Wednesday 5 December 2018

Policeman Accused Of Shower Leer: "I Was Not In There For Kicks"

Darby: Denials
A policeman yesterday denied leering at a naked female officer showering, insisting: “It was not what it looked like. I was not in there for kicks.”

Metropolitan officer Oliver Levi Darby, 41, is accused of peering through a six-inch curtain gap at the policewoman showering at their shared section house. 

The ex-Royal Engineer Lance Corporal told Inner London Crown Court: “I know the difference between right and wrong, I was in the Army. I’ve got morals, I’ve got standards.”

Darby, of Sand Cottage, Docking Road, Burnham Market, King’s Lynn, Norfolk was staying at Gilmour Section House, Kennington Lane, Lambeth.

The officer, who works on Westminster Borough has pleaded not guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of observing a person doing a private act for his sexual gratification on January 9.

He is part of the uniformed response team in the northern part of the borough and has served four years in the Met, following a 15-year military career.

“I love my job. I take great pride in my work,” he told the jury. 

Darby says he was forced to dash into the women toilets and shower room because there were no available cubicle’s in the mens.

“All of a sudden I threw up in my mouth and I felt I needed to sit on the toilet. I needed to find a toilet very, very quickly and I was feeling unwell as I entered the female toilets.”

The policewoman told the jury Darby deliberately stared at her through the curtain gap and hid in the toilet cubicle for up to half an hour when she spotted him.

“I am horrified, devastated,” said Darby of the allegation against him. “I never touched the curtain.”

When asked if he thought the officer was attractive Darby replied: “No. My mind doesn’t work like that.”

That prompted Judge William Wood QC to observe: “She’s a physically attractive young lady. Anyone can see that.”

Darby admitted he was embarrassed at the prospect of being spotted leaving the ladies. “I am a private person. I know how it would look coming out of the womens’ toilet, not the best.

“They would think: ‘He’s up to no good, probably,’ and I wanted to avoid that.

Darby denied crawling out and removing his colourful t-shirt to dodge identification.

“That’s not true at all. I took my t-shirt off because I was unwell, I was hot and flushed.”

He was arrested and questioned by police two days after the incident and said: “I’m not going to do anything silly, I’m a grown man.

“I did not stop, I walked there, there was no hesitation. I walked straight past.

“I needed the toilet because I did not want to face the consequences, the inevitable. I wanted to be near the toilet just in case.

“I did not know anyone was in the shower. I just heard the water running.

“I felt like I was going to s*** myself.”

Trial continues…………..

Tuesday 4 December 2018

Police Hunt Duo For "Despicable" Poppy Tin Theft

Police are hunting these two suspects after after a British Legion charity Poppy Appeal collection tin was nicked at a Heathrow Airport hotel.
The two men entered the Renaissance Hotel on Nettleton Road at approximately 11.30pm on Friday November 9.
The first man approached the reception desk and asked the member of staff for some paper.
As the member of staff left the front desk for a short while, another man then approaches and takes the Poppy Appeal collection tin, which was on the reception desk.
Some time later, hotel staff noticed the collection tin was missing and after reviewing CCTV footage, reported the theft to police the following morning.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Aviation Policing Command are investigating and despite making various enquiries to try and identify the two men, they are now releasing CCTV footage and asking for the public’s help in identifying them.
Detective Constable Kris Latham, from Aviation Police, who is investigating the case said: “I’d appeal to anyone who may know or recognise either of these men to get in touch with us.
Stealing a Poppy Appeal charity tin, or indeed any charity donation, is a despicable act and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
If you have any information, then call us on 101 or alternatively, call Crimestoppers, which is completely anonymous.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting CAD2123/14NOV, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Monday 3 December 2018

Boozy Pete Tong Ibiza Classics Duo Battered Security Guard At O2

Harness & Scrivener
Two boozy female friends battered an O2 security guard to the floor after he ushered one them away at a huge party-themed dance music event.

Carer Stephenie Harness, 31, and housekeeper Stacey Scrivener, 31, had been drinking at the ‘Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics’ show at the Greenwich dome.

Harness, of Railway Cottage, Langrick Road, Boston, Lincolnshire and single-mum Scrivener, of St. Clements Close, Main Street, Rowston, both pleaded guilty to assault, causing actual bodily harm on December 16, last year.

