Takeaway Stabbing: Suspect Caught On CCTV

Police are hunting this suspect after a young man was stabbed in the back outside a Croydon fast food takeaway after midnight.

Police were called to London Road, Croydon at 00.45am on Monday, April 27 after the 21 year-old victim reported he was injured in the back with a small bladed weapon.

The incident occurred outside the Fresh and Tasty food takeaway shop and the man was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The suspect then left the scene along Mayday Road.

Detective Constable Chris Dimmer said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack that has left the victim in a state of shock and worry.

“If you’ve seen this man out and about or you know who he is, please contact us. 

“Similarly if you are the man in the image, come forward and speak to us.”

Detectives investigating the incident are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in identifying the man in the CCTV image to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 0278/27 April or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests; enquiries continue.

Dumped Ex Of Harley Street Therapist Sentenced For Stalking Her

Ballad: Sadique

The heartbroken jilted husband of a Harley Street acupuncturist has been sentenced for a stalking campaign against his ex, which included making a “cringeworthy” love-sick video of a Bryan Adams ballad.

Shujat Sadique, 48, sent unwanted flowers and followed estranged wife Sahar Hooti after she dumped him for cheating on her multiple times, the court heard.

The alternative medicine expert - boss of AcuCare Clinic - told the trial she suffered stroke-like symptoms from numb-induced stress as a result of her husband’s behaviour.

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.

At Westminster Magistrates Court District Judge Angus Hamilton sentenced Sadique to a 12-month community order, which includes 120 hours community service work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

He must also pay £450 costs, plus a £90 victim surcharge, but will not be the subject of a restraining order despite a Crown Prosecution Service application because the judge ruled Sahar had not been consulted.

Sadique, of Elmstead Avenue, Wembley was convicted of stalking Sahar between December 6, 2018 and March 9, last year.

The court heard his parents’ separation resulted in Sadique having difficulties dealing with rejection and he has sought psychotherapy and not contacted Sahar for nine months.

He sent his wife two videos seven months after she left him, filmed near the spot he proposed to her in Southsea, Hampshire, suspiciously recorded near her parked car.

Sahar told the trial: “He was looking for me and found my car. 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.”

"Scared": Sahar

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.”

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 trial.

He previously made a nuisance of himself at the clinic, she said. “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.”

Vulnerable Schoolgirl Raped: Police Renew Appeal

Police have again appealed for help in identifying a suspected rapist after a 15 year-old schoolgirl with learning difficulties was attacked in south London.

The victim's mother has now added her voice to the appeal and explained how the rape has effected her daughter.

The rape occurred on Wednesday, September 11, last year at around 3.30pm after the victim, who was in her school uniform, got off a bus on Streatham High Road.

As she turned into Guildersfield Road she was approached by a man who engaged her in conversation. 

They turned into Buckleigh Road where the man led the girl to an alleyway and assaulted her.

After the attack he walked back down Guildersfield Road towards Streatham High Road.

The girl’s mother, said: “Can you help catch this man? This has affected my vulnerable daughter and our whole family. 

“We are incredibly upset and cannot understand how someone would take advantage of a young girl with learning difficulties.

“My daughter is no longer able to go out and travel on her own; this man saw the vulnerability in my child.

“I would ask anyone that has any information to call police immediately.

“Please help us to identify this man so that he can be spoken to by the police. Thank you.”

Detectives have also reissued CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in the hope that someone will recognise him and come forward.

Detective Constable Larissa Nightingale, from the Central South Safeguarding Team, said: “We remain determined to find the man responsible. 

“It is clear that a young girl has been left traumatised by this assault which happened as she made her way home after school.

“Someone must recognise him. 

“I would ask them to think of this family and the lasting impact. Please come forward and speak with us.”

Anyone who recognises the man shown in the pictures or who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 and quote CAD 5718/11Sept19 or tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests; enquiries continue.

Sledgehammer Jewellery Raid: Suspect Named

Police are hunting this suspected smash-and-grab robber after a Range Rover was driven into a jewellery shop and valuables snatched.

