NOT GUILTY: University Rower Cleared Of KFC Brawl

A drunken university rower was found not guilty yesterday of attacking two rival competitors who complained about his rowdy group trashing a KFC after the annual ‘Head of the River’ Thames race.

Six foot six Freddie Strawson, 21, had consumed ten pints and partied at the Thames Rowing Club, Putney until midnight after competing in an eight-man crew during the March 12 event.

He admitted punching another rower in the face in Lower Richmond Road and grappling with another, whose head was cut open, but insists he was acting in self defence.

Strawson, of The Old Rectory, Market Rasen, Thoresway, Lincolnshire was unanimously acquitted by the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court jury of assaulting Stephen Johnson and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Henry Hogan.

“I saw some arguing going on about the mess involving this Stephen chap and the Newcastle boys and one of them flipped the table over,” Strawson told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

“He was saying: ‘This isn’t right’ and then it turned into an attack on class with him saying us Newcastle University students normally go to private school.

“He was quite angry and aggressive and two others got annoyed, but I was very quiet and helped clear up some of the mess.”

Outside, Strawson says he and two pals were followed by Mr. Johnson. “He’s having a go at us about the mess we made and the whole class thing and it was really quite threatening.

“I tried to ignore it, but it did not stop so put my hand on his shoulder and pushed him away and said: ‘Leave us alone.’

“Unfortunately this made it worse and almost excites him and he said: ‘I can get you done for assault.’

“He was right behind me being really threatening and I thought: ‘This guy wants a fight’ so I turned around and punched him in the face and grabbed him by the shoulders.

“I felt he was going to punch me. I wanted to stun him and grabbed him so there wouldn’t be a fight.”

Mr. Johnson told the jury he was punched for no good reason and ended up on the ground, curled in the foetal position with Strawson shouting: “I’m going to put you in hell.”

The defendant denies yelling that, insisting he stole the line: “Burn with me,” from an old Dr. Who episode. “It was a weird, silly thing to say.

“The next thing I knew I heard someone running in and felt the impact of them hitting me from behind shouting: ‘What the f*** are you doing?’

“He was running at me full tilt and we go to the ground. We hit the ground and rolled on the ground.”

Mr. Hogan suffered a cut to the back of his head, but the prosecution say Strawson deliberately threw him head-first onto the pavement.

Blood was pouring from the wound to the back of the unconscious Mr. Hogan’s head, but Strawson insists this happened when they both crashed to the ground.

“I could see he was hurt and saw that he wasn’t moving, but this was two fifteen stone blokes going to the ground.”

The prosecution say Strawson then kicked the prone Mr. Hogan in the head, but he insisted: “I didn’t kick anyone. There was no kick.

“I feel terrible that Henry was really hurt.”

He denies shouting: “You will see hell,” at the injured rower. “He’s a fellow athlete and there is a huge level of respect between rowers.”

Oldest Swinger In Town: OAP Banned For Dancefloor Gropes

An octogenarian has been banned from every nightclub in the country after he was caught celebrating his birthday by groping two young women in a crowded London Bridge bar.

Jaime Arrochela Lobo, 80, who has a heart pacemaker, put his hand up one young woman’s skirt and twice grabbed another’s bum between moves on the packed dancefloor.

The pensioner, who has a partner, told police after he was arrested in the early hours that he enjoyed dancing and chatting to girls.

He was convicted of sexually assaulting a 23 year-old and her 24 year-old friend at St. Christopher Inn, Borough on March 25.

He was placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes a condition he must not attend any nightclub in England and Wales for the next twelve months.

He must also wear an electronic tag to ensure he obeys a six-month night time curfew between 9pm and 6am and attend rehabilitation for up to thirty days.

Camberwell Magistrates Court also ordered Arrochela Lobo to sign the sex offenders register for five years and pay £250 costs.

The first woman told the trial: “I felt a bit sorry for him so said: ‘Hi.’ I thought if I saw someone like my grandfather I’d feel a bit sorry for him. The people in the pub were in their twenties and thirties.

“I turned away and a minute later I felt his hand up my skirt inside my underwear and touching my vagina.

