Casanova Conman Swindled Online Dates During £440K Scam

A serial ‘romance fraudster’, who convinced online dates he was a successful Forex trader to swindle cash out of them has been jailed.

Vimal Popat, 41, of Salt Hill Drive, Slough, who also conned a male relative at a wedding with a similar ruse, received four years and four months imprisonment.

The relative lost £300,000 of a total of £440,824.50 conned out of the eight victims, which included a former work colleague and former neighbour.

Six of the victims were women, with four of them involved romantically with Popat.

He pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court of fraud by false representation.

Detective Constable Chris Collins, said: “This was a selfish and callous crime that parted trusting decent people from their savings.

“So often victims of this type of offence don’t come forward, embarrassed by their own naivety, but fraudsters such as Popat work hard on their back story and are incredibly convincing in the telling of their tales.

“I commend the victims in this case for coming forward. 

“Their actions have put a stop to Popat’s crimes and have no doubt spared others from falling victim to his schemes. 

“I hope that the sentence handed down brings them some satisfaction.”

Popat’s victims were mainly women, most of whom he met using online dating sites such as Bumble.

After striking up an online friendship, Popat would typically go on to form romantic relationships with his victims in person. 

After wooing them over a period of months and gaining their trust, he would persuade them to invest their money in a non-existent business.

In all cases, he duped his victims into believing he was a successful Forex trader and they were investing in his business with the promise of healthy profits gained through the purchase and sale of currencies.

In reality, when the victim’s money was transferred into one of Popat’s bank accounts, he would use it to finance his lifestyle or gamble it away in casinos.

When chasing their money, Popat would string along his romantic victims for months using a number of excuses for being unavailable to see them, such as being in a car accident, being hospitalised, being robbed and even attending a funeral.

He also created false banking documents to persuade victims that his accounts had a healthy balance and that their money was being invested.

His offending, which began in 2013, stopped during 2015-2016, but escalated to an extreme during 2019 where he duped four victims in a single year.

Romanian Double-Rapist Strikes For Third Time

A twice-convicted rapist from Romania struck again a week after arriving in the UK – pouncing on a lone woman as she walked home in the early hours.

Mihai Roban, 47, took the terrified 28 year-old victim behind public toilets at 2.40am after she left a local bar.

At Harrow Crown Court he was sentenced to seven years and eight months imprisonment and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Roban pleaded guilty to raping the woman in Regents Park Road, Finchley on January 20.

He ignored her repeated pleas for him to stop and the alarm was raised by a member of the public who heard the distressed victim calling for help.

Police attended and found Roban with the victim. 

He was arrested and taken into custody, where he refused to make any comment about the incident during an interview with officers. 

He was charged with rape the same day by Public Protection Detectives from the North West Command Unit.

Detective Sergeant Michael Daly, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Roban had only been in the country for a week when he carried out this attack. 

“When we conducted enquiries with police in his home country of Romania we discovered that he had two previous convictions for rape and prison is the right place for him. 

“He maintained his innocence until the week before the trial was due to start, which brought further anguish to his victim.

"The victim has been incredibly strong throughout the investigation and I hope that knowing Roban will be in prison for some time will help her to move on from her horrible ordeal.

"I also wish to thank the member of the public for doing the right thing and calling the police when they heard the victim’s calls for help, as well as the investigation team for their excellent work and their continued dedication supporting victims of rape and bringing the offenders to justice.”

Living The Thai Life: Far East Dream Funded By Benefit Fraud

A Thai expat’s lifestyle was funded by taxpayers during an audacious decade-long £66,000 benefit fraud, a court heard today.

Joseph Peter Marcel Fougere, 74, rented out his council house, which he was also claiming housing benefit for as well as Pension Credit and council tax benefit.

“He built a life out there, with friends and a girlfriend and the like and he has now held his hands up at the first opportunity,” his lawyer Joe O’Leary told Croydon Magistrates Court.

