Schoolteacher Denies Drunken Leg Grope During 'Amadeus' Performance

A drunken schoolteacher, accused of groping the woman sitting next to him during a theatre performance, told a jury today: “I can’t remember touching anyone’s leg.”

Irishman Charles Maxwell, 53, of Elizabeth House, Exeter Close, Watford had downed a bottle of wine during the interval despite also taking anti-depressants at the time.

He has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting the woman at a performance of ‘Amadeus’ at the Olivier Theatre on London’s South Bank on November 5, last year.

Inner London Crown Court heard witnesses say Maxwell, who teaches English at the jewish Yavneh College, Borehamwood also fiddled with his trousers, which were hanging off him when he stood up.

“I was probably moving my trousers because the button way cutting into my stomach,” he told the jury. “For someone of my size I’m forever adjusting my posture in the seat.”  

He told the jury he reluctantly agreed to join work colleagues at the performance when encouraged to socialise after his wife left him and returned to Belfast.

“I did not want to go and I buckled under the pressure,” explained Maxwell, who returned from the interval with a large glass of wine in each hand.

“It was to knock myself out,” he said, insisting he did not recall repeatedly touching the thigh of the “slim, attractive lady” to his right.

“Maybe I was asleep and it was an involuntary action. I did not know who was sitting beside me, did not have a clue until she came into court, I had not seen her.

“I don’t think this lady would lie, I don’t dispute that. I just don’t recall it at all.

“I don’t have any recollection of putting my hand on any woman’s leg, but I don’t dispute it happened.”

When asked if his trousers were hanging off because he was getting “excited sexually” Maxwell replied: “That’s impossible. My body doesn’t react in that way anymore.”

On top of the alcohol and medication the teacher said he also just discovered his estranged wife had been rushed to hospital, explaining his abusive reaction to being accused in the theatre.

“I snapped, sorry. They verbally accused me and I was trying to fight my corner.

“It was the worst time of my life. I thought my wife was dying.”

He apologised for his conduct towards the complainant and her friends and for shouting: “Get that f***ing c*** here.”

“I had no idea why they were screaming in my face and in my heightened emotional state I hope people understand that I was angered,” he told the jury.

His estranged wife told the jury the couple enjoyed theatre trips when they were together, with Maxwell holding her hand or touching her thigh during the performance.

Trial continues……….

Caller Cleared Of Making Abusive Calls To Labour MP Dawn Butler's Office

MP Dawn Butler and her Labour Party HQ

A woman cleared of making abusive phone calls to Labour MP Dawn Bulter's office claims she has Jeremy Corbyn to thank for the prosecution collapsing.

Wendy Jones, 32, of 46 Austen House, Cambridge Road, West Hampstead was due to stand trial at Willesden Magistrates Court today.

However the prosecution's principal witness, the office receptionist, did not appear and no evidence was offered.

Jones was found not guilty of sending an offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing message to 156 High Road, Harlesden on March 30.

Outside court she said: “Jeremy Corbyn's sorted that out,” claiming she had spoken to the labour leader about the case.

Prosecutor Miss Dilichi Onuzo told the magistrates: “The complainant works for the MP's office and three calls were made making threats to her on the same day.

“She does not want to attend and wants to make a withdrawal statement.”

Afternoon Sexual Assault In The Street: E-Fit Released

Police in Lewisham investigating a sexual assault in Lee have released and e-fit of a man they wish to identify and trace.

They are also continuing to appeal for witnesses and information.

On Monday, September 12, last year, shortly before 4.30pm a woman in her twenties, who was walking on Lee High Road was grabbed and sexually assaulted by a man walking in the opposite direction.

Officers from Lewisham CID are investigating.

The suspect is described as a white man with olive coloured skin, aged in his early twenties and approximately 5ft 6ins tall.

He has wavy brown hair that was gelled back and light stubble on his face.

The man was wearing a light grey matching tracksuit with motif on the left hip and was wearing a dark blue rucksack on both shoulders.

His victim described seeing him walking directly towards her.