“I turned around very quickly and pointed my finger in his face and called him disgusting. I was very upset and went outside to compose myself.

“I felt vulnerable, angry and violated.”

Her friend said: “This man came up behind me and touched my bottom so I turned around and told him not to do that.

“Later on the same man did it again. It was like a grab.

“It did make me feel a bit uncomfortable and violated and I was a bit angry with him.

“I did question why and old man would be there on his own in a young environment.

“I went outside and my friends very distraught, crying, lots of tears and was really upset.”

Arrochela Lobo, of Brinklow House, Torquay Street, Paddington was arrested at the pub and told police: “I like dancing and speaking with young girls.”

He told the court he has a pacemaker and undergone surgery to replace a heart valve and suffers from involuntary shakes.

Former car salesman Arrochela Lobo said he had “plenty” to drink. “I was dancing with different ladies. I got out of the house because I was a bit upset with my girlfriend.

“I can’t say if what the two woman say is true or not because I can’t remember.”

University Rower In KFC Punch Up

A drunken university rower floored two rival competitors who complained about his rowdy group trashing a KFC after the annual ‘Head of the River’ Thames race, a court heard.

Six foot six Freddie Strawson, 21, had consumed ten pints and partied at the Thames Rowing Club, Putney until midnight after competing in an eight-man crew during the March 12 event.

He admits punching another rower in the face in Lower Richmond Road and grappling with another, whose head was cut open, but insists he was acting in self defence.

Strawson, of The Old Rectory, Market Rasen, Thoresway, Lincolnshire has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Stephen Johnson and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Henry Hogan.

“I saw some arguing going on about the mess involving this Stephen chap and the Newcastle boys and one of them flipped the table over,” Strawson told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

“He was saying: ‘This isn’t right’ and then it turned into an attack on class with him saying us Newcastle University students normally go to private school.

“He was quite angry and aggressive and two others got annoyed, but I was very quiet and helped clear up some of the mess.”

Outside, Strawson says he and two pals were followed by Mr. Johnson. “He’s having a go at us about the mess we made and the whole class thing and it was really quite threatening.

“I tried to ignore it, but it did not stop so put my hand on his shoulder and pushed him away and said: ‘Leave us alone.’

“Unfortunately this made it worse and almost excites him and he said: ‘I can get you done for assault.’

“He was right behind me being really threatening and I thought: ‘This guy wants a fight’ so I turned around and punched him in the face and grabbed him by the shoulders.

“I felt he was going to punch me. I wanted to stun him and grabbed him so there wouldn’t be a fight.”

Mr. Johnson told the jury he was punched for no good reason and ended up on the ground, curled in the foetal position with Strawson shouting: “I’m going to put you in hell.”

The defendant denies yelling that, insisting he stole the line: “Burn with me,” from an old Dr. Who episode. “It was a weird, silly thing to say.

“The next thing I knew I heard someone running in and felt the impact of them hitting me from behind shouting: ‘What the f*** are you doing?’

“He was running at me full tilt and we go to the ground. We hit the ground and rolled on the ground.”

Mr. Hogan suffered a cut to the back of his head, but the prosecution say Strawson deliberately threw him head-first onto the pavement.

Blood was pouring from the wound to the back of the unconscious Mr. Hogan’s head, but Strawson insists this happened when they both crashed to the ground.

“I could see he was hurt and saw that he wasn’t moving, but this was two fifteen stone blokes going to the ground.”

The prosecution say Strawson then kicked the prone Mr. Hogan in the head, but he insisted: “I didn’t kick anyone. There was no kick.

“I feel terrible that Henry was really hurt.”

He denies shouting: “You will see hell,” at the injured rower. “He’s a fellow athlete and there is a huge level of respect between rowers.”

Trial continues………. 

Rollerblading Model Banned After Horror Crash With Pedestrian

Nodanche: Rollerblade Ban

A rollerblading Vogue male model’s horrific high speed crash into a female West End pedestrian left the investments expert with a fractured skull and her lucrative career in tatters. 

French-born Patrick Nodanche, 28, of Ashville Road, Leytonstone received a suspended prison sentence today and has been banned from rollerblading in London.  

