OAP Gardener Hit With Five-Year 'Crimbo' For 'War Of Roses' With Neighbour

Oram Outside Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court

An award-winning gardener has been banned from contacting his downstairs neighbour for the next five years after he smashed her iPad when she filmed him in their shared grounds.

Pensioner Michael Oram, 74, was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order - aka ‘Crimbo’ - which curtailed his gardening at the housing association property when the confrontation occurred.

He snatched 56 year-old NHS administrator Jasmine McMurdo’s iPad and stamped on it during yet another ugly disturbance at the property in The Barons, St. Margaret’s, Twickenham.

Oram, a former Chelsea employment agency boss, pleaded guilty to assaulting Jasmine and causing criminal damage to the iPad on March 30, last year.

Three weeks later he was arrested again for breaching the Crimbo on April 19 for removing Jasmine’s garden shears as he attempted to save a flowering bush in the back garden.

Oram also found himself charged with breaching the order on May 15 for tipping over a black bin, plus two more Crimbo breaches relating to gardening on June 29 and July 6, last year.

Neighbour: Jasmine McMurdo

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court last Friday Oram was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

He was also ordered to pay £350 compensation for smashing the iPad; £160 in court fines and fees and must attend 15 rehabilitation session.

Oram says Jasmine was recording him on her iPad, which provoked his reaction and feels he has been the victim of intimidation and anti-social behaviour at the property.

He has been arrested on multiple occasions and this Crown Court hearing wraps up all outstanding cases against him. 

Oram insists the garden shears incident occurred as he tried to prevent “environmental vandalism” to the bush, which partly blocks the path to Jasmine’s back door.

“You cannot cut a flowering bush, you have to wait until the flowers bloom for a few weeks,” said Oram in his garden, looking horrified at the results of his neighbour’s trimming.

Oram: Back Garden Battle

The twice-married former Kew Gardens gatekeeper saw his devoted gardening win Richmond-upon-Thames’s ‘Borough in Bloom’ silver prize and during a previous garden ban he continued tending to his plants by leaning over the wall from the street.

Under the latest Crimbo his gardening is restricted to specific weekday hours of 10am-3pm and he cannot interfere with anything his neighbours do on the property.

He now has multiple convictions for breaching the Crimbo and has previously been found guilty of harassment three times after leading a law-abiding life for the seven decades.

McMurdo herself has also previously been issued with a police harassment warning. 

Grandfather Oram says he is being harassed and when he recently used his garden shed he found a wooden board with the message: “F*** off! Oram. Smile. You are on CCTV! Leave this alone!” 

Landlords Richmond Housing have installed CCTV cameras all over the property as a result of the dispute.

"Disgusting": Mum And Daughter Sentenced For Tube Train Attacks

Guilty: Elsden & Regin

Mother and daughter beauty therapists guilty of an “explosion of violence” during a packed tube train seat row with a mum and her two girls, have been sentenced.

Renata Regin, 50 and Sophia Elsden, 25, had just finished work in Sloane Square and turned on the 35 year-old mum, whose head was bashed against a metal hand rail.

The mum’s 5 year-old daughter nabbed the seat Regin was about to take and the defendant was further enraged by the 9 year-old sister kicking out her legs while sitting on her mother’s lap.

“Why the two of you decided to behave in this appalling manner on public transport, I don’t think anyone will ever understand,” District Judge Samuel Goozee told the pair at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

“People should be able to use public transport in the city without being assaulted.

“The two of you decided to jointly attack her while travelling on the Underground over an apparent dispute regarding a seat.

“Neither of you have accepted the court’s verdict and you have expressed no remorse for your actions, which were disgusting.

“Only your good character is saving you both from a custodial sentence for this assault on public transport in a confined space, involving a nine year-old girl.”

Both Regin, of Searles Drive, Docklands, east London and Elsden, of Castle Chambers, Union Street, Torquay were convicted of assaulting the mother.

Regin alone was found guilty of assaulting the 9 year-old.

Regin was sentenced to 250 hours community service and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the mother she struck and £100 to her daughter, whose hair she pulled.

Skin expert Elsden must complete 200 hours community service and pay £100 compensation to the mother and both defendants were each ordered to pay £250 costs.

In her victim impact statement the mother said: “Since the incident both children have been unable to travel to London on public transport because of anxiety.