Initially, the victim thought he wanted to speak to her, but has he drew closer he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her.

The victim managed to push the suspect away and the man continued walking down Lee High Road turning right into Brandram Road.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses, or any with any information about the incident or the man depicted by the e-fit to contact them.

Police Constable Ben Turner of Lewisham CID, said: "Do you recognise the man in the e-fit we have released?

“If you do, please contact us. Your information will be treated in the strictest of confidence, and may help us apprehend our suspect.

"We also remain keen to hear from anyone who was in or around the area at the time of this incident that may have seen the attack, or the suspect leaving the area."

Anyone that can assist police is asked to contact PC Turner on 020 8284 8365 during officer hours or police on 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Schoolteacher Couple Brutally Attacked In Pub While Watching Manchester Derby

A schoolteacher couple enjoying last season's Manchester derby in a pub were brutally attacked – leaving the male visually impaired with a titanium plate in his eye socket.

The 45 year-old man and his 46 year-old wife were watching Manchester United v Manchester City in The Millers Pub, Caledonian Road, Islington on September 10, last year.

Detectives have released this CCTV image of their suspect, who is believed to have inflicted eye injuries to both Sharon Wilson and his wife Deborah, from Peterborough.

They were only in the pub because their King's Cross train had been cancelled and there was a confrontation between the men at the door as the couple left.

As the couple exited at around 2.30pm the suspect made a comment to Deborah, which Mr. Wilson challenged.

The men nudged each other, and the suspect responded by punching them both in the face.

Detective Constable Adrian Safiani of Islington CID, said: "This was a horrible assault on what should have been a relaxing afternoon out.

“The injured man now suffers from visual impairment after having a titanium plate fitted to his eye socket.

Deborah & Sharron Wilson

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the male on the image or anyone who witnessed the incident."

Anyone that can assist the investigation is asked to contact Islington CID via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Cocky Burglar Walked Out Of Cafe With Cash Till

A cocky burglar, who walked out of an east London cafe with the till, returned soon after, claiming he was from head office when challenged.

Detectives from Tower Hamlets have issued this CCTV footage of a man they wish to identify and speak to in connection with the incident.

On Friday, September 9, last year police were called at around 8.15pm to reports of a burglary at Nido Tower, Frying Pan Alley, Stepney.

CCTV captured the moment a suspect walked into the cafe and began to look around.

He then removed the cash till and walked off.

He later returned and when challenged, said he was from head office, and continued to look around the cafe.

He was then told to leave.

The suspect is described as a slim black man, 5ft 8ins tall with short black hair, a black beard and wearing a black and white camouflage vest and dark trousers.

He was described as having a glazed expression by those who saw him.

Detective Constable Sol Hamid, who leads the investigation for Tower Hamlets CID, said: "We are keen to hear from anyone can identify the man shown in the footage or the image released, or anyone who witnessed the incident."

Anyone that can assist the investigation is asked to contact Tower Hamlets CID via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Hospital Intruders Hunted For Nitrous Oxide

Police are hunting two young men, who burgled a hospital and tried to steal nitrous oxide, a gas abused by users to achieve a brief high.

On Thursday, August 18, last year police were called at approximately 00.45am to reports of a burglary at St Helier Hospital, Carshalton.

A drug canister worth £400 was damaged.

CCTV captured two suspects walking around the hospital trying to steal gas canisters.

They were caught breaking a lock to a gas canister lock-up containing nitrous oxide.

Only when they were challenged, did they drop a gas canister they were trying to take before running off towards Tweeddale Road.

Local officers attended and pursued the suspects on foot along Shaftsbury Road before losing sight of them.

Suspect 1 is described as a slim white man, aged in his early twenties. He was wearing a white T-shirt, camouflage baseball cap, dark coloured trousers, white trainers and a gold chain and carrying a Nike bag.

Suspect 2 is described as a slim white man, aged in his early twenties. His hair was shaved at the sides. He was wearing a grey Duffer jumper, dark coloured trousers and dark trainers and was also carrying a bag.

Detective Constable Paul Haridimou of Sutton CID, said: “This was a callous and dangerous act.

“The suspects damaged the canisters unaware if they were in use by someone in greater need within the hospital.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise those shown in the footage or the still released, or anyone who witnessed the incident.”

Anyone that can assist the investigation is asked to contact Sutton CID via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Rio Ferdinand's Stalker Denies Breaking Banning Order

A former model, who stalked footballer Rio Ferdinand, signed-up with his personal trainer and sent texts referring to the star despite a restraining order, a court heard today.

Susanne Ibru, 44, of Halifax Way, Christchurch, had been locked-up for a week since her arrest for breaching the order, imposed by magistrates in 2011.

She appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court where she pleaded not guilty to harassment on May 4 and was released on bail to return for trial on August 14.

“I’ve read his witness statement that says the stalking has continued,” said District Judge Susan Green. “It says she continues to effect his day-to-day activities.

“I want enquiries made to Rio Ferdinand if like that statement says there has been a continuous course of conduct.

“Is she targeting this personal trainer because of her history with Rio Ferdinand. It’s not coincidental. She must have known he had a connection with Rio Ferdinand.”

The charge arises from two text messages Ibru sent Teddington-based ex-rugby pro Mel Deane, one of which read: “I think you are going to have to ask Rio to pay for the session. LOL.”

Prosecutor Miss Angela Mahadeo told the court: “This is the second breach, the first was in 2012. The issue of the case is text messages sent to a third party in relation to outstanding payments for training sessions.

“The Crown say if she is granted bail she will interfere with witnesses. She admitted in interview she did send the text messages.

“The fact the text messages have been sent, even third party, we say is indirect contact. We say she will continue now to do it.”

Ibru’s lawyer Deborah Hogg told the court: “It’s all about two text messages she sent to the personal trainer of Rio Ferdinand and it’s about what her intention was and why she sent these text messages.

“She knows where Rio Ferdinand lives and where his grandmother lives in Peckham, her family live in Peckham,” added the lawyer.

She says: ‘It wasn’t my intention to to contact a third party to get in contact with him.’

“She says these texts were jokey in context and she had a training session afterwards with Mr. Deane.

“She lives and hour-and-a-half away in Christchurch and works from home, a travel agency franchise and receives working tax credits.”

Ibru, dressed in maroon leggings, a white long-sleeved top and white patterned scarf around her head insists she did not initially know Mr. Deane, 42, trained Ferdinand.

She was bailed on conditions she resides at her recorded address, does not enter any London borough and does not contact Deane or Ferdinand.

Bus Sex Pest Hit Woman Passenger Who Witnessed Grope

Police are hunting a bus sex pest, who turned violent after being challenged for groping a female passenger in north London.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command have released this CCTV issue of the suspect.

The woman was travelling on a 144 bus along High Road, Wood Green at around 3.20pm on June 19, last year when she was touched from behind.

Other passengers may remember during the incident, the victim walked after the suspect, took him by the collar and said: "What do you think your doing?"

Another female passenger shouted: "Don’t touch her," and the suspect responded by turning around and striking her on the left side of her face, hitting her glasses.

The man is described as a white, aged between 35 and 45 years-old and approximately 6ft in height.

He had short mousey hair which was turning grey and blue/grey eyes.

He was wearing a white collared shirt with a grey jumper or hooded top.

Anyone with information about the man or any information about the incident is urged to contact Detective Constable Gavin Staplehurst in the Roads and Transport Policing Command via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Engineer Counting Cost Of "Terrorist" Outburst At Heathrow Passport Control

"Disgraceful": Timothy Wynne-Jones

A globetrotting chartered engineer, who told Asian Border Force officers at Heathrow: “Your kind are going to let terrorists into the country,” paid the price today for his “disgraceful behaviour.”

Timothy Alban Wynne-Jones, 55, was told his passport would have to pass a forgery check and replied: “So, you’re not going to let me into the country. You’re going to let these terrorists into the country.”

Wynne-Jones, of Beechcroft Avenue, Rickmansworth was convicted of two counts of racially aggravated harassment towards officers Afsheen Raja, 36 and Naheed Yacub, 34 on January 22, last year.

Today he was fined £1,000 on each count and ordered to pay each officer £2,500 compensation. Another £3,500 in court costs will be added to his £8,500 Legal aid bill.

“You are in your mid-fifties and have never been in trouble before,” Isleworth Crown Court Judge Robin Johnson told Wynne-Jones.

“I have to sentence you for your disgraceful conduct at London Heathrow. Those who work at passport control perform an essential service and often passengers arrive tired and frustrated and are rude and abusive.

“Your conduct went well beyond the rudeness that arises. You were abusive and racist in your language and only your good character and the fact that you must have passed through the airport hundreds of times without incident prevents a more serious sentence.

“The compensation is for your foul behaviour,” added the judge, ordering Wynne-Jones to pay a £120 victim surcharge and the full amount at £750 per month or face 90 days imprisonment.

Naheed Yacub & Ashen Raja

Wynne-Jones’s attempt to pay a lesser rate was rejected. “The pre-sentence report mentions his income and if it is anything like that he can pay more than five hundred pounds a month.”

Wynne-Jones presented his British passport at Terminal Four after a trip to Bulgaria.

The microchip could not be opened and when he heard a supervisor named Harpreet was needed Wynne-Jones responded: “Another Indian? There are far too many Indians protecting the border.”

The outburst nearly ended his marriage. “His wife is a German national who was very unhappy and threatened to leave her husband because of this conviction,” said Mr. Sam Trefgarne, defending.

Prosecutor Mr. Alec Williams told the court: “Rather than wait Mr. Wynne-Jones’ response is to get annoyed and become racially abusive.”

The jury heard that as a bearded Asian male passed through passport control Wynne-Jones added: “Ah look. You’re letting a terrorist through. I’m the only British person here, you’re all terrorists.”

Mr. Williams said Wynne-Jones continued: “Look. A terrorist protecting the border. Brown people should not be protecting the border, you’re all terrorists.”

“He also tried to push through the gate before clearing passport control.”

When questioned by police Wynne-Jones conceded he may have been abrupt, but denied using the racist words.

Officer Raja told the jury: “He seemed a little aggressive, talking quite loudly.

“He said: ‘When are you going to stop letting the Bulgars into the country?’

“He asked me that several times, but I ignored him.”

When his passport was taken for a forgery check Wynne-Jones became more annoyed. “He said it was the British government issuing these Mickey Mouse passports.” added Mr. Williams.

When the forgery officer returned he asked: “Are you checking that I’m British?”

Officer Raja took offence at the ‘your kind’ comment. “I felt because I’m of Asian origin he was referring to my race.”

Officer Yacub told the jury: “He laughed and said to me: ‘Ah look. We have a terrorist protecting the border.’

“He said I wasn’t British and I didn’t have a British passport.”

Afterwards she said: “This is a groundbreaking case for Border Force. This is the first successful prosecution of this kind we’ve had.

“We won’t tolerate abuse and this case is a lesson for officers not to take it. We can’t tolerate this racism.

“He assumed being a respectable businessman would bring him a not guilty verdict. 

“He was arrogant, authoritative, dismissive and said we were not good at our jobs.

“All this stuff about brown people and terrorism has to stop. We are the people who make the system work.”

Mr. Trefgarne told the court Wynne-Jones spent £8,500 in legal fees to fight the case. “He continues to deny the offences.

“He was returning from Bulgaria where he was working as a management consultant when this incident happened at Heathrow.

“Perhaps this was borne out of frustration. Mr. Wynne-Jones coming back into the country after a long journey and tired.

“Albeit a racial undertone there wasn’t loud derogatory comments shouted or violence used or threatened.

“He is a man of good character, a professional man. The fact of this conviction will cause Mr. Wynne-Jones embarrassment.

“There are press in the public gallery today and that will cause further embarrassment if reported.

“He is a man who works and supports his family. A financial penalty will have a detrimental effect on him.

