals through all means available to us.”



Watson was convicted of both rapes after a five-day trial at the Old Bailey and admitted making and possessing indecent images.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Christian Charity Worker's Race-Hate Shame

A Christian charity activist, who launched into a violent boozy race-hate rant at betting-shop staff after losing £250 winnings on a gaming machine, dodged prison with a suspended sentence yesterday.

Elvis Zeidins, 32, of Shirley Gardens, Barking, Essex – the former night shelter co-ordinator with Haringey Christian Community Trust – admits his outburst was “completely unacceptable.”

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to racially aggravated threatening behaviour at the Brixton Ladbrokes on May 28 and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for a year.

A senior member of Barkingside’s St. Francis of Assisi church supported Zeidins in court and the defendant’s lawyer Mr. David Rhodes said: “It offends his Christian sensibilities to offend in this way.”

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Rattigan told the court: “He could not get a refund in relation to money he said he won on the gaming machine and staff told him he would have to register a complaint.

“He could not accept that and tried to smash the counter with a chair while racially abusing a black female member of staff.

“He made monkey-type gesticulations and called her a: ‘Fucking black bitch, black monkey,’ while cupping his hands under his armpits and telling her she should go back home.”

Police arrived and arrested Zeidins, who had consumed four pints of beer and two whiskeys while watching live football in a nearby pub.

“He told the police he was annoyed he had lost the money, but did not accept the allegations he was accused of,” added Mr. Rattigan.

“He apologises for this completely unacceptable behaviour,” said Mr. Rhodes. “He is now making a real contribution to society through full-time and charitable work.

“He is a devout Christian and enjoys great support from his church.

“This offence was completely out of character and he accepts there was an alcohol and gambling problem.

“He was two hundred and fifty pounds up when the machine switched itself off, lost his temper, saw red and went into a rage.”

Judge Robert Fraser told Zeidins: “It was a particularly disgraceful episode, a totally unacceptable way of dealing with that lady who was only doing her job.

“You called her names and your behaviour was clearly racially motivated and she was no doubt upset and scared.

“You are clearly more than capable of doing a great deal of work for other people and although you richly deserve a short period of custody I am going to suspend it.”

Zeidins was also ordered to complete 80 hours community service work and be subject to six months supervision.

Unlucky Flush For Jewellery Thief's Wife

A thieving courier driver's wife tried to flush valuable jewellery he stole down the toilet during a surprise police raid.

Driver Yousef Tanout, 38, of Rattray Road, Brixton helped himself to the jewellery when returning it to the supplier from a magazine.

He pleaded guilty at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court to stealing £1,245 worth of jewellery from Pandora on June 21.

Prosecutor Miss Rav Chodha told the court City Sprint courier Tanout found the offices of Pandora were closed at 6.10pm when delivering the jewellery from National Magazine.

The valuables were stored overnight in a supervisor's desk at the magazine, but when checked the following day it was clear jewellery had been stolen.

On October 14 police raided the defendant's home and caught his wife in the bathroom trying to flush jewellery down the toilet.

A stolen necklace and two rings were found in the bedroom.

Tanout was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered to perform 150 hours community service.