The six foot two fashion model has also worked for luxury brands Tommy Hilfiger, Canali, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

London Business School graduate Jean Hu, 35, - affectionately known as JingJing - was crossing Haymarket outside Planet Hollywood after leaving her St. James’s Square office when struck by Nodanche.

She suffered a fractured skull, bleeding on the brain as well as cuts and bruises, particularly to her forehead and scalp and spent eight days in hospital and needed specialist home care.

Nodanche, who is represented by modelling agencies in London, New York, Milan and other major cities around the world pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on October 27, last year.

Six months after the incident she had still not returned to work for the mining company and was suffering from tinnitus and had difficulty concentrating.

The former Goldman Sachs specialist had to abandon her six-figure job when it relocated to Singapore because her injuries make long-distance travel impossible.

Jide Lanlehin, defending the model, told Southwark Crown Court: “He is very distraught and distressed about it. Officers on the day recorded his concerns and he administered first aid.

Fractured Skull: JingJing Hu

“It was a split-second decision. The light was on amber and the road seemed clear, but a person stepped out and there was a collision.

“He travelled in the ambulance with her out of concern for her well-being and remains concerned for the plight of the complainant.”

Prosecutor Mr. Steven Mould said: “This is a very unusual case. Ms Hu left work and was crossing the road a little bit away from the pedestrian crossing and Mr. Nodanche was on rollerblades on the road.

“He hit Ms Hu and caused injury, inflicting a fractured skull and a haemorrhage.

“He did not intent to cause injury and the offence is based on recklessness rather than intent.

“There are continuing issues with Ms Hu, but the physical aspects in the main have been resolved.

“Clearly there are issues that continue, phycological consequences in relation to this. She gets tired very easily and suffers with fatigue.”

Ms Hu is now attempting a career re-start. “However, she feels she won’t be able to get a job at the same level.”

Judge Sally Cahill QC said: “This is very serious injury. He decided to use an unusual form of transport on the public highway.

“It is almost more dangerous because he does not have any brakes and this is almost in the category of having a weapon.

“He is going down a main busy street, knowing he can’t stop. A highly reckless act.”

The judge told Nodanche: “Although not on the crossing Ms Hu was only a few yards down from it and the lights were in her favour.

“You came at great speed along Haymarket in a crouched position and stood as you got close to her.

“You did not have the facility of putting on any brakes. The speed you were going at was a huge contributory factor.

“The effect on Ms Hu was substantial. She was knocked unconscious and suffered an extremely severe head injury, a fractured skull and bleeding into the skull and still suffers from that.”

Nodanche was sentenced to fifteen months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months and ordered to complete 200 hours community service.

He was also made subject to a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, prohibiting rollerblading in London; had the skates confiscated and must pay £500 compensation to Ms Hu.

Carer Nicked £13K Off Trusting 87 Year-Old Widow

A greedy carer ripped-off an elderly widow who needed help with everyday chores out of £13,000 – treating herself to a new kitchen and bathroom.

Effat Chowdhury, 28, of Burlington Lane, Chiswick, preyed on the 87 year-old victim, who hired and paid her to provide assistance going to the local shops.

She was entrusted with the pensioner's PIN so she could also withdraw cash from the victim's bank account, but abused this for her own gain, also buying furniture, toys for her children and adventure park trips.

Chowdhury pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud by false representation at Isleworth Crown Court.

She was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment - suspended for 12 months - 200 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £1,200 in compensation.

Chowdhury gained employment as a carer for the woman, who lived on her own in a flat in Chiswick, after answering an online advert placed by her daughter in February, 2017.

She was employed to take the woman, who has mobility issues, out to the local shops and hairdressers a couple of times a week, for a total of three to four hours.

In May 2017, the victim began to notice suspicious transactions on her bank statements which she then passed on to her daughter.

These included online purchases, despite the fact the victim did not own a computer or know how to use one.

Police were informed and detectives began an investigation.

Analysis of bank statements showed Chowdhury had used the victim’s card to buy items including a new kitchen and bathroom for her house, furniture, toys for her children, tickets to adventure parks and more – totalling around £13,572.