“My older daughter, when talking about a potential career, said: ‘I’d have to travel into London alone when I grow up. Can you and daddy take me?’

“As a parent that is very difficult to hear and now both girls are scared to sleep alone and scream at night.

“I often watch them sleeping while crying to myself and have noticed changes in them, like their innocence has been taken away from them.

“I have only travelled on the train once since and that was with my husband and soon after the incident my hair started falling out as a result of what happened.

“My children don’t believe me when I say everything will be okay and my dad, who is getting older, shouldn’t have had to step in to stop this.

“I can’t wait to put this behind us and be able to travel on a train and feel safe again.”

During the trial she told the court: “I had asked the older one (Regin) to move her bag, which was in front of me, so my daughter could sit on my lap, but then she started saying: ‘Look at her legs, look at her legs.’ They were making loud comments about us.”

When the mother, who was also travelling with her parents and had just enjoyed a family day at Portobello Road Market, asked: “Is there a problem?” violence erupted.

Shocked passengers on the Jubilee Line train travelling towards London Bridge on October 13, 2018 witnessed the girls’ 65 year-old grandad twice hit Regin, when she pulled the screaming 9 year-old’s hair.

“The younger one (Elsden) grabbed my hair, wrapped it around her hand and pulled my head back and forth, bashing it against the pole,” said the mother from behind a screen during the trial.

“I had a sore head at that point, but could only focus on my children. People on the tube were screaming at the ladies to stop.”

The grandfather told the court: “The older woman (Regin) moved towards the free seat, but my youngest grand-daughter shot into it.

“The nine year-old was on my daughter’s lap and I could hear them saying: ‘Disgusting child’ and: ‘Look at her feet, disgusting.’

“The older one said: ‘Yes, I’ve got a problem with your child. She’s disgusting,’ and the younger one said: ‘Yes, she is disgusting.’

“The younger one got into my grand-daughter’s face and said: ‘You’d better watch your mouth child,’ and then grabbed my daughter’s hair and smashed her head into the railing.

“They were both attacking her at one point and the older one said: ‘I’m going to kill you, I’m kill to kill you.’

“My youngest grand-daughter was crying and screaming her head off and when her sister stood up the older lady grabbed the nine year-old’s hair and pulled her head back.

“The violence came from nowhere. It was like an explosion of violence,” added the grandad. “Everyone was in shock due to the extreme violence.

“They were attacking my daughter and my grandchildren and at one point I did hit the older one with my fist, with restraint, with minimal force to the side of her face to get her to stop the attack.

“The older one then swaggered over and did a high karate-style kick to try and take my head off and I hit her a little harder into the face.

“I’ve never seen people lose their tempers as quickly as that.”

Regin told the trial trouble began when she scolded the mother about the way her children were behaving. 

“A seat was available next to the woman and I was about to take it, but was kind of pushed because the girl jumped on the seat.

“The girl on the woman’s lap was moving her feet, her legs were in the air, you could feel them and I told her it was not the way to bring children up.”

She claimed the mother then became aggressive towards her daughter and as she tried to protect her was attacked by the grandad.

“All of a sudden I felt a blow to my chin and I tried to kick the man in the groin. I was shocked, hurt, humiliated and was then elbowed on the side of my throat and gasped for air.

“I didn’t pull any child’s hair, I didn’t touch the children. They are fabricating the story to protect the grandfather.”

Elsden, who says the distressing incident prompted her move to Devon, said: “I pointed the seat out to my mum and as she was about to sit down the child pushed and rushed across to sit down next to her mother.

“My mother did say the child pushed past with no regard and the parents should bring them up better and then the woman said: ‘Do you have a problem?’ and continued to taunt my mum.

“The lady then came towards me with her arms out, aggressively and the grandad hit my mum under the chin and she fell back into two guys.”

Their lawyer Kiran Gohal told the court on Friday: “Mrs Regin is deeply hurt, traumatised and ashamed and has lost her job as a result of it.

“She can’t cope with the stress of this court case. There were no injuries and all involved suffered great trauma afterwards.

“Miss Elsden moved back to Devon after this incident. She didn’t want to be in London anymore and is worried about her job, which is in jeopardy because of this court case.”

