Justice Catches Up With Paedophile Racing Driver

An ex-racing driver, who abused a teenage boy interested in his sports cars over thirty years ago, has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years after the victim eventually came forward.

Christopher Skeaping, 67, (pictured) a former Formula 3 and motocross rider attracted young boys to his former home in Bath Road, Hounslow, West London as he fixed cars and motorbikes outside.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to buggery and indecent assault on a boy aged under sixteen years-old between 1977 and 1978.

Detectives are also taking this opportunity to appeal for further possible victims of Skeaping’s to come forward and speak to police.

It is known he lived in Hounslow in the 1970’s and Bracknell in the 1980’s.



Detective Constable Lucy Mawdsley of Sapphire said: “Skeaping is known to have spent a lot of time with young boys due to his interest in cars.

“We now know that in the seventies a lot of boys visited Skeaping at the house.

“If anyone thinks they have been a victim of Christopher Skeaping, I would ask them to come forward and speak to police in the strictest of confidence.

“Sapphire takes any allegations of sexual assault seriously and investigates them thoroughly so that perpetrators can be brought before the court.”

The victim, now aged 48, reported Skeaping to police on September 18, 2010.

The defendant invited the youngster to the house to work on his vehicles and the victim began spending a considerable amount of time at the address.

The victim also recalled there being a number of other young boys who spent time at the house and that Skeaping would sometimes walk around the house naked.



During three visits to Skeaping’s house the victim was sexually assaulted and following the third occasion the terrified victim ran away and never returned. 



The victim struggled to come to terms with the abuse throughout his adult life and came forward to report the incidences to police.



B-O-B Squad Probe Another Shooting

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was shot in the back just after midnight in West London.

Operation Trident detectives – who investigate violent black-on-black crime in the capital – are treating the incident as attempted murder.

The 16 year-old was shot in St. Luke’s Road, Notting Hill, near the junction with Tavistock Crescent (pictured) on January 22.

He was rushed by ambulance to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Operation Trident are appealing for any witnesses who were in the area and may have seen or heard anything suspicious or anyone who may have any information concerning the incident.



Anyone with information should call the Trident team on 020 8785 8580 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

B-O-B Squad Investigate Nightclub Shooting

Police are hunting a gunman, who shot a night clubber in the leg, at Rudolph’s near Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

Operation Trident detectives – who investigate black-on-black violent crime in the capital – are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Police were called to the club (pictured) in High Road, Tottenham, North London at 3:45am on January 21 to reports of a 20 year-old man injured.

An ambulance rushed the victim to hospital where he was treated for a non life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg.

Detective Constable Dave Roberts of Trident said: “The venue is believed to have been busy at the time this shooting occurred and whoever is responsible showed no regard for those in attendance.

“I would urge anybody who has information that could assist this investigation to get in touch as soon as possible.”



Witnesses and anybody who can assist the investigation can call 101 or leave a message for Trident on 020 8217 7366.

To speak anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Churchgoing Paedophile Finally Snared

A “predatory paedophile” – active in his local church – who tempted a string of young boys to his East London home with promises if cigarettes, alcohol and mobile phone top-ups, has been jailed for 11 years.

Jobless George Gow, 61, (pictured) of Bastable Avenue, Barking was targeted by police in a surveillance operation after a series of near-misses, including him getting away with being caught naked with a 15 year-old.

He began abusing one of his victims when the boy was only 8 years-old and continued until the boy was 16.



He was convicted at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on three counts of buggery; two counts of indecent assault with a male aged under 16 and one similar count with a male aged under 13.

Gow came under the microscope of the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Command after the alarm was raised by the Barking and Dagenham Jigsaw Team who monitor registered sex offenders.

In January 2011 they found Gow naked with the 15 year-old, but the boy refused to make any formal complaint and undercover surveillance began in May.

Over two weeks five different children visited Gow and he was arrested on June 22 while a boy was at the address, but again this youngster refused to press charges.

Strict bail conditions were imposed and further enquiries led to one of the children, a 10-year-old boy, being identified.