Fougere pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) between January 25, 2010 and February 10, last year, namely that he was living in Thailand and sub-letting his home.

He also similarly pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP between August 22, 2011 and March 31, 2013 relating to council tax benefit and between April 1, 2011 and February 3, last year relating to housing benefit.

Prosecutor Roz Wardell told the court Fougere was caught after a tip-off, applying for him to be sent to the Crown Court, where sentencing powers are greater.

“The defendant failed to declare that he was living abroad, while sub-letting his property, which he was also receiving benefits for.

“The benefits system was funding his lifestyle abroad,” she added, confirming the loss as £66,252.

“It is a large sum of money, the defendant was living abroad and using the benefit system to pay for it.”

The court heard Fougere has medical issues, including osteoarthritis to his knees and shoulders.

“He is of good character and when he first claimed benefits he was entitled to them,” said Mr. O’Leary. 

“This is not a man constantly breaking the law, flouting everything and he has made a mistake and he regrets his actions.

“He is already losing his house over this and has nowhere else to go and there is a punishment in that.”

The magistrates said their sentencing powers were insufficient and  sent Fougere to Croydon Crown Court for sentencing. 

They commented the frauds involved three separate offences and a large amount of money over a long period of time.

On The Run: Alleged Money Launderer Jumped Bail

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Economic Crime Unit are appealing for information to locate a man charged with money laundering offences.

Following an intelligence-led operation, James Case, 31, was charged on November 15, last year with two money laundering offences occurring in 2017.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 17, 2019 where he was committed to Isleworth Crown Court.

Case failed to attend the Isleworth Crown Court hearing on Thursday, January 16 and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He is described as 6ft 2ins tall, of medium build, with brown eyes and lightly tanned skin.

Case has links to Walton-on-Thames in Surrey, as well as Margate, Canterbury, Sturry in Kent, Bexley, Lewisham and Eltham in London.

The investigating team wish to speak to anyone who has information about his current whereabouts.

Anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of Case is asked to contact police by phoning 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.

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

Porn-Obsessed City Man Sentenced For 'Upskirting' On Public Transport

A City accounts manager claims the pressure to make sales and “wine and dine clients” contributed to him randomly filming up women's skirts and dresses on trains and public transport.

James Dyson, 42, of Albany Court, St. Albans Road, Sutton also had a collection of child pornography, which was seized during a pre-planned police raid on the home he shared with his partner and two children.

He was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court yesterday to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Dyson must also complete 120 hours community service work, plus a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a 35-day accredited programme.

He was made subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order; must sign the sex offenders register for ten years and pay £500 costs.

Dyson pleaded guilty to five counts of outraging public decency, namely recording 'upskirt' images of women, on or before March 11, last year and two counts of making indecent images of children.

Police executed a warrant at his home on March 11, 2019 and during their search seized a Galaxy Samsung phone on which they found six Category B still images and twenty-one Category C images of children aged five to ten years-old.

On an iPhone police found five two to three minutes clips of 'upskirting'.

“He had filmed unsuspecting women up their skirts and they seemed to be in toilets and on trains and public transport,” said prosecutor Mr. Bill McGivern.

“He can be seen in the clips and the women have not been identified. They are often on stairwells and the camera may have been concealed in some sort of bag.”

When quizzed by police first-time offender Dyson expressed “deep regret and remorse and shame.”

Dyson's lawyer Michael Philips told the court: “Pornography became his drug of choice throughout his adult life.”

The father-of-two had toured the globe as a musician before a change of career in the City as an Account Manager responsible for sales.

“The pressure to make sales and wine and dine clients in the City of London was immense, doing seventy to eighty hours a week.”

Dyson has split with his wife and now lives with his father.

Judge Elizabeth Lowe told Dyson: “You took the upskirting images and all seem to be at railway and tube stations, behaviour that makes women be concerned about how they travel around.

“These are not victimless crimes. These women were entitled to go about their business without being subject to this behaviour.”

Regarding the child pornography the judge told Dyson: “You are a father of a young boy and girl. It is abhorrent you looked at those images.” 