Guilty Of Murder: Needy Cousin Facing Life Imprisonment For Stabbing Relative

Guilty of murder: Jerome Bailey

A needy cousin, who constantly pestered a relative for cash, clothing, food and cannabis, has been convicted of fatally stabbing him as the pair strolled along the street.

Jerome Bailey, 37, plunged a blade into the abdomen of his second cousin Tesfa Campbell, 40, severing two major blood vessels and leaving him bleeding to death.

He was convicted by a Croydon Crown Court jury of murdering his cousin in Latchmere Road, Battersea on July 3, last year and will be sentenced on a later date.

Bailey, of Greenock Road, Streatham fled the scene with a distinctive bright yellow JD Sports stringed carrier bag and its contents, which Mr. Campbell had been carrying.

The jury were shown CCTV footage of the pair walking near Latchmere Leisure Centre at 2.45pm, where Mr. Campbell worked out daily, moments before he was stabbed.

Four days later police caught Bailey hiding out at a house in Victor Road, Teddington and in the rear summer house of the property they found two yellow JD Sports bags, along with evidence of cannabis and an Oyster card Bailey used to travel to the meeting.

Prosecutor Mr. John Price QC told the court friends and relatives of Mr. Campbell confirmed his relationship with Bailey had become strained in the weeks before he died.

“The two men were second cousins and knew each other very well and Mr. Campbell’s brother says they were close and that he had a ‘soft spot’ for Bailey.

“In the past he had helped him out by lending him money, but lately they had been arguing and Mr. Campbell told friends he was waiting for one final big argument and then he was going to cut him off.

“Relatives say Mr. Campbell always spoke of Bailey’s money problems and that he would call looking for money, food, clothing and cannabis.

Stabbed: Tesfa Campbell

“Mr. Campbell himself said he loved Bailey like a cousin and gave him money, but he always came back for more.”

The pair exchanged phone calls shortly before the stabbing and it was 2.45pm when passers-by saw them in a confrontation.

“Mr. Campbell was stabbed to death. It happened in broad daylight,” said Mr. Price. “The prosecution allege it was this defendant who stabbed Mr. Campbell.

“That killing was an act of murder committed as part of a robbery.”

A passing estate agent dialled 999 and his call was played to the jury. “He’s just been stabbed. I saw the whole thing happen. There’s a lot of blood,” said the witness.

“The killer made off in the aftermath of the stabbing and Mr. Campbell collapsed to the ground at the scene,” explained Mr. Price.

He was rushed to King’s College Hospital, Camberwell, but was pronounced dead at 7.41pm that evening.

When Bailey was arrested he told officers: “What do you mean he’s murdered? How can I be under arrest for my cousin’s murder?

“F***ing hell this is a madness. How the f***ing hell am I a suspect?”

Bailey had also shaved off his distinctive top bun hairstyle.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: “I am pleased with the unanimous guilty verdict reached in this case. Unfortunately, we are still no clearer to know why a meeting between the two cousins has ended with Tesfa losing his life at the hands of another family member.

“This undoubtedly a tragic incident that will have a long lasting impact on Tesfa’s family and friends. The nature of the incident is deeply shocking and I hope that this verdict goes some way to help them begin to close this sad chapter.

“I also want to pay tribute to the members of the public who came forward to assist with the investigation and those who stopped to help after the attack.”

Not Guilty: Case Dismissed Against Former Model Agency Boss

Innocent: Brito

A former model agency boss - accused of assaulting his fellow ex-director of the business - was cleared of the allegation yesterday.

Brazilian-born Jefferson Brito, 32, of Hillgate Place, Holland Park, west London walked free from Hendon Magistrates Court.

No evidence was offered by the Crown Prosecution Service and the charge was dismissed.

Brito - a former director of DASHINGMODELS LTD. - had always denied assaulting 23 year-old Lucas Camarotte at an apartment in Erome Road, Maida Vale.

He was also a director of the company, which was dissolved in February, 2018.

Archway Rape: E-Fit Released

Police investigating a rape allegation have released this e-fit of one of two men said to have pounced on a lone woman in the early hours.

The woman – aged in her thirties – told police she was approached by two men riding scooters in Archway, north London on Saturday April 6, last year.

She says she was lured into McDonald Avenue, where she was raped by one of them.

The woman was able to struggle free and was assisted by a member of the public before police were called.

