Newspaper Sales Chief Injured Ex By Ripping Off Engagement Ring

A sales boss at News UK drunkenly yanked off his ex-fiancee’s £6,000 engagement ring during a late-night row, leaving a painful blood cut.

Orhan Erkut, 41, of Clive Road, Colliers Wood, demanded the return of the ring following the breakdown of their seven-year relationship.

The University of Nottingham graduate pleaded guilty to assaulting Kathryn Nixon on June 29 and causing criminal damage to her mobile phone screen.

Erkut is currently the Group Head at News UK (Senior Sales Manager), having been Financial Sales Manager at City A.M. and  Sales Executive at Express Newspapers.

Prosecutor Mr. Chidi Ikwuakolam told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “The victim was at home in her kitchen when Mr. Erkut arrived home drunk.

“She could see he was angry and he approached her and demanded back the engagement ring he bought her.

“She refused and said no, because it was given to her and was hers and this made him angry.

“He grabbed her hand and forcibly removed the ring, causing an injury to her hand.

“He grabbed her mobile phone from her hand as she tried to film him removing the ring on her finger and threw it on the floor and stamped on it twice.”

The court was shown an image of the victim’s bloody manicured finger.

Afterwards she said: “I am aware as a result of the incident our relationship has broken down.

“I was worried and anxious about what happens next and I was worried he’d throw me onto the street so slept with my house keys and telephone in my hand.

“He behaved unpleasantly when drunk and can become aggressive.”

Erkut’s lawyer Mr. Will Martin told the court the couple had split up the month before, but were still living under the same roof.

“There was significant strain on both sides and there was a disagreement specifically about the engagement ring.

“He accepts he tried to take the ring and that injury was caused, but he did not intend to cause injury.

“He expresses deep remorse and apologised days after the event.

“The ring has now found its way back to the complainant.”

District Judge Barbara Barnes announced: “This is violence caused during the break-up of a relationship.”

Bailing Erkut to return for sentencing on October 19 after the preparation of probation reports she added: “I want to see if there are any risks towards this lady or any other lady.”

Notting Hill Carnival: Female Thugs Battered Group Of Young Women

Laura Sweeney

Two female friends waded in with punches and kicks when a group of young women objected to one of them laughing and filming their drunken pal during the Notting Hill Carnival.

Trouble began when Laura Sweeney, 33, whipped out her phone and started recording the victims’ drunken young friend and mocking her, Isleworth Crown Court was told.

Sweeney, of Daryngton Drive, Greenford was convicted of repeatedly punching one young woman, who fell back onto railings and was knocked unconscious.

Gemma Freeman, 32, of Lincoln House, Ealing Road, Brentford led a group attack on another member of the group, who was repeatedly kicked and punched another in the face.

Sweeney received a 12-month community order, which includes 150 hours community service work and was ordered to pay Ella Williams £500 compensation.

She was convicted by the jury of inflicting actual bodily harm on the woman on August 27, last year.

Freeman received 8 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and must complete 180 hours community service work. 

She was convicted of inflicting actual bodily harm on Anne-Sophie Flury and assaulting Shanice Steele.

Sweeney was cleared of also attacking Ms Flury. 

It was around 6pm when when one of Ms Flury’s group of friends disappeared. 

“Because she was intoxicated through either drink or drugs she ran off,” said prosecutor Mr. John Coates.

“She was found collapsed and being sick and a woman was nearby filming and laughing at her and words were exchanged with Ella Williams.

“We say this woman is Sweeney and others joined in the exchange of words and Ella felt this other group were acting aggressively.”

Gemma Freeman

Police intervened and led Ms Flury’s group across Ladbroke Grove.

However, an hour later there was another clash, the jury were told. 

“Sweeney approached Ella while shouting aggressively and punched her more than once in the face with her fist.

“This caused her to fall backwards, hitting her head on railings and she momentarily lost consciousness.

“She received a cut and bruising to her left eyebrow, had soreness to her nose and tenderness to the back of her head.”

It was while helping wipe blood away from her friend’s face Ms Flury was attacked, said Mr. Coates.

“She suffered a displaced nose, swelling to her nose, had bruising to her face and neck, an injury to her left eye and a cut lip.

“Her friend Shanice Steele was punched in the face and says that woman was also the main aggressor in the assault on Ms Flury.