Movie Producer To The Stars Accused Of Drunkenly 'Swinging Punches' At Boyfriend

Outside Court: Randall

An actress turned film producer, who has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, appeared in court today, accused of drunkenly “swinging punches” at her boyfriend at his £1.3m apartment.

Nice-born Adriana Randall, 34, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Jean Francois Mondin, 37, claiming self-defence.

She appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court, which bailed her to stand trial at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on January 8, next year.

Randall is charged with assaulting Mr. Mondin on December 17, last year at Apartment 98, Cascade Court, 1 Sopwith Way, Battersea.

Prosecutor Norleen Iba told the court: “The incident was at the home address of the complainant and the defendant was drunk and there had been an argument.

“The complainant went into the kitchen and she followed and started swinging punches and slaps, cutting the cheek and eyebrow of Mr. Mondin.”

Randall, now living at a £2.7m flat at 10a West Halkin Street, Belgravia claims her boyfriend is mentally-ill and suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as abusing drugs.

The court heard Mr. Mondin has also made a withdrawal statement regarding the charge and is not expected to give evidence against Randall.

In 2016 she was a producer on ‘Triple 9’ an action crime thriller starring Kate Winslet; Chiwetel Ejiofor; Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson.

She appeared in 2015’s ‘Experimenter’ alongside Hollywood stars Winona Ryder and Peter Sarsgaard; ‘The Price of Desire’ a biography starring Orla Brady and 2016’s ‘The Call Up’ a Sci-Fi thriller.

As a producer she made 2017’s ’Tulip Fever’ starring Judi Dench, Christoph Waltz and Tom Hollander.

She is the executive producer of 2015’s mystery thriller ’Strangerland’, starring Nicole Kidman, Joseph Fiennes and Hugo Weaving.

Randall debuted as a producer on 2014’s ‘Wish I Was Here’, a comedy drama, starring Zach Braff and Kate Hudson.

The Guns Of Penge

A Penge gun enthusiast – who was caught with an illegal stash of weapons – has been jailed for five years.

Ross Knox, 30, of High Street, Penge, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of possession of a prohibited firearm and five counts of possession of ammunition, without a firearm certificate.

The offences related to two shotguns; two revolvers a handgun and numerous types of ammunition.

They were found by officers on Friday, May 15 when they executed a warrant under Section 46 of the Firearms Act at Knox’s home address as part of a proactive operation.

Detective Constable Jamie Kirby from the Met’s South Area Command Unit, said: “Officers across London are working around the clock to locate and remove weapons from the streets of London.

“There is no good reason to have deadly weapons like those found in Knox’s address, other than to cause serious harm.

“Tackling violent crime is a priority for the Met and we remain committed to bringing anyone who carries or holds firearms and other lethal weapons to justice.”

New 'Raffles' Of Maida Vale Locked-Up

A prolific offender who police describe as a “one man crime wave” has been jailed for preying on the residents of Maida Vale.

Phillip Oyelade, 40, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to three-and-a-half years imprisonment.

The sentencing took into account offences of burglary, assault, possession of offensive weapons, and drug and public order charges.

Oyelade pleaded guilty to a residential burglary at Edbrooke Road, Maida Vale on August 10, last year.

He and an unidentified accomplice were captured on CCTV stealing £20,000 worth of property, including laptops, handbags and a driver’s licence. 

During the break-in, £5,000 worth of damage was caused.

Oyelade also pleaded guilty to burgling a private garage in Barnwood Close, Maida Vale on November 19, last year.

He was confronted by the owner and arrested at the scene by Territorial Support Group officers.

They were proactively searching for him in connection with three other residential burglaries and another non-residential burglary. 

These had all been committed in the Maida Vale area within two months of his eventual arrest.

Oyelade also entered a guilty plea for possession of a Class B drug, which was found on him during his arrest and a Section 5 Public Order Act offence in connection with homophobic abuse he subjected the arresting officers to.