Metropolitan Police officers say they need to speak with 28-year-old Anton Reynolds about the robbery in Uxbridge Road, in Shepherds Bush on October 25,last year.

At around 5.20pm three male robbers drove the large vehicle through the front of the shop, narrowly missing the people inside.

They smashed glass display cases using a sledgehammer and a hammer, and put items of jewellery into bags.

One man was detained a short time later.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help to trace Reynolds.

He is known to have links with Lambeth and the Crawley area of Sussex.

Reynolds should not be approached, and if seen, members of the public should call 999.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 5782/25Oct19.

Or stay anonymous by contacting the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

43 Valuable Watches Snatched During Primrose Hill Tie-Up

A delivery driver was tied-up and robbed of 43 high value watches in the heart of celebrity enclave Primrose Hill.

Detectives have released these images of one of the watches stolen and a car used in a robbery. 

All the watches were in the process of being sent to their private owners worldwide.

At around 6.40pm on March 13, three suspects swooped on the delivery van in Chalcot Road.

They approached the driver and forced him into the van, where they tied him up and loaded their own car with boxes containing 43 high value watches. 

The driver was not physically injured.

The suspects made off in a black Audi A3 which has not been traced.

The watches were all privately owned. 

When stolen, they were being returned from London to clients worldwide.

The police investigation is being led by detectives from Central North CID. 

There has been no arrest at this stage.

Detective Constable Scott Sellars said: "I am releasing images of watches believed to be identical to some of the 43 stolen; these include watches from Cartier, Piaget and Montblanc. 

“I am also releasing an image of the Audi driving away from the scene.

“I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may know anything about the robbery to contact me. 

“In addition, I want to hear from anyone who has been offered a large number of similar watches for sale.

"These criminals were calculating and callous, and they used the threat of violence against the delivery driver. 

“It is important that they are caught.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 6386/13Mar. 

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Wannabe Islamic Terrorist Back Behind Bars

A wannabe Islamic terrorist, who breached strict court orders after his prison release, is back behind bars.

Trevor Mulindwa, 25, was jailed in 2015 for planning to travel to Somalia and join Al-Shabaab.

He was released in 2018 after serving half a six-year sentence and has to comply with a 15-year Counter Terrorism Act notification order.

Living in south-west London Mulindwa was obliged to notify police if he ever bought a motor vehicle.

On November 13, last year policeidentified he was the owner of a moped he had not informed them he had.

That same day they seized the vehicle and the next day they arrested Mulindwa at his home address, from which they recovered the keys for the moped.

Police searched the vehicle and found an internet-enabled smart phone locked in the top box. 

By having this phone Mulindwa was also in breach of his probation license.

He was immediately recalled to prison.

Mulindwa was charged with breach of a Part 4 Counter Terrorism Act 2008 notification requirement.

Mulindwa appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay a £122 victim surcharge.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, said: “There are clear rules for registered terrorist offenders who are subject to notification orders and Mulindwa broke one of them. 

“Notification orders serve a serious purpose and are an important tool to help keep the public safe from harm.”

Groped On The Road To Bluewater: Bus Pervert Hunted

Police are hunting a bus pervert after a 20 year-old woman was groped in south-east London.

Detectives have released this CCTV image of the man they wish to trace. 

Between 9.30am and 9.45am on Tuesday, February 4 the young woman was sexually assaulted as she sat on the top deck of a Route 492 bus as it travelled between Crayford and Bluewater shopping centre, Kent.

The victim became aware of a man coming up to the top deck and sitting directly behind her. 

She then became aware of pressure to her side. 

The man then proceeded to touch her inappropriately.

The victim moved to another seat, but the man continued to touch her until she left the bus.

Detectives have released the image of a man they are urgently looking to identify.

Detective Sergeant Ian Beattie, from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This was an incredibly upsetting incident for the victim. 

“I would ask anyone who recognises this man to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

If you have any information that could help this investigation please call 101 and quote CAD 8371/05Feb. 

