Sexual Predator Killer Back On London's Streets

A killer and double-rapist, who is freely walking London’s streets, has been convicted of flouting his sex offender’s order by not signing at Charing Cross Police Station.

Leeds-born Stuart Durkin, 55, was jailed in Sweden for killing his wife, received 12 years for the bedsit rape of a virgin and thirteen years for the rape and attempted murder of a 30 year-old tourist in Rome, who he beat with a rock when she resisted.

He was repatriated to the UK on April 14, 2003, released on June 1, 2007 and given a council flat in Derry House, Church Street Estate, St. John's Wood. 

As a dangerous sex offender Durkin must keep police informed of his address and is subject to spot-checks by the Met's Jigsaw Team.

He was convicted at Westminster Magistrates Court that being a relevant offender under the Sexual Offences Act he failed to comply with a compulsory notification requirement on September 7, last year.

Durkin spent time in custody on the charge and was fined £210, with £30 costs, which he will not have to pay due to time served.

He previously committed a similar offence five years ago when living in a tent at the Occupy London camp in Finsbury Square, without telling the police.

He had sex with women there while living under the assumed nickname ‘Troy’ and split his time between another protest at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

He has been subject to a notification requirement since his parole date in June 2007 and must confirm his address with police every twelve months.

Cosmetic Surgery Boss Forged Doctor's Signature To Get Skin Cream

The boss of an award-winning west London cosmetic surgery clinic has received a suspended prison sentence for forging a doctor’s signature to obtain prescription-only acne cream.

Alex Derakhshan, 48, the managing director and practice manager of Hush Aesthetic Clinic, had been refused the drug by his own doctor, who was wary of over-use.

The clinic, of 96 Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith performs plastic surgery, skin peels, botox treatments, laser hair removal and waxing amongst other procedures.

Frenchman Mr. Derakhshan, who lives in Isleworth, pleaded guilty at Hammersmith Magistrates Court to fraud by false representation and received a twelve-month order.

He must also pay £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

He dishonestly entered details of a doctor, forged the signature of a doctor and entered false patient details on a medical prescription with intent to make a gain, namely an order of drug products for himself by posing as a doctor.

Father-of-two Derakhshan founded Hush in September 2001 and boasts of employing a highly-qualified team of experienced doctors and winning industry awards for excellence.

Prosecutor Miss Aimee Emby told the court: "It is somewhat more complex here. The risk is not financial in the obvious instance.

"He's entered on two prescriptions a signature and name of a doctor not present at the time whose consent was not sought.

"Patients may receive medication not properly prescribed to them and the doctor may suffer damage to his reputation.

"It comes to light when the doctor is contacted to see if he received the product and he said not only did he not sign, but did not request the products."

The doctor is a part-time medical practitioner at the clinic when they are not at their NHS Trust.

The medication was for acne scarring cream Obagi.

Death Tipper Truck Driver Had Taken Cocaine

Cocaine: McArdle 

The driver of a 32 tonne tipper truck, involved in a fatality with a pensioner after taking cocaine, has been cleared of causing death by careless driving.

Anthony McArdle, 54, collided with Sushilaben Patel, aged in her eighties, in Lewisham Road, Hither Green, on October 9, 2015.

She died two days later.

McArdle, of Newham Way, Canning Town was charged with causing death by careless driving and cleared last Friday at Woolwich Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to driving with cocaine in his bloodstream, namely 200mg per one litre of blood, and was fined £250, with £25 costs and disqualified from driving for one year.

The prosecution argued a contributory factor to the 9.20am accident was a misaligned mirror on the truck, which restricted McArdle’s view.

He was arrested at the scene of the collision, near the junction with Friendly Place, while Mrs Patel was being rushed in critical condition to a local hospital.

Early reports suggested the incident occurred as the truck pulled away from traffic lights.

Not Guilty: 'Banksy' Limited-Edition Scam Suspect Cleared

Not Guilty: Sammy Afeeva

A man who took delivery of two limited-edition ‘Banksy’ prints worth £22,950 bought by a credit card fraudster has been cleared of handling the stolen artwork. 

Two valuable examples of the mystery street artist's work were sent to 25 year-old Sammy Afeeva, who was arrested after an undercover police officer delivered two more.

Afeeva, of Cedar Court, Fairlawn, Charlton claims he did not know the artwork was the result of a scam on Brandler Galleries Ltd., of Coptfold Road, Brentwood, Essex.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods between November 13, 2012 and February 8, 2013, namely 'Banksy' prints 'No Ball Games' and 'Wrong War.'

He also denied attempting to handle two more stolen 'Banksy' prints on February 8, 2013.