Oyelade also admitted assault, causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon during an incident on July 19, last year. 

He was captured on CCTV at a youth centre in Clearwell Drive, Maida Vale, headbutting a youth worker and brandishing a samurai sword.

Detective Constable Sam Ekeocha, from Central West BCU’s CID team, said: “It would not be an exaggeration to describe Phillip Oyelade as a one man crime wave in the W9 postcode.

"He is a violent man who did not think twice about breaking into people’s homes in broad daylight. 

“It was the bravery of the residents, workers and police officers of the W9 area which lead to his arrest and subsequent conviction.”

Housing Benefit Claimant Accused Of Secret €22K-Plus Bank Account

A housing benefit claimant, accused of dishonestly keeping private savings of over €22,000 in a secret Portuguese bank account, has appeared in court.

Maria Albuquerque, 49, enjoyed a council flat in a Thameside Victorian conversion in Mall Road, Hammersmith, where her rent was paid via benefits.

She appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court, where she was sent to Woolwich Crown Court after denying any dishonest intention.

Albuquerque is charged with one count of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham between November 21, 2005 and October 8, 2018.

She is accused of promptly failing to notify her savings of over €22,000 in the overseas bank account.

Prosecutor Mr. Waheed Chaudhrey told the court: “This defendant was in receipt of Housing Benefit and the local council executed a search warrant at the address and found bank statements.”

Albuquerque was bailed to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on November 4, where the case is expected to be transferred to Isleworth Crown Court, which usually deals with west London prosecutions.

Female Accomplice Who Helped Violent Masked Raiders Hunted

Police hunting a woman, who tricked a resident into opening their front door before three masked robbers burst in, have released this E-Fit.

The gang threatened to kill the victim's young son with a screwdriver and fled with cash and jewellery.

Police were called at 2.07pm on Friday, January 31 to reports of an aggravated burglary at a residential property in Taywood Road, Northolt, west London.

Officers attended and spoke to the victim, who said a woman knocked on the front door to speak to them before three men - wearing balaclavas and masks - forced their way into the property.

One of the suspects threatened to kill the victim’s young child with a screwdriver, while demanding that valuables were handed over immediately. 

They then made off with cash and jewellery. 

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Neil Hudson, from West Area Command Unit, said: “Thankfully both victims weren’t physically harmed, but they have been left terribly distraught by the callous actions of these people.

“The incident is even more disturbing by the fact that a young boy was threatened with a weapon during the attack. 

“I urge anyone who recognises this woman to contact us immediately.”

Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 with reference Cad 4170/31Jan.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Foursome Hunted After Teen Stabbing

Police are hunting these four suspects after a 17 year-old male was stabbed in the chest in north London.

Police were called at 11.58pm on Saturday, July 11 after the teenager was stabbed in Muswell Hill Place, Muswell Hill.

He was taken to hospital, where his condition was assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing. 

He has since been discharged.

Extensive enquires have been carried out by detectives from the North Area Command Unit, but so far there have been no arrests.

Detective Constable James Green, investigating, said: “The victim became involved in an altercation with a group of males near the Mossy Well pub in Muswell Hill when he was set about and attacked.

“But for the speed and skill of emergency services workers, this incident could have had a very different outcome. 

“I am urging any members of the public who recognise any of these males to make contact with us immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 9656/11Jul. 

Alternatively tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Camden Pub Beating: Do You Know This Suspect?

Police are hunting this suspected thug after a pub customer was attacked in Camden, leaving him with multiple broken ribs and facial injuries.

Just after midnight on Monday, March 2 the 31 year-old victim was assaulted both inside and outside The Elephants Head in Camden High Street.

He had got into a verbal altercation with a group of three men.

The victim was taken to a London hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. 

He has since been discharged.

PC Sarah Parker, the office in the case, said: “This was a terrible attack in which the victim has sustained serious injuries. 

“We are hoping that by releasing this image a member of the public will come forward and identity this man.

