Twelve Years For Park Rapist

A lone predator, who took advantage of a drunken woman in a west London park, has been jailed for raping and sexually assaulting her.

The victim, aged in her late twenties, had been drinking and taking cocaine the night before with two friends and ended up in Hitherbroom Park, Hayes.

Thomas Mangar, 36, of nearby Bourne Avenue always fought the charges, but was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury after a four-day trial. 

He was sentenced on Friday to twelve years imprisonment.

Now bearded and wearing a turban Mangar looks little like this police custody photograph.

Judge Hannah Duncan announced: “The witness had to give evidence at the trial over two days.

“During that trial the defendant made several outrageous and false allegations against the witness, who reacted calmly and with impressive composure in extremely difficult circumstances.”

Prosecutor Ross Cohen told the jury the victim fell into Mangar's clutches in the early hours of May 12, last year and she was captured on CCTV.

“This was the last time she could have been rescued,” he explained. “The defendant took her to a local park out of view of any witnesses and CCTV.

“This is where the offences took place.

“The complainant was not able to remember anything about the night before, about arriving at a hotel and getting stuck into drink and drugs.

“She woke up with the defendant on top of her, having sex with her. She remembers her bra was undone and her underwear had gone missing.

“She says she shouted and screamed at her attacker and recalls public in the park were alerted and and her attacker got off of her and moved away.”

The witness was described as being “scared” and heard the woman tell the man later identified as Mangar: “F*** off. Get away.”

Another witness meditating in the sunshine saw the woman pulling her trousers up while a man knelt beside her.

“The witness saw her push the man and strike him around the head,” explained Mr Cohen. “She started crying, saying: 'I don't know where I am.'

“The woman then accused one of the witnesses of standing aside and watching her being raped.

“She was extremely upset and very angry.”

Mangar was seen “hanging around” and was followed by a park user before breaking into a run.

When the witness caught up with him Mangar claimed he thought the man was a “black robber” targeting him.

Mangar claimed there were four black men in the bushes near the woman, who he thought was having a heart attack and when he offered her water she told him to “fuck off”.

The woman called 999 and told police she had been raped.

Four days later, the witness spotted Mangar again within the vicinity of the park and called police who arrested him.

Photographic evidence was found on Mangar's phone, including thumbs-up selfies taken by him and of the victim lying down, exposed and in an unconscious state. 

During the trial, the jury also heard that DNA evidence from a condom was recovered from the scene – it carried the profile of Mangar. 

There was also the profile of the victim found on a discarded and torn condom wrapper nearby.

Detective Sergeant Julian Crabb, of the Metropolitan Police's Safeguarding Team said: “This man is a highly dangerous individual and this sentence reflects this heinous crime.

“The victim has shown tremendous resilience throughout this ordeal, the police investigation and subsequent trial.

“My thanks goes to the witness and all the officers who relentlessly worked on this case to ensure justice and bring some closure to the victim.

“Rape, sexual assault and violence will not be tolerated in any form and I hope this result brings some reassurance to communities.” 

Detective Constable Alan Wong, the investigating officer, said: “Mangar carried out an audacious attack on a vulnerable female in broad daylight whilst she was unconscious with no capacity to consent or defend herself until she remembered his breathing woke her up and him on top of her. 

“Thankfully, a member of the public witnessed part of the incident and called the police.

"Although Mangar fled the scene he was identified four days later by the same member of public and this time the police arrested Mangar and a thorough investigation ensued with a tremendous team effort of the West Area Sapphire Team.

"The victim in this case has shown tremendous strength and courage to engage with the police; her evidence and that of the male witness were vital in ensuring a dangerous individual has been brought to justice.”

Santander Manager Nicked £180K From OAP's Accounts

An anti-fraud Santander manager was jailed for 18 months yesterday for targeting the elderly and vulnerable customers she was employed to protect during a four-year £179,900 fraud.

Customer account manager Charlotte Mills, 33, preyed on the accounts of customers, mostly in their seventies and eighties, she had met face-to-face at the branch in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Mills, of Titchener Close, Bicester, Oxfordshire blew the lot playing online slot machines and is currently penniless and out of work.

She pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court to one count of fraud by abuse of position between June 30, 2015 and December 1, 2019, namely dishonestly making dishonest withdrawals from customers’ accounts.

Judge Usha Karu, the Recorder of Southwark told tearful Mills: “Your responsibilities included supporting customers who had been victims of fraud and you had the codes to identify them and access their accounts.

“This was a gross abuse of a position on trust and you covered up what you were doing. There was planning and it was fraudulent over a large period of time and there were a large number of victims you deliberately targeted because of their age.

“Had you not been rumbled, investigated and arrested I don’t think you would have stopped.” 

One gent in his eighties had £64,000 taken from his account and a man his seventies over £20,000 from his “dormant” account, which Mills covered up by providing him a new passbook.

A woman in her seventies had £133,500 taken and another female customer in her eighties said she was “knocked sideways” when £15,000 of her money was taken by Mills.

Another gent in his eighties had £18,000 taken and a male customer in his seventies, who had savings for a “rainy day” saw over £86,000 vanish from his account.

Mills also deliberately blocked postal statements being sent to the victims, believing the elderly customers were less likely to check their accounts online.

An investigation was launched when one customer complained of a suspicious transaction put through by Mills and she was arrested in the branch on December 2, 2019 and confessed fully to police, even to offences officers were unaware of. 

Prosecutor Mr Nicholas Mesure told the court: “She was trusted by her employers and worked there for eleven years until she resigned and worked well and was promoted to Customer Service Manager.

“She supported customers who had been victims of fraud and was able to access those customers’ accounts and she was well known by those customers, who knew her by sight.

“What Ms Mills did was identify vulnerable customers and then transfer funds out of their accounts and the Crown say she was targeting people less likely to notice unauthorised withdrawals on their accounts.

“She knew them all and had served them in the branch and she cancelled their postal statements so they would be less likely to see the withdrawals from their funds.

“If any customer queried a withdrawal they would speak to her because that was her role and then she would correct the discrepancy so the customer reported they had received good service. from her.”

Mills even went out of her way to follow another elderly couple she targeted to a local shop, impressing them by hand-delivering a bank statement, which she created to cover-up her fraud.

“These are elderly people, the kind of people who suffer considerable distress and they all describe themselves as shocked and anxious as to what happened,” added the prosecutor.

“She was adept at covering her tracks and that allowed her to avoid detection for a number of years.”

Mills’ lawyer Mr Tom Orpin-Massey told the court she quit gambling two days after her arrest and a psychiatrist has compared her habit to a mental disorder.

“She was, a the time of offending, a severe gambling addict. It is clear that at the time of offending her judgement was impaired.

“She has not made any money from gambling and the money was dissipated on online slot machines.

“She has expressed sincere remorse for her offending and a prison sentence would hit her very hard indeed. She has arrived at court today absolutely petrified of a custodial sentence.

“She is starting again. She has no job, her career has been ruined. She has no savings, she has not lived an extravagantly.

“It was an addictions and she has lost all the money she acquired and she has not benefitted financially.”

The judge calculated Mills gambled away approximately £40,000 a year for over four years. “You started with one account taking smaller amounts of £400 and £500, but soon your desire for more and more money increased.

“You were stealing vast sums of money, robbing Peter to pay Paul to cover up by stealing from one to pay another,” added Judge Karu.

Mills had got into debt, which her late father paid off, from her online gambling and then maxed-out credit cards before taking from customers to fund her addiction.

“I accept you are truly remorseful and I accept the mental disorder is linked to the offence,” the judge told single Mills. “This is an offence so serious only an immediate custodial sentence is appropriate. 

“I am afraid I don’t think it can be suspended. The only sentence when a  large amount of money is stolen from so many customers over a long period of time is immediate custody.”

Mills contributed her £7,500 help-to-buy ISA, plus £160 cash seized by police when officers raided her home to Santander, which has compensated all of the customers.

She is now subject to Proceeds of Crime proceedings as Santander attempt to recoup the money.

Assistant PE Teacher Sentenced For Smooching With 15 Year-old Girl

An assistant PE teacher, who canoodled with a 15 year-old schoolgirl by the sports equipment shed and shared amorous messages with her, received a suspended prison sentence today.