Bexley Magistrates Court heard Harness shouted a racial slur at victim Saiful Khan and threw her blackcurrant cider in his face, but she denied both allegations.

An imprint of Scrivener’s Converse sneaker was left on Mr. Khan’s security shirt, but she denied deliberately kicking him, assuming it must have been left when she stood up.

Both women received a 12-month community order, which includes 80 hours community service and each must pay Mr. Khan £200 compensation and £100 costs.

They had travelled from Lincolnshire with a larger group and prosecutor Miss Thandi Lubimbi said: “Both defendants were under the influence of alcohol.

“Mr. Khan saw Scrivener around some seating and afraid for her safety, because there was a drop, ushered her away from the area.

“Harness got involved and said: ‘F***ing paki muslim’ and threw her drink in his face and both of them started punching and kicking him.

“He sustained a black eye, swelling to his face and a cut under the eye.”

Both women deny kicking the victim, but concede they used “excessive self-defence” in response to Mr. Khan’s alleged aggressive treatment of Scrivener.

The security guard told police: “I was trying to rub the alcohol out of my eyes and I could feel punches and kicks all over my body.

“I was knocked to the floor and was lying on my stomach. I was in a lot of pain around my face, neck and back.

“This incident has had a massive effect on my life and I had to go home to my parents smelling of alcohol and with injuries.

“Having alcohol thrown at me and told I am a: ‘F***ing paki muslim’ is deeply distressing. She was mocking my whole religion and some of the alcohol went in my mouth, which my religion forbids.”

Another security guard told police: “Both women kept attacking him. They were throwing punches and fighting him on the floor and I was trying to get them off.”

Harness told the officers at the scene she saw Mr. Khan grabbing Scrivener: “I was protecting my friend. I know I punched him for what he was doing to her.”

She now says her memory of the assault is erased by her alcohol consumption that night, but says she is “shocked” by her behaviour.

Scrivener, who police note was “sobbing uncontrollably” says she had three pints that night and Mr. Khan was overly-aggressive towards her.

She still complains she was forced to hitch-hike home when police released her from custody at 11pm the following Sunday night.

District Judge Vanessa Lloyd told them: “You have both pleaded guilty to a very serious offence. I accept it was an incident that lasted moments, but for Mr. Khan and each of you it has had much longer-lasting consequences.

“I am sure it effected him every time he set-off for work. 

“I accept it arose out of a misunderstanding and the two of you didn’t go out that evening expecting that.

“It quickly got out of control and Mr. Khan came off the worse.

“I don’t think you had the intention this would happen, but it was not helped by your drinking, although I have not heard you were legless.

“It was an isolated incident and I don’t see how society will be helped by sending you to prison. That will have bigger repercussions to your employment.”

Sunday 2 December 2018

Japan Airlines Pilot Jailed For Being Nearly Ten Times Booze Limit

A Japan Airlines pilot has been jailed after being caught in the cockpit of his Tokyo-bound passenger jet while nearly ten times the alcohol limit.

First Officer Katsutoshi Jitsukawa, 42, was preparing to fly the Boeing 777 from Heathrow Airport when he was arrested after a tip-off from the bus driver who transported him and the flight crew to the plane.
He pleaded guilty to performing an aviation function with alcohol in his blood exceeding the prescribed legal limit at Heathrow Airport on October 28.
Jitsukawa received ten months imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court, which heard his blood alcohol level was 189 milligrams.
The legal flying limit 20.
He was even more than double the far more generous UK drink-driving limit.
Jitsukawa was arrested at 6.50pm – approximately 50 minutes before the plane was due to take off.
Grounded Jitsukawa
Inspector Iain Goble, of Aviation Policing, said: "This is an incredibly serious offence as Jitsukawa, a member of the airline crew, had responsibility for performing a critical role.
This conviction reflects he displayed not only total disregard for the safety of all the passengers and staff on his flight, but also the wider public.
"Clearly, the consequences could potentially have been catastrophic had security staff and police not intervened and he had continued to perform his role on the aircraft in the state he was.
"I would like to praise the security staff who acted quickly and professionally upon suspecting that Jitsukawa was not fit to fly and alerted police."

