Uzi Sub-Machine Gun Stashed In Cemetery

This deadly Uzi sub-machine gun was hidden in a Croydon cemetery.

Police on the borough's Crime Squad searched an area in Croydon Cemetery after receiving information.

The found the firearm at approximately 2.15pm on April 29 just off Mitcham Road.


Enquiries continue and Croydon officers are working together with the Trident Gang Crime Command to establish who stored the firearm at the location or had access to the weapon.



Anyone with information that may assist police should call Croydon CID via 101 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



There has been no arrest at this stage.

Transexual Police Worker Who Battered Brother With Iron Bar Claims She Was Sleepwalking

A transexual police worker, who battered her sleeping brother over the head with an iron bar during a late-night murder bid, claims she was sleeping-walking and did not know what she was doing, a court heard today.

Helen Doe, 53, of Montgomery Close, Mitcham, however later told police she woke up in the early hours of the home they shared with an "overwhelming hatred" for 64 year-old Kenneth Doe.

He received three wounds to his skull from the one and a half foot long metal bar as he lay in bed, plus received a broken finger as he tried to defend himself.

Doe, who is employed by the Metropolitan Police Uniform Services and is a vocal transphobia campaigner has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to the attempted murder of Kenneth on July 5, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Paul Cavin told the jury: "Fortunately he did not die or suffer long-term injury at all, brain injury, however it is the prosecution case that in striking him several times with an iron bar she intended to kill him.

"It may be that she is not strong enough, maybe he blocked or parried the blows, he sustained a fractured finger.

"The prosecution say the evidence shows she intended that death would result, that she wished to kill him."

Miss Doe dialled 999 and told the operator at around 2.50am: "I've had an accident. I think I've killed my brother. I've hit him with an iron bar. Just now, I've been building up to it."

When officers entered the house the defendant was in the kitchen and told them: "It's me. I did it, he's upstairs."

Mr. Cavin added: "On the kitchen table was a metal pole about a foot and a half long with blood on it."

Police went upstairs to check on the brother. "His head and hair was covered in blood."

Mr. Doe told them: "I had an argument with her earlier and I woke up and she was hitting me with an iron bar……..I don't like her friends."

He was rushed to St. George's Hospital to be treated for the three wounds, plus a fractured middle finger on his left hand.

"Amazingly, fortunately, the wounds were stapled."

When Miss Doe was arrested she asked the WPC: "Can I have a cuddle?"

Mr Cavin told the jury Doe spoke freely in the van on the way to Sutton Police Station, confessing: "I wanted to do it. I wanted to kill him."

"She said her friendship with her brother was not a good one and woke in the early hours with an overwhelming hatred of her brother and she makes reference to muffled voices in her head.

"She describes a history of depression for which she was taking prescribed medication. She also said she was in the process of changing gender to that of a female and was having hormone therapy."

Doe's case is that she was suffering 'non-insane automatism' - involuntary movements she was not responsible for.

"The defence will point to the conclusion Miss Doe was sleepwalking when she attacked her brother and that sleepwalking and violence was due to the drugs she was taking."  

Doe has organised lectures for Croydon LGBT and has led the Croydon Trans Group and has been living as a woman since 2012.

Trial continues…………

Shot And Stabbed: Murder In Peckham

Ola Raji

Police are hunting two murder suspects after a young man riding a bike through a south London housing estate was shot and stabbed.

Ola Raji, 20, was killed at approximately 10.30pm on April 21 in East Surrey Grove, Peckham.

After responding to a shots fired emergency officers found Ola collapsed unconscious between two parked cars.

He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving in hospital and a post mortem confirmed the cause of death as a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Detectives believe Ola made his way onto the estate riding a push-bike where he was confronted by two people who shot and stabbed him.

Immediately following the murder, the suspects left the scene on foot in the direction of Sumner Road via a cut through from Cator Road.

Police are particularly keen to speak with the driver of a car that drove down Rosemary Road at around 10.30pm as he/she may have seen the suspects running up the road in the opposite direction.

Detective Chief Inspector Will Reynolds of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "We believe that there were witnesses to this incident and I would like to encourage anyone who has information that could assist our investigation to come forward.