Luke Hagon, 27, secretly smooched with the girl and squeezed her bum at the Glebe School, West Wickham, while asking her if she “liked” it.

Bromley Magistrates Court was told the girl was vulnerable, due to her autism, and only reported the behaviour to her Army cadet leader after completing her education.

Hagon, of St. Peters Avenue, Berrys Green, Westerham, who is also on the autism spectrum, admitted kissing and groping the girl.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual activity with an underage girl between July 1, 2018 and June 1, 2019.

Prosecutor Marcia Evans told the court: “The defendant was a teaching assistant for PE.

“The girl disclosed the defendant had behaved towards her in a sexual manner, starting with remarks like: ‘Oh, okay beautiful?’

“He took her to the shed area where the PE equipment was stored and kissed her and would grab her bum while kissing.

“The defendant asked her to touch him and showed off his chest and stomach and asked her if she liked it.

“Hagon sent her messages, including: ‘What turns you on?’ and there were other sexual conversations between the two.”

After Hagon was reported by the girl he was arrested and suspended by the school.

“It is clearly a case on the custody threshold, but could be suitable for a suspended sentence” said Helena Spector, defending. 

“He has mental health difficulties and they have been getting worse and worse leading up to today. He has anxiety and depression.”

Hagon was sentenced to twenty-six weeks imprisonment, suspended for three years and made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting him working or volunteering with children and having unsupervised contact with them.

The court ruled Hagon was guilty of an abuse of trust and the victim was vulnerable.

He must also complete the Probation Service’s Horizon programme for sex offenders, plus a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to thirty days.

Hagon was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £156 victim surcharge.

Young Woman Groped On Bus: Do You Know This Suspect?

Police are hunting this suspected bus pervert after a young woman was molested in east London.

At approximately 11.30pm on Friday, February 12, the 20-year-old woman boarded a EL2 bus at Barking Railway Station before sitting down. 

A short time later a man who was sitting behind her, began touching her inappropriately.

The woman shouted at the man before getting off the bus.

Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to identify and speak with. 

He is described as Asian, aged in his mid-20s and of slim build. 

He was wearing a black puffa-style jacket and yellow beanie.

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call the Roads and Transport Policing Command via 101 quoting reference Cad 2421/13Feb.

Burglary Victim Has £9200 Emptied From Account: Image Of Suspect Released

Police are hunting this suspect after a burglary victim had £9200 cash withdrawn from his bank account.

Detectives investigating the Dagenham break-in have released this image of a man they wish to speak to.

On Thursday, January 7, it was reported to police that a man’s house in Dagenham had been burgled whilst he was away.

Several items, including identification documents, were taken from the property, which were then believed to be used to withdraw cash from banks in Islington and Camden on January 6 and 7.

Detectives believe a man broke into the property on Thursday, November 19, 2019.

The CCTV image shows a man withdrawing money on two occasions on the dates mentioned above.

He is described as white and aged approximately in his 60s. 

The man was wearing a dark winter jacket and a brown leather satchel. 

He was also wearing a flat cap and glasses.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD4205/07JAN21.

Hit And Run: Suspect Hunted

Police are hunting this suspect after a young man was hospitalised when run over by a vehicle in north London.

Patrick McDonagh, 21, of no fixed address, is wanted by police in relation to the incident, which took place in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield on Monday, April 12. 

A vehicle was driven at a 21-year-old man, causing serious injuries. 

The injured man was still in hospital last month.

Detective Constable Terri Batts said: "We have carried out extensive enquiries to locate Patrick McDonagh and these are ongoing. 

I urge anyone who knows where he might be staying to contact police immediately.”

Anyone who has information regarding McDonagh's location, or who has information or footage relating to the incident, should call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD7143/12APR.

McDonagh should not be approached, and if seen, witnesses should dial 999.

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppersanonymously on 0800 555 111.

Halloween Horror: Thug High On Drugs Beat Woman And PC With Metal Pole

Darren Parker

A drug-fueled local, who beat a woman, himself and a policeman with a metal pole, has been locked-up for four years and four months.

Darren Parker, 43, of Haylett Gardens, Kingston-upon-Thames was tasered without effect at his home, where police had been called to a report of domestic violence.

At Kington-upon-Thames Crown Court he pleaded guