Friday 20 March 2020

OAP's Arm Fractured: Train Station Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected train station thug after an OAP suffered a fractured arm when shoved to the floor.

British Transport Police (BTP) have today released this CCTV image of the man they want to question.

The appeal follows a report of an assault at Swiss Cottage underground station at 2.24pm on Friday October 18, last year.

The victim, an elderly man aged in his 70's, was pushed to the floor. 

He suffered a fractured arm.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 323 of 18/10/19.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thursday 19 March 2020

Canary Wharf Assault: Two Women Wanted

Police are searching for these two female suspects after a man was punched to the floor at Canary Wharf Underground Station.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV still of the women they wish to speak to.

The incident happened at 6.35am on Saturday January 25.

The man is reported to have been punched to the floor as he approached the gate line at the station.

Officers would like to speak to the women in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows them is asked to contact BTP texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 119 of 25/01/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wednesday 18 March 2020

Harley Street Clinician Stalked By Heartbroken Ex

Video: Shujat Sadique
A Harley Street acupuncturist stalked by her estranged husband suffered stroke-like symptoms from numb-induced stress when he bombarded her with “cringeworthy” love-sick videos, a court heard.

Alternative medicine expert Sahar Hooti - boss of AcuCare Clinic - was sent unwanted flowers and was followed from work by Shujat Sadique, 48, who she dumped after he cheated on her multiple times.

It was the second time the aromatherapist and advanced beauty therapy specialist had walked out on management consultant Sadique, who claimed he was simply expressing the feelings that won her back the first time.

He even sent her a a slick video he made of himself in a professional recording studio singing Bryan Adams’ ‘Please Forgive Me,’ in an effort to shake off his “boring” tag.

However, District Judge Alex Jacobs did not agree and convicted Sadique, of Elmstead Avenue, Wembley of stalking Sahar between December 6, 2018 and March 9, last year.

“Your evidence reflected your misguided attitude and I don’t accept for one moment your actions were innocent,” he told him. “You said you had won her back once before like she’s some sort of prize or trophy.”

Sahar was sent two videos by Sadique near the spot he proposed to her in Southsea, Hampshire seven months after she left him, suspiciously recorded near her parked car.

“He was looking for me and found my car,” the Southsea-native told Hendon Magistrates Court. “I was in the middle of a panic attack  and I was on the floor.

“I had to cancel my patients and thought I was going have a stroke. One side of my face went numb and the medical people said it was extreme stress,” Sahar told the trial from behind a screen.

Sadique recorded himself on the seafront begging: “You will see the new me. We can have a good life, have fun. I can be your soulmate, give this guy one more chance.”   

In the second clip he asked: “Just give me five minutes and we can salvage this. I love you with all my heart. Let me make your dreams come true darling.”

Panic Attacks: Sahar Hooti
University of Portsmouth graduate Sahar, who has another AcuCare clinic just outside that city in Widley, told the court: “I just hated it. It was cringeworthy.”

The couple married in 2015 following a two-year romance, but after her July, 2018 walk-out Sadique’s stalking began by sending her “compromising private images”.

“My heart just sank in that moment. I knew what he was up to,” said Sahar, who also received multiple emails and WhatsApp messages from her husband.

However, Sadique dismissed the compliant, explaining the explicit images were taken during happier times the couple enjoyed in Ibiza. “You can only see a little bit of bum,” he told the court.

He previously made a nuisance of himself at the clinic, she told the trial. “He was waiting in reception and they thought he was a patient.”

“I was horrified. He was creating a scene and he wouldn’t leave.”

Five days later Sadique followed her in Oxford Street. “He tried to start a conversation and I asked a store security guard to stop him following me.

“He followed me around the shop and then to the train station, where I reported him to two police officers and they separated us.”

Sadique told the court he was acting romantically and spontaneously following criticism from his wife that he was “boring”.

This included producing the professional-looking music video featuring him crooning into a microphone over the Bryan Adams track, which starts: “It still feels like our first night together. Feels like the first kiss.”

This was to show he was a new man after refusing to join in karaoke with his wife during the marriage, he claimed. “The videos are cringe, but I was out of my comfort zone and trying to be real.