Saturday 1 December 2018

Policeman Denies Leering At Showering Female Officer

A policeman got sexual kicks from spying on a naked female officer showering at their shared section house then hid inside a toilet cubicle when he was caught, a court heard today yesterday.

The policewoman says Oliver Levi Darby, 41, ogled her through a six-inch gap in the curtain before making up a story of feeling ill in a clumsy attempt at an excuse.

Metropolitan Police officer Darby, of Sand Cottage, Docking Road, Burnham Market, King’s Lynn, Norfolk was staying at Gilmour Section House, Kennington Lane, Lambeth.

The officer, who works on Westminster Borough has pleaded not guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of observing a person doing a private act for his sexual gratification on January 9.

Prosecutor Mr. Oliver Doherty told the jury the policewoman had just completed her shift and went to the shower room in her dressing gown at 7pm.

“She had been in the shower for ten minutes and noticed another person had entered the shower room and stood in the entrance of the wet room.

“Initially she thought it was another female and the person stood by the entrance to the wet room for about ten seconds and said nothing.

“She had the feeling somebody was behind her so turned to her left and the curtain was open about six inches from the wall and she could see there was a person stood behind her, facing the shower cubicle.

“She is sure the person would have been able to see her naked as she was washing herself.

“As she turned around the person then dashed into the toilet cubicle.”

The policewoman told the jury: “From the corner of my eye I could see there was someone stood there.

“I had a feeling that someone was behind me and glanced over my left shoulder where the curtain was open and saw someone was there and saw someone was watching me.

“It was open approximately six inches. I saw a figure facing me, they were square-on facing me.

“It was very quick and they side-dived into the cubicle and locked the door. It was as if the second I saw them they side-stepped.

“I could see that it was a male, but did not want to believe it was a male.

“I grabbed my towel, I was so shocked. I was so shocked by the situation I thought maybe I was mistaken.

“I felt really exposed.”

Darby admits he was in the shower room looking for a toilet cubicle to throw up in because there were none free in the mens room. 

“He was there for sexual gratification because of the manner her was observing her and his behaviour afterwards when he dashed into the toilet cubicle,” Mr. Doherty told the court.

“She was in shock and questioned if it was a muscular-looking female, but she concluded the person was a male.”

The policewoman wrapped herself in a towel and waited for Darby, who eventually emerged after 20-30 minutes from the silent cubicle.

“She saw the shower room door open and and saw Mr. Darby emerge and strangely he was crouching down, almost crawling out of the room.

“The Crown say he was obviously trying to leave unseen.

“Mr. Darby must have known he had been spotted coming out and he had been rumbled again and darted back into the shower room.”

The policewoman confronted him and Darby said: “I’m sorry. There was something in my mouth and the other toilets were busy. I’m sorry, I was going to be sick and the men’s were busy.”

By now he had removed the brightly-covered t-shirt he was wearing when he spied on the officer, said the prosecution, revealing only a plain white vest underneath.

“She felt violated by what happened and did not believe Mr. Darby’s explanation and excuses,” said Mr. Doherty.

Darby also claimed he could not be sick in his room’s sink because: “there was something wrong with it,” and also failed to use a bin there.

“If he was being sick he would have probably run into the room and shouted his presence, rather than stop and observe her showering.

“The Crown say that account is not right and that’s the excuse he’s made up to cover up his true intention.”

The policewoman told the jury she made eye-contact with Darby when she caught him trying to sneak out.

“Nobody walks through a door like that. It appeared to me he was trying to hide.

“I was shaking, I was upset, I felt violated that a police officer was doing that.

“He said he would not risk his job.”

Trial continues…………

Friday 30 November 2018

Homeless Somalian Wanted For East End Stabbing

A homeless Somalian is wanted by police investigating an East End stabbing near Aldgate Underground Station.
Police were called at approximately 6.30pm on Sunday, August 5 to reports of a stabbing in Tyne Street, Tower Hamlets.
Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene and found a 26-year-old man suffering stab wounds.
He was taken to an east London hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later discharged.
Detectives from Tower Hamlets are investigating and have released this image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
The suspect goes by the street name of “Taz” and is described as a Somali man aged in his 30s, of skinny build and around 5ft 11ins tall.
At the time of the offence, he was wearing a grey tracksuit, a black cap, and Nike Air Max 95 trainers.
He has also been seen wearing blue jeans with a camel-coloured suit jacket.
He is believed to be homeless and is known to frequent Liverpool Street, Commercial Street and Brick Lane and occasionally sleeps in the yard at Christ Church Spitalfields.
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
If you can identify the man in the images or offer any information to assist the investigation, please contact police via 101 referencing cad 6049/05Aug18, or tweet @MetCC.