“The prosecution say that was Freeman.”

The attack was witnessed by one of the victim’s friend’s, who confirmed Freeman was involved in the group attack.

“Ms Flury held her hands up in a defensive gesture and was punched a number of times in the face and neck, causing her to fall to the floor,” said Mr. Coates.

“Her friend saw the group surround Ms Flury and the group were all kicking and says the mixed-race girl, who we say is Freeman, was the main one beating her up.”

Sweeney was arrested at the scene and both defendants were taken in for questioning on October 12.

The court heard pictures on their phones of them enjoying carnival match the descriptions given by the complainants.

Doggie Doo-Doo Feud Caught On CCTV

Bullseye: Pooh Hits Target

A two-year feud between dog-owning women neighbours in leafy Richmond-upon-Thames escalated when one threw her pooch’s excrement into the other’s front garden.

Forensic psychologist Bibi Cotman, 47, was caught on CCTV twice tossing dog bags onto the £690,000 property, later admitting it was an act of retaliation.

She pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to harassing her neighbour on July 3 and 6 at her home in Worple Way.

The court heard single-mum Cotman lives around the corner in a £1m rented house in Houblon Road and both women have received police harassment warnings during their feud.

Cotman says things turned sour after she accused the woman of failing to control her dogs and the neighbour countered that she was an unfit mother.

Caught In The Act: Cotman

“There have been issues between Cotman and her neighbour and both were issued harassment warnings in November, 2016,” explained prosecutor Mr. Chidi Ikwuakolam.

The neighbour has a camera and warning outside her house.

“On both days Cotman is seen via CCTV throwing a dog bag, containing dog excrement, into her front garden.

“The first time was at 2.25pm and the blue bag is identified and she did the same thing three days later.”

Afterwards the neighbour said: “Cotman has made me feel uncomfortable where I live. I’m always trying to avoid her.

“I am alarmed, harassed and distressed and worry about leaving my property in case she sees me.

“I worry about what she will do to my property.”

Vittoria Trigilio, defending, told the court: “There have been malicious allegations made against Bibi Cotman by her neighbour and she has offered to sit down with her neighbour.

“One of the allegations at the beginning of the dispute was about her fitness to be a mother.

“She is very sorry to have done something so juvenile as to throw excrement. It is thoroughly unpleasant and unacceptable for dog waste to be placed in her garden.”

Cotman told a court probation officer: “She’s made my life hell,” explaining her neighbour turned against her when she demanded she control her dogs.

She also feels the neighbour’s son has bullied her nine year-old daughter and overall has “got away” with bad behaviour.

Ms. Trigilio added: “She has taken steps to avoid her neighbour and is profoundly ashamed of what she has done.

“It was impulsive behaviour and she knows she has an example to set to her daughter.”

Cotman is currently working on a novel and planning on returning full-time to her profession. 

Cotman was placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes up to ten days rehabilitation and was ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

District Judge Barbara Barnes told her: “You have admitted to harassing your neighbour by throwing dog mess into her garden in furtherance of some grievance.

“I think it is serious and completely unacceptable behaviour.”

Cat Killer Caged

Camberwell Green Magistrates Court

A cat killer, who smothered his family’s female pet ‘Lola’ and buried her in the front garden, was locked-up for twelve weeks today.

Alistair Karl Molloy, 20, wrapped the tabby in a towel and squeezed the life out of her because she hissed at him, Camberwell Magistrates Court heard.

“You know this is up there with the most serious cases of animal welfare,” District Judge Tim Stone told Molloy. “You caused the death of this cat in the most horrendous way.

“No animal should go through anything like that.”

Molly, of Camberwell Green New Road, Camberwell Green pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Lola by way of mechanical asphyxiation at the family home on December 19, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Andrews, representing the RSPCA, who brought the case, said they received a call on December 23, last year that a cat had been killed by strangulation.

Police visited the family address and Mollloy’s father Raymond confirmed his son had killed the family cat and buried it in the front garden.

Later that day an RSPCA officer, accompanied by police, visited the family and by now Lola had been dug up.

“The officer saw a plastic bag containing a dead cat and the defendant was very upset and crying,” Mr. Andrews told the court. 

“His father wanted an interview carried out immediately and the defendant did make some admissions.”

Molloy was quizzed again on May 9 this year.

