Convicted Professor Stalker Vows To Appeal

A fiercely ambitious account, convicted of stalking a London Business school professor she became obsessed with, vowed to appeal the case when she appeared at the Old Bailey today.

Zhaoyan Li, 41, stalked Oxford-educated Alex Edmans, 38, for approximately twenty months - demanding he be her lover and mentor - after she witnessed him addressing a career event.

She suddenly popped up at his church, gatecrashed his gym class, booked a holiday to follow him to Lanzarote and bombarded him with texts, emails and calls.

Now the professor, who has spoken at the World Economic Forum in Davos and testified to Parliament, will have to undergo the ordeal of giving evidence for a second time behind a screen.

At the height of Li’s campaign the professor was eventually too distressed to answer his office phone and quit regular activities. 

Li, of Rattan Apartments, Susannah Street, Canary Wharf was convicted of stalking Professor Edmans between February 1, 2017 and September 13, last year.

Li told City of London Magistrates Court, where she was found guilty, she may kill herself if convicted.

“I want to appeal,” she told the Old Bailey today, where she was due to be sentenced, and was bailed to return for an all-day hearing on April17.

Sentencing was postponed, pending the result of the appeal.

In the meantime Li has to obey conditions of bail not to contact Professor Edmans directly or indirectly or attend the London Business School.

“She is on bail and she needs to know if she breaches that she will be arrested,” announced Judge Rebecca Poulet QC. 

Professor Edmans told the court during Li’s trial last month that she  enjoyed taking photographs of him working out at a Hyde Park boot camp fitness club and groped his biceps after a class.

She began stalking him after he spoke at accountancy giants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) ‘Finding Purpose In Your Career’ seminar early last year.

“She said she wanted to become a partner at PwC, which was strange because she wasn’t even a trainee,” he explained. 

“She asked me if I was happy to have dinner with her because she had some questions about her career and I told her I had to go home.

“I went to Marks & Spencer’s and when I left she was waiting for me outside and followed me on the westbound tube even though she lived in the opposite direction and sat next to me.”

Li then joined a Surrey getaway hosted by Professor Edmans’ All Souls Church breakfast club. 

“Every mealtime she’d sit next to me and try to talk to me, even if I was talking to other people and this way annoying. She was trying to encroach on me and continually interrupting conversations I was having.”

The professor admits he eventually resorted to getting physical. “I squeezed the pressure points on her knee to cause a bit of pain.”

However, Li claims she took this under-the-table knee squeeze as a “come on” of a sexual nature.

Professor Edmans was bombarded with WhatsApp ad Facebook messages from Li, who suddenly appeared at his workout class when a picture needed to be taken.

“Out from the shadows Ms Li jumped up and said: ‘I’ll take the group photo.’ She must have been on the sidelines watching.

“She started touching my biceps, which was not solicited and then started coming to the boot camp, not to participate, but to take photos, presumably of me working out.

“I blocked her on facebook, but and then she contacted me through other means, I blocked her on WhatsApp and saved her as ‘Dirty Pervert.’

“She wanted to be in a relationship with me. It was as if she thought she had the right to have a relationship with me.”

In one message Li wrote: “I want a Mr. Right who loves me and cares about my feelings.”

Eventually All Souls Church banned her and Professor Edmans reported her to the police, who gave Li an official warning in January.

“She then started coming to the London Business School campus and using the internal phone and called me on February 14 to say: ‘Happy Valentines Day.’

“Normal things like checking emails filled me with horror and dread and each time I saw her number my heart sank because this ordeal was continuing.”

Eventually a panic alarm was fitted at the professor’s office and he quit the boot camp and church breakfast club after Li booked herself on their Canary Islands vacation.

“I thought: ‘There’s no getting away from her if she turns up in Lanzarote for the entire eight days.’”

Today Judge Rebecca Poulet QC told Li to consider her position: “The professor, the gentleman in question, would he to come to court so we’d have to fix a date for him.

“You can do so if you want to, but you may be penalised in costs if the court decided the magistrates were right and secondly if the court upholds the conviction it will then sentence you and the result would be that possibly your position would be more serious, the court having heard the professor give evidence.

“He would have to give evidence twice by then.”

The judge added: “If there is a total re-hearing of this case as there would be and if the court decided against her, if they upheld the conviction, she would have to pay quite substantial costs. Does she understand that?”

New Year's Day Sex Pest Locked Up

A “prolific offender”, who molested two women in the street on New Year's Day, has been jailed for a year.

Mohammed Abedin, 32 of Montana Road, Tooting Bec, preyed on the women – who he did not know – just minutes apart.

He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the women in Upper Tooting Road, on January 1 and possessing a small quantity of cannabis.

Wimbledon Magistrates Court heard he tried to engage the victims in conversation and then sexually assaulted them.

Abedin was identified at the scene and arrested.

He was also be placed on the sex offenders register for ten years.

The court heard Abedin has a history of similar offending.

Detective Sergeant James Massey of the South West Command unit, who led the investigation, said: "Abedin is a prolific offender, and has shown that he is a risk to women.

"Due to the first victim quickly reporting the incident and then identifying him with officers present, he was detained very quickly.

“The following day he was jailed, where he poses no further risk to the public.

"We would urge any victims of sexual assaults to report them as soon as possible.

“We will do everything we can to identify the person responsible and hold them to account for their actions."

Female Shoplifting Gang: CCTV Released

Police investigating a suspected all-female shoplifting gang have released these CCTV images as they continue to hunt them down.

Officers on Newham borough, east London say they are keen to identify the trio, who they wish to question.

They are suspected of stealing over £2,000 worth of women's accessories from a retail shop in Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford.

The suspects entered the store at 6.50pm on Monday, August 13, last year, accompanied by two small children.

They filled shopping baskets with stock from the store and left the venue without paying for the goods.

Anyone who can name the women pictured is asked to contact North East Command Unit by dialling 101 and quoting 5326132/18, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Woman Stabbed At Bus Stop: E-Fit Released

Police have released this e-fit of a suspect after a lone woman was randomly stabbed at an east London bus stop late one night.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after the 32 year-old woman was attacked in Chadwell Heath.

Police were called at approximately 10.55pm on Friday, November 30, last year to High Road to reports a woman had been stabbed close to the bus stop on Albany Road.

The woman was taken by the London Ambulance Service to an east London hospital for treatment and she has since been discharged.

The suspect is described as a white man, aged in his early 30's, with a ginger beard and glasses.

He was wearing a dark coloured jacket, trousers and a baseball cap.

Acting Detective Inspector Dean Grafton, from the East Area Command Unit, said: "This appears to have been a random attack on a lone woman.

“Thankfully her injuries were minor and she was quickly discharged from hospital.

"I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the E-fit to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen a man running from the scene."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting reference 8999/30Nov.

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

Knifepoint Sex Assault: E-Fit Released

Police have released this e-fit after a woman in north London was molested at knifepoint in the early hours.

The investigation was launched following the incident which occurred at approximately 1.00am on Saturday, November 10, last year.

A woman, aged 25 years-old, was approached by the suspect in Hungerford Road.

The man sexually assaulted her.

He also produced a knife during the incident.

The woman managed to push the suspect away before making her way home and reporting the incident to police.

Detectives Chief Inspector Pete Wallis, said: "We are issuing this e-fit in a bid to identify this man.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Hungerford Road in the early hours of November 10, or who recognises this man to contact police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in the Central North Command Unit on 101 and quote CAD 507/10Nov; alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hackney Knifepoint Muggings: Three Suspects Wanted

Police have released images of three suspects they want to question in connection with a number of knifepoint muggings in the Hackney area during November, last year.

Detectives are investigating eleven robberies which took place near Rectory Road London Overground Station in Narford Road and Brooke Road, between November 5 and November 25.