When he disclosed details of a sexual assault Gow was immediately re-arrested, charged with sexual assault and remanded in custody. 



He was also charged with offences of indecent assault and buggery that took place between 1995 - 2002.

After his release Gow will remain on licence for 10 years and will remain on the sex offenders register and be subject to a sexual offences prevention order for an indeterminate period.

Detective Constable Ben Markham said “Gow is a predatory paedophile who exploited young and vulnerable boys in a calculating manner.

“I would like to say thank you to our very brave victims, without your patience and support Gow would not have been convicted.

“We appreciate how difficult it was to go through this trial and we have reason to believe Gow may have committed further offences.

“We would urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim to have the confidence to report the incident to police. We are here to support and protect you.”



Prison For Bottle-Thrower Filmed During 'English Riots'

A bottle-throwing yob – captured on CCTV targeting outnumbered police during last summer’s mass disturbances – has been locked up.

Odilon Soumalat, 23, of Stevens Avenue, Homerton, East London was filmed hurling glass bottles at officers in nearby Clarence Road, Hackney on August 8, last year.

He pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to violent disorder and was sentenced to two years-and-three months imprisonment.

He was later identified, via the footage, by an officer from Stoke Newington police station.



Detective Constable Gemma Wade - from Hackney's Operation Withern team - said: “This is an excellent result and shows that officers at Hackney continue in their efforts to identify and bring to justice those people responsible for the August disturbances.

“Results such as this make the hard work seem even more worthwhile.”

Jewellery Shop Looters Locked Up

Four jewellery shop looters – who raided a West London store during last summer’s riots – have been caged for a total of fifteen years.

They snatched a £9,950 silver cigarette box, a £550 silver spoon and a £440 silver cup from Theo Fennell’s, Fulham Road, Chelsea during a mass midnight break-in.

They are: Lincoln Ebanks, 38, (pic.top) Chad Smith, 36, (pic.2^nd top) Azariah Jones, 35, (pic.3^rd top) and Nourdine Erreg, 38, (pic.bottom).

A group of fifteen to twenty looters, armed with bricks and poles, smashed their way into the shop’s front display window on August 9.

Fifteen minutes later police spotted a silver Kia 4x4 – without its headlights on – speeding along a nearby residential road.

Police searched the area and found the four defendants sitting in the car, which was parked in nearby Selwood Place, with the stolen items.

They were all convicted at Inner London Crown Court of burglary and Erreg received three years and the remaining defendants four years each.

Internet Bank Couple In Court Over £80K Fraud

A Wolverhampton bank employee, accused of an £80,000 fraud on his employers, appeared with his wife for the first time at City of London Magistrates’ Court today.

Harprit Singh Shari, 27, of Powell Street was a relationship officer with Indian-based Internet bank ICICI.

He faces three counts of fraud by abuse of position in that on various dates between January 31 and February 19, last year he dishonestly abused that position to make a gain of £50,000 and £25,000 for himself and £5,000 for his wife.

Baljit Kaur, 30, is charged with one count of acquiring criminal property, namely £5,000 between January 31 and February 12, last year.

The couple were bailed until March 21 when they are expected to be committed to the Old Bailey.

Cypriot Rapist Caged For Alleyway Attack

A masked knife-wielding rapist, who pounced on a lone woman in an alleyway behind his house, will be locked-up for a minimum of six years and deported to his native Cyprus.

The 31 year-old victim had just got off a bus from work and was walking home behind houses in Tranmere Road, Holloway on November 10, last year.

Aliriza Cezmi, 19, of Tranmere Road (pictured) was disguised with a bandana and forced the terrified woman into a nearby garage, where she was repeatedly raped.

He pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court to four counts of rape and one of possessing an offensive weapon and received an indeterminate sentence for public protection.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detectives quickly identified the scene and with the help of the public Cezmi was arrested at midnight the same day.

Detective Constable Simon Chapman of the Sapphire Command said: “This was a most callous and violent attack on a vulnerable female.