A jury failed to reach a decision following a trial and not guilty verdicts were later entered when plans for a second trial were scrapped.

Prosecutor Mr. Bartholomew O'Toole told Woolwich Crown Court gallery owner John Brandler sold authentic limited-edition 'Banksy' prints and 'No Ball Games' was ordered by a Shirley Galloway and delivered to Manthorp Road, Plumstead.

The credit card company had not authorised the transaction and Mr. Brandler lost the £5,250, along with £7,700 when the 'Wrong War' print was bought in similar circumstances.

When a third order was placed with Mr. Brandler police launched an undercover operation and delivered a washing machine lid instead of the two prints and Afeeva signed for the package at the Manthorp Road address.

"Police identified themselves and spoke to Afeeva in the room he occupied and the fake package was there," added Mr. O'Toole. "He was then arrested.

"His home address was searched and the print 'Wrong War' was found in his bedroom along with an envelope addressed to the gallery owner John Brandler."

When quizzed at Plumstead Police Station Afeeva claimed he had been hired in a local bookies by a black male, in his thirties, known only as 'Stone' to sign for the two package in return for £130 and £150.

"He knew when he was signing for these prints this was property that had been stolen and he was telling lies in interview to disguise his involvement."

Solicitor Kicked And Spat At Police After Downing Wine And Vodka

A solicitor downed four bottles of wine and a bottle-and-a-half of vodka before kicking and spitting at police investigating alleged death threats she made to her partner, a court heard today.

Ofra Azar-Freedman, 51, a Family Law specialist, appeared in the dock at Hendon Magistrates Court, where she has represented many clients during her twenty-five year legal career.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Philip Kirkup, who she kicked in the knee, at her £785,000 four-bed house in Tenterden Drive, Hendon on August 1, last year.

Mother-of-two Azar-Freedman also pleaded guilty to assaulting a WPC at Colindale Police Station, who she spat at, but missed.

Prosecutor Mr. Peter Lock told the court on Wednesday: “Her partner attended Colindale Police Station saying that she had made threats to kill him.

“He withdrew the complaint later that day, but police officers still wanted to speak to Mrs Azar-Freedman about it and attended her home at 8pm.

“She was incredibly drunk and her niece told the officers she had drunk four bottles of wine and one-and-a-half bottles of vodka.

“The police officers had to arrest her and during that arrest she has kicked-out at one of them, contacting his knee, but he suffered no injury.

“At the police station she spat at another officer, but it did not make contact.

“Neither officer was injured and all of the police officers involved say they feel sorry for the defendant and would be happy if she was bound-over.”

Azar-Freedman has always strongly disputed consuming that amount of alcohol.

“She has never accepted what the officers say in regard to drunkenness, reported by her niece,” said her lawyer Ms Pamela Sergeant.

“Alcohol had been consumed, but it was more like three glasses, not four bottles. 

“She has not tried to minimise her role. She lashed out, perhaps describing it as ‘accidentally’ to the probation service.

“She did not intend to assault the officer and pleads guilty on the basis she was reckless in regard to PC  Kirkup.

“At the police station she was having a panic attack and spat at the officer and fortunately it did not land on the female officer.”

Azar-Freedman launched her own practice in 2010, but according to company records it is now dissolved.

She lost her last job in March, last year and was on paid gardening leave until June. “Since then she has been on benefits,” explained Ms Sergeant.

The magistrates conditionally discharged Azar-Freedman for twelve months and ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Solicitor Accused Of Swindling £160,000 From Grieving Relatives

A crooked solicitor swindled £160,000 from two grieving relatives when administering the estates of their deceased loved ones, a court heard yesterday.

Tyrone Anthony Walker, 56, of Tower Road, Twickenham simply paid cheques into his personal bank account and tried to cover his tracks, the jury were told.

He has pleaded not guilty at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court to seven counts of fraud, allegedly committed between 2008 and 2012 at south-west London’s Walker’s Solicitors.

Walker is accused of defrauding Hans Chand of £45,528 she was due from her deceased mother’s estate and £114,000 from Dr. Mark Downham, the beneficiary of his deceased uncle’s estate.

Prosecutor Miss Charlotte Newell told the court Walker took ‘loans’ from clients to finance a Bulgarian property investment and used his clients’ money to pay a £10,000 tax bill.

“He also used money to pay his partner five thousand pounds. He was using it as his private bank account.”

Walker was repeatedly disciplined by the Law Society and suspended for two years in 2011.

He tried to hide £29,300 he took from Dr. Downham by describing it as inheritance tax even though the estate was not subject to the charge.