All of the robberies took place between 6.00pm and 2.00am and in each case the victim was threatened with weapons, including knives.

Quantities of cash are reported to have been stolen, as well as a number of debit cards.

The suspects are described as black, between 18 and 25 years-old and wearing dark clothing.

Although each robbery was carried out by just one suspect, officers believed them to be linked and the men to be known to each other.

Detective Constable Alexander Cochrane-Dyet said: “The victims in these cases have faced a horrifying ordeal and we want to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are appealing for these men or anyone who recognises them to come forward and assist our investigation.”

Justice Catches Up With Child Molester Three Decades On

A paedophile, who preyed on two young boys aged just six to eight years-old three decades ago, has been jailed.

Christopher Posada, 47, of Malton, North Yorkshire was was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He was found guilty of ten counts of indecent assault of a child after a Wood Green Crown Court trial.

The court heard that Posada - known as Chris Pope at the time of the abuse - targeted the two boys during the 1980's.

The boys, were known to each other, and were aged between six and eight when the abuse started.

Posada - who was a number of years older - befriended them and would invite them round to his parents' house in Hackney where the abuse would take place.

He also took the opportunity to sexually abuse them during games of hide and seek in a nearby churchyard.

The boys did not realise the other had been abused until one of them - then aged in his 30's - reported the matter to police in 2017.

Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command began an investigation and Posada was arrested but denied the abuse.

However, as the investigation continued the second victim came forward to police.

His allegations were put to Posada who again denied responsibility, but he was subsequently charged.

Detective Constable Ben Lucas, who led the investigation, said: "Christopher Posada is a predatory sexual offender who targeted two vulnerable young boys for his own gratification.

"Posada, a young man himself at the time of abuse, manipulated and controlled the boys, using his influence as an older boy to isolate and then abuse them.

"I would like to praise the courage of the two victims for supporting this case and I hope Posada's conviction can help them move on from the pain he has inflicted on them.

"It cannot be discounted that he abused other boys - I would appeal to anyone who believes they may have been abused by Christopher Posada, or Chris Pope as he was known, to contact police.

“Specially trained officers are here to support you."

Grenfell Tower Fraudster Jailed For £33K Scam

A bogus Grenfell Tower fraudster, who claimed he was living in the tower block when it caught fire, has been jailed for a £30,000 scam.

Muslim Abolaji Onafuye, 54, later claimed his Ramadan fast caused temporary insanity once his story had been exposed.

He received £33,000 in accommodation and financial assistance from the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and the Rugby Portobello Trust charity.

Onafuye, of Gorleston Street, West Kensington was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court of two counts of fraud by false representation.

He received five years imprisonment.

Onafuye falsely claimed he lived on the 11^th floor of the council tower block and his brother died in the blaze.

During the trial he said during his police interview he only claimed to have been living in Grenfell as he was suffering from temporary insanity caused by not eating during Ramadan.

He later alleged that he had been volunteering after the disaster and was rehoused as a result of suffering trauma during that time.

Onafuye also stated he had never claimed to live in Grenfell Tower and disputed the evidence given by staff from various organisations.
Detective Constable Carlos Araujo, who led the investigation, said: “Onafuye shamelessly took advantage of the support being offered to those who were directly affected by the Grenfell tragedy and he has continuously failed to own up to his deplorable actions.

“We will continue to investigate and prosecute anyone who is exploiting what happened at Grenfell and our thoughts remain with the real victims of this tragedy.”

Virgin Atlantic Passenger Accused Of Assaulting Three Cabin Crew With "Judo Sweep" Kicks

A globetrotting economist appeared in court today accused of assaulting three cabin crew with a “judo sweep” kick during a legroom row on a flight from Johannesburg. 

Hilary Diana Mackay, 54, an international Finance and Project Manager with links to MP’s and senior lawyers and accountants denies the charges, claiming she was practicing the martial art.

She is the ex-Company Secretary of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a think-tank that counts Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge amongst its members and promotes democracy all over the world.