“The defendant made a full admission to the strangulation of the cat. He said he wrapped the cat in a towel and strangled her and was holding the cat’s mouth.

“He answered: ‘Yes’ when asked if he intended to kill the cat, saying: ’It took a minute of two. The cat hissed at me and never got use’d to me or people. It was a mad moment.’

“A post mortem was performed and a report by Shaun Taylor concludes death was caused by the cat being wrapped in a towel and its chest being squeezed.

“The towel would have restricted the cat’s movement and it would have felt fear, distress, air hunger and pain.

“Suffering was caused,” added Mr. Andrews. “Alistair Molly describes the cat as struggling when in the towel.

“It is a very distressing case for all concerned. The cat suffered a death and would have suffered for one to two minutes.”

He asked for Molly to received a six-year banning from owning a pet. “The RSPCA have grave concerns this person does pose a significant risk to all animals.”

Molloy’s lawyer Rodney Coleman told the court: “In a moment of extreme pressure in his mind he behaved in a ruthless way to a defenceless animal. This was an isolated incident.”

Making the six-year disqualification order Judge Stone added: “It is an offence that is so serious that I am not in a position to suspend it.”

Spurs Winger Banned For Speeding In Merc

Tottenham Hotspur’s speedy winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou has been banned from driving after he was clocked at 117mph on the M6.

The French star, 23, was driving a powerful black 5.5 litre Mercedes-Benz southbound near Cannock, Staffordshire on May 15 between junctions 13 and 12.

He pleaded guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court to one count of speeding and was fined £2,500, with £170 costs and ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge.

N’Koudou was also disqualified from driving for fifty-six days.

Six-And-A-Half Years For Molesting Young Girl Five Decades Ago

A Wiltshire man has been jailed for six-and-a-half years for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl ten years his junior five decades ago, when sneaking in to her bedroom after a night's drinking.

Robert Johnson, 67, of Chadwick Close, Bowerhill, Melksham was aged eighteen years-old when the abuse began at a former address in west London.

He was found guilty at Isleworth Crown Court of one count of indecency with a child between August 19, 1969 and August 19, 1971 at the Perivale house.

Johnson, who now uses a walking stick, was also found guilty of two counts of indecently assaulting the girl, who was eight years-old when he molested her, between the same dates.

Following the three-day trial the jury reached their verdicts after four hours of deliberation.

Johnson was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Prosecutor Mr. Charles Royle told the court: “She recalls a pattern of behaviour when Mr. Johnson came back from the community club, having been drinking.

“He was eighteen years-old at the time and she was eight years-old and remembers him exposing himself to her when he came into her bedroom after the club and woke her up.”

The complainant says Johnson then forced her to perform intimate sexual acts on him.

“This behaviour continued on other occasions and the complainant would try and hide in the toilet,” explained Mr. Royle.

After a year she reported Johnson, but was a branded an “evil child” by those close to her, the jury were told.

However, she eventually made a statement to police and Johnson was arrested at his home on February 9, last year.

“He said the allegations were rubbish,” added Mr. Royle.

The jury were played the complainant's video-recorded police interview in which she tearfully recalled: “The first time it happened he came into my room, woke me up and said that he wanted me to touch him, which I did.

“I was a bit surprised and from that moment it progressed. He would come in and tell me to be quiet.

“He use'd to have a bit to drink and that's when he came up to me. I use'd to lock myself in the toilet.”

Teen Mobile Phone Terror Caged

A nasty mobile phone snatcher, who cycled around busy central London targeting unsuspecting females, has been locked-up for two years and eight months.

He was caught by members of the public responding to the cries of his second victim, who was thrown to the ground as she battled for her phone.

Harry Stevens, 19, of Alderney House, Islington committed his first offence on Wednesday, May 2 at 2.15pm.

He rode past a girl - who was looking at her phone - as she waited to cross Shaftesbury Avenue and snatched the phone from her hand with force and rode off.

Shortly after, on the same day, he rode past a woman at a bus stop in High Holborn who was checking her phone.

Again, Stevens rode past and snatched it from her hand with such force she fell to the ground.

Stevens was weaving in and out of traffic, but was stopped and detained by brave members of the public who spotted what he had done and heard the second robbery victim calling out.

This victim approached Stevens and demanded her phone back.

He claimed that he didn’t have it.

A member of the public then said they would dial the victim’s number.

At this point, Stevens produced two stolen phones.

He then attempted to make off and escape, running down Chancery Lane.

Officers were on route and were able to catch and arrest him.

Stevens was also made subject by Blackfriars Crown Court to a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order.

It stipulates he cannot use a pedal cycle in a public place; associate with certain individuals in a public place and not to be in possession of more than one mobile phone/sim card and that that should be registered on the www.immobilise.com website.

PC Gill Simpson, from Islington, said: “Stevens was an opportunist thief who thought he could target those using their phones in busy areas.

“He used force and had no regard for the victims from which he stole.

"I would like to praise the bravery of those members of the public who intervened and would remind all those using phones whilst out and about to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, report all thefts and robberies and help safeguard their property by registering their device on the www.immobilise.com website.”

Scumbag Who Snatched Pensioner's Handbag Sentenced

A “vicious” mugger, who stalked an 84 year-old pensioner and her 52 year-old daughter – dragging the older woman to the ground to snatch £2,500 – has been locked-up.

Moses Blackwood, 22, of Sunnyhill Road, Streatham, who had followed the pair from a bank, punched and kicked the daughter and pushed her to the ground when she intervened.

He was jailed for four years and eight months at Croydon Crown court for robbery and assault with intent to commit robbery.

Both victims were in a Streatham High Road bank, where Blackwood watched the mother withdraw £5,000 cash and divide it with her daughter.

He followed them along Streatham High Road and onto a bus.

He got off the bus with them and followed them to a supermarket in Green Lane, Thornton Heath.

As they approached their home Blackwood suddenly pounced and snatched the older lady's handbag, dragging her to the ground.

Her daughter also ended up on the ground when Blackwood punched and kicked her.

Detectives in Croydon quickly launched an investigation and gathered CCTV footage of the attack and the route the suspect took before the robbery.

Blackwood contacted the police to say that he had been a victim of crime and forced to commit the robbery.

He attended Brixton Police station, where he was arrested.

Blackwood's claim that he committed the robbery under duress was dismissed by the judge who described it as a pack of lies concocted to avoid justice.

PC Steve Keahey, of Croydon CID, said: "This was a vicious attack on two women on their own doorstep, which has had a significant impact on their lives since.

"Blackwood observed the victims for some time and followed them a considerable distance to commit this appalling offence.

“I hope this sentence result brings some measure of comfort and a feeling of justice for the victims.

"Although incidents with this level of violence are rare, I would encourage anyone who withdraws large amounts of cash from banks to be aware of their surroundings and if they see anyone acting suspiciously or paying close attention to them, to go with their instinct and call police.

“Your call could be vital to preventing someone else being followed and robbed."

Football Club Volunteer Jailed For Molesting 13 Year-Old Boy

A football club volunteer, who molested a 13 year-old boy in the early hours during a sleepover at his house, has been caged.

Carl Wright, 58, of Brendon Close, Harlington received three years and six months imprisonment.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will also be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to sexually assaulting the teen and falsely imprisoning the youngster by preventing him leaving the address.

Police were contacted by the victim’s mother on March 17, who stated her son had been sexually assaulted by a man who helped out with coaching at Sandgate Youth F.C.

The teenager had stayed at the home address of Wright the previous night.

At around 2.00am Wright entered the room where the boy was sleeping and sexually assaulted him.

When the victim realised what was happening, he got up and immediately got dressed.

He ran from the room straight to the front door to leave, but was prevented from doing so by Wright.

The victim pleaded with Wright that he wanted to go home and eventually he drove the victim home in his car.

Wright suggested to the victim’s mother there had been a misunderstanding but as soon as the victim informed his mother of what had happened police were called.

Wright was arrested by officers later that morning and was charged the next day.

Detective Constable Alex Dhaliwal, from the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: "These offences committed by Wright are of an extremely serious nature and have had a significant impact on the life of the victim and especially his family who trusted him.

“He took advantage of the victim and sexually assault him. The victim and his family have been very brave in coming forward which has helped us to catch Wright and bring him to justice.

“We are keen to establish whether there are other victims of Wright who have yet to come forward.

“Anyone who believes they were a victim of Wright is asked to contact police via 101."