Thursday 29 November 2018

Mum And Daughter Jailed For New Year's Eve Pub Glassing

Paula & Melissa Millard
A mother and daughter, who glassed a woman during a pub's New Year's Eve night – inflicting serious injuries – have both been jailed for five years.
Paula Millard, 49, and Melissa Millard, 22, inflicted multiple facial injuries on their victim, aged in her forties, who was struck with a glass.
The victim suffered a broken nose, gash to her eyebrow and an injury to her wrist.
All three were in the ladies toilet of The Harrow pub in High Street, Cheam at 11.00pm on December 31, 2016.
The victim overheard the mother and daughter bickering and tried to lift the mood by telling them: “Come on girls, it's New Year's Eve,” triggering the brutal response.
Paula, of Gander Green Lane, Cheam and Melissa, of Clarkes Avenue, Worcester Park were both convicted at Croydon Crown Court of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Police were called to the scene that night and the victim was rushed to a west London hospital for treatment.

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Psychotherapist Broke Court Order To Bombard Ex With Insults

A university psychotherapist bombarded her doctor ex with insulting messages after they split-up, breaking a court order banning her from contacting him.

Maria Lindholm-Ventola, 45, a lecturer and course director at London South Bank University lost custody of the child she had with psychiatrist Dr. Emad Farrag.

This prompted her to repeatedly message Dr. Farrag, who has taken their child abroad, via email and WhatsApp, referring to him as a: “Pompous f***.”

Lindholm-Ventola, of Shooters Hill, Plumstead, who is also a registered Mental Health Nurse, pleaded guilty to breaching a non-molestation order made by East London Family Court between September 18 and December 17, 2017.

A charge of sending indecent and offensive messages to Dr. Farrag, who trained at Guys & St. Thomas’s Hospital, causing distress or anxiety, between December 18, 2017 and July 9, last year was withdrawn by the prosecution.

Prosecutor Ms Jennifer Gatland previously told Bromley Magistrates Court: “The complainant Dr. Farrag is the ex-partner of the defendant, who took out a non-molestation order.

“It has a number of conditions, one of which is not to threaten the victim or go within one hundred metres of him and not abuse him.

“Doctor Farrag says he started receiving numerous abusive messages via email and WhatsApp in September, 2017.”

The insults included: “Taking the p***,” “P*** off,” “F*** off,” “Lay off the dope,” and referred to Dr. Farrag and his new girlfriend as: “A pair of f***s.”

Lindholm-Ventola says in over twenty years of psychotherapy she helps patients: “To let go of any past experiences that may hinder your progress and to explore ways in which you can begin to work towards the future you always wanted.”

She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and her areas of expertise include obsessions, anger management, stress, relationships and family therapy. 

Despite clearly breaking the Family Court order she continued berating Dr. Farrag and the new woman in his life, telling him: “You’re so full of s***,” “How sick can couple be?” and: “You pompous pair off f***s.”

Ms Gatland added: ‘She is clearly in breach of the non-molestation order and the barrage has caused a lot of distress to the complainant.

“The defendant is angry about not having access to her son, as Dr. Farrag has full custody and the messages were over a long, long period of time and there were many of them.”

She was questioned by police when the messages took a more sinister turn with one reading: ‘People die all the time.”

It is Finnish-born Lindholm-Ventola’s first conviction and she may now face disciplinary proceedings from the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Today at Bexley Magistrates Court she was conditionally discharged for two years and a restraining order was made prohibiting contact with Dr. Farrag.

Lindholm-Ventola must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Tuesday 27 November 2018

Christian Dad Beat 'Coming Out' Gay Daughter

A Christian father-of-three beat-up his eldest daughter when she finally came out to him as gay, twelve months into her new relationship.

Weuber Santana, 39, struck 19 year-old Tamirys Benicio around the head and body after she finally found the nerve to reveal her sexuality.