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charityCrimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Smoked Out: Cig Butts ID Prolific Burglar

A heavy-smoking burglar, who left his DNA behind on cigarette butts during two of his break-ins, has been caged.

Mateus Korniluk, 33, of Harley Road, Harlesden also left his DNA on a drinks can and holdall at two more burglaries.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to the four burglaries and was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

On Wednesday, June 26, last year Korniluk was seen leaving a residential property in Emlyn Gardens, Shepherds Bush on a bike with two large, full holdalls while smoking a cigarette. 

He stole electrical equipment from the address and left his DNA behind on a cigarette butt inside the property.

Between October 4 and 7 Korniluk smashed a basement window at a residential property at Drayton Gardens, Kensington. 

The property was undergoing renovation at the time and Korniluk stole a variety of power tools belonging to tradesmen who had been working at the property.

He left his DNA behind on a drinks can.

Between February 24 and 25, this year Korniluk broke into a residential property in St Peter’s Grove, Hammersmith. 

He left the address with electrical items, but again, left behind cigarette butts that held his DNA.

In the early hours of Wednesday, February 5 Korniluk burgled a residential property in Flanchford Road, Shepherds Bush that was undergoing renovations. 

He stole a variety of power tools belonging to tradesmen. 

On scaffolding at the rear of the property, he left a holdall that, again, provided his DNA.

Police Constable Naveed Sulaiman said: “The effects of being a victim of burglary run far deeper and are more long lasting than a loss of property.”

“We are very pleased that the sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences and the negative impact that Korniluk’s actions have had on so many victims.”

Teen Girl Gang's Park Attack

Four teenage girls are being hunted after a woman was punched to the ground and kicked in a north London urban park.

The victim, aged in her twenties, suffered bruising to her legs and neck and shoulder pain.

Police from the Central East Command Unit have released his CCTV image of the suspects.

At approximately 7.30pm on Thursday, February 27, the woman was walking through Shoreditch Park, Hoxton with her shopping.

She was surrounded by four teenage girls she had never seen before. 

They punched the victim in the face, beat her, and kicked her as she fell to the floor and attempted to steal her belongings.

A passing cyclist spotted the group and shouted at them and they fled the scene.

The group ran off down Grange Street before crossing Pitfield Street into a housing estate.

Detective Constable Michael Beskine said: “This was an awful, unprovoked attack and has left the victim shaken and angry by what happened.

“I have conducted extensive enquiries, but now I am asking the public to come forward and help me. 

“I want to make sure that those responsible are caught and do not inflict this sort of pain on someone else.

“If you know something, please come forward. It was a horrible assault on someone who had never laid eyes on her attackers before.

“Tackling violence continues to be the Met's top priority. 

“We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and pursue offenders, help bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, and keep our communities safe.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Armani Gunman Caught By Police

A gunman, caught with a firearm in his Armani designer bag, is starting a five-year prison sentence.

Aristotle Omar, 23, of Wellington Avenue, Upper Edmonton pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

Detective Inspector Glenn Butler, from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime North team, said: “As part of an investigation into firearm offences, my team were able to arrest Omar and recover a firearm and ammunition that could very easily have been used to seriously injure or kill someone. 

“Thanks to a lot of proactive work, with the support of colleagues from the Met’s Firearms Command, we were able to arrest him safely and recover a lethal weapon.”

Wood Green Crown Court heard on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5 at approximately 5.40pm, Omar was seen leaving his home address carrying the black Armani manbag.

Omar was seen to enter the alleyway which leads through from Wellington Avenue to Eastbournia Avenue. 

He was observed clutching the bag as he entered Barrowfield Close, however officers lost sight of him as he ran through Barrowfield Close.

At this point, specialist firearms officers pursued Omar as he ran through an alleyway onto Montagu Road, where he was then detained in a park area just off of Zambezi Drive.

DI Butler, added: “When Omar was arrested, he did not have the bag - that we had seen moments earlier - on him, so officers scoured the vicinity to find it. 

“It just so happened that it had been raining all day so the floor was soaked.