“The very fact of being in court and convicted has caused him a great deal of distress.” 

Tooting Bec Break-In: CCTV Image Released

Police continue to hunt this suspected burglar after a Tooting Bec break-in netted £2,600 in computer equipment and a watch.

Detectives on Wandsworth Borough have released this CCTV image taken in the alleyway at the rear of residential premises.

On Friday, July 22, last year police were called at around 6.45pm to reports of a residential burglary in Hereward Road.

The burglary occurred between 10.15am and 10.42am that day.

CCTV overlooking the rear of the premises caught a man walking up and down an alleyway shortly before the property was broken into.

The suspect is described as a stocky black man, aged in his late twenties, with short hair.

He was wearing a grey hooded top, light blue jeans and dark trainers and carrying a dark brown bag.

Detective Constable John Baldwin of Wandsworth CID, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the man shown in the footage or the still released, or anyone who witnessed the incident.”

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact Wandsworth CID via 101.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Eleven Year-Old Girl Molested On London Bus: Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected sexual predator after an 11 year-old girl was molested on the top deck of a bus and followed to a nearby shop.

On July 31, last year the girl took a seat at the rear of a route 25 bus as it travelled along Walworth Road, Walworth.

A short time later a man sat down next to her.

As she got off the bus at her stop and passed the man he sexually assaulted her.

She went into Superdrug in the Butterfly Walk shopping centre Camberwell Green and saw she had been followed into the shop by the suspect.

She purchased some items and left the shop, noticing that the suspect was now waiting at a nearby bus stop.

She made her way in the opposite direction and luckily he did not follow.

The man is described as aged between 35 and 45 years-old and approximately 5ft 8in tall, and of medium build.

Anyone with information, or who recognises the man in the image, is asked to contact PC Andrew Barrenger from the Roads and Transport Policing Command on 07826 536183 or via 101.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

French President's Pal Denies Assaulting Ex-Wife And Boy Outside £7.7m Kensington Home

President's Pal: Laine

The ex-wife of a leading entrepreneur and liberal intellectual - who is a confidante to new French president Emmanuel Macron - told a court today: “It was like a movie scene,” when he attacked her and a 10 year-old boy outside his £7.7m Kensington home.

Qualified lawyer Mathieu Laine, 42, is accused of grabbing the arm of former wife Eleanore Salin, 40, and pulling her during a Boxing Day domestic last year.

“Suddenly I felt my arm was pulled and I heard screams, Mathieu. I didn’t see him coming, I was very surprised,” the mum-of-two told Hammersmith Magistrates Court. 

Father-of-three Laine, of Palace Gardens Terrace has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault on December 26, 2016, claiming his ex wants to end his access to their boys, aged 10 and seven.

The court heard a crowd gathered in the exclusive road, drawn by Ms Salin’s screams, with Laine’s new wife threatening to call the police to take her away.

Laine, the founder of consultancy firm Altermind and UK sister company Hypermind married Alix Foriel-Destezet, the daughter of French billionaire Philippe Foriel-Destezet, after the divorce and they have a daughter together.

Ms Salin admitted hiring a private detective to track her husband after they split in March, 2015 and campaigned for her sons not to attend their father’s marriage, even petitioning the priest. 

Ms Salin, also a qualified lawyer, had arrived at the property in a Uber cab with the young boy, following a day of stressful phone calls and text exchanges with Laine.

“It was a very distressing time, Mathieu put a lot of pressure on me. I was receiving a lot of text messages and phone calls.”

Ex-Wife: Eleanore

She claims her arm was sore for up to ten days after the incident. “I can still feel where Mathieu grabbed me on that day.

“My arm was red for several days. Mathieu grabbed the boy violently and the boy’s back was against Mathieu’s chest and he put his hand over his mouth and his legs were floating in the air.

“It was like a movie scene. He threw him  in the house and I can’t remember what I did. I was in a state of shock.”

She told the court Laine pointed a finger at her and shouted: “You will pay. You are a dirty person and you will pay for what you do.