“We believe that after being shot Ola may have had some property stolen from him.

“It is likely that he was wearing a small pouch or bag under his body warmer. This has not yet been found."

“I would like to urge local people and anyone visiting the estate at the time of the murder to think about where they were and what they saw.

“It is essential that we piece together his movements that evening and understand why he was in East Surrey Grove at that time.

“Did you know Ola? Were you with him that evening? Do you know why he was there?

“All information provided to Detectives will be treated in strictest confidence but if you don’t want to speak directly to police please call Crimestoppers.

“Calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous and callers are not even asked for their name.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hit-And-Run Cyclist Hunted For Injuring Female Pedestrian

Police are hunting this hit-and-run cyclist who left a woman he knocked over near Tower Bridge with serious facial injuries.

The 44 year-old victim was walking in Abbey Street, Southwark with her husband at 6.00pm on April 14 when struck by the cyclist, who was riding along the pavement.

The victim fell to the ground and suffered significant facial injuries.

London Ambulance Service were called and she was taken to St. Thomas' hospital.

The cyclist fled before police and the ambulance arrived.

Police Sergeant David Hunt of Cathedrals Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "We are keen to trace the man pictured in the image.

“The victim sustained significant facial injuries and If not for her husband and a member of the public stopping to help she would have been left on that footpath.

“I would encourage anyone who recognises him to contact us immediately."

Chief Superintendent Zander Gibson, Borough Commander for Southwark, said: "This incident was brought to my attention during a Twitter chat.

“It must have been an awful encounter for the victim, both physically and emotionally and she has my heartfelt sympathy for what she went through.

“We sent an officer to the scene and they completed an investigation.

"There was a delay in following this investigation up but I am confident we are now taking appropriate steps to identify the person responsible.

“The vast majority of cyclists are decent honest hardworking people, but in this case I think the person responsible for knocking the victim over needs to explain their actions to us.

“I'd encourage them to get in touch at the earliest opportunity."

Anyone who has any information should contact Southwark police on 0207 232 6220 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting CRIS 3010559/15.

Police Hunt Valuable Watch Thieves

Rare: One Of The Stolen Watches

Burglars snatched 124 valuable antique watches during a night time raid on a Hampstead dealer.

The business, in Heath Street was targeted on April 11 and is situated in a communal building, which the raiders forced their way into.

It is suspected they or associates of the burglars returned the next night to steal more, but they were disturbed by a neighbour and left empty-handed.

Detective Constable Adele Joyner from Camden CID said: “The watches taken during the burglary are antiques and can only be purchased from a specialist outlet.



"We are issuing a picture of four of the watches taken during the burglary and are urging members of the public to contact police if you are offered an antique watch for sale.” 



Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Adele Joyner on 020 8733 6913 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Middlesbrough FC Fan's Away-Day Blowout

Away Day Blues: 'Boro Go Down 4-3

A Middlesbrough FC fan, who made the long trip south for his team's away fixture with Fulham FC, was caught by a police sniffer dog with cannabis in his pocket as he tried to enter the stadium.

Mark William Benson, 30, of Coppice Road, Middlesbrough pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to possessing a small amount of the drug at Craven Cottage on April 25.

To add insult to injury Middlesbrough lost the game 4 – 3.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Gill told the court: “It was 2.40pm and a drug dog was present as away fans entered the turnstile before the match.

“The dog made an indication towards Mr. Benson and he had a snap bag of herbal cannabis, which he said he had paid ten pounds for and was for his personal use.”

Benson told the court he was a zero hours worker and had nothing to say about the offence.

He was fined £73, with £20 costs and was ordered to pay a £180 court charge and £20 victim surcharge.

Female Prison Officer Jailed For Secret Affair With Murderer

Arriving For Sentencing: Whittaker

A female prison officer, who had an affair with a murderer nearly twenty years her junior - exchanging love letters and flirtatious texts, calling him: 'Baby Cake' - was jailed for fifteen months today.

Anita Whittaker, 52, of Oak Way, Acton had served eleven years with HM Prison Service when she began the relationship with 35 year-old Kazadi Kongolo, who stabbed a fellow-teen to death as a youngster.