“When you are on your own you end up googling things on the internet like: ‘How to win your girlfriend back’.

“I thought I would show her this side of me and she would say: ‘Wow. He’s changed’.

“I also went to the place I proposed to her and made the videos. I thought it was romantic.”

The campaign has dramatically effected her quality of life, explained Sahar. “It’s frightening and I stay at home. I pull my curtains and keep my alarm with me.

“I’m scared to have a social life and can’t sleep in my own house. If I hear a noise I think it is him or someone he has sent. It’s too much.”

Sadique was bailed to April 21 for a pre-sentence report on condition he does not contact his estranged wife, her mother or visit the Harley Street clinic. 

Tuesday 17 March 2020

Train Racist Wanted For Threats: Suspect Hunted

Police hunting a racially-abusive train passenger, who threatened a couple sitting nearby, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the complaint, which occurred on a London Paddington to Reading service.

The incident happened between 11.30pm and midnight on Saturday, February 8.

The man is reported to have started making violent threats and subjected a couple to racist abuse.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the image who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact the BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 2000013541.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Monday 16 March 2020

Tube Train Mugging: Can You ID This Suspect?

Police are hunting this suspected tube train mugger after a gang robbed a man and forced him to make a cashpoint withdrawal.

The victim had been partying all night and boarded the Jubilee Line Underground train at 5.30am on January 18.

A group of males boarded the train at Swiss Cottage and one of them grabbed the victim's throat and assaulted him.

They snatched his bag and took his sunglasses, Oyster card, bank card and driving license.

As the train arrived at Wembley Park they ordered the victim to get off the train and threatened to stab him if he didn't take cash out of the machine.

They withdrew £150 and snatched his Michael Kors bag.

Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2000006419. 

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sunday 15 March 2020

Stratford Mugging: Second Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected mugger after two robbers targeted a victim for their bank card and PIN at Stratford station.

British Transport Police have released this CCTV image of the wanted individual.

The incident happened at 3pm on Saturday, January 18 at the east London station.

Two men are reported to have threatened the victim and ordered him to hand over his bank card and pin number.

One of the men was arrested on suspicion of the offence.

Abdouihalim Tchagnani, 18, of Asplins Road in Tottenham, has since been charged and has appeared at court.

Officers are in the process of trying to identify the second man.

They would like to speak to the person in the image and ask anyone who knows him to contact BTP.

Witnesses can text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 and quote reference number 294 of 18/01/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Saturday 14 March 2020

Schoolgirl Flashed On Tube Train: Pervert Hunted

Police are hunting this suspected tube train pervert after a male deliberately exposed himself to an 11 year-old schoolgirl in an empty carriage.
The girl was travelling alone on a Bakerloo Line train from Baker Street just after 4pm on February 4.
As her carriage emptied and the train departed Queen's Park Underground Station a male suspect sat opposite the victim.
He then indecently exposed himself to the girl.
Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.
Detective Inspector Dan Holmes said: “This is clearly an incredibly concerning incident and we are keen to identify this individual as soon as possible.
“The victim was understandably distressed by what happened and her and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.
“We take reports like this very seriously and I’d urge anyone who recognises this man to get in touch with us as soon as they can by texting 61016 and quoting reference 276 of 02/03/20.”
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Friday 13 March 2020

Solicitor And Boyfriend Sentenced For Legal Aid Translation Scam

A solicitor and her boyfriend, who used his translation company to falsely inflate Legal Aid claims during an £82,743 scam, were sentenced today.

Babita Attra, 41, worked for top Fleet Street criminal firm Carson Kaye and ensured over-priced translation work went to Alexandru Major, 35, a court heard.

The couple, of Muncies Mews, Catford were both convicted of conspiring to defraud the Legal Aid Agency between March 1, 2016 and February 1, 2017.

They were also both convicted of forgery on or before February 23, 2017 and transferring criminal property, namely £15,300.

Major was sentenced to three years imprisonment and Attra two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus 150 hours community service work.  

Prosecutor Eleanor Mawrey told Inner London Crown Court four overseas clients of Carson Kaye, who were facing criminal charges, needed important evidence against them translated from English to their native language.

“The Legal Aid process was manipulated by these two defendants and these four criminal cases were manipulated in the same way.”

One Romanian client with poor English needed 113,000 words translated, but Attra falsely claimed for 450,000 words and awarded the £33,800 contract to Major’s company Madison Translations.

That fee was met by taxpayers, via the Legal Aid Agency.

“This was a gross overestimate of the words needed to be translated. She quadrupled it,” explained Ms Mawrey.

Another company provided a cheaper quote, but the contract went to Madison Translations.

“A partner of the solicitors’ firm discovered what was going on and Major assured them everything was okay and there had been some technical problems uploading the correct information.”

To justify the translation fee the work was padded with extra necessary words, the court was told.

“They tried to cover their tracks and come up with translated documents that came up to the figure,” said Ms Mawrey. 

“Large chunks of unnecessary legislation were added, for example the Road Traffic Act was added to a drug importation case.

“Once the payments were received by Major he transferred significant portions to Attra,” added the prosecutor.

They were both arrested at home on November 6, 2018 and Attra agreed she submitted quotes, but relied on Madison Translations’ word count.

Major denied any dishonesty and insisted the work was not falsely translated and money he transferred to his co-defendant was cash he owed her.

Attra’s old boss, solicitor John Kaye, told the jury she was employed on a self-employed basis and introduced Major as somebody qualified to act as a police station legal representative.

“He was never employed by the firm and they had a professional relationship as far as I knew.”

Mum-of-one Attra will now be subject to a Law Society disciplinary enquiry regarding her fitness to continue practicing.

Thursday 12 March 2020

Canada Water £20 Robbery: Two Suspects Wanted

Police are hunting these two suspected muggers after a victim was intimidated into handing over a twenty pound note.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the robbery complaint.

BTP have released this CCTV image of the two males they wish to question in relation to the incident.

A male reported to police he was approached by the suspects at Canada Water station at 11pm on January 25 and intimidated into handing over the cash.

Anyone who recognises the two individuals are asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 297 of 26/01/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wednesday 11 March 2020

Phone Shop Rampage: Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected thug after over £1,000 worth of damage was caused to a phone shop inside Barking railway station.

CCTV cameras were ripped from the ceiling and the shop window smashed by the suspect, who also confronted staff inside.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating and have released a CCTV still of the man they wish to question in relation to the incident.

BTP officers are also appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred at the east London station between 9.40am and 10.20am on February 6.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 157 of 06/02/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Tuesday 10 March 2020

Surfgirl Sentenced For £14K Disability Scam

Smoked Out: Hamlyn-Wright After Sentencing
A globe-trotting musician and competitive surfer, who exaggerated illness during a £14,000 disability benefits scam, was sentenced today.

Glastonbury performer October Hamlyn-Wright, 36, posted online videos and photos of herself surfing in Cornwall and Australia and performing gigs all over the country, which were seen by investigators.

When the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) ended her claim she immediately reapplied for benefits and after a two-year fight won her appeal and was awarded £5,800 in back pay.

Surrey-born Hamlyn-Wright, of Lewarne Road, Porth, Newquay, Cornwall wore a large surgical-style mask during the Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court hearing, which she immediately removed once outside to smoke a roll-up cigarette.

She was convicted by a jury of making a dishonest false representation about her mobility and care needs to the DWP in claims for Disability Living Allowance between October 14, 2015 and September 12, 2017.

Hamlyn-Wright was ruled unfit for physical work by the probation service and was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes up to ten days rehabilitation.

No compensation order was made and the DWP will make small deductions from her current benefits until the money is recovered.

Surfed Out: Hamlyn-Wright Caught By DWP Investigators
“The Crown would say an aggravating feature is the length of time over which the offending was committed and the proceeds of the fraud fuelled a degree of lifestyle that allowed international travel,” prosecutor Andrew Price told the court.

Hamlyn-Wright’s lawyer Patrick Harte said: “Her problems were compounded for two or more years waiting for this trial. That wait was tremendously difficult.

“The anxiety she has suffered day to day, without the stress of criminal proceedings, is difficult enough in itself and these proceedings resulted in stress above and beyond.

“She had her name and photograph and aspects of her life published from here in London to Cornwall, where she spends a lot of time.

“That is not something defendants usually have to deal with. The experience has been bruising and damaging and not something she would contemplate doing again.

“She says the risk of her re-offending is non-existent. She has already suffered considerably as a result of these proceedings.”

The self-styled ‘Rockchick’ and ’Surfgirl’ finished fifth in the 2016 British National Surf Championships and claimed the same position in the following year’s English National Surfing Championships. 

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.”

Hamlyn-Wright has lived on benefits all her adult life and the court heard 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 benefit was awarded on the basis she was virtually unable to walk and needed full-time care,” added Mr. Price.

“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 wrote a lengthy letter, listing her multiple ailments when claiming benefits.

She said she had autoimmune disease lupus, which caused swelling in her lungs that made “breathing and existence agonising,” and suffered stomach pains and leg rash.

Hamlyn-Wright complained of nightly vomiting, pain in her jaw and groin and bleeding lumps on her head. “It’s a complete nightmare and prevents living a normal life.”

Her surfboarding dog Tia, who featured in the video wearing a doggie lifejacket, was trained to assist her by picking up the post and fetching her phone and handbag.

Lupus causes her inflammation to her kidneys and blood vessels and she suffers “unbearable shooting pain” in her nerves, she wrote.

Painful fibromyalgia was another illness and she suffered burns when suddenly dropping hot drinks, adding: “Sharp pains would leave me gasping for air.”

Insomnia was another issue, staying awake three days in a row before plunging into long sleeps of up to 21 hours.

She was wheelchair-bound for periods of her life, claimed Hamlyn-Wright, adding she’s had steroid injections into her joints and the base of her spine.

Chronic arthritis was another problem all her adult life as well as Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the bowel.  

Chest inflammation is common, she wrote. “The pain is so bad my chest cannot move as it should. Lying down is excruciatingly painful and when that happens someone has to help me lie down and get up.”

Falls had resulted in fractured ankles an she has suspected gout and joints can seize up at any time. “Dressing and getting in and out of the bath is impossible on my own.”

A helpful neighbour puts her bin out, does her shopping and takes her bills to the Post Office to be paid, said Hamlyn-Wright, claiming her “legs burn” simply climbing stairs.

The investigation found her website detailing a hectic lifestyle at the same time she was suffering these ailments and the jury were played another video of her recording a song while playing her surfboard like a drum.

She gushed on ‘OctoberRocks.com’ : “I have to keep slapping myself. It’s real I’m playing Glastonbury for the sixth time this year.”

She also competed in the Red Bull surfing series and was featured in Surfgirl magazine. 

One of her tracks was played on Radio One and she performed with the BBC Big Band.

She updated her followers by breathlessly announcing: “I’m so excited. I’ll be playing and competing on the world surf tour. Complete madness.”

She plugged her album ‘Some of the Things’, telling followers: “I can’t keep up,” due to all the interview and promotional work she was doing.

She toured Australia in 2017 and posted a pic of her surfing near a legendary coastline, writing on Facebook: “So stoked to have surfed the legendary Bells Beach.”

She also wrote: “Had a lush four-hour surf at an Australian nature reserve today.”

There were other surfing and diving images of her all over social media, plus mentions of live performances in Newquay, Chepstow, Bristol, Penzance and Camden.

She was  featured artist on the ‘BBC Introducing…..’ live stage at the Royal Cornwall Show and she posted a pic of her giving Prince William a copy of her CD.

Judge Georgina Kent told her: “It was a claim that became fraudulent and is a serious offence.

“The benefits system is strained and is carried by those that are hard-pressed and burdened to pay taxes.

“You have expressed remorse and embarrassment about what you have done and the court has heard you suffer from a collection of mental and physical conditions that a doctor has described as rare.” 

Monday 9 March 2020

Walking Stick Robber: Do You Know Him?

Police are hunting this suspected knifeman, who jumped on a mini-cab's bonnet and roof in the early hours and snatched the driver's wallet.

The suspect, who showed remarkable agility despite having a walking stick, tried to attack the driver with the blade when challenged.