Police Sledgehammer Attack: Wanted Suspect Identified

Police are hunting this suspect after a female officer was struck with a sledgehammer when responding to a domestic call in north-west London.

He has been identified as Cayle Lynch, 24.

Officers on Barnet Borough dashed to the address in Sunningfields Road, Hendon at 9.30am on August 10.

There had been reports of a male armed with a knife at the location, a residential address.

Two officers entered the property and were confronted by a man - believed to be Lynch - armed with a sledgehammer, who swung it at them.

The officer, aged in her thirties, was struck by the sledgehammer and the male escaped the property and fled.

The officer was not seriously injured and is currently recovering at home.

Lynch is known to sleep rough and frequents Sunny Hill Park and Hampstead Heath.

He should not be approached.

Anyone who sees Lynch should call police immediately on 999 quoting CAD 1981 10 AUG 18.

Brothers Battered In West End: CCTV Released

Police hunting a violent thug after two brothers were attacked in the early hours at a West End cash point have released this CCTV image.

At approximately 4.00am on Sunday, July 15, a 32-year-old man was using the ATM in Burwood Place, near Edgware Road when he was approached by the suspect.

The suspect engaged him in conversation before following him.

He then struck the man across the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

The man's 38-year-old brother went to his aid and was punched in the face, fracturing his jaw.

No property or money was stolen.

The suspect is described as between 25 and 35 years old, 5ft 9ins tall with a beard and glasses.

Detective Constable Samuel Turner, from Westminster CID, said: "I would urge anyone who recognises this man to come forward and speak with us.

“The level of violence he used in these unprovoked assaults is of serious concern and it is important that we identify him."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting reference 1729/15July.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Burglary Suspect Caught On Shop CCTV

Police are hunting this suspected burglar, caught on CCTV using bank cards taken during a residential break-in, to buy cigarettes.

Between 11.00am and 18.40pm on Monday, April 16, the address in Avignon Road, Brockley was broken into whilst the homeowners were out.

Four Apple computers, a mobile phone, a bicycle, bank cards and a quantity of cash were taken.

The suspect then used the victims’ bank cards in four shops in Catford to purchase cigarettes via contactless payment.

Officers in Lewisham are investigating.

PC Gerald Baffoe-Bonnie, from the Integrated Offender Management Unit, said: “Following CCTV enquiries in the shops in Catford, we wish to speak to the man pictured in the images in connection with this burglary.

“I would urge anyone with information or who knows of this man’s whereabouts to get in contact.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Lewisham via 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Bostall Heath Rape: E-Fit Of Two Suspects Released

Police investigating the rape of a woman, who got into a car with three strange men, have released this e-fit of two of the suspects.

In the early hours of Sunday, May, 27 a 47-year-old woman was approached by the trio of males in a Ford Ka on Plumstead High Street, with the junction with Church Manor Way.

The victim got into the car voluntarily and was taken to a car park at Bostall Heath on Longleigh Lane where she was raped.

She was then driven towards Plumstead High Street where she managed to run from the car to a nearby address to seek help.

The suspects were not known to the victim.

Detective Inspector Steve Birchall, from the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command, said: “This is a rare occurrence and while patrols in that area have not identified any suspects in this case there has been no further such offending.

“If you believe you can identify either of these suspects from the e-fits then please contact the police.”

Anyone who may know the identity of the men shown in the e-fit or has information that may assist the investigation is urged to call police on 101 quoting ref CAD 955/27MAY18 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Businessman Banned From His £3.8m Home After Chucking Wife's Phone Against Wall

Banned: Gregory Mihalcheon

A businessman has been banned from entering his £3.8m South Kensington matrimonial home after throwing his estranged wife’s mobile phone against a wall - damaging the £15 case - during a row.

Company director Gregory Arthur Mihalcheon, 52, found himself being prosecuted after wife Andreia, the named secretary on many of his enterprises, insisted on making a statement to police.

The couple are in the middle of a divorce, which involves a dispute over the ownership of a car, and Mihalcheon has moved into the exclusive The Chilterns development in Paddington Street, Marylebone.

He was charged with causing criminal damage to the phone case at the matrimonial home in Wetherby Place on July 26, but yesterday at Hendon Magistrates Court the prosecution offered no evidence in exchange for Mihalcheon being made subject to an indefinite restraining order.