Detective Constable Martyn Kenneally, of Central North Safeguarding team, said:“If you recognise the man in this e-fit, please get in touch with us without delay.

“This was a traumatic incident and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

“At this time, it is not being linked to any other incident."

Please call police on 101, quoting Cad 6878/06Apr19 or pass information to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Singing Surfgirl Accused Of £27K Disability Scam

Surf's Up: Hamlyn-Wright in Newquay

A globe-trotting musician and competitive surfer was paid over £27,000 in disability benefits after lying she was so disabled she couldn’t dress or wash herself, a court heard today.

Glastonbury performer October Hamlyn-Wright, 36, toured Australia and Scandinavia and made a music video featuring her surfing skills, which was played to the jury.

The self-styled ‘Rockchick’ and ’Surfgirl’, of Lewarne Road, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall has pleaded not guilty to the charges at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court.

She is accused of twice making dishonest false representations about her mobility and care needs to the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) in claims for Disability Living Allowance on October 26, 2013 and October 3, 2015.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Price told the court Hamlyn-Wright, who performs simply as ‘October’ had posted pictures and videos of herself on Facebook, YouTube and her own personal website.

“She surfed across the world and Australia and performed at Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight festival and many other venues.

“In the biography on her ‘October Rocks’ website she says she is a professional singer, songwriter, surfer and shark enthusiast and a surfing competitor with ‘Boardmasters’.

“She says she splits her time between London and the south-west and had performed on nine stages at two festivals and at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the ExCel, in Gothenburg, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Melbourne.”

Smoke's Up: Outside Court

Surrey-born Hamlyn-Wright’s benefit applications were made in New Malden. “She provided a letter that documented a considerable number of ailments and illnesses,” added Mr. Price.

“These flare-ups can cause extra lethargy in her joints, which become extremely painful and swollen, effecting her movement and dexterity, she claimed.”

Hamlyn-Wright wrote: “I can suffer temporary paralysis when standing up.”

“She surfed, she travelled, she performed and none of that was volunteered,” said the prosecutor.

“She was awarded the higher rate of the care component because she said she required 120 minutes a day for a carer to assist her getting in and out of bed and 60 minutes every day for washing.”

The benefits were paid directly into Hamlyn-Wright’s bank account for her to employ the necessary carers and she said she also needed help using the toilet.

“The benefit was awarded on the basis she was virtually unable to walk and needed full-time care.”

However, in April, 2017 her claim was referred to DWP investigators who found evidence of her active lifestyle, the jury were told.

“Her website said: ‘October is never without her surfboard and is making a name for herself on the scene and is competing on the UK professional tour.’

“There are videos and photos from 2013 onwards and she was also put under surveillance for a month and is walking, shopping, climbing stairs, performing and engaging with her audience between songs unaided and without obvious pain.”

Hamlyn-Wright was questioned at Kingston-upon-Thames Jobcentre on November 14, 2017 and confirmed she was receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.

“She said she was in pain every day and sometimes in manic and goes into the sea alone during the night and that she was not very good at surfing.

“When she did surf she would spend several days in bed afterwards and said she had friends to help her.

“She was vague about how far she could walk and said she did not have any good days.”

Trial continues………

Cop Tried To Destroy Street Cleaner Over Trivial Gardening Row

A serving police officer, who tried to frame a council street sweeper - who ticked him of about hedge cuttings – as a predatory paedophile, has been jailed.

Hitesh Lakhani, 42, did not like the Hillingdon Council employee warning him about littering the street with his garden trimmings so hatched a plan to destroy his life.

He had been gardening at an Uxbridge address on September 5, 2018 while off-duty.

The PC, based at the Central West Command Unit, claimed the street sweeper lured a five year-old girl into bushes.

He took an image of the man, which was circulated by police during an appeal, insisting he saw the man place the girl's hand between his legs.

Lakhani was convicted at Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court of perverting the course of justice and received three years imprisonment.

A neighbour's CCTV images proved he was lying and had fabricated the report.

“This was wicked, prolonged and cruel conduct,” said Judge Jonathan Davies. “Had Mr. Lakhani's evidence not been covered by CCTV this man would have been arrested and remanded in custody.

“You were a police officer, who would normally be calm and professional,” the judge told the disgraced cop.

“This was not spontaneous, you planned this. You have damaged the credibility of police officers generally and cases you have been a part of may need to be re-examined.”