“He closed the door and I heard him saying awful things to the boy. He said: ‘You little stupid boy, little shit, little arsehole. You will pay for this.’

“I heard him hitting him twice and I went up the steps and knocked the door very loudly. I had the sensation he was in danger.

“I felt very dizzy, very shocked running down the street not knowing what to do, asking for help from the neighbours.

“I was desperately looking at my phone trying to remember the number of the police, 999. The Uber driver said: ‘I saw everything, I’ll call the police.’”

Laine, who has lectured in economics and political philosophy at Sciences Po, Paris - known as Paris Institute of Political Studies - claims his ex has an agenda for bringing the charges.

Laine’s lawyer Miss Orla Daly told the court: “There is a motivation behind what we say is a false allegation.”

Cross-examining Laine’s ex-wife the lawyer added: “He says you have taken advantage of a difficult situation that night to ensure he does not have contact with his sons.

Swish: Palace Gardens Terrace

“That is something you have been trying to achieve for a very long time,” said Miss Daly, suggesting Ms Salin had threatened to end Laine’s access: “By any means possible.”

The defendant had to take his ex to the Family Court, who ruled he could have the sons five days every fortnight.

Ms Salin admits she was left reeling by their split. “I was shocked because it happened so abruptly.”

She also conceded being unhappy about the prospects of her sons attending their dad’s marriage. “I’m a Catholic and shocked the boys would have to attend a wedding so soon.”

Earlier the boy told the court: “He held me against the wall and he hit me when I was running, he ran too. He grabbed me and hit my leg.”

The youngster described the force of the blow as five-out-of-ten, however when police officers questioned him at the scene he denied being struck.

The trial will continue on July 17.

Millionaire Playboy Banned After Crashing Ferrari Into Group Of Teens

The millionaire playboy son of a wealthy South Korean shipping family was banned from the roads for a year today and fined £6,000 after losing control of his powerful £208,000 Ferrari and ploughing into a group of terrified schoolchildren.

Andy Kwon, 36, grew impatient in heavy Battersea Bridge traffic near his £750,000 apartment and mounted the pavement as his U-turn manoeuvre ‘fishtailed’ out of control, inflicting serious injuries on the teenagers.

He told Wimbledon Magistrates Court his four supercars, garaged underneath his Chelsea home in Hepworth Court, Gatliff Road are now up for sale and he will hire a chauffeur during the 180 non-domicile days he spends in the UK.

Kwon pleaded guilty to driving his red 2015 4.5 litre Ferrari 458 Speciale without due care and attention in Battersea Park Road, Battersea on December 12 last year and was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £600 victim surcharge.

Seven teenagers were hospitalised as they walked to a Christmas party, with one knocked over railings and falling four metres into the windscreen of a parked Toyota Corolla below.

“He performed a u-turn in the street and the students were in front of him,” said prosecutor Miss Jackie Hughes. “His wheels began to spin and he lost control and mounted the pavement and collided into the group.”

The teenagers, aged sixteen and seventeen years-old suffered facial cuts and bruises, injuries to their legs with some suffering continued pain to their hips, knees necks and shoulders and dizziness and headaches.

Kwon’s lawyer Mr. Robin Sellars told the court his client had not driven the Ferrari for a month, contributing to an unfamiliarity he had with the vehicle’s power.

“He was driving for a short period and on Battersea Bridge there was a queue of traffic and he decided to turn around. After the u-turn he accelerated and lost control of the vehicle, it took him by surprise.

“He did not take appropriate action and the car fishtailed.”

Kwon spends most of the remaining year in Singapore for tax purposes and before the disqualification had given up driving in this country. “He’s a man of considerable means. He can use a driver.”

Magistrate Mr. Rod Wood told Kwon: “We have noted the seriousness of this accident and the number of victims involved.”

Somalian Accused Of Pocketing Benefits While Living In His Homeland

A pensioner accused of swindling over £38,000 in benefits while living in his Somalia homeland appeared in court for the first time yesterday.

Mohamed Qoomaal, 71, of Archery Close, Harrow arrived on bail at Uxbridge Magistrates Court.