Detective Constable Nicholas Strachan, who led the investigation, said: “Chowdhury cynically abused her position of trust by preying on an elderly woman who had come to care for her and saw her as a friend.

“She had no thought for the consequences of her actions and continued to maintain her innocence until faced with overwhelming evidence.

“We are pleased she has now admitted to her callous actions and hope this serves as some comfort to the victim and her family.”

EX-PCSO & Charity Volunteer Admits Raping 12 Year-Old Girl He Met On Web

A former Police Community Support Officer has been convicted of raping and sexually abusing a 12 year-old girl in hotel rooms and cars after he groomed her online.

Simon Owoade, 50, of St Anselms Road, Hayes, pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court to multiple offences and will be sentenced next year.

He admitted raping a child, aged under 13 years-old; assaulting a child by penetration; sexually assaulting a child and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

Between June 1 and late July 2017, Owoade made contact with the victim through a social media messaging site.

Following numerous messages, Owoade managed to persuade the victim to meet him in London and Potters Bar on a number of occasions.

He would take her to various places including car parks and hotels where he would sexually assault her.

Owoade shared pornographic material with the victim and the girl was encouraged to share naked photos of herself.

In July 2017, the victim stopped communicating with Owoade, but in April 2018 he texted her asking to meet up because he missed her.

They met up numerous times until May 18, when the matter was reported to police by the victim's parents.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: "I would like to praise the victim for her courage in speaking to officers and providing vital evidence to prosecute Owoade, who used his social media profile to gain the victim's trust, share intimate photos, and then use those images to coerce her into sexual activity.

"This is still very much a live enquiry. We are aware that Owoade had links with some charities who he involved himself with as a volunteer.

“This of course may have put him in direct contact with vulnerable people. It is very possible he has committed offences against others and I would appeal to anyone with information or concerns to contact police.

“Any information will be treated in the strictest confidence and we have specialist officers to support victims through the process."

Between 2006 and 2008, Owoade was employed as a PCSO with the Met Police, working within the Osterley and Spring Grove Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

There are no reports of any offences being committed in his capacity as a PCSO and Owoade left the organisation in 2008.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command on 020 7161 9798 or alternatively if you wish to remain anonymous you can speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

"Frenzied" Double Knifeman Sent To Secure Hospital

A double knifeman, who armed himself with two blades and stabbed a shop worker around thirty times, has been locked-up in a secure mental hospital.

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.

He was convicted of attempted murder and will remain locked-up as long as psychiatrists believe he is dangerous.

Scott was made subject to a Hospital Order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and Restriction Order under Section 41 of the Act.

This means he will remain incarcerated within a secure facility due to the risk he poses to the public or until deemed otherwise by health authorities.

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."

Hammer-Wielding Robber Jailed

A robber armed with a hammer, who struck a shopkeeper over the head while demanding cash, has been caged for three years.

Omari Blackburn, 30, of Stratford Road, Thornton Heath was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, assault causing actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon.

The court heard on Sunday, July 29 at approximately 7.15pm Blackburn entered an off-licence on London Road, Thornton Heath armed with a hammer that was hidden under his jumper.

He walked behind the counter holding the hammer above his head and threatened the shop worker, a 50-year-old man, demanding he remove money from the till.

The shop worker refused and a scuffle took place with Blackburn hitting the victim over the head.

A customer who had been at the back of the store when Blackburn walked in came to the victim’s aid and helped him to remove Blackburn from the shop.

Once outside, other members of the public kept Blackburn there until police arrived a few minutes later.

The victim suffered bumps and bruising to his head along with a laceration that required four stitches.

Detective Constable Kathlyn Stanley-Quist, from Croydon CID said: “It’s just sheer luck that the victim was not seriously injured.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise both him and the members of the public who did not look the other way but instead came to the victim’s aid and apprehended Blackburn to stop him from escaping.

“The victim only took three days off work following this incident as there was nobody else available to work in the store to cover for his absence.

“I am pleased the court has seen fit to give Blackburn a custodial sentence for what was a violent attack.”

Policeman Jailed For Twice Raping 16 Year-Old Girl On First Date

A policeman has been jailed for nine years for twice raping his teenage date.

Police Constable Adam Provan, 39 served with the Metropolitan Police's East Area Command Unit.