British Transport Police have released this image of the man they are hunting, which was captured at 5.30am outside Euston station on January 6.

When the suspect leapt onto the vehicle the driver left the car in fear of his own safety.

The man then bizarrely tipped a packet of crisps across the vehicle.

He then entered the driver's side of the car, and the driver entered the passenger side to challenge him.

The man then pulled out a knife and made several attempts to attack the driver.

Thankfully, the victim was able to fend off the attack having taken the man's walking stick from him.

The man then ran off, stealing the victim's wallet which he'd taken from the car.

Officers believe the man in the dash-cam footage may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 200002243.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sunday 8 March 2020

First Class Train Robbery: Suspects Wanted

Police are hunting these two suspected robbers, who threatened a passenger in the First Class section of a train in north London.

British Transport Police have released this CCTV image after a man was robbed between Mill Hill Broadway and Hendon station.

The incident happened at 1.25pm on Monday January 27.

The two suspects are reported to have sat opposite the victim in the first-class carriage of the train.

One of the men intimated that he had a knife and told the victim to hand over his ear phones.

The victim ran out of the carriage, dropping his earphones as he went.

The suspects left the train at Hendon station.

Officers would like to speak to the men in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows them is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 2000010333.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Saturday 7 March 2020

Sister Pulled Out Clump Of Sibling's Hair

Wimbledon Magistrates Court
A young woman pulled out a clump of her sister's hair in front of police when officers were called to the family home on a domestic call on Christmas Eve, a court heard.
Atlanta Louise Chester, 21, of De'Arn Gardens, Mitcham was conditionally discharged for eighteen months when she appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.
She pleaded guilty to assaulting Jade Taylor, 23, at the address in Singleton Close, Tooting on December 24, last year.
The court heard police were called to the address at 11.40am when Chester began rowing with her boyfriend.
Despite the presence of the officers Chester continued arguing and reached out and pulled a small handful of hair out of her sister's head.
The incident was captured on a police body-worn camera.
Chester was arrested and refused to answer police questions.
In her victim impact statement her sister said she was uncomfortable in her own home and that Chester had nowhere else to go and would always end up at the family address, which was a stressful environment.
Chester's lawyer Roz Olason told the court the victim had no other injury, but for the missing clump of hair and had withdrawn her police statement, but the Crown Prosecution Service continued regardless.
Chester claimed the offence was committed in the “heat of the moment” while under considerable stress.
She was rowing with her boyfriend and lashed out when upset about what was being said. 

Friday 6 March 2020

Company Director Drove Volvo After Drugs Cocktail

Croydon Magistrates Court
A Buckinghamshire company director, caught behind the wheel of his Volvo after consuming a cocktail of drugs, has been fined and banned from the roads.
Management consultant Stephen Richard Winspear, 48, had taken cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis before he was stopped by police on the Old Kent Road in south-east London.
He was also caught with a small quantity of ecstasy in his possession.
Winspear, of George Farm, Marsh Road, Little Kimble, Aylesbury was sentenced at Croydon Magistrates Court.
He pleaded guilty to driving on November 3, last year with a proportion of a controlled drug, namely benzoylecgonine – a metabolite of cocaine – in his blood.
Winspear also pleaded guilty to driving with a quantity of MDMA (ecstasy) in his blood and THC (cannabis), plus a count of possessing ecstasy.
For driving under the influence of the illegal drugs he was fined £1,500 and disqualified for twelve months.
Winspear was also fined £100 for possessing the ecstasy and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

Thursday 5 March 2020

Barbican Pub Assault: Woman Convicted

An Essex woman has been fined for assaulting a man in a Barbican gastropub.
Ashleigh Sharp, 31, of Coombewood Drive, Thundersley, Benfleet, fought the case, but was convicted.
She was found guilty at City of London Magistrates Court of assaulting Marc Biebuyck at The Shakespeare public house, Goswell Road on July 12, last year.
The landmark pub specialises in Anglo-Italian cuisine.
Sharp was fined £1,033, with £775 costs and ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim Mr. Biebuyck.
She must also pay a £103 victim surcharge.