The Zaire-born Wormwood Scrubs prisoner was 17 years-old when he murdered a 19 year-old male at a railway station on September 9, 1998, stabbing him four times - including a fatal wound to the heart.

At the Old Bailey on March 25, 1999 he was detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure and told he would serve a minimum of twelve years custody.

Whittaker pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in public office, namely engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a serving prisoner and failing to report a serving prisoner had possession and use of a mobile phone on dates between April 1 and October 6, last year.

"She's lost her job, her reputation and she is embarrassed," Diane Buck, defending, told Isleworth Crown Court. "She had two daughters who are a year of two younger than Mr. Kongolo."

The court heard Whittaker took advantage of her position in the prison workshop to enjoy physical contact with Kongolo, progressing from kissing and cuddling to oral sex.

Wormwood Scrubs

"The offence came to light during a random cell search on the segregation unit and discovery of a mobile phone Mr. Kongolo had hidden in his anus," explained prosecutor Mr. Rav Johal. "The defendant's number was on that phone."

Whittaker then began a cover-up of the affair by trying to remove love-letters she had given Kongolo.

"She was caught assisting his move on the wing, escorting him when she had no business being on the wing and was there to remove the letters from him.

"Her home was searched on the day of her arrest and letters were found from Mr. Kongolo and in her bedroom was found a phone, which she used to keep in contact with the prisoner.

"She admitted developing a friendship and then a relationship after four months that became intimate and sexual.

"She said she was vulnerable after an abusive relationship with another prison officer who worked at another location.

"The relationship with Mr. Kongolo consisted of touching, then kissing, him putting his hand under her knickers and she performed oral sex on him."

Kongolo, who was prohibited from having a phone, sent texts such as: 'Good morning my beautiful'. 'Hey, I love you' and 'Sexy Queen.'

She replied, often referring to the prisoner as: 'Baby Cake.'

Whittaker denies oral sex occurred and Miss Buck added: "There was no full sexual intercourse, this was a loose sexual relationship with cuddling and touching.

"Encounters occurred in the workshop and a lot of his letters included fantasy, but she accepted them from him and she shouldn't have."

The Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson, rejected this and said the communication between them revealed oral sex did take place.

"Because of where you worked a prison sentence will be much more difficult for you," he told Whittaker. 

"Prison security was well drilled into you when you trained, it's very important and can be compromised when you have a sexual relationship with a life prisoner.

"It undermines discipline and boundaries and opens up the officer to the potential of blackmail.

"He had an illicit mobile phone and you were well aware he had it and made contact with it on sixty-four occasions and you had contact with his brother and the partner of his cellmate.

"You were under a duty to report that phone, but you could not because that would lead to the discovery of your illicit relationship."

Sprint Star Linford Christie's Son Sentenced For Hidden Drugs Stash

Drugs: Liam Oliver-Christie

The son of former sprint star Linford Christie received a suspended prison sentence today for having 'crack' cocaine and heroin stashed under the floorboards of his council flat.

Police armed with a search warrant entered the property while 29 year-old Liam Linford Oliver-Christie was out and found the drugs - with a street value of £1,410 - in a box.

Oliver-Christie, of Lakeside Road, West Kensington pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to possessing a quantity of cocaine and diamorphine on September 30, last year.

He was sentenced by the Recorder of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Judge Richard McGregor-Johnson to two months imprisonment, suspended for twelve months.

He was also ordered to perform 150 hours community service work, pay £200 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Drug-dealing charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, who previously revealed 14.1 gms of 'crack' was seized along with 841 mgms and 6.9 gms of heroin. 

The son of the 1992 Olympic 100 metres champion now claims he is successfully beating his drug problem with the help and support of his family.

Police, accompanied by a sniffer dog, searched his empty ground-floor council flat at 2.30pm and also found drug paraphernalia on the living room table and an additional 23.6 gms of an unspecified white powder.

Police Raid: Oliver-Christie's Flat

Officers left a note for Oliver-Christie and he surrendered himself at a local police station, which he attended with his solicitor.

Prosecutor Mr. Neil Griffin told the court: "There was a search warrant executed at the defendant's address. He was not home, but under the floorboards was a box containing drugs.