The four Coventry Building Society accounts held by Miss Chand’s mother were not included in the estate, but used to pay another client’s stamp duty on a £785,000 Weybridge house.

“She should have had over fifty thousand pounds, but it was reduced to a few pence by supposed loans,” explained Miss Newell.

“He never paid that money back. She chased Mr. Walker for the money and he told her he had no funds and earned no money.

“She was fond of Mr. Walker and was apologetically asking for her own money and seemed to want to take him out for a meal before he moved to Dubai.”

The trial is expected to last two weeks………

Cash Point Con: Two Suspects Identified

Police from Barking and Dagenham investigating a theft at a cash point have issued CCTV footage of two men they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.

The theft is believed to have happened between 5.00pm and 5.10pm on Monday, July 4, last year when an Asda employee using the cash point on the premises in Short Blue Place, Barking, did not have her card returned.

When she returned home, she contacted her bank and was made aware of £400 worth of transactions on her card.

The victim reported the offence to her manager and after looking at the CCTV identified two men tampering with the cash machine prior to the victim using it.

The two suspects are wanted.

Suspect 1 is described as an Asian man wearing a hooded black top with a white zip and cords, on top of a white T-shirt, green trousers and blue and white trainers.

Suspect 2 is described as an Asian man with a small black beard. He was wearing a green baseball cap, a dark blue quilted top over a white T-shirt, green trousers and red trainers.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise either man or who saw them by the cash machine.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who may have been a victim of a similar crime in the area.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Butcher's Shop Break-In: Burglar Sought

Police have released a CCTV image of a burglary suspect wanted for breaking into a butcher's during the early hours via the office above,

Detectives from Newham Borough in east London are investigating and have issued this CCTV image of a man they wish to identify, regarding the £1,000 break-in.

On Sunday, March 13, last year police were called at around 1.50am to a report of a burglary at an address in High Street North, Newham.

The burglary was reported to have occurred at some point between 1100pm on Saturday, March 12 and 1.00am on Sunday, March 13.

CCTV within the first floor office above a butcher’s shop captured the moment a suspect broke through the front door of the office and covered the camera.

He was then able to remove the floorboards in the office, climb into the butcher’s shop and take cash from the till.

The suspect is described as a white man wearing a baseball cap, black leather jacket with a white zip on the front, a light coloured hooded top, light coloured trousers and black trainers.

He also wore black gloves.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown on CCTV.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Paintball Pest Who Shot Pedestrians From Car Hunted

Police hunting a paintball menace, who shot at least 18 people in north London from a Mercedes, have released this CCTV image of the suspected vehicle.

The white male, aged in his forties, was identified driving the white Mercedes 350GLE, which sported false number plates, during the two-hour spree last summer.

Male and female pedestrians have reported suffering bruising injuries to police while walking in Camden, Archway, Holloway, Islington, Clerkenwell and Canonbury.

The first incident took place at approximately 9.00pm on Friday, August 5, last year on Camden Road.

The last reported assaults took place at approximately 11.00pm close to St. Paul's Road.

It is believed that the suspect may have been in the company of one or more people who were driving a red Ford Focus.

Enquiries have established that the Mercedes has been seen parked in the N1 and EC1 areas of Islington.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Alex Simmons at Islington on 020 7421 0262 or via 101.

Cruel Duck Killer Twisted Mallard's Neck

Tartan Terror: Muir

A street drinker caught on CCTV killing a female duck in front of her mate by the Thames received a suspended prison sentence today.

Robert Lyle Muir, 49, who lives in digs in Sandycombe Road, North Sheen was convicted of killing a wild bird, namely a female mallard, contrary to the Wildlife and Countryside Act. 

A council CCTV operator was filming a group sitting by Richmond Riverside near Heron Square at 6.15pm on May 25, last year when Glaswegian Muir grabbed the bird and twisted her neck.

He was investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Wildlife Crime Unit, but made no comment  when questioned and tried to lie his way out of it during the trial by claiming the duck was injured.

Muir was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and must complete a twenty-day rehabilitation activity requirement aimed at tackling his drinking.

He must pay £300 costs and a £115 victim surcharge, which will be deducted at the rate of £5 a week from his Employment Support Allowance benefit payments.

“It was very unpleasant,” magistrate Ms Jane Spencer told him. “The offence took place in daylight with members of the public present and you did not hesitate in your actions and threw the duck to one side afterwards.

“It paints an unpleasant picture.”

Prosecutor Miss Mary Atere told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “The circumstances being that this offence happens in Richmond Riverside and this defendant was intoxicated at the time.