“Underneath a hedge at the corner of Barrowfield Close we found the bag. It stood out as it had clearly been dumped there, it was bone dry and everything around it wet.”

When officers opened the bag, they found a firearm (a revolver) and five rounds of ammunition.

DI Butler, added: “The evidence placed in front of Omar was indisputable and he pleaded guilty. 

“This saved a lot of time, allowing my officers to return back to their duties, continuing to target those involved in serious firearm criminality, retrieving further dangerous weapons from our streets and protecting those that live in London.”

Midnight Bus Spitter Hunted

Police are hunting a fare-dodging bus passenger, who spat at the driver during a midnight confrontation.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Command have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

At approximately 00.30am on Saturday, March 21, three men and a woman boarded a 68 bus travelling towards Camberwell on Walworth Road without payment.

Upon asking the group to pay, they refused and began to argue with the bus driver.

During this encounter, one of the men approached the driver at spat at him through the holes in the driver’s divide.

The group then exited the bus.

Officers are asking that anyone who recognises the suspect to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quoting CRIS 3009008/20.

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

Banned Burglar Jailed For Three Break-Ins

A burglar banned from the City of Westminster has been jailed for flouting the order and breaking into three shops.

Michael Daulat, 39, received eight months imprisonment.

At Southwark Crown Court he pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary and breaching a criminal behaviour order.

The court heard that he smashed the window of a shop in St. Christopher's Place in August, 2019 and stole £140 worth of clothing.

He targeted another shop in the same street in January, this year, throwing a brick through the window and stealing over £2,800 worth of clothing and bags.

In February he approached a shop in New Cavendish Street and again smashed the window, stealing £3,000 worth of designer goods.

Officers from the Central West BCU Burglary Unit launched an investigation and identified Daulat through CCTV and forensic evidence.

Detective Sergeant Pete Lower said: "This is an example to our businesses and community that burglary and theft will absolutely not be tolerated. 

“Those committing such offences can expect to arrested and put before the courts."

Luton Terrorist Pleads Guilty

A wannabe terrorist's plans ended when police raided his Luton home, seizing 2kg of sulphur powder and electronic components.

Appearing on videolink at the Old Bailey Filip Golon Bednarczyk, 26, admitted multiple charges.

He pleaded guilty to seven counts of possession of documents of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Bednarczyk also pleaded guilty to one count of making or possession of explosive(s) under suspicious circumstances, contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substance Act.

He was arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command at his home address on December 11, last year.

There was also evidence of online searches for firearms, knives and killings, plus an interest in right-wing extremism.

He charged with the eight indictments six days later on December 17. 

Bednarczyk was remanded in custody, ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed.

OAP Murder Investigation: Neighbour Charged

Anthony Rooks

A local man has been charged with the murder of a north London octogenarian, who died from a head injury.

Anthony Rooks, 80, was pronounced dead on May 4 at an address in Dalmeny Road, Holloway.

Neighbour Sable Thomas, 42, of Dalmeny Road appeared in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey.

Police were called at approximately 7.20pm on Monday, May 4 to reports of a man collapsed and suffering a head injury at the address.

Metropolitan Police officers and the London Ambulance Service attended.

Next of kin have been informed and formal identification has taken place.

A post mortem examination took place at Whittington Hospital on Thursday, May 7.

Prolific Burglar Caged For Multiple Break-Ins

An audacious burglar, who threatened victims with a knife and carried on raiding one property when warned he was on camera, has been locked-up.

John James Courtney, 44, of Longbridge Road, Dagenham, received four years’ imprisonment for four burglaries carried out between August, 2019 and January this year.

Targeting properties in west and central London, Courtney stole property worth £27,600, including £15,800 worth of items from just one address. 

He was identified after his DNA was found at or near all of the scenes.

During one break-in Courtney continued stealing items despite the resident advising him on camera that he was calling the police. 

During another incident he threatened occupants with a knife when they interrupted him.

On August 31, last year Courtney struck at an address in Linden Gardens, Paddington. 