"The last time he was at this court he had been charged with possession with intent to supply class A, but was acquitted. He had over a thousand pounds cash and pleaded guilty to that."

Oliver-Christie's lawyer Miss Emma Fenn said: "The drugs problem is now under control. He has sought voluntary help and that has been resolved with family help.

"He is suitable for unpaid work if this passes the community threshold. This does not look like a case where a DRR (Drug Rehabilitation Requirement) assessment is appropriate, but probation may take a different view.

"He wants to explain he is already doing drugs work and wishes me to pass that onto your honour," Miss Fenn added.  

His father also won gold for Britain in the 100m at the World, European and Commonwealth championships and his national record of 9.87 secs set over twenty years ago stands to this day.

Liam's mother is former typist Yvonne Oliver, who had a short relationship with the athlete, and he has a twin sister Korel, with neither child having much contact with their father during their upbringing.

Paedophile Artist Finally Confesses Four Decades On

An illustrator, who sexually abused two young girls four decades ago – molesting one when he took her out for ice-cream and groping the other as she lay in bed, dramatically confessed during his trial last week.

Artist Henry Christopher Mendes, 64, of Park an Pyth, Pendeen, Penzance had denied forcing the first girl, who was approximately eight years-old, to perform a sex act on him and running his hand up the body of the second girl, also aged around eight.

However, after hearing the two victims give evidence at Blackfriars Crown Court Mendes unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty and will be sentenced on June 12.

Prosecutor Mr. Shaun Esprit told the jury the offences occurred in north London's Kentish Town in the late 1970's and only came to the police's attention when the first complainant reported Mendes in 2013, encouraged by her friend revealing she was also molested.

“The defendant went out to go to the off-licence and he asked the first complainant if she fancied coming with him to get an ice-cream,” he told the court. “He stopped off at a pub and left her outside while he popped in.

“She was left outside on her own and after what seemed to her an eternity the defendant returned and as they walked back he took her through an elevated area, which was higher up and had a swing and concrete blocks.

“The defendant made her sit down on one and she noticed he was mumbling to himself and fiddling with the zip on his trousers and she did not know what was going on.”

The girl then performed a sex act on Mendes, said Mr. Esprit. “Afterwards he seemed relieved and satisfied.”

The girl remained silent until 1989. “She blurted out what happened to her mother. It was an emotional outburst.”

The complainant later emailed Mendes. “She brought up what happened and expressed a lot of anger and was extremely emotional.”

The second complainant also told police she was targeted by the defendant, added Mr. Esprit.

“She was asleep in bed and awoke and was aware of someone next to her, a man, and could hear ponderous breathing.

“She did not open her eyes, but recognised the voice of the defendant saying: 'You're so beautiful' and she felt a hand under the duvet, which bit by bit moved up.

“It stopped short of between her legs when a man's voice outside her bedroom door said: 'Chris, let's go to the off-licence.'

“The defendant was known by his second name, Chris,” the prosecutor told the court.

Mendes was arrested and questioned by police. “He denied the assaults.”

Mendes had pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault in relation to each girl between July 8, 1976 and November 27, 1979.

Wedding Guest Smashed Woman's Nose With "Almighty Punch"

A drunken wedding guest smashed an innocent woman's nose with an "almighty punch" - leaving her needing £10,000 worth of reconstructive plastic surgery - when aiming a blow at her husband.

Groom's guest Neil Abbott, 41, had been drinking vodka during the reception at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street when confronted about his boisterous behaviour on the dance floor and alleged groping of a young woman.

"That was an almighty punch, and I have seen some over thirty-five years, and from a man that is heavily built and this poor woman has suffered the most dreadful, dreadful injuries," announced Isleworth Crown Court Judge Simon Davis.

"This poor innocent lady was not expecting to be hit. You have played rugby in the past and you are a powerful man, one can see that, you do some physical work and that was meted out to this woman."

British Gas employee Abbott, a £50,000 a year work colleague of the groom, of Grace House, Erickson Gardens, Bromey pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Christina Mina on May 24, last year.