“The entire incident is captured via CCTV. 

“Richmond Riverside is frequented by numerous members of the public and this incident happened in broad daylight.

“The defendant is seen with a group of street drinkers on a grassy bank and one of the group is identified throwing bread at the birds to entice them over.

“At the point the ducks come over the defendant is seen leaning over and grabbing one of the ducks by the neck.

“He’s captured using both his hands to wring the neck of the duck and immediately discard it in front of him.

“From the CCTV footage some of the group appear distressed and get up.”

The duck, which was probably nesting eggs at that time of year, was finished off with a second wring of the neck and tossed into a plastic bag.

Her male mate, who had just flown across the Thames with her to gather food, was far more cautious and did not go near the group.

The court heard Muir has twenty-four previous convictions, mostly for drink-related offences of violence.

The original trial Prosecutor Mr. Janaka Siriwardena told the court: “It was a hideous, despicable unprovoked attack on a defenceless animal.

“He lured the duck near to him and then killed it for mere sport.

“It is likely that the ducks were mates for life and Mr. Muir killed this duck by luring it and without any justification whatsoever killed the duck by wringing its neck in a heinous manner.”

Detective Constable Sarah Bailey said: “The likelihood is that the female was nesting at that time,” explaining the ducks probably had a river nest laden with eggs.   

Mug Muir: Police Custody Shot

“Muir grabbed the bird and appeared to twist her neck, then grab a second time, apparently to finish her off.

“I assume the duck was exhibiting signs of life and he wings the neck again and wipes his hands,” explained the officer.

The remains were tossed into a nearby bin and a female member of the drinking group was seen fleeing in disgust.

Muir denied the charge based on the only possible defence available to him, namely that the bird was injured and suffering and he was carrying-out a mercy killing.

However, he failed to remember his own lies in the witness box, claiming: “It looked like it had been hit by a propeller on the right side. The ribs were cut.

“It was cut to the bone, a clear cut on the left side.

“The girls I was sitting with were getting upset because of the injuries.

“I did the right thing in my eyes and I apologise if I got it wrong. I did it twice to make sure it wasn’t suffering.”

Today, his lawyer Mr. Steven Mould said: “Mr. Muir, even now, is adamant the duck was injured.

“He says the duck was injured and up in Lanarkshire he is familiar with hunting and fishing and has a liking for wildlife.

Caught On CCTV: Muir

“He says it gave him no pleasure and that it was not a callous act.

“He does have a drink problem and has been very honest with me about that and is currently seeking assistance in Twickenham.”

Police have been unable to confirm Muir’s claims he served in the British Army, something the defendant boasted of during the trial.

“He’s ex-military and served in Northern Ireland in the Eighties and suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to the bottle,” said Mr. Mould.

“He has a flat and will lose that if he is sentenced to custody.

“He is not a lifetime criminal and not a danger to the public.”

Before the trial Muir told the prosecution team: “If I lose my house I hope you’re proud of yourselves, that’s a real possibility. This is a stitch-up.”

Today, he left saying: “Sorry it came to this. I’m trying hard.”

Suspect Wanted By Police: Don't Approach

Police in Haringey are appealing for the public's help in tracing a man wanted in connection with offences of assault and threats to kill.

Domaniecki Przenyslaw, 41 is being sought in connection with offences that occurred on Wednesday, September 7, last year at an address in Tottenham.

He is described as a white, 6ft 1inches tall of muscular build with blue eyes, short brown hair.

He is clean shaven with a large scar on his left arm and a tattoo of a flame on his left leg.

He is from the Tottenham area and also has links to other areas within north London.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Domaniecki should not approach him but contact police immediately on 999 or call police in Haringey on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Burglars Hunted For Docklands Retreat Break-In

Police are hunting two burglars, who slashed their way into a yurt tent, grabbing a computer tablet at a hotel retreat near London's Docklands.

This CCTV image of the suspects has been released by detectives in Tower Hamlets.

They broke in the Royal Foundation of St. Katherine in Butcher Row on August 5, last year and police were alerted at 9.10am.

A CCTV camera within the canvas yurt captured the moment the two suspects cut their way into the tent and searched for valuables.

The suspects took a computer tablet before leaving through the hole.

Suspect One is described as a tall, slim white man.

He was wearing black trainers, light coloured trousers and a top.

Suspect Two is described as a tall, slim white man.

He was wearing a grey hooded zipped top, grey trousers and dark coloured gloves. He was also carrying a rucksack.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the men shown in the footage.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Women Blackmailed Rugby Star Danny Cipriani With Tabloid Kiss-And-Tell

Fling: Lisa Murphy

A stripper and her fellow exotic dancer pal, who blackmailed former England rugby star Danny Cipriani for £15,000 after he got her pregnant, was spared jail today.