“We are determined to get justice for the victim and to make sure those responsible face the consequences of their actions. 

“I encourage anyone who may have been in the area or seen the men involved to contact police.”

Anyone who recognises the man in the image or with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 quoting CAD 52/02MAR20.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Homophobic Mugging: Police Release E-Fits Of Suspects

Police investigating a violent homophobic attack in north London have released these e-fits of the suspects they are hunting.

Police were called at 1.00am on Sunday, July 26 to reports of a homophobic assault and robbery near the junction of Seven Sisters Road and Amhurst Park, Stamford Hill.

Officers attended the scene and spoke with the victim, a man in his twenties, who had suffered minor injuries and had his headphones stolen.

The victim was walking across the junction when he was approached by two men, who began shouting homophobic abuse before physically assaulting him.

The men are both described as white and in their mid-twenties. 

One man is believed to be around 5ft 6ins tall, with a beard and was wearing a green baseball cap at the time.

The other man is believed to be approximately 6ft 2ins tall with curly blond or ginger hair, and was wearing a leather jacket with a T-shirt underneath.

Once the men had left the scene the victim called police.

The two men then returned and stole the victim’s headphones. 

They also attempted to steal his phone.

Detectives also released CCTV footage of two men seen running from the scene shortly after the incident, as well as these two e-fit images.

Detective Sergeant James Rush said: “This was a vicious attack on the victim, all the more appalling because of the homophobic abuse the victim received. 

“I implore any witnesses to this incident to get in touch to tell us what you saw.

“I would also appeal to the men in the CCTV footage or anyone who knows them to contact us as we believe they could have significant information. 

“The victim has also worked with us to create e-fit images of the two suspects which we are also releasing in the hope someone may recognise them.

"Any information you have no matter how small may be pivotal to our investigation. 

“The Met stands against hate and will make every effort to track the suspects down and hold them responsible.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 580/26Jul.

Wannabe Rapist Caged For Attacking Lone Female

A late-night predator, who tried to rape a lone woman as she walked home in the early hours, has been locked-up.

Khaled Argoub, 21, followed the woman, aged in her 20's, from Colliers Wood Underground Station at 3.00am on August 11, last year.

He dragged her into Wandle Park with his arm around her neck, where the victim fought him off by biting his hand.

At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court Argoub, of Garratt Terrace, Tooting was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment – with a minimum of 14 years in custody.

He was convicted of two counts of attempted rape; attempting to choke, with intent; assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault.

The victim was heading home after a night out with friends and strolled along Colliers Wood High Street before turning into a residential road.

She noticed Argoub standing in the middle of the road behind her and described him as smirking at her.

Suddenly, he ran towards the victim, grabbed hold of her and dragged her into Wandle Park.

He held her from behind with his arm around her neck, chocking her before attempting to rape her. 

He also sexually assaulted her.

Biting his hand, which was covering her mouth, the victim was able to escape and ran to a nearby block of flats until officers arrived a short time after.

The victim was taken to hospital where she had significant cuts and scratches to her body and reddening to her neck. 

Her voice was hoarse from the strangulation and she struggled to speak.

A search was conducted for the suspect, with helicopter and dog support but there was no trace of him. 

Officers found a baseball cap with a ‘B’ logo on the front at the scene.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's South West Safeguarding Team began an investigation. 

Officers began their CCTV trawl starting at the Underground station and found a man fitting Argoub’s description following and filming the victim as she got off the train. 

He was wearing the baseball cap found at the scene of the crime.

Twelve minutes later he was seen re-entering the station and is no longer wearing a baseball cap. 

He headed northbound and exited at Tooting Broadway tube station and entered a property on Garratt Terrace shortly after 4.00am, where he remained.

Back at the hospital, a nail clipping was taken from the victim. 

It was sent for forensic analysis and contained a partial DNA profile for Argoub.

Detective Constable Faye Castleman said: “On behalf of the victim and her family, I am pleased that justice has been served and I hope that this sentence can bring some closure for them. 