“I hope knowing that her attacker is now behind bars will go some way towards allowing the victim to come to terms with what has happened to her and allow her to go on to have a fulfilling future.



“We encourage victims of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to police as soon as possible.

“Every single allegation will be investigated professionally and effectively in a victim centred way.

“If there are further victims of Cezmi out there we would encourage them to come forward and speak with us, or attend a Haven.”

Cab Passenger Left Driver Brain-Damaged By Single Punch

A teenage thug, who left a mini-cab driver brain-damaged after punching him to the ground in West London, has been remanded in custody until he is sentenced next month.

Anthony Panayi, 18, of Eastcote Road, Ruislip attacked 40 year-old father-of-two Muhsin Akhtar after the cabbie ordered the defendant and his four friends out of the car.

He had collected the group outside ‘Fabric’ nightclub, Farringdon at 3:00am on March 18, last year.

In Bridgewater Road, Ruislip Mr. Akhtar stopped the vehicle and told the group to get out, but one of them threw his sat nav into a nearby park.

Panayi punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the ground and suffer very serious brain injuries.

He was convicted at the Old Bailey of wounding, causing grievous bodily harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “This case should serve as a reminder that if you chose to use your fists to settle a disagreement, the consequences are potentially life-changing for both the victim and the person who throws the punch.

“The MPS will do everything in its power to catch those who use violence on our streets and bring them before the courts to face justice.”


After Panayi threw the punch a female motorist spotted two men standing over the injured man, who ran away when she shouted at them.

A wallet left at the scene identified a possible suspect five teenagers were quickly arrested at an address nearby.



Charges against his four friends were dropped in May.

They are: Conor Graham Swift, 19, of Park Crescent, Harrow; George Simon Lynes, 19, of Larne Road, Ruislip; Christopher Boyce, 18 of Victoria Road, Ruislip and Ross Michael Bailey, 19, of Victoria Road, Ruislip.

Fatal Mugging: Police Continue Hunt For Killers

Police hunting the cowardly killers of an 81 year-old pensioner three years ago – mugged in the street for her handbag – have renewed appeals for information.

A £20,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for inflicting fatal injuries on Molly Morgan (pictured) in Streatfield Road, Harrow at 7:40pm on January 15, 2009.

Detectives have handed out leaflets and spoken to locals in the area.

She had walked a mile from her home to attend a lecture at Kenton Library about ‘Buildings in London’ when she was attacked.

She fell to the ground as her handbag was pulled and sustained a broken left arm and multiple fractures to the left side of her face.

She was rushed to Northwick Park Hospital where her condition deteriorated and she died the next day from a subdural haematoma. 



Her brown leather-effect shoulder bag, which was snatched, contained an empty Sainsbury's carrier bag, an electrical extension lead and a brown and gold 'Primark' umbrella. 



The extension lead and handbag were seen in Northwick Avenue, Kenton near the junction with Rushout Avenue, at 9:00pm on the night of the attack.

Witnesses saw two men/youths running along Streatfield Road towards Kenton Library immediately after the attack on Mrs Morgan. 



A man wearing grey jogging bottoms was seen walking ahead of Mrs Morgan in Streatfield Road and we still need to trace this man.



Detective Chief Inspector Jessica Wadsworth, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “The murder of Mrs Morgan does not get any less emotive despite the passage of time.

“She was a lady who had contributed much to society and was killed for essentially an empty handbag.

“We continue to investigate all new leads in order to bring the offender to justice.

“I would particularly urge anyone who has so far been reluctant to approach police with information to now come forward.

“There is a reward available as we continue to try and bring some form of closure to Mrs Morgan's family.” 



Hilary Underwood, Mrs Morgan’s daughter, said: “Three years after the death of my mother I am still struggling to come to terms with her tragic loss.

“Christmas is particularly hard for me to bear. It is such an important time for families.

“The anniversary of her death follows so soon after. It is hard to find peace when whoever killed her has not been found.