Mackay, who lives in a £942,000 home in Trebovir Road, Earl’s Court was arrested at Heathrow Airport after her Virgin Atlantic flight landed on December 12, last year.

She pleaded not guilty at Uxbridge Magistrates Court to assaulting Lucey Downey; Leanne Palmer and Phillip Sumner on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.   

A charge of being drunk onboard Flight VS462 was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. 

She was bailed unconditionally to return to the same court for trial on February 26.

Mackay, a former Grants Officer for the Big Lottery Fund is currently a self-employed independent consultant/researcher specialising in international research and development and humanitarian assistance.

She has a BA in Russian Studies from the University of Leeds and a postgraduate degree from Birkbeck, University of London in Economics.

Cabin crew had told her to she must pay an extra £50 charge for sitting in a seat with extra legroom.

Her lawyer Mr. Such Kahlon told the court: “She’s done a judo sweep in the isle of the airplane. The steward has tripped up and injured themselves.”

Prosecutor Ms Zara Khan explained: “Ms Leanne Palmer has said that: ’At 10.30 my attention was drawn to a female passenger. The customer had her leg in the isle, looking like she was stretching.

‘She moved it in and then moved it out to deliberately trip me and I grabbed a headrest to break my fall. She made contact by my shin and I believe this was a deliberate attempt to trip me up.’

“The next complainant Lucey Downey says: ‘A passenger was sitting in an extra legroom seat that costs fifty pounds.’

“She says Ms Mackay was aggressive towards her and offensive and Ms Mackay stared at her and says she deliberately put her leg into the isle with: ‘Force and anger to trip me up and was successful and I tripped down the isle.’

“Mr. Sumner says: ‘At. 11.05 Ms Mackay tripped me up as I approached her and tripped me up as I approached her again. She looked at me and put her foot out.

‘I told her she could injure someone’.”

Mackay told the magistrates: “I didn’t trip the people up in the way that’s been described. It was judo sweeps along the floor.

“They stated they did not fall. The aim of the judo sweep is to put someone on the flat of their back, so as a judo sweep I failed.

“It is not an assault. Battery is with the hand and not the foot and I used a foot.

‘I was practicing judo sweeps. It wasn’t to trip someone up or target these people.

“I did aikido for three years and judo for five years.”

Mr. Kahlon added: “An altercation did occur on the airplane, but Ms Mackay believes it is not the right concept of what she did that makes an offence.

“She is saying it is not guilty, but: ‘I did swipe my leg.’

“She wants to claim compensation from the police for wasting my time and your time,” Mr. Kahlon told the magistrates.

Mackay, who appeared wearing a green hooded parka, black trousers and flat black shoes confirmed her name, date of birth, address and nationality.

She was reluctant to enter a plea, claiming she had not seen any prosecution statements or had the complainants identified to her.

“It’s not a guilty or not guilty, it’s no case,” she told the court from the dock. “I have the right to see the witness statements of the person who said I assaulted them.

“How can I plead guilty or not guilty if I don’t know who the person is. I don’t know who these people are.”

Mackay was repeatedly told to be quiet by bench chairwoman Evadne Cookman, who told her: “This is now the time for the prosecution to speak. Please stay calm and don’t interrupt the prosecution again.

“You can’t come in this court and decide what a case is or not.”

Prosecutor Ms Khan told the court: “No defence has been put forward. I’m not sure what the defence is.”

In her defence case statement Mackay claims the prosecution’s timings are all wrong, concluding: “The whole situation is a set-up.”

Benefit Cheat's Disney Trip

A benefit cheat blew £4,000 on a trip to Florida’s Disney World after continuing to claim cash despite a £100,000 inheritance.

Divorced mother-of-two Lorna Overington, 53, had already enjoyed two more holidays; gifted her son and daughter £10,000 each and gone on a £20,000 spending spree.