“Yours is a Christian household and you seem to hold fairly fundamental views and seem to have found it difficult to accept your daughter is gay,” Judge Jeremy Donne QC told him.

“When she plucked up the courage to tell you, you reacted badly and told her she had made the wrong choice and she would have to do what you wanted.”

Santana, of Sherwood Gardens, South Bermondsey pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to his daughter, the eldest of three girls, at the family home on August 25.

Yesterday the first-time offender received ten months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and was ordered to pay £500 costs.

Prosecutor Miss Carina Suarez told Inner London Crown Court Santana was driving Tamirys home from work.

“She had come out to her mother a week prior and had been in a relationship with a woman for a year.”

Her father ominously said: “I know you have something to tell me.”

Tamirys unburdened her secret and Santana responded with rage.

“He became angry and pulled out a flick-knife and threatened to kill her, saying: ’No-one would know,’ and she said: ‘Do it.’

“Once they got home she locked herself in the toilet and he tried to open the door and during the struggle she cut her finger.

“He seemed to calm down and asked her to join him in his bedroom, but once inside he put his foot to the door and asked her if this was her final choice.

“He said: ‘No. I can’t allow you to live this way’ and became angrier.

“He pushed her in the face with his hand and punched her to her side and asked her to kneel on the floor and took a belt out.

“He left the belt to the side and repeatedly punched her to her face and body.”

Tamirys suffered bruising to her eye, forearm, both arms, left leg and under her nose, plus a welt to her temple.

“He was talking about the bible and that being gay was wrong and that she had left a gap for the devil to come into her life.”

The incident lasted from 9pm into the early hours and Tamirys reported her father to the police after a conversation with concerned work colleagues.

Santana was arrested and questioned. “He said his daughter liked a girl and he put his belt on the counter top so she would tell him.

“He denied assaulting her, saying she got the injuries from trampolining and after the conversation said they prayed together.”

In her victim impact statement Tamirys said of her dad: “Now I don’t feel safe in a room with him,” adding she would burst into tears at work because of the pressure she was under.

She has now moved out of the family home.

“The prosecution allege this was aggravated and I accept that you did demonstrate hostility towards your daughter based on her sexual orientation,” Judge Donne told Santana.

“She had started a relationship with a member of the same sex and not told you because she was rightly fearful of your reaction.

“You reacted to the news that you felt was unacceptable and used either a clenched fist or open hand in a slapping gesture.

“Your daughter says in later years you have become controlling, but has expressed a wish to resume contact with you.

“Speaking as a father of two daughters myself fathers should show compassion and understanding to their daughters and not be controlling.

“She is now forging a new life, independent, away from home. I hope there is resolution here and the family can all put this behind them.”

Monday 26 November 2018

Blackmailer's Fake Rape Claim Against Gay Lover

A gambling addict faked his daughter’s death to extract thousands of pounds from his lover and then made a false sex claim in a blackmail bid for more money.

Jobless Steven Dudley, 47, began a relationship with the man he met on a gay internet dating site and conned around £3,000 out of him for the supposed funeral expenses.

He then demanded a similar sum, claiming because the victim had already transferred money into his account it was evidence he had tried to buy his silence after raping him.

Dudley, of Park Parade, Harlesden, north-west London pleaded guilty to blackmail, namely making an unwarranted demand with menaces for £3,000 on October 5, 2016.

He also pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, namely that between September 5 and October 11, 2016 he dishonestly, with intent to gain, represented he needed to pay for his daughter’s funeral.

Prosecutor Mr. Bill McGivern told Inner London Crown Court: “This defendant asked for some money, saying his daughter had died and he could not afford the funeral expenses.

“The victim was moved by that and was happy to give money and did that over several payments into this defendant’s Nationwide account.”

On October 5 Dudley texted the victim, saying: “Okay. Let me say something. You have given me money to buy me. 

“I will go to the police to say that you raped me and I still have the bruises. I think £3,000 should cover it.”

Mr. McGivern added: “He was using the generosity of the complainant and the number of payments he had received over a period of time to support the allegation.

“It is an ugly blackmail that has taken place. Invidious.”

Dudley was reported to the police by his ex. “He admitted lying about his daughter’s death and said he had been in a low place and apologised.

“He said he demanded cash because he had gambling debts and could not explain why he behaved in the way he had done.”

The victim says Dudley: “Took every opportunity to take money from me,” and has vowed to be “very wary” of trusting people in the future.

He says he was: “Stunned and horrified,” by the blackmail bid and: “Sickened by the whole affair.”

Sentencing Dudley to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, the Recorder of Southwark Judge Usha Karu told him today: “What you have done is mean and nasty. There is no getting away from that.

“You sent a very nasty text to the complainant saying he had given money to you and had raped you and you would go to the police and say you were physically injured.

“You said he should give you three thousand pounds to keep you quiet and you had the truth of the other payments into your account, but your daughter had not died, there was no funeral.

“I’m sure the text caused him deep upset and would have been very traumatic and very difficult to come to terms with.

‘You thought that because of the embarrassment of the relationship if it became public and the circumstances in which you had met that he would not go to the police.

“There was some planning in how you would extract money from someone who had been quite generous to you.

“The complainant says he has been badly effected by this and will be more careful with relationships he forms in the future.”

Dudley must also attend 60 days rehab; obey a six-month electronically tagged night time curfew between 10pm and 6am and was made subject to a two-year prohibited activity requirement, which bans him from all gambling.

Sunday 25 November 2018

"Frenzied" Knifeman Guilty Of Attempted Murder

A double knifeman, who armed himself with two blades and stabbed a shop worker around thirty times, has been convicted of attempted murder.
Leon Scott, 41, of Drayton Close, Ilford, stabbed his 31-year-old victim multiple times during the attack in nearby Ley Street on November 27, 2017.
The incident was witnessed by several members of the public, including a mother with her young children.
The Old Bailey heard the victim was speaking to two people outside the shop he worked at when Scott, armed with two knives, suddenly launched his attack.
After several minutes, and having stabbed his victim approximately thirty times in different parts of his body, he casually walked off towards the Jaffa Road Estate.
Jurors were told that Scott tried to cut the victim's neck during the attack.
A member of the public intervened to stop the stabbing, and helped administer first aid before paramedics arrived.
The two knives used in the attack were recovered from the scene.
Scott was arrested a short time after the incident.
The victim was taken to hospital in critical condition. He continues to suffer lasting nerve damage to his arm.
Acting Detective Sergeant Jeremy Collins, of East Area CID, said: "This was a frenzied attack, which was unprovoked and came totally out of the blue. It was a random attack by all accounts.
"The level of violence used was absolutely shocking, and amongst the worst I have seen.
“The scene that unfolded that morning is the stuff of nightmares, and the victim has endured lasting physical injury and psychological trauma as a result.
"The victim was stabbed thirty times, and it is very fortunate that he was not killed.
“The member of the public who helped stop the attack deserves particular recognition.
"Scott was quickly identified as a suspect, arrested and taken into custody. He has never shown any remorse, and is a dangerous offender."
The following is an excerpt from the victim's impact statement: "I am in so much pain and I can't sleep.
I feel down because of my scars and also the pain...I feel down, angry, depressed and I am scared to go out and I don't feel safe in public.
"I think about the incident all the time...I don't feel happy anymore, it feels like I lost everything. I have lost the will to live."
Scott is due to be sentenced on Thursday, November 29.

Saturday 24 November 2018

Bogus NHS Burglar Strikes In East London

Police are hunting this suspected burglar after a bogus NHS official tricked their way into a middle-aged woman's home, stealing cash and a phone.
The resident – aged in her fifties – was at home in Tate House, Mace Street, Bethnal Green at 9.00am on July 8 when the suspect came to her door.
The suspect duped her into believing she was visiting on behalf of the NHS and was allowed in.
Police want to speak with the woman pictured concerning this theft.
Anyone who recognised the woman pictured or has information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Friday 23 November 2018