He was sentenced on Friday to eighteen months imprisonment, suspended for two years and must also compensate Mrs Mina £9,798.45p - money she has already spent on advanced dentistry and cosmetic surgery to rebuild her nose, which was flattened by the blow - as well as £950 costs.

Prosecutor Mr. Tom Rodgers told the court: "Mr. Abbott goes to punch Mrs Mina's husband and connects with one forceful punch on her.

"She has had reconstructive surgery and will have follow-up surgery. There will be cartilage taken from her to fix a fault with her nose, which had a detached septum and enlarged nostrils.

"Mrs Mina has delayed having children because of this, but will resume once she has recovered."

Abbott's lawyer Mr. Richard Paton-Philip said: "He was too intoxicated to be interviewed by police on the day, but the next morning showed remorse when shown the CCTV.

"There is nothing to suggest he is anything other than a good, decent man who acted out of character when he drunkenly threw this punch aimed at someone else."

"This defendant has said he is not going to drink in public again," said Judge Davis. "It's the drinking that concerns me. He was absolutely drunk that night and had he not been this would not have happened.

"At the root of this disgraceful event was drink, there's no doubt about that," he told Abbott. "You changed her life with one punch, if she had died and this was one-punch manslaughter you would be going to prison for a number of years.

"I believe you did touch that young woman on the dancefloor, maybe you did not realise it or maybe in a laddish gesture it was just a brush."

A witness said he and Abbott were enjoying "lads dancing" during the reception.

"Mrs Mina was hoping for a family and she is struggling with that now because of what you have done to her cosmetically and emotionally," added the judge.

"There are wounds that are not on the surface.

"However, if I send you to prison today you would lose your job and lose your house. I am prepared to accept this was completely out of character."

The Probation Service ruled Abbott would not benefit from an Alcohol Treatment Requirement, but the defendant promised the court he would voluntarily attend counselling.

"Are you going to be able to put up with questions from your friends when you are out like: 'Go on have another one. Where's your bottle? Where's your face?'" the judge asked Abbott.

The defendant replied: "You would have to be a fool not to learn from this experience. The coming and going to and from court, the pressure. You would have to change."

Double-Rapist 'Lifer' Could Be Free In 2022

A “sexual Predator” repeat rapist - who targeted an 80 year-old pensioner - has been given a life sentence, but may be free in just seven-and-a-half years.

Robert Lashley, 32, of Blythe Road, West Kensington waited for the woman, who lives alone, to return from a local newsagents early one morning and followed her to her flat, where he raped her.

An Isleworth Crown Court jury found him guilty of the offence after hearing Lashley was caught on CCTV loitering outside the woman's Shepherd's Bush block of flats at 7.30am on August 16, last year.

Earlier this month was sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation he serves at least seven-and-a-half years in prison, minus time served on remand.

He was quickly identified and arrested the next day and the victim was able to give evidence against him in court which led to a successful conviction.



The court also heard that Lashley had received an eight-year sentence in 2004 for a similar rape on a 59-year-old woman.



Officers believe Lashley may have targeted other women and are appealing for other possible victims to come forward.



Detective Constable Victoria Kilburn said: "Robert Lashley is a sexual predator who, on 16 August 2014, targeted one of the most vulnerable members of our community and subjected her to an horrific sexual assault.

“This was all the more distressing as the offence occurred in her home, where she should have felt safe. 



"I also hope that this sentence will encourage more victims of sexual offending to approach police, in the knowledge you will be believed no matter what age you are, and that the police will seek prosecutions for sexual offences.



"I would like to pay tribute to the victim of this offence. She is a spirited lady who showed great courage and determination, not only during the offence, but also in attending court and giving evidence against Lashley.

“She has found this experience extremely traumatic and I hope she can recover from this to enjoy her retirement in peace.



"Police are taking the step of releasing Lashley's image today. If you think you have been a victim of Robert Lashley, I would ask you to come forward and speak to police." 



Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Founder And Ex-Singer Of Reggae Legends Aswad Convicted Of Late-Night Attack On Girlfriend

Brinsley Forde MBE 

The founder and former lead singer of UK reggae band Aswad smothered his partner with bedclothes and ripped off her t-shirt and knickers hours after she aborted another man's baby.