The fake story was maintained for weeks by Lakhani and he fought the charge.

Spurs' Star Nets Three Points

Tottenham Hotspur star Jan Vertonghen has picked up three penalty points after a camera clocked him speeding in his powerful 3-litre Audi.

The 32 year-old Belgian international, of Upper Park Road, Hampstead was sentenced today at Willesden Magistrates Court.

The camera recorded the centre-half driving the black vehicle at 58mph on the North Circular Road, near Bounds Green Road, New Southgate at 5.58pm on May 20, last year - 8mph over the speed limit.

Vertonghen originally admitted the offence under Single Justice Procedure rules and the case was adjourned from November 27, last year.

As well as endorsing his driving licence with three penalty points the court fined Vertonghen £600, with £85 costs and ordered him to pay a £66 victim surcharge.

Midnight Bottle Attack: Young Man Suffers Fractured Skull

Police are hunting these two suspected thugs after a young man suffered a fractured skull when attacked with a glass bottle in west London.

West Area CID have released this image as part of an appeal to the public to identify the men.

At thirty-two minutes after midnight on Sunday August 18, last yearofficers and the London Ambulance Service were called to The Mall, Ealing to reports of a male assaulted with a glass bottle.

A 25-year-old man was found with a fractured skull. 

He was taken to a London hospital and has since been discharged however, he is still undergoing treatment due to the injuries caused.

One man has been arrested and charged as part of the investigation, but detectives from the West Area CID are asking for the public’s help to identify two further men they wish to speak to in connection with the assault.

Detective Constable Tim Warren, from West Area CID, said: “This was an brutal attack which has left a young man requiring ongoing treatment.

“These images are of good quality and we urge anyone who recognises the men pictured to get in touch and assist us with our investigation.”

Anyone who may know the identity of the two men, or who has information that may assist police, is asked to contact call police on 101 quoting reference 252/18AUG19. 

You can also tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

OAP Punched In The Face: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected thug after a pensioner was left with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket during a violent street confrontation.

Police in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham have released this image of the man they are hunting

They are appealing to members of the public with assistance in identifying the suspect.

At around 6.30pm on Wednesday, August 14, last year the 71 year-old victim was leaving a Tesco store on Fulham Road, Fulham. 

He had a brief verbal exchange with the suspect, who then followed him down the road.

The victim turned to face the man, who punched him in the face without warning. 

The suspect then fled.

The man was taken to hospital where he was found to have sustained a broken cheekbone and eye socket.

There have been no arrests.

Detective Constable Jack Ely, from the Central West Command Unit, said: "We urge anyone who recognises this man to contact us. 

“The victim sustained serious facial injuries and is still suffering from the emotional effects of this assault to this day."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 6023275/19.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous members of the public can contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website: crimestoppers-uk.org.

Sweet Justice: Confectionary Shop Robber Jailed

There is nothing sweet about armed robber Darren O'Shea, who has been jailed for holding up a confectionary shop at gunpoint.

The 45 year-old fled empty handed after a sales assistant hit the panic button and he was hunted down by the Flying Squad.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he received 12 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of robbery and one of attempted robbery.

Detective Constable David Reed said: “I have no doubt the suspect would have continued committing this terrifying spate of robberies and the sentence today is a deterrent to those thinking of carrying out such violent crimes.”

On July 13, last year O’Shea entered a Co-Op convenience store in Westhorne Avenue, Eltham, at around 9.05pm. 

He threatened the store clerk with a gun and demanded money from the register. 

He managed to take around £300 from the shop before making off.

After the robbery a family member of one of the shop workers viewed the CCTV and recognised O’Shea.

Just five days later, on July 18 O’Shea attempted to rob a small sweetshop in Charlton at gun point. 

This time, the shop assistant managed to trigger the panic button, causing him to flee the scene.

The police quickly arrived and viewed CCTV footage, identifying O’Shea as the person who was also responsible for the Co-Op robbery.

A manhunt was launched and Flying Squad officers were able to track down O’Shea at an apartment near to where he had attempted the second robbery. 

He was arrested and the premises searched by officers. 

During the search a firearm and the clothing worn by the robber in both offences was seized.

After the firearm was recovered, forensics determined that it was actually an imitation gas-powered handgun.