“The victim was immensely brave throughout the investigation and I highly commend her courage.

"This was an extensive investigation, with numerous officers working together to locate the offender and highlights good proactive police work. 

“This case also recognises the importance of forensics in helping to identify offenders.

"We take these cases very seriously and I would encourage anyone who has been through a similar experience to come forward and report it to us in confidence."

Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence is urged to contact police on 101. 

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Abuser Faces Justice Four Decades On

A paedophile, who abused two young boys four decades ago, has been jailed for eleven years.

Graham Brightwell, 69, of Peabody Hill, West Dulwich preyed on the pair in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to six counts of indecent assault, which covered multiple incidents and one count of attempted buggery.

The offences were first reported to the police in September, 2017.

Both victims gave statements, detailing the abuse they suffered at the hands of Brightwell.

One victim said the abuse went on for eight years, ending when he turned 16 years-old.

Detective Constable Graham Blake from the West Area safeguarding unit, said: “Brightwell took advantage of his young victim’s vulnerability, sexually abusing them on numerous occasions when the opportunities presented themselves.

“I would like to praise the victims’ courage in reporting what happened to them to police. 

“A serious crime committed thirty years ago is still a crime. 

“While investigations into non-recent sexual offences can be challenging, we have specially trained officers who will follow up all lines of inquiry, and seek to prosecute when the evidence will support it.”

To report a rape or sexual offence, call police on 101, report it online at www.met.police.uk or visit a police station. 

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bus Stop Rapist Facing Prison

A rapist, who lured a 15 year-old girl away from a bus stop and attacked her in an alleyway, will be sentenced on November 3.

Deangelo Brown, 23, of Bank Close, Luton has been described by police as a “dangerous predator” following his conviction.

He was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court of rape and sexual activity with a child.

An investigation was launched after the teenage girl stated that she had been raped near Harlesden High Street in Brent on the morning of Tuesday, March 10.

Brown had approached her while she was standing at a bus stop and after asking her age, he demanded that she follow him. 

Fearing for her safety the girl went with him into an alleyway, where she was attacked.

Having witnessed the incident, a member of public came to the victim’s assistance and walked her to Harlesden police station where she reported the assault. 

Brown’s description was circulated to officers and he was arrested nearby.

The teenager was taken to a Haven and provided with support from specialist trained officers.

Detective Constable Samantha Wilton, from the North West BCU, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to praise the bravery and composure shown by this young girl after experiencing a horrifying ordeal.

“The impact of that morning simply cannot be forgotten. Brown is a dangerous predator who has rightly been found guilty.

“I would also like to thank the person who helped the victim and kindly escorted her to the police station so that she wouldn’t be alone.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to contact police and report it so that we can bring those responsible before the courts.”

Bus Passenger Mugged And Stamped On

A bus passenger was robbed of his wallet and stamped on the head after boarding a service in north-west London.

Police have released this CCTV image of their suspect as the hunt to trace him continues.

The 33 year-old victim boarded a route 483 bus at 8.15pm in Ealing Road, Wembley on July 19.

He was assaulted as soon as he boarded by a man, who stole his wallet. 

He fought back and the pair ended up at the back of the bus, where the suspect forced him down into a seat.

He then knocked the victim to the floor and stamped on his head before fleeing the scene. 

The victim sustained cuts and bruising to his head, but did not require hospital treatment.

PC Nick Kortright, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said:"Although the injuries sustained were not serious ones, this was a sudden and violent attack that left the victim severely shaken. 

“We need the public's help to identify the man in the image - please contact us as soon as possible if you have any information."

Anyone who has information should call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD 7931/19July. 

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

There have been no arrests; enquiries continue.

Caught In The Act, Fact

A thieving employee has been caught on camera helping himself to over £6,000 cash from the company's safe.

Scott Smith, 45, of Windsock Close, Rotherhithe worked in Westminster and during a two-week period helped himself to the money from the office safe.