Fried Chicken Customer Cooped-Up For Violent Bust-Up

A fried chicken takeaway customer, involved in a bust-up that left a member of staff with a broken jaw, has been jailed for eight months.
Manaf Alahassan, 27, fought the case at Croydon Crown Court, but was convicted after a trial.
He was found guilty of assault and possession of an offensive weapon at the Church Street, Croydon takeaway on October 12, 2017.
Alahassan entered the shop just before 5.00pm with another male and both became aggressive about the length of time they were waiting for their food order.
The second man, 20, fractured the 21 year-old staff member's jaw with a punch and was later locked-up for three years for grievous bodily harm.
Alahassan threw a salt shaker at the victim during the altercation.
He was also in possession of a knife and showed it to staff before both men walked out and left the scene.
Mobile phone footage of the incident was captured by a member of the public, which helped to match the clothing worn by the attackers with the clothing the arrested men were wearing.
The victim was taken to a south London hospital by the London Ambulance Service with a broken jaw, and facial injuries.
The two suspects were arrested a short time later in The Queens Gardens.
Detective Constable Andy Garland, of Croydon CID, said: “Attacks like this on people in their place of work are totally unacceptable.
“Alahassan and another man who later admitted to his part in the attack were located shortly after the incident by officers who conducted an area search, and both men are now in jail, all for a few seconds of sudden unnecessary violence.”

Thursday 22 November 2018

Top American Lawyer Facing Prison For Drunken Plane Rampage

Undercover Law: Vanbuskirk
A leading American lawyer, who drunkenly assaulted a flight attendant, forcing the plane to return to Heathrow, was yesterday warned to brace herself for prison.

Michelle Marie Vanbuskirk, 43, struggled with cabin crew as they tried to move her to the rear of the Washington DC-bound jet and a nurse was called to assist.

She appeared at Isleworth Crown Court, where she pleaded guilty to boarding United flight UA919 on September 23 while drunk.

Vanbuskirk also pleaded guilty to assaulting Porscha Chaplain, a member of the cabin crew, and was bailed until sentencing on February 1.

Trouble began when passengers noticed Vanbuskirk was swearing at her in-flight entertainment screen.

As crew escorted her towards the rear of the plane she assaulted Ms Chaplain.  

“She is employed by an Ivy League American law firm based in America and over here,” said her lawyer Justin Bearman. 

“The effect of sentencing on this lady will be massive in terms of employment, visas and the like.”

Vanbuskirk, of Ainger Road, Hampstead had a charge of assaulting the nurse, Emily Menninger, dropped along with a charge of using threatening behaviour towards Jana Plat.

The decision was made to return the 209 passenger to Heathrow an hour into the flight, which was then cancelled for 24 hours.

“Clearly it is a very serious matter,” prosecutor Mr. James O’Connell told the court. “This defendant got on the plane and she had been drinking before she got on.

“Perhaps with the combination of pills she was on she behaved in this disgraceful way, causing the plane to turn back to Heathrow, causing great inconvenience and cost to United and the passengers.”

The airline had to dump £4,000 worth of fuel before it was safe to land and may also pursue compensation for the passengers via the civil courts.

“I’ve heard this may be a lady of some substance,” added Mr. O’Connell, indicating Vanbuskirk may be in a financial position to pay the airline.

Judge Giles Curtis-Raleigh confirmed: “There was a substantial request for compensation from the airline based on compensation to the passengers.”

Vanbuskirk claims her reliance on anti-anxiety and insomnia prescription drug benzodiazepine contributed to her behaviour.

“We have an appointment booked with a psychiatrist and will instruct a pharmacologist,” explained Mr. Bearman, adding this was to explore: “Her chronic use of benzodiazepine.”

Judge Curtis-Raleigh told Vanbuskirk: “You have obviously pleaded guilty to serious matters and you have heard it attracts a custodial sentence, but I am adjourning for reports to see if I can exceptionally suspended it.

“You must prepare yourself for the real prospect of a custodial sentence.”

Wednesday 21 November 2018

Young Arsenal FC Star Secures Six Points

Young Arsenal FC star Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been hit with six penalty points for failing to say who was driving his brand-new 3-litre Mercedes-Benz, which was suspected of a traffic offence.

The 21 year-old left-back, who is currently recovering from a broken leg sustained on the opening day of the season, was also fined £660, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £66 victim surcharge.

The England U-21 international, of Hurley Court, High Road, Southgate, was dealt with behind-closed-doors under Single Justice Procedure rules at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court.

He was convicted of failing to give information in relation to the identification of the driver of the black vehicle, which was guilty of an unspecified offence in High Road, Southgate on June 17. 

A charge of driving the same car a month earlier at at 118 mph in a 50 mph zone on Barnet’s North Circular Road at 5.29am on May 7 was dropped by the prosecution.