The London Ambulance Service administrator received £19,000 in Housing Benefit to help pay her rent due to her modest earnings, but kept quiet about the inheritance for three years.

Overington, of Wilverley Crescent, New Malden pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in circumstances to the Department of Work & Pensions between June 23, 2014 and June 5, 2017.

“She spent money that taxpayers had given on two ten thousand pound gifts and a trip to Disney World,” said Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Judge Timothy Lamb QC today.

“Some would say a trip to Disney World for the family was lavish. There must be people on benefits today that would love ten thousand pounds to be given to them.”

Overington, who has repaid £15,000 and is on a payment plan for the remaining £4,000 received 14 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years.

She must also complete 90 hours community service work and pay £340 costs.

“She knew when the claim started that her mother had died and that she was a beneficiary,” added the judge. “She was not entitled to this money.”

Overington’s mother died in January, 2014, leaving a £400,000 New Malden home and the inheritance payments were received via her brother.

“She was having an extremely difficult period in her life, her marriage had broken down and she had to leave the matrimonial home after her husband had an affair with his cousin,” said Hannah Thomas, defending.

“She had to find accommodation for herself and her two teenage children and applied for Housing Benefit.

“She had this terrible year and it was not in the forefront of her mind due to a cancer mis-diagnosis and illness and when she realised she should have declared it became scared,” added the lawyer.

“She is mortified by this. The money was spent to improve the life of her family, none of this was spent on herself.

“In taking them on holidays and giving them this money she was trying to take care of her family. This was not someone living selfishly beyond their means.”

Judge Lamb told Overington: “You feel a great deal of shame and remorse and you have brought a great deal of suffering and strain to your family.

“You knowingly used tens of thousands of pounds that was payable to other benefit recipients for your family, including a trip to Disney World.”

Guardian Nicked Orphan Teen's Trust Fund Cash

The trustee of a teenage orphan’s inheritance helped herself to up to £60,000 of the boy’s money to employ boyfriends and relatives to do up the youngster’s family home.

Mother-of-three Melaney Watford, 39, was a close friend of the parents of the teen, who turns 18 years-old later this year, and had financial control of his trust fund.

Watford, of Spencer Road, Mitcham pleaded guilty to one charge of fraud by abuse of position between May 25, 2015 and January 19, last year.

Prosecutor Mr. Michael Reilly told Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court yesterday: “It has always been difficult to put a monetary value on this fraud.”

Investigators believe £30,000-£60,000 was stolen by Watford, who is also the boy’s legal guardian.

He was left a £125,000 lump sum, plus £200 per month following the death of his mother and father.

Watford’s lawyer June Warwick said: “The defendant took on a young boy who lost two parents in tragic circumstances and for the first six months there was no income.”

Watford says her own money was used up initially and she had “no financial or emotional support.”

The lawyer added: “She has limited education and no knowledge of trusts and she had no guidance or information.”

Watford his two teenage children of her own, plus a toddler. “She then treated the money in the same way she treated the children and put it all together and mismanaged it.

“There were no luxuries, no holidays. All she benefitted from was the odd takeaway and a trip to the dentist.”

Mr. Reilly said: “The lump sum is reduced on an almost daily basis, two hundred and fifty pounds is withdrawn in cash on an almost daily basis.

“A lot of it seems to have gone on renovations and she employed relatives or boyfriends for work.”

The boy will inherit the house when he turns 18 years-old, but a surveyor says the work carried-out by Watford’s cronies is sub-standard.

“The house was put on the market against his wishes and the Crown say the work on the house was not done and the house, as it stands, is a shell.

“A relative of the boy found out about the sale and it was stopped.

“The defendant treated the trust money as her own.”

Watford was bailed to be sentenced on March 1.

Front Door Row Ends In Knife Murder Of Housemate

A man who stabbed his female housemate to death during a row over an open front door is starting a life sentence.

Gary Davis, 51, of Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich repeatedly stabbed 56-year-old Gita Suri after picking up a kitchen knife in the property.