He raped the sixteen year-old girl in isolated woods on their first date after lying about his age then again later that night in a park.

In between the rapes PC Provan helped the girl concoct a story for her father that the pair had spent an innocent night at the cinema.

He was convicted by a Wood Green Crown Court jury of two counts of rape after a week-long trial.

PC Provan must also sign the sex offenders register.

The court heard that PC Provan and the victim met through a friend of the victim’s who had initially been mistakenly contacted by the cop.

They had exchanged messages and photos before deciding to go on a date.

He said he was a police officer and she felt she could trust him.

He also told her he was twenty-two years-old, knocking approximately a decade off his age.

On their first date in late August, 2010, PC Provan took the girl to some woods where he raped her.

The victim tried to think of ways to escape, but had left her bag in PC Provan’s car and was in a remote area so stayed.

He then took her to a fast food restaurant in Harold Hill, north-east London where he looked up films on his mobile phone, encouraging her to lie to her father and tell him that they had been to the cinema.

PC Provan then took the girl for a walk in Central Park, Harold Hill, and forced her to commit a sex act.

The girl told the court she had said "no" several times and it would have been absolutely clear to PC Provan she was not consenting.

The girl eventually told a relative she had been raped, and it was subsequently reported to police in May 2016.

Police began an investigation and PC Provan was arrested on June 1, 2016.

Following further enquiries, he was charged on September 26, 2017.

PC Provan admitted he had been on the date, but denied anything sexual had happened.

The investigation was led by Detective Sergeant Liz Gaunt and Detective Inspector Jimi Tele from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command (CASO).

Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas of CASO said: "PC Provan abused his position to win the trust of his victim and deliberately deceived her.

She felt reassured he was a police officer and had no idea of the large age gap between them.

“This assault was brazen and calculated, with clear indication he had planned it beforehand.

"The victim has been incredibly brave in giving evidence in court and I commend her courage in reliving what happened to her in court.

“I would like to praise the efforts of the investigators involved whose dedication and thorough work has helped secure this conviction, and the sentence reflects the severity of his offending.

“The MPS expects its officers to uphold the highest standards of behaviour both whilst on and off-duty.

“PC Provan is suspended from duties and will now face misconduct proceedings.”

Bentley-Driving Racer Jumped Red Light And Crashed Into Motorist

A Bentley-driving boy-racer, who seriously injured another driver after crashing into his car when jumping a red light, has been jailed.

Arian Mohamad, 31, of Albion Road, Hounslow had been racing a 24 year-old woman, according to police, shortly before the smash.

The 42 year-old victim's seatbelt broke on impact and he was thrown from his vehicle, sustaining serious injuries, which he continues to try and overcome.

Mohamad pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving in Great West Road, Hounslow on October 2, 2017.

At Isleworth Crown Court he received two years and two months and was disqualified from driving for four years and ordered to take an extended driving test before he can legally return to the road.

It was 10.30pm when Mohamad drove his Bentley Continental GT at over 50mph as he raced the second vehicle.

Together the pair overtook and undertook each other, bullying other road users out of the way.

The second driver eventually turned off to return home, but Mohamad continued to drive at excess speed.

He approached traffic lights at Vicarage Farm Road, which were red.

The victim was driving to the same junction and passed through a green light.

As he did so, Mohamad travelled through the red light and collided with the victim’s vehicle at approximately 48mph.

Police and an ambulance were called and the victim was conveyed to hospital.

Mohamad was arrested at the scene and subsequently released under investigation.

He was charged by postal requisition in August, 2018.

Detective Constable Aaron Moon, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We are delighted to have secured this sentence.

“Mohamad displayed a total disregard for the safety of other road users and consequently the victim has been left with injuries from which he may never fully recover.

“I would urge anyone who may display similar behaviour to consider the impact it can have on someone’s life and to drive responsibly.”

A 24-year-old female, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of dangerous driving is due to stand trial in April, next year.

NOT GUILTY: Woman Known For Neighbour Dispute Cleared Of Harassment

Cleared: Mojgan Casillas

A woman involved in a long-running and expensive dispute with her neighbours over gas meter access was cleared today of harassing a man with a “bombardment” of phone calls and texts.