While the occupant was out, he broke into the property and stole a number of high value items of jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, rings and a watch. 

In addition, he took two laptops and a designer handbag. 

The total value of items stolen was £15,800. 

A blood smear discovered on the door lock was tested and provided a positive match to Courtney.

On September 30, Courtney was in the process of carrying out a burglary in Cleveland Street, Fitzrovia when he was interrupted by the occupants returning home. 

As they made efforts to detain him, Courtney grabbed a knife, lunging at one of the occupants. 

A struggle ensued, during which Courtney’s glasses were broken. 

Both this and the knife - which he dropped while running from the property - were recovered by officers and proved vital in linking him to the incident.

October 16, the resident of a property in Queens Gardens, Paddington received notification via his mobile phone that a camera inside the property had been activated. 

Viewing the live CCTV footage, he saw Courtney in the process of burgling his address. 

He communicated through the device to alert Courtney that he was calling police. 

Despite this Courtney continued before leaving the address. 

However, he left a mobile phone at the scene, which officers were able to link him too forensically.

January 10, Courtney stole a laptop and items of jewellery including a Rolex watch from a residence in Clifton Road, Maida Vale. 

A piece of wood left at the scene and used by Courtney to force entry to the address were found. 

The total value of items stolen was £11,200.

Though officers from the Central West Burglary Unit were quick to link Courtney to the offences, and despite extensive inquiries to trace him, he remained elusive. 

Then on February 11 he was spotted and detained by police.

Wheels Come Off Cocaine And 'Speed' Dealer's Enterprise

A drug dealer, caught by police with a kilo of cocaine in his car sixty miles from home, has been jailed for three years.

Gavin Hills, 50, of London Street, Folkestone, Kent, was stopped in New Road, Rainham, Essex by officers from the Organised Crime Partnership (OCP).

The OCP deals with organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs within London and the home counties. 

The partnership is staffed by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and the National Crime Agency.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard that at 8.05am on Thursday, November 7, last year officers stopped Hills as part of an intelligence-led investigation.

The officers found a bag underneath the front passenger seat. 

The bag contained a block of cocaine wrapped in two plastic bags.

Following his arrest, officers searched his home address in Folkestone.

They seized a number of items including mobile phones, electronic scales and a knife with what appeared to be drug traces on it.

There were also several containers that contained a white amphetamine powder – including a block of compressed amphetamine powder found in a freezer.

During his time in custody, Hills was uncooperative and failed to communicate with custody staff. 

As a result, he was interviewed in his cell, but he refused to answer all the questions put to him, including why he was more than 60 miles away from home with a kilogram of cocaine. 

The court heard that officers believed Hills was in the Rainham area dealing drugs.

Hills pleaded guilty to possession of a cocaine, with intent to supply and possession of amphetamine, with intent to supply.

Detective Inspector Guy Carmichael said: “This investigation is a great example of joint partnership working which resulted in a drug dealer being put behind bars and two kilograms of drugs being taken off the streets of London, which otherwise could have ruined lives. 

“Hills refused to engage with officers throughout the investigation and has shown no remorse for his actions.

“Hills has been given a substantial sentence and I hope this will deter others from the allure of drug dealing. 

“Even during these challenging times, we will continue to target those involved in organised crime and the supply of illegal drugs and we will take robust action against them.”

Violent Fare Dodger Jailed

A fare-dodging bus passenger, who racially abused the driver and spat at a police officer, has been jailed.

Spencer James 42, repeatedly punched the drivers' security screen – cutting his hand and smearing it with blood – after he was challenged.

He pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates Court to assaulting the officer, racially aggravated assault and using threatening words or behaviour.

He was sentenced to 42 weeks' imprisonment.

The court heard police were called to a bus on Wealdstone High Street, Harrow, at 2.30pm on March 31 to reports of a man acting aggressively.

It was reported by the bus driver that James had boarded the bus and then sat down without paying for his journey.

When the bus driver told him to pay or get off the bus, James started to act extremely aggressively.
He shouted racist insults at the driver, who then radioed through to the control room to request police assistance.