At the Old Bailey he was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months; ordered to complete 80 hours community service work and pay £2,000 compensation.

On December 4, last year Smith began stealing the cash after clocking out of work.

He stole varying amounts of cash totalling £6,855 and on the final occasion helped himself to two bottles of Belvedere Vodka, worth £250 each.

On December, 23 Smith failed to show for his shift. 

After several phone calls, Smith answered and confessed he had stolen some money from the safe.

The following day, a safe check was completed by the staff and more than £6,000 was recorded to be missing.

Smith, who was staying in Cardiff at the time, handed himself in to a police station on December 28 and was then interviewed.

The following day, he was transferred to a London police station to be questioned further by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Central West Basic Command Unit.

On December, 29 officers searched his other home address in London, where they found the two bottles of vodka, but no trace of the money.

CCTV from the workplace showed Smith stealing money from the safe 19 times, including the two bottles of vodka.

Sawn-Off And Drugs Found In Abandoned Vehicles

Police stumbled upon a sawn-off shotgun, Class A drugs and a dealer's mobile phones when they checked-out two abandoned vehicles in east London.

At 5.39pm on Tuesday, September 15 officers on patrol in Burdett’s Road, Dagenham found the two unattended vehicles.Officers searched one of the vehicles and recovered the firearm alongside a quantity of drugs and mobile phones suspected of use in drug dealing.

There have been no arrests at this time.

Detectives from the East Area Command Unit are investigating.

Detective Inspector Dean Grafton said: “Myself and my officers are committed to bearing down on violent crime and are now conducting various enquiries to establish whether the vehicle and firearm are linked to any other incidents.

"The officers concerned who carried out this search are probationers and have exhibited that although they are new to policing, from the very outset we as police officers are determined to remove drugs and firearms from our streets.

“Anyone who has information that could assist us is urged to call police. 

“Members of the community and officers must work together to tackle violent crime and remove offenders from our streets.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 ref CAD 6145/15 Sept.

Ex-Private School Teacher Dies Before Court Appearance

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

A former schoolteacher at a private prep school has died before a court appearance on historic child sex offences charges.

Timothy Harbord, 67, was a sports coach, who taught English and history at Colet Court – the junior division of St. Paul's – in Barnes, south-west London.

He was due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on four counts relating to one boy, aged under fourteen years-old.

Harbord, of Waunci Crescent, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk was charged with four counts of indecent assault between July 6, 1987 and July 8, 1989.

He was arrested as part of police enquiry Operation Winthorpe, which has been investigating allegations of historic sexual abuse at the school. 

It has been reported Harbord taught at the school for twenty-five years and left in 2013, following his first arrest.

Carer Spent Vulnerable Woman's Money Online

Wimbledon Magistrates' Court

A carer has been sentenced for abusing her position of trust by using a vulnerable woman's money to buy goods on the internet and pay a credit card.

Leanne Julie Melborn, 30, of Suncroft Place, Green Lane, Chessington, Kingston-upon-Thames appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

She was charged with fraud by abuse of position between July 4 and 9, last year while employed as a carer at Calder Court, Britannia Road, Surbiton she acted against the financial interests of Pauline Higgins.

Melborn purchased items on the internet and made a payment to a Capital One credit card while employed to care for the victim, a housing association resident.

She was sentenced to a Community Order, which includes 120 hours unpaid community service, plus up to ten days of rehabilitation.

Melborn must also pay £85 costs and a £90 victim surcharge.

Wine-Drinking Lawyer And Pal Avoid Ban For Parking Merc

Danielle Amodio (L) & Sophie Stevens (R)

A solicitor and a HR manager, both caught drink-driving at over double the limit at 6am have avoided bans after convincing a court they were merely trying to avoid a parking ticket.

Lawyer Danielle Amodio, 31, and recruitment specialist Sophie Stevens, 32, both had a go at moving the Mercedes from a residents-only parking bay.

They argued at Wimbledon Magistrates Court they had special reasons no to be subject to the usual automatic disqualification of at least twelve months.