“The police continue to investigate my mother’s death and I appeal to anyone who may have any information that could identify my mother’s killer or assist the enquiry to contact police.” 



Anyone who has recovered or seen the handbag and its outstanding contents - or saw the two men/youths running along Streatfield Road or the man in the grey jogging bottoms - is asked to speak to police. 



Anyone who can assist should call the Incident Room on 020 8358 0300 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cops Seize £100K Worth Of Nicked Kegs

Police in North London have seized 1000 stolen beer kegs worth over £100,000 after raids at two separate addresses.

Two suspects were arrested and bailed following the investigation involving ‘Kegwatch’ – a brewery industry initiative aimed at preventing the theft of kegs, casks and gas cylinders.

Police raided properties in South Tottenham and Edmonton on January 13 in simultaneous noon operations and arrested a male, aged 19, and an 18 year-old female on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

The beer kegs (pictured) were stored in shipping containers at both addresses.

Officers from Haringey Borough have been working closely with local public houses and Kegwatch to prevent keg thefts. 



Each individual beer keg is worth between approximately £75 and £165.



Detective Inspector Steven Dryden of Haringey CID said: “In the last ten years, the price of metal has soared 400%.

“It's a valuable commodity that makes it an attractive prospect to thieves.



“Thieves and unscrupulous dealers will find industries are not prepared to suffer any further, and police in Haringey will not hesitate to take action against anyone who is found to be involved in this form of criminality on the borough.”



Security Director of Kegwatch, David Belcher, said: “Stainless steel beer kegs are used in pubs and clubs across the country.

“Stolen kegs are often disposed of illegally through illicit outlets and scrapyards.

“We work hard with police forces up and down the country to stop this from happening and as a result we have had many successful prosecutions. 



“Today was the result of a coordinated, pre-planned operation between police in Haringey and Kegwatch. We really appreciate the work the police have done for the brewery industry today.”

Smiley Culture's £400K Cocaine Gang Facing Grim Sentences

Two fellow-conspirators of deceased eighties pop star Smiley Culture - who stabbed himself to death during a police drugs raid - have been convicted of a £400,000 cocaine supply plot.

The star - real name David Emmanuel, 48, - masterminded the conspiracy from his gated Surrey mansion, where undercover police watched accomplices collect the drugs.

Emmanuel, (pic.top) who had hits with 'Police Officer' and 'Cockney Translation' was charged and on bail when he stabbed himself through the heart on March 15, last year during a separate 7am police raid at the property.

Today Lloyd McCalla, 51, (pic.2nd top) of Temple Avenue, Dagenham and 27 year-old Carlene Wilson, (pic.3rd top) of Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford were found guilty of conspiring with Mr. Emanuel and Lloyd's son Ryan, 30, to supply cocaine between June 30 and July 2, 2010.

During the Croydon Crown Court trial jurors were told Emmanuel funded an all expenses paid trip to Barbados for five drug mules, arrested at Grantley Adams Airport, with nearly 30kg of cocaine.

He had flown to the island with them and was booked on the same return flight on February 27, 2010. Four of the women, all British, were later convicted of drugs offences.

One of them told police Emmanuel had funded four previous similar cocaine-smuggling trips and police were investigating this allegation when he killed himself.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Little told the jury: "This involves a well organised drugs conspiracy to supply a kilo of cocaine, involving at least four individuals.

"David Emanuel was the main organiser of the conspiracy and needed these drugs distributed and that is where the McCalla family come in."

On July 2, 2010 undercover police from the Met's Central Task Force were staking out Mr. Emanuel's home in Hillbury Road, Warlingham when Lloyd and Ryan, (pic.bottom) who pleaded guilty to the charge, arrived at 7.45pm.

"It must have been at this point the drugs were handed over by Mr. Emanuel to the McCalla's and taken out by Ryan," Mr. Little told the jury.

"Ryan walked with a bag containing the cocaine to a taxi, where Wilson was waiting and she was given the drugs and the taxi drove off.

"The McCalla's followed behind and the taxi was stopped by police and the drugs were found in the bag between the feet of Wilson."