Lisa Murphy, 39, aborted Cipriani’s unborn child after their fling and then bombarded him with messages with the help of her friend Violet Smith, 29.

Murphy, of Montgomery Way, Wootton, Northampton and mum-of-three Smith, of Bath Road, Slough, both admitted blackmailing the 29-year-old Wasps fly-half between September and October in 2015.

Murphy contacted tabloid The Sun on Sunday to sell the kiss-and-tell story and demanded £15,000 from the rugby star's publicist.

She asked Cipriani to cover her £1,000 a week wages for five weeks after she suffered complications following the abortion.

She wanted compensation for loss of earnings at strip-club Junction Nine in St. Alban's, Hertfordshire.

Both woman received twenty-two months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Judge Peter Lodder QC told Murphy at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court: “Danny Cipriani repeatedly offered to help, but nothing was forthcoming.

“He said he would pay for the abortion.

“Danny Cipriani did not act according to his early promises.

“Whether this was his own choice or in accordance with advice from a PR agency or something else is not for me to judge.

“He certainly does not appear to have fully appreciated the extent of your difficulties.”

The court heard the pair had a brief fling and neither sought a “committed relationship.”

Judge Lodder added: “I’m satisfied by that time Lisa Murphy was feeling increasingly desperate and continued to suffer from the emotional consequences of her condition.

“I’m satisfied that Violet Smith was motivated by concern for your well being.

Phone Calls: Violet Smith

“It is against that background the threat to go to the newspapers was made.

“This is a very unusual case, both of you have suffered, you now have a criminal conviction, and each of you have lost your jobs.

“It is an understatement to say nobody comes out of this episode very well.”

Wendy Hewitt, prosecuting, said Murphy told Cipriani on WhatsApp he was the father and he replied: “Hey baby that’s a shock to me too.”

Miss Hewitt said: “She said he did not have to worry and she wanted him to know she was not going to keep the baby.

“It is Mr. Cipriani who first brings up the subject of money and asks how much it would cost on the basis he would pay for it all.

“Ms Murphy tells him as far she understands it’s all free and on the National Health Service.”

Smith, who also worked at the strip bar, texted Cipriani demanding money on her pal’s behalf and began negotiating with the star’s publicist.

He refused to pay and then went to police after finding out the women tried to sell their story.

The story was not published and the pair did not receive any money.

Hannah Duncan, for Murphy, said she had been prescribed anti-depressants after the abortion, and had been “reluctant to ask for the money”.

Rugby Star: Danny Cipriani

She said: “She had no idea that what she was doing towards the end of this case was illegal.

“She was increasingly frustrated, increasingly desperate, and increasingly upset.

“After she had the abortion his interest fell off a cliff.”

Ms Duncan added that Murphy had struggled with depression, and wasn’t “a shameless cold and calculating schemer, as some have portrayed her”.

Nigel Mitchell, defending Smith, told the court she too did not realise what she was doing was illegal, and just wanted to help her friend.

He said: “She has never met Mr. Cipriani.

“She had heard that her friend was pregnant by him, he had offered to pay towards the abortion which she accepted.

“She was told by Ms Murphy that she had not received any.

“Her intention throughout was to support her friend, there was nothing in this for her to gain.”

Mr Mitchell added: “She’s not by nature a criminal – stupid maybe.”

College Tutor Pinned Seven Year-Old Daughter To Bed And Beat Her

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

A college tutor, who slapped his seven year-old daughter so hard her bruised thigh was detected at school, has been sentenced.

The 46 year-old man from Kingston-upon-Thames, who cannot be identified to protect the identity of his daughter, pleaded guilty to assaulting her at the family home on October 10, last year.

At Wimbledon Magistrates Court he was ordered to complete 200 hours community service and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

The court heard the girl kept rubbing her painful right thigh, which was visibly bruised, when attending school the next day.

She said her father had held her down on her bed by her neck and slapped her.

Afterwards he was apologetic to her and applied a balm to the injured area.

When police questioned the tutor he admitted: “I shouldn’t have done it.”

The court treated him as a man of good character, although he was cautioned for a domestic assault on his wife ten years ago.

He had to move into YMCA lodgings and then shared housing while on bail for the offence.

He was suspended from work as a result of the offence and has only had supervised contact with his daughter.

District Judge James Henderson told him: “This is a serious offence. You could have been charged with child cruelty.

“I hope you don’t lose your job. I hope the college recognises your good work, you are working with older people.”