O’Shea admitted to police that he had used the firearm to steal the money and admitted committing both robberies to fund his drug addiction.

Rough Sleeper Caught With Stanley Blade

A rough sleeper, caught with a Stanley blade outside King's Cross railway station, has been locked-up for six months.

Paul Thorpe, 30, of Mecklenburgh Street, Camden was arrested by British Transport Police after making checks and searching him.

He was seen by officers outside the busy central London station on December 11, last year.

Checks on the Police National Computer confirmed Thorpe was in breach of a court order.

He was arrested and during the search, was found to be in possession of the blade. 

During interview, he accepted carrying the blade, and claimed he had intended to hand it into police.
At Westminster Magistrates Court he was convicted of possessing a bladed article and breaching a court order.

As well as being jailed Thorpe was ordered topay a £120 victim surcharge.
Sergeant David Underwood, said: “Thorpe was in possession of a nasty looking blade and I fully accept the court locking him up. 

“We are committed to tackling knife crime throughout the Capital and sentences such as this demonstrate how we will take quick and decisive action against those who carry weapons.”

GUILTY: Romanian Uber Driver Who Ripped-Off Vulnerable Blind Singer

Convicted: Cornel Mihai

A greedy Uber driver has been convicted of heartlessly exploiting a celebrated blind singer by using her phone to give himself a £20 tip and 5-star rating.

Cornel Mihai, 32, tricked 39 year-old Victoria Oruwari into handing over her iPhone at the end of the £51 journey and awarded himself the bonus’ without her knowledge.

The Romanian-born dad-of-two, of Thorpe Road, Barking fought the case, but was convicted yesterday of fraud by false representation and will be sentenced on February 3.

Ms Oruwari was alone and desperate to get home from London Bridge Station at 10.00pm on June 29 and was forced to book the BMW Uber cab because there were no trains to East Croydon.

“It has reiterated the fact I am vulnerable and more susceptible to crime and being taken advantage of, but to lead a full life I have to trust people,” the soprano singer told Croydon Magistrates Court.

“That trust has been shaken, but I am determined to continue trusting in people,” added Ms Oruwari, who has performed at the Royal Opera House, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Guildhall London and international venues.

She was a finalist on BBC’s ‘All Together Now’ and has performed with the Birmingham City Orchestra, Perth City Orchestra and the Royal Navy Brass Band.

Mihai fought the case all the way and still has not returned the £20 tip, which he continues to insist he did not award himself.

Deceived: Victoria Oruwari 

She told the court Mihai enquired about her sight loss during the journey, but he insisted this was not true. “I felt irritated because it was none of his business , but as I was in his car I thought it best to be polite.

“He said I was getting on with life well and was happy and I said: ‘Yes. There’s nothing to be sad about.’

“He told me he could not end the trip on his App and asked if could hand him my phone to end it. I thought it was a little odd, but there was nothing in his behaviour to make me think I wasn’t safe.

“I did not think anything fishy was going on, but I was handing him a lot of trust because of the information on the phone,” she told the court.

She turned off her phone’s screenreader function, which allows her to use it before handing it over to Mihai and only discovered the tip once she was home.

“I was shocked that I had been charged twice the fare, although I knew there would be a price surge, but also that the driver had been rated five-star and tipped twenty pounds.

“The only time I did not have the phone was when I gave it to him and had to switch off the screenreader so couldn’t hear what was happening.”

Uber immediately refunded Ms Oruwari the fare and reported Mihai to the police and removed him from their approved drivers’ database.

Mihai denied using Ms Oruwari’s iPhone. “I finished this journey on my phone,” he told the trial. “I want to work honestly.”

His lawyer Edward Seller told the court: “We are talking about twenty pounds and the loss of his livelihood. He has a lot more to lose than gain.”

Magistrate Pat Heslop announced: “We accept the evidence of the complainant, who gave a credible account of the events.

“Nothing has been suggested as to how this happened otherwise and we find it difficult to accept Mr. Mihai wouldn’t have known Ms Oruwari had issues with her sight.”

Prosecutor Julie Idowu told the court: “The Crown’s case is that this defendant made a false representation that he needed to use the complainant’s phone to end the journey and this was in order to make a gain for himself.

“The Crown also note the complainant is a vulnerable individual, is registered blind with a total loss of sight since the age of six.”