James continued to act aggressively and punched the screen of the driver's cab four times, with such force he cut his hand and smeared blood on it. 

He then spat at the screen and in the tray of the driver's cab.

Officers arrived and managed to locate James and he was arrested. 

He continued to shout racist abuse at the bus driver and then spat at a police officer.

Further officers arrived at the scene and a spit hood was placed on James. 

He was taken into custody and he was charged.

Detective Sergeant Ian Beattie, of the Metropolitan Police's Road and Transport Policing Command, said: "This was a particularly nasty incident that involved James spitting at a bus driver and a police constable who were carrying out their public duties.

"In the current climate, where everyone is making efforts to stay safe and protect themselves and others, this behaviour is particularly thoughtless and deplorable.

"Any reports of this nature will be dealt with robustly; this sort of behaviour will simply not be tolerated.”

Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing and On-street Services at TfL, said: “We are absolutely disgusted by this vicious, threatening assault that left a valued colleague feeling shaken. 

“That anyone could consider spitting at and racially abusing frontline workers during this national health emergency is deeply shocking.

“We welcome James’s sentencing and hope it sends a strong message that abuse won’t be tolerated on our network. 

“Our bus drivers are nothing short of heroic, supporting the efforts to tackle coronavirus by providing transport for critical workers in the NHS, who are saving lives. 

“Safety is our absolute priority and we will continue doing all that we can to protect our staff.”

Triple Crown: Pub Customer Hunted For Three Assaults

Police are hunting this suspect after a violent pub customer attacked three members of staff.

One victim had a glass smashed into his face and was punched to the floor; the second was left with a cut eye and the third knocked unconscious.

Detectives from the Central East Command Unit are continuing to appeal to identify this man. 

The assaults took place inside the Three Crowns pub, Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington at around 1.20am on Saturday, November 9, last year.

A customer became involved in an argument with a 32-year-old male member of staff.

The man smashed a glass in the face of the member of staff and then punched him to the floor, inflicting a number of deep cuts to his face.

The man then assaulted a second member of staff, a man in his twenties, punching him and causing a cut to his left eye.

The suspect then left the venue, but as he left he turned and punched a third member of staff, a 28-year-old man, knocking him unconscious.

The suspect is described as a light skinned black man, aged around 30 years-old and of slim/athletic build with a short dark beard and dark 'frizzy' hair that was tied back in a bunch.

He was wearing a beige short sleeved t-shirt, silver necklace, light trousers and dark shoes, carrying a thick dark coat with fur lined hood.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 618/09NOV.

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

Spitter Jailed For Hotel Ruck

A hotel yob, who threatened staff with a broken bottle and spat at one of them after being told not to urinate against the building, has been caged.

Nicolae-Raul Cozacu, 43, was arrested and also spat in the face of a police officer.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment.

Cozacu pleaded guilty to assaulting the hotel employee and the officer as well as threatening behaviour, with intent to cause fear and provoke unlawful violence.

Police were called at 2.30pm on Monday, March 23 to Empire Way, Brent, after Cozacu threatened staff at the hotel.

He had been caught by a staff urinating against the wall of the hotel and refused to leave.

He then attempted to access a hotel laundry area that he had no reason to be in.

Again he was confronted and escorted off the premises, at which point he became abusive and threatening.

He grabbed a bottle of alcohol, smashed it and tried to chase staff members, threatening that he would kill them.

A member of staff tried to deescalate the situation and negotiate with Cozacu, who then spat in his face.

Police arrived and Cozacu was arrested. 

He became ill and went to hospital, where he again became aggressive and abusive and spat in the face of an officer.

He was arrested upon discharge and remanded in custody.

Inspector Sammi Elfituri, of North West Command Unit, said: "Spitting at people, including emergency workers, is thoroughly disgusting and completely unacceptable behaviour, especially given the current climate.

"Those who behave this way will be always be pursued by the MPS to the fullest extent of the law. 

“I am glad the courts have taken a robust stance to protect both the public and our staff.”