He faces two charges of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to Harrow Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.

They relate to claims for housing benefit and pension credit respectively on dates between August 20, 2013 and February 22, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Darren Watts told the court: “This gentleman has claimed over thirty-eight thousand pounds he was not entitled to while living out of the country for two-and-a-half years in Somalia.”

Due to the seriousness of the case the magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent Qoomaal to Isleworth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 11. 

Online Dating Scam: Seven Men Cheated Out Of £100K

Wanna Date?: Grace Akintaro

Two young women admitted yesterday their roles in a £100,000 online dating scam, which saw seven men duped into believing they were funding a romantic date with an internet sweetheart.

Grace Akintaro, 24, adopted the role of the fictitious date during phone chats with at least two of the victims and some of the money was laundered by 22 year-old Victoria Nwogu.

The men were convinced their online romance with ‘Amanda Jenson’ was genuine and sent money for travel and expenses, but dates were cancelled with one excuse after another.

“Judging by what the victims say there were detrimental effects, both psychologically and financially,” announced Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams QC.

“They were expecting to get their money back, they thought they were loaning the money.”

Student Akintaro, of Pettacre Close, Greenwich pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud between August 1, 2014 and December 2, 2015.

Those charges were dropped against Nwogu, of Maryon Grove, Greenwich, who pleaded guilty to one count of laundering £3,490 between  April 29 and May 6, 2015.

Cash: Victoria Nwogu

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Fraud and Linked Crime Online (FALCON) squad began investigating cons involving four of the men who had reported the scam to Action Fraud.

Further three victims were found during the investigation and all seven had been Match.com customers.

The fictitious Amanda Jenson asked for travel costs to meet up then for short term loans to cover rent and other expenses.

Forged documents were used to trick the victims into accepting ‘Amanda’ was due an inheritance and could repay the money.

One man lost £46,000 and another sent money he received from his late wife’s death in service insurance policy.

Others used up lumps of their pensions and one took out an equity release on his house to help ‘Amanda’.

The audacious fraudsters even tried to prise extra cash from one victim who agreed to meet ‘Amanda’ at an airport and was told to pay a customs charge to facilitate her release.

A photo of the fake ‘Amanda’ was found on Akintaro’s phone and most of the bank accounts were registered to her address. 

Police know Akintaro visited bank branches at least sixteen times, withdrawing £23,000 of the victims’ cash.

Ironically she told the court: “I was naive and used by this person I was in love with.”

The total loss is £104,962 and prosecutor Mr. Kevin Dent said: “The amounts going through Miss Akintaro’s bank accounts add up to just over one hundred thousand pounds and directly link with the seven victims.”

Akintaro used her three bank accounts and a paypal account to transfer the money, but claims all she has to show for it is a £5,000 Renault Clio and a few hundred pounds.

“It was not a peripheral role because she was talking over the net,” said the judge. “We are looking at high culpability because of the high number of victims and long period of time.

“These were romance frauds and the fact I am ordering a pre-sentence report is no indication as to the sentence. There is a real prospect she will go to prison.”

Mr. Dent added: “There would have to be a female involved and that was Miss Akintaro. She may not have been at the top of this, but played a role over a period of time.”

They will return for sentencing on June 20.

Not Guilty: London Visitor Cleared Of Damaging Ghandi Statue

A Milton Keynes man has been cleared of damaging a landmark statue of Ghandi, but convicted of having cannabis and assaulting a cop after his arrest.

Jobless Simon Francis Bradley, 33, of Felbridge, Kents Hill did not even turn up for his trial and will now suffer cuts to his benefits after being fined.

He always denied the charges and was cleared of causing criminal damage to the statue of the Indian independence leader in Tavistock Squre, Bloomsbury on July 17, last year.

Bradley was also found not guilty of threatening behaviour at the same place.

However, he was convicted at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of possessing cannabis in Tavistock Square and was fined £100, with £100 costs and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge.

Bradley was taken to Holborn Police Station where he was convicted of assaulting PC Basill on the same day and fined £100 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.