He is prohibited from contacting Andreia, the mother of their son, 15 and daughter, 10, except via solicitors, social workers, civil mediators and the Family Court. 

He is also prohibited from entering Wetherby Place.

The moustachioed Canadian-born entrepreneur, who was wearing a blue sports jacket, light creme chinos and brown brogue shoes, did not have to give evidence.

Mihalcheon was sleeping alone in the basement of the family home shortly before a row began at 7.20am.

Andreia told police: “He yanked the phone out of my hand and it was so violent I was shocked. He threw the phone across the room into the wall by the fireplace and the phone fell into the fireplace,” the court heard.

Wife Andreia

“The Crown would say that behaviour is harassment,” said prosecutor Kate Seal. “The Crown Prosecution Service will offer no evidence, but a restraining order is applied for.”

Pushing for a ban on Mihalcheon entering the street where his former home is located, she added: “This complainant would feel far more assured.”

Mihalcheon hired QC David Spens to defend him and insisted he did not intend to damage the phone case or was reckless, insisting he was acting in self-defence.

Magistrate Mr. Adrian Gifford commented: “This is not the high end of domestic abuse by any means.”

He told Mihalcheon: “You have no criminal record, but we have approved a restraining order, preventing you from contacting your wife directly or indirectly, except through a social worker, civil mediation, the Family Court or solicitors.”

Mihalcheon is allowed one visit to the property to collect the rest of his belongings.

He was concerned how the restriction would effect his ability to continue making arrangements to see his daughter, but was assured he could communicate with Andreia as long as this was limited to child access issues.

Andreia left the court alone by a separate exit after her husband and his legal team departed, but did not want to talk about the case.

Olympic Sprint Legend Christie's Son Locked-Up

The drug-dealing son of former sprint star Linford Christie was jailed for four years yesterday for dealing crack cocaine and heroin.

Liam Oliver-Christie, 33, of Lakeside Road, West Kensington appeared on bail at Isleworth Crown Court to change his plea before a scheduled trial next week.

He pleaded guilty to possessing crack cocaine, with intent to supply, on November 9, last year and possessing heroin, with intent to supply, at his home address on the same day.

Oliver-Christie, who has previous drug convictions, had been fighting the case and was due to start a two-day trial on October 1.

He received four years on each count to run concurrently with each other.

Dad Linford won gold for Great Britain in the 100m at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona and was also victorious in the event at World, European and Commonwealth championships.

Liam’s mother is former typist Yvonne oliver, who had a short relationship with the athlete and he has a twin sister Korel.

"Lonely" Detective Stalked Female Cop

A lonely detective constable stalked a female colleague by loitering outside her home and waiting for her at a local bus stop as she travelled to work.

Ironically Jose Lagares, 48, had been confided in by the policewoman after an ex harassed and threatened her and he even tried to influence that investigation.

The father-of-two is based at the Metropolitan Police’s Central North Command Unit, which covers the boroughs of Camden and Islington.

Lagares, of Highfield Road, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire pleaded guilty to stalking Svetlana Puzovic between September 1, 2017 and August 24, this year.

His lawyer told Wimbledon Magistrates Court, which bailed the officer until October 17 for a probation report: “This is a situation borne out of extreme loneliness rather than any psychological issues.”

Prosecutor Miss Julie Idowu told the court yesterday: “They are both serving police officers and the defendant has attended the complainant’s home approximately ten times.

“He has been seen outside the front and around her address.

“They were friends and had been friends for fifteen years.

“The complainant had a relationship with another officer based in the USA.

“She told this defendant about that relationship, which ended with that individual stalking and threatening the complainant.

“She told the defendant about it and he researched her ex-partner and found his address in the USA and information about him, including his date of birth and photos of him.

“She told him to stop and let the police investigation take its course, but he continued to investigate this matter and asked the officer in the case to send all correspondence to him.”

On New Year’s Day Svetlana spotted Lagares at the bus stop near her Vauxhall home and at 7.40am on April 26 he was outside her address.

She saw him while travelling to work on April 29 and again on May 3 as she travelled to her local gym.

“The defendant would be seen hiding in the stairwell in the building opposite her home,” added Miss Idowu.

“Another time he was waiting at her regular bus stop and got on the bus after speaking to her.”

Lagares has been moved to restricted duties at Charing Cross Police Station and remains on bail on condition he does not contact Svetlana.