Both residents had been housed at the address due to their mental health issues, but argued over Gita's habit of leaving their front door open.

Davis must serve a minimum of 17 years after he was convicted at the Old Bailey of murder.

The court heard that police were called at around 11.32am on Saturday, June 23 after reports of a body in the house's garden.

Officers attended and found Gita's body partially hidden beneath a duvet in the back garden.

At the scene, Davis admitted that he frequently argued with Gita, but said he hadn't seen her for a couple of days.

He was arrested at the scene and taken into custody.

A post mortem was carried out the following day which revealed Gita had died as a result of multiple stab wounds to the upper body and back.

In his police interview, Davis admitted killing Gita on Thursday, June 21 in a "frenzied attack" because he was sick of her repeatedly leaving the front door of the property open.

He claimed that the pair were in the kitchen when he confronted her over the issue and she then started shouting back at him and screaming she was going to call the police.

After punching her twice until she fell to the floor, he picked up a kitchen knife from the table and stabbed her multiple times, not stopping until she fell silent.

He then tried to set light to her body before dragging her outside and covering her with a duvet in the garden, which he kept in place with logs.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, of the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “Davis carried out a horrendous attack on Gita which led to her death and then callously attempted to cover up what he had done.

“Her family have to live with the consequences of one man’s actions for the rest of their lives and we hope this result gives them some measure of comfort.”

Gita’s daughter and son-in-law said: “Gita was a lovely, caring lady, who will be missed dearly by all those who knew her.

“We accept this verdict, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Metropolitan Police for all their hard work during the investigation and the continued support they have provided our family throughout this difficult time.

“While it is difficult for us to imagine life without Gita, we are thankful for the years we did have with her and are hopeful that lessons can be learnt from this incident so that no more families have to go through the loss we have.”

Early-Morning Sex Assault Of Female Commuter: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspect after a lone young woman was sexually assaulted while walking to work near the City early in the morning.

Tower Hamlets police have released this CCTV image in an attempt to identify him.

At around 6.40am on Saturday, September 8, last year the victim - a 23-year-old woman - was walking alone in Royal Mint Street, Wapping when she was grabbed from behind by a man.

He then forced her to the ground, but fled the scene when he noticed a white van travelling along the road.

The victim spoke to the driver of the van, who confirmed he had witnessed the attack.

It is believed the driver chased after the suspect.

The victim continued to her place of work where she reported the attack.

Police are keen to speak with the driver of the van and anyone else who has any information that may assist the investigation.

The suspect is described as an Asian man, aged between 20 and 25 years-old, about 5ft 8ins tall and of stocky build.

He had black wavy hair with a curtain fringe haircut.

At the time of the offence he was wearing a black Puffa-style jacket and black jogging bottoms.

Detective Constable Safdar Mahmood, from the Central East Command Unit, said: “This is a horrific attack on a lone female.

“Thankfully the timely appearance of the white van prevented further harm to the victim.”

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Safdar Mahmood via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also Tweet information to police @MetCC.

Three Time BRIT Award-Nominated Musician Jailed For Knife

A BRIT-nominated rapper, caught with a knife while sitting in a parked car, has been jailed for eight months.

Momodou Jallow, 23, of Manor Road, Stratford, known as 'J Hus', was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to carrying a knife.

Detective Constable Faye Robins, from Newham’s Gangs and Firearms Unit, said: “Jallow is a young rapper that many young teenagers look up to, and he clearly had no common sense when he decided to carry a knife with him.

“Sadly, London has seen too many young males being stabbed to death or being sent to jail for plotting the death of others, and Jallow could have used his platform to turn lives away from crime; instead he has advocated it.

“The Gangs and Firearms Unit in Newham are pleased that he has finally pleaded guilty to this offence and hope that this result will deter other young men from carrying knives.”

Shortly after midday on Thursday, June 21, last year a marked police car was carrying out a routine patrol around Westfield, Stratford.