When analysed the drugs were found to be 77% pure cocaine.

The three defendants will be sentenced on February 10 and Judge Heather Baucher announced: "I want to make it clear this is a very serious offence, it was a massive quantity of drugs.

"A custodial sentence is inevitable in this matter."

Who'd Be a Bus Driver, Eh?

Police hunting two late-night bus passengers, who dragged the driver from his cab and repeatedly punched and kicked him to the head and body, have released these CCTV images of the suspects.

Officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit are appealing for anybody who recognises them to come forward.

The brutal assault occurred at half-past-midnight on November 20, last year on a route 121 bus travelling along Windmill Hill, Enfield, North London.

The male bus driver was dragged from his cab by the two suspects and subjected to a sustained attack of kicking and punching to the head and body. 



He was taken by ambulance to Chase Farm Hospital where he was treated and later discharged. 



Suspect 1 is described as a white man, with brown hair wearing a light coloured hooded top with a green body warmer. 


Suspect 2 is described as a white man with short fair hair wearing a light coloured hooded top with a dark jacket.



Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Paul Brown leading the investigation for the Workplace Violence Unit on 020 3054 5400 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus Robbery: Do You Know These Scumbags?

Two cocky bus muggers, who robbed a fellow-passenger on the top deck of a packed bus in Aldgate last summer, are being hunted by City of London Police.

This CCTV image of the pair boarding the number 25 bus on July 16 has been released in the hope they will be identified and brought to justice.

The sleeping victim, who was sitting in front of the suspects, woke as his pockets were been rifled at 5:40am as the bus travelled along St. Botolph Street and was repeatedly punched when he woke up.

No other passengers assisted and the robbers sat grinning in their seat after snatching the victim’s wallet.

They are described as black, in their twenties and wearing distinctive brightly-coloured clothing at the time of the robbery.

One man was wearing a blue and green jacket and the other, a red and white baseball style jacket and matching cap.

Following the robbery, the two men got off the bus on St. Botolph Street and items from the victim’s wallet were later found at Stratford train station.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact City of London Police CID on 020 7601 2670 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Passenger Wanted For Violent Bus Stop Row

A vicious bus passenger, who punched the driver when not left off at his stop, is being hunted by police who have released this CCTV image of the suspect.

On September 12 last year a number 78 bus was travelling along St. Mary’s Road, Peckham, South London at 5pm when a passenger became abusive after discovering his stop was out of service.

He got off at the next stop, but rounded the bus to the driver’s side and punched him in the face and fled.

The driver received a cut to his nose and was treated at the scene by an ambulance crew.

The suspect is being hunted by police officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit.

The suspect is described as black, with short dark hair, wearing a dark T-shirt and holding a light coloured jumper. 



Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Andy Barnard leading the investigation for the Workplace Violence Unit on 020 3054 5406 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Neighbours-From-Hell Sentenced

Three residents involved in a boozy brawl on a Beckenham council estate, which saw a knifeman battered to the ground and kicked in the head, have all dodged jail.

Police were met with a chaotic scene involving a huge mob "shouting, swearing, crying and screaming" at Clifford House, Southend Road, Croydon Crown Court was told.

Alvin Smith, 27, pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour on March 13 and was fined £500, with £250 costs.

Chloe Hodgson, 21, admitted the same charge and was given a twelve-month community order and must complete 100 hours community service.

Her boyfriend, jobless 22 year-old Andre Thomas pleaded guilty to assaulting Smith and was fined £90.

The court heard most of the participants in the disturbance had been drinking all day and tempers flared over a camera somebody had lost.

Smith emerged from a flat armed with a knife, inflicting minor injuries on the couple.

Hodgson then went to a flat on another floor and returned with an object, which she bashed Smith over the head with, inflicting a wound requiring five staples.

Thomas then jumped in and kicked and punched Thomas as he lay in a pool of blood.

Judge Simon Pratt told the defendants: "This was a nasty little incident and what went on reflects badly on all of you."