Brinsley Forde MBE, 61, who hit number one in the charts with 'Don't Turn Around' in 1988 flew into a rage at 3am when given the cold-shoulder by Jemma Payne as the couple lay in bed.

Forde, of The Courtway, Watford was convicted at Croydon Magistrates Court of assaulting Miss Payne, the mother of his young son, at her flat at 2 Orford Court, Elmcourt Road, West Norwood on October 30, last year.

"Brinsley wanted to be close to have a cuddle. He put his arm around me and tried to bring me close, but I told him I did not want to be close to him, I wanted to be left alone," she told the trial.

"He got very angry and upset. He lost his temper and went into a blind rage and grabbed and shook me like a rag doll.

"He put either a pillow or duvet over my face in a blind rage and held it down. I couldn't breathe and I started to panic and kick out with my legs.

"I jumped off the bed, but he ran around and ripped-off my t-shirt with one sweep from under my arm, tearing it off and did the same with my pants from the front, ripped them off.

"I had chafe marks under my arm, a burn sensation that came up as a bruise the next day."

The court heard Forde, who is also a radio presenter and actor, confiscated several pairs of shoes he bought Jemma as he left the flat, but then turned and blocked the front door.

"I picked-up a shoe and threw it at him and as he moved back I shut the front door," she explained.

Jemma Payne

The attacked was reported to police a week later on November 6 and Jemma explained: "I did not report it at the time because of domestic violence in our relationship.

"I realised he was an unsafe person to have around my son and I was worried social services would take him away. That's why I didn't report it.

However, Forde claims there was no assault and Jemma made a false statement because he threatened to tell social services she wanted to buy cannabis from associates nicknamed the 'Frontline' in Brixton.

He was arrested on November 7 at a social services meeting, which was due to discuss, among other topics, their son's Child Protection Plan.

Forde told police: "My ex has made these allegations up because I was going to report her to social services about our son."

When cross-examined Miss Payne did not deny becoming pregnant with another man, adding: "I'm afraid of Brinsley and his behaviour.

"Social services are happy for me to come off child protection as long as I have nothing to do with Brinsley. He's a danger to my son."

Forde told the court the row was about Jemma's affair and abortion. "The chances were that she was back with her ex-boyfriend. I found his underwear in the house.

"I once picked-up the phone when he thought it was Jemma and he asked: "Is the fool still there?'

"I would say she has anger issues that came up now and again and I am facing a charge that discredits me and I have not seen my son."

He told the court he was forced to grab Miss Payne's wrists to defend himself as she tried to punch and kick him.

District Judge Andrew Sweet ruled: "Mr. Forde was clearly upset by the pregnancy and by being rebuffed and grabbed hold of Miss Payne and shook her, ripped her t-shirt and pants off and covered her face with the pillow case or duvet.

"I'm satisfied Miss Payne was telling the truth. This is a very serious allegation," added the district judge, bailing Forde until june 2 for a pre-sentence report. 

Lady Vera-Brigitte Accused Of £18,000 Benefit Fraud

Lady Vera-Brigitte Bilek Von Sternberg appeared in court today charged with an £18,000 benefit fraud against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea while renting out a £1.1m house to a string of tenants.

Vienna-born Lady Vera-Brigitte - known as 'BB' to friends - is accused of keeping a bank account secret and passing off the people who paid her rent as friends or family members.

The freelance arts and performing arts critic, of Thomas Darby Court, Lancaster Road, Notting Hill indicated not guilty pleas when she appeared at Hammersmith Magistrates Court.

She is the daughter of a former Cultural Attaché to the Middle East and moved to Chelsea in 1990 with her daughter Rebecca and became head of department at two educational establishments.

Lady Vera-Brigitte is a member of Chelsea Old Church and has been elected to the boards of a number of charitable trusts as a fund-raising trustee.

She was bailed to appear at Isleworth Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on May 26 after the court declined jurisdiction, based on the seriousness of the case.

All the money has been repaid to the local authority.

She is charged with two counts of fraud by false representation in that on September 17, 2009 and July 13, 2011 she made a false representation in a housing benefit and council tax benefit application relating to Ivy Cottage, Uverdale Road, West Brompton by indicating she had no bank account and failed to give details of a Barclays account.