The unit had been informed that there was a male wanted in connection with an unrelated matter, sitting in a Black Audi on International Way.

The officers approached the vehicle and the occupants of the car were searched at the scene.

When officers searched Jallow – a three-time Brit Award nominee - a lock-knife with a 10cm blade was found in his front left trouser pocket.

He was arrested for being in possession of an offensive weapon at 1.05pm and taken to an east London police station.

Late-Night Bus Attack: Two Young Women Wanted

Police are hunting these two young troublemakers after a woman was hit with a pole and spat at on a late-night bus.

The two females were part of a group of four onboard a 344 bus at 2.30am as it travelled along Battersea Park Road, south-west London on August 3, last year.

As they got off near Latchmere Road the 29 year-old female passenger was attacked by the group.

One of the suspects hit the woman around the face with a small metal pole and two of the suspects also spat at her.

Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating.

They would like to hear from anyone who recognises either of the suspects from the CCTV stills or who was on the bus and is yet to come forward and speak with officers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting reference 773/3Aug. 

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

Two girls - aged in their mid-teens - were interviewed in October in connection with the assault. 

They have since been released under investigation.

Police Officer's Nose Busted By Prisoner's Flying Elbow

A violent prisoner, who elbowed a police officer in the face – breaking his nose – while standing at the station's custody counter has been jailed for twenty months.

Mubarik Cadani, 31, of Sparrow Farm Drive, Hounslow, pleaded guilty to inflicting actual bodily harm when he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.

The court heard how on Tuesday, August 21, last year Cadani was arrested for assault and taken to Hounslow Police Station.

While in custody, Cadani hit PC James McGahan’s face with his elbow, causing a broken nose.

PC McGahan subsequently missed two weeks of work due to the injury.

CCTV footage of the attack shows how Cadani launched the attack, completely unprovoked, as he stood at the custody counter.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable David Payne from the Metropolitan Police West Area Safeguarding team said: “This is a sickening, vicious assault on a police officer who was simply doing his job, working to protect vulnerable people.

“We have released footage of the assault to show the levels of violence police officers are faced with on a daily basis.

“We are happy with the sentence given by the judge today which reflect that assaults against any public service workers are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Cocaine Dealer Had £800K Worth Of Drug In Car Boot

A drug-dealer, caught with £800,000 worth of cocaine in the boot of his car when stopped by the Metropolitan Police's Violent Crime Taskforce, has been jailed.

William Dunford ,24, of York Way, Islington, received 12 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

Officers from the Violent Crime Taskforce in two unmarked police vehicles, were carrying out a routine stop and search patrol in east London, when they stopped a car being driven by Dunford.

On searching the vehicle, officers discovered 26kg of cocaine hidden in the boot.

Inspector Peter Moxham said: “This sentencing is the result of a routine stop and search carried out by officers on patrol.

“These take place every day, across London.

“A result like this demonstrates how effective the tactic can be when preventing criminals involved in drug dealing and other criminality, including carrying offensive weapons.

“A twelve-year sentence has now been handed out to an individual who clearly thought he would not be caught by police.

“I would like this case to act as a warning to anyone who thinks they can get away with drug dealing.”

Knightsbridge Restaurant Fire: Two Suspects Identified

Detectives investigating a suspected arson at a restaurant in Knightsbridge have released images of two men they would like to identify.

Officers were called to the restaurant, in Brompton Road, shortly after 3.00am on Thursday, December 6, last year to reports of a fire.

Analysis of CCTV shows two men who were near to the restaurant at the time the fire started.

The first man is described as wearing a black/navy blue parker jacket with lighter coloured ‘fur like' lining around the hood, dark jogging bottoms with lighter coloured horizontal lines on the rear, a round neck dark coloured sweatshirt and black trainers.

The second man was wearing a light coloured brown jacket, dark coloured trousers and black shoes.

The fire caused extensive damage to the front of the restaurant.

There were no reported injuries.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the identities of the two men are asked to contact detectives by calling 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.

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