Amodio, the £72,000 a-year legal counsel to technology provider Genius Sports and £50,000 a-year Stevens both pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in their breath in Dundonald Road, Wimbledon on May 19.

Amodio, who lives in a £675,000 apartment at nearby Tiffany Heights, Standen Road, Southfields had 90 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit is 35.

Stevens, of William Road, Wimbledon had 76 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath.

The court heard both women took to the wheel of the Mercedes with Stevens reversing a slightly longer distance as they attempted to move it from the residents bay, which came into force at 8.30am on a Tuesday morning.

Amodio had driven to her friend Stevens’ home and the pair had been drinking wine the night before.

However, a suspicious local called the police after witnessing them both moving the vehicle and officers stopped them as they strolled back to Stevens’ place.

Afterwards Stevens said: “We are not used to being in trouble, it is crazy. The whole thing was a bit odd.

“There was someone at the end of the road watching us try to get out of the space. They must have assumed we were drunk, I think they called the police.

“We were walking back when a police car pulled up. They asked: ‘Did you just drive?’ We said: ‘Yes, we were just parking’, thinking nothing of it. Then we were breathalysed.”

Instead of the usual disqualification the JP’s imposed 8 penalty points on Amodio’s driving licence and 9 penalty points on Stevens’ licence.

“Ms Amodio is a solicitor and she notified the Solicitors Regulation Authority two days later,” said Simon Harrison, defending.

“She is very resourceful and knows what she did was wrong.”

Amodio is now potentially subject to professional misconduct proceedings as she has a criminal conviction.

She was fined £1,392, with £250 costs and a £139 victim surcharge.

Stevens, who recently began claiming Universal Credit was fined £120, with £250 costs and ordered to pay a £34 victim surcharge.

NOT GUILTY: Couple Cleared Of Parking Row Assault Charge

Peter Joyce & Grecia Arancivia

A couple have been cleared of assaulting their neighbour during a parking row in their small cul-de-sac.

Tempers rose during a dispute about precious parking places and there was a confrontation involving several residents.

Account Manager Grecia Arancivia, 30, and Peter Joyce, 29, were both found not guilty of assaulting their female neighbour on October 24, last year.

Prosecutor Angela O’Dwyer told Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court: “The two defendants and the complainant Eldred Mathieson are neighbours in a cul-de-sac with limited parking.

“This has become a bone of contention and on October 24, last year there was a dispute over parking because there were only two spaces for all of the neighbours.

“After there is an argument there is a physical assault by pulling hair and clothes by Arancivia and Joyce joins in and is complicit in the complainant being pushed by them back against her car, where she bangs her head.”

However, Arancivia claimed Mathieson spat at her after flashing a two-fingered insult towards her and her boyfriend.

She described Mathieson as “goading” and “provoking” and deliberately obstructing the area with her vehicle.

During her evidence Mathieson hardly mentioned Joyce at all and the court heard little evidence of any assault by him.

She told the court it was 10pm and her car was in a parking space, when another neighbour asked if she was leaving as the defendants turned up in their vehicle.

“The male defendant said something about the parking and I saw him push my neighbour.”

Events escalated with the pushed neighbour’s father leaving the house, adding to the numbers outside.

“Everyone had something to say and the female defendant shouted at me that I was a ‘slut’ and an ‘alcoholic’, and I told her she should be ashamed of herself.

Eldred Mathieson

“She came towards me and grabbed me by my clothes and hair and thrust me back onto my car.

“I felt the thrust of my head bang back onto the car and I could see him coming towards me with his hands as if the two of them were pushing me back.

“I felt dizzy and I had a pain in my head. It was hard to believe it had happened.

“I called the police when I got back inside my house because it was an assault on me and I had a pain in my head”.

When cross-examined Mathieson denied telling Arancivia: “Go back to Peru and get your father to pay child support”.

She also denied spitting. “No, I’ve never spat at anyone in my life”.