She is similarly charged that on February 4, 2013 she made a false representation in relation to a benefit claim on the same property by telling the council she "never" had any subtenants, only visitors, guests, friends and members of her family and had no income except Pension Credit and Disability and Living Allowance, but had multiple tenants she charged rent between September 16, 2012 and September 18, 2013.

Lady Vera-Brigitte also faces two counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances, namely that she was renting out Ivy Cottage between June 2, 2012 and September 18, 2013 and a flat in Philadelphia Court, Uverdale Road between September 16, 2012 and January 4, 2013.

She is similarly charged that on or about May 4, 2012 she dishonestly failed to notify the council she had a tenancy agreement with Anchor Trust and had moved out of Ivy Cottage, Uverdale Road into her current address. 

Artist Denies Molesting Two Young Girls Four Decades Ago

An illustrator sexually abused two young girls four decades ago – molesting one when he took her out for ice-cream and groping the other as she lay in bed, a court heard today.

Artist Henry Christopher Mendes, 64, of Park an Pyth, Pendeen, Penzance denies forcing the first girl, who was approximately eight years-old, to perform a sex act on him and running his hand up the body of the second girl, also aged around eight.

Prosecutor Mr. Shaun Esprit told Blackfriars Crown Court the offences occurred in north London's Kentish Town in the late 1970's and only came to the police's attention when the first complainant reported Mendes in 2013, encouraged by her friend revealing she was also molested.

“The defendant went out to go to the off-licence and he asked the first complainant if she fancied coming with him to get an ice-cream,” he told the jury. “He stopped off at a pub and left her outside while he popped in.

“She was left outside on her own and after what seemed to her an eternity the defendant returned and as they walked back he took her through an elevated area, which was higher up and had a swing and concrete blocks.

“The defendant made her sit down on one and she noticed he was mumbling to himself and fiddling with the zip on his trousers and she did not know what was going on.”

The girl then performed a sex act on Mendes, said Mr. Esprit. “Afterwards he seemed relieved and satisfied.”

The girl remained silent until 1989. “She blurted out what happened to her mother. It was an emotional outburst.”

The complainant later emailed Mendes. “She brought up what happened and expressed a lot of anger and was extremely emotional.”

The second complainant also told police she was targeted by the defendant, added Mr. Esprit.

“She was asleep in bed and awoke and was aware of someone next to her, a man, and could hear ponderous breathing.

“She did not open her eyes, but recognised the voice of the defendant saying: 'You're so beautiful' and she felt a hand under the duvet, which bit by bit moved up.

“It stopped short of between her legs when a man's voice outside her bedroom door said: 'Chris, let's go to the off-licence.'

“The defendant was known by his second name, Chris,” the prosecutor told the court.

Mendes was arrested and questioned by police. “He denied the assaults.”

Mendes has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault in relation to each girl between July 8, 1976 and November 27, 1979.

Trial continues..........

"Chatty Man" Window Cleaner Ripped-Off Residents All Over London

A “likeable, chatty, charming” bogus window cleaner, who ripped-off residents in four different London borough's, has been jailed for two years.

Levi Bradbury, 31, of Chilton Grove, Surrey Quays, Southwark was convicted of six counts of burglary, three counts of fraud and four counts of theft.



Between May 2013 and September 2014, Bradbury visited blocks of flats on developments in Lewisham, Southwark, Hackney and Tower Hamlets posing as a window cleaner.

After convincing residents to let him in to discuss having their windows cleaned, he pretended to check the properties' windows were closed saying this was necessary before cleaning could commence. 



Each time Bradbury told his victims that payment was needed up front, resulting in several residents handing over money, usually £15 - 25 at a time.

Bradbury told them he needed to get their change and would clean their windows when he came back, however he never returned.

Bradbury convinced some residents he was part of a larger team of window cleaners on scene or working on behalf of their block's management team despite having no identification or cleaning materials with him. 



Occasionally, Bradbury walked with his victims to a cash point so they could withdraw money to pay him but did not return home with them.



During three incidents in 2014 Bradbury offered to go to the cash point on behalf of his victims to withdraw enough money from their accounts to cover his window cleaning services.

The victims handed over their PIN's and Bradbury withdrew £300, £200 and £50 from their accounts.

He returned the card to one victim but not to the other two. 



Bradbury received a payment from one victim, and told her he would return with her change and as he left the address stole £5 cash and a mobile phone.

The phone was located the following day buried under a tree a short distance away from the victim's address using the 'find my phone app'. 



Detective Sergeant Kelly George, of the Met's North East Detection Unit, said: "Bradbury is a likeable, chatty, charming man who used his friendly personality to gain the trust of his victims. 

"I would like to remind the public that they should not invite anyone into their home unless they have the correct identification on them and do not hand over your bank cards or PIN numbers to anyone."


Christie's Burglar Emptied Safe Of Over £750K In Valuables

A Glaswegian burglar, who snatched Faberge jewellery from Christie's auction house during a break-in, which saw over £750,000 worth of valuables taken has been jailed.

Jobless Richard Tobin, 45, of Kipling Estate, Lewisham received two years and four months imprisonment after pleading guilty at Southwark Crown Court to two counts of burglary.

Tobin first burgled Muzinich and Co in Hanover Street, Mayfair on Friday December 5, last year – offices on the fourth-floor of an office block.

CCTV showed a suspect entering the building at 00:44am and breaking into a number of locked desk drawers.

He left after apparently only stealing a rucksack and a pair of headphones.



Two days later on Monday December 7 at 9:00pm a man was seen on CCTV entering Christie's in King Street, Mayfair.



He left around 25 minutes later having stolen a number of high-value items from a safe.



They included a 1899 Faberge gold and guilloche enamel desk clock, a Faberge gold and silver mounted aquamarine and diamond necklace, a Faberge ring and a Mappin and Webb cutlery set, each worth £25,000.



Staff discovered the break-in when they returned to work at 8:00am the following day and police were called.



CCTV images were circulated and Tobin was quickly identified as the suspect for both burglaries.

He was arrested on Wednesday January 7 and charged the same day.

Searches of the address where he had been staying with a relative found a distinctive red coat he had been pictured wearing on the CCTV during both burglaries.


The items stolen - totalling around £760,000 - have not been recovered and efforts continue to trace them.



Investigating officer Detective Constable Jim Groves, from Westminster CID, said: "Tobin was an opportunist thief who stole a large number of valuable items which have not yet been recovered."



A Christie's spokesperson said: "Christie's would like to thank the Metropolitan Police for their effective investigation into this crime.

“It is very disappointing that the thief has chosen not to disclose the whereabouts of the stolen items, but given their unique nature, we hope that they will be identified and returned to their rightful owners." 

Notorious Tax Cheat Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A notorious tax cheat, who hit the headlines for a £156,000 VAT swindle involving her "ethical" cosmetics company, was convicted today of ten counts of benefit fraud.

Monica Bircham, 47, of Abbott Court, Hartington Road, South Lambeth, was not jailed for scamming the taxman and was free to prey on her local council and illegally pocket hand-outs for two-and-a-half years.

An Inner London Crown Court jury found her guilty this afternoon of ten counts of fraud between December 9, 2010 and July 12, 2013 consisting of telling the London Borough of Lambeth she received no money from self-employment and on three occasions gave untrue information in a Self-Employed Earning Information form.

That she was a single-mother living alone; that she had no income; that she had no more income than tax credits; that she was the only adult living at her address; that she had not received full payment for part-time lecturing work and failed to disclose income.

She was convicted on a further count of dishonestly making a false representation on or about November 11, 2010 in an online application for Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit and one count of possessing an article for use in fraud on or about May 3, 2011, namely a profit and loss account for a business called Scoop SkinCare Ltd.

The new convictions put her in breach of a suspended prison sentence she received in April 2013 for the benefit offences she committed three months after get sentencing.

"The sentence the court will be considering will be custody," announced Recorder Adam Hiddleston. "She has a fifteen year-old son and tells us she is a single-mum.

"The sentence the court is thinking of will more than likely be one of custody," he added, telling Bircham directly. "A custodial sentence in your case is almost inevitable."

She was bailed until June 12 for a probation report.