Mojgan Casillas, 51, walked free from Bexley Magistrates Court – two hundred miles from her Stockport home – because the alleged victim was not produced from prison to give evidence.

Casillas, of Bexhill Road, a data protection manager at Stockport College, had been charged with harassing Adrian Weekes between January 18 and August 8 by sending messages.

The court refused an application from the Crown Prosecution Service to adjourn the trial so Mr. Weekes – who was recalled to prison on September 30 – can attend a new hearing and give evidence against Casillas.

Prosecutor Thandi Lubimbi told the court: “There is a bombardment of calls and texts with threats to kill him, his mother and his children.

“They are constant and unrelenting and the Crown say the calls came from three known numbers and unknown numbers.

“The victim is in and out of prison and is currently incarcerated and cannot come to court.

“The defendant was given a harassment warning and arrested by the police, but despite this continued contacting with impunity.”

Casillas always denied the charge, insisting there was no harassment.

0-2: Ex-British Judo Champ Loses Road Rage Appeal

Court Date: Hibbert

A former British judo champion has lost his appeal against a road rage conviction for assaulting a mini-cab driver, who he knocked to the ground.

Lionel Hibbert, 54, who won the title in 1992 and now teaches kids, got into a confrontation after both drivers competed for the same lane in heavy traffic.

The social housing builder, of Wood Close, Kingsbury, an instructor at Pride Judo Club, Vale Farm Sport Centre, North Wembley, always claimed he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice. 

Last week at Harrow Crown Court, a judge sitting with two magistrates, dismissed six feet tall, seventeen stone Hibbert’s appeal and ordered  him to pay £520 costs.

Hibbert denied spitting directly at mini-cab driver Zabihullah Habib, claiming at the original trial he aimed at his windscreen after receiving racial abuse and used just his left arm put him to the floor in self-defence.

Hibbert’s conviction of assaulting Mr. Habib in Watford Road, Wembley on March 12 was upheld.

He was originally sentenced to a twelve month community order, which includes 150 hours community service, £100 compensation to the victim, £500 costs and an £85 victim surcharge. 

The victim told Willesden Magistrates Court during the original trial that Hibbert cut him up in the middle of busy rush-hour traffic at 5pm.

Confrontation: Hibbert & Habib

“He managed to get in front of me when he should not have been in the bus lane to do it and caused the traffic to come to a standstill as he blocked both lanes and I sounded my horn.

“He put his head out of the window and started swearing at me and got out of the vehicle. He was very angry, very aggressive, swearing at the same time.

“I got out to tell him he had to move, that he was in my way and he spat at me. It landed on the left-hand side of my cheek.

“I returned to my car to make a note of his registration number and asked my cousin to call the police.

“As I was trying to take a note I suddenly received a punch to the back of my head, the right side of my neck.

I fell to the ground and landed on my knees and started to feel pain and my right arm started to bleed.”

The cabbie claimed Hibbert tried to flee in a panic. “I opened his door to stop him and he got out of his car and ran after me, trying to hit me.”

Hibbert told the court he exchanged glances with Mr. Habib as they fought for road space. “He drove straight towards me and hit my wheel arch and just carried on.

Floored: Zabihullah Habib

“I said to him: ‘Are you f***ing crazy?’ He stood in front of my face and called me a dirty black b******.

“I was shocked and thought he was going to do something and there were a few more racial overtones. It was wrong, but I spat on his windscreen.

“He made a very aggressive walk towards me and made a bit of a lunge and I thought he was going to punch me.

“I pulled him towards me, spun him around and set him on the floor. I never punched him.”

Hibbert told the magistrates: “I represented Great Britain for over fifteen years all over the world competing.

“It was minimum force. I just grabbed him and put him on the floor before he could throw a fist at me.”

An eye witness came forward to say Hibbert was aggressive and angry and at one point had Mr. Habib in a headlock and the cabbie’s cousin backed-up his account.

Hibbert spent over fourteen hours in police custody afterwards. “They just handcuffed me and put me straight in the van.

“I don’t see why as a big black geezer I’m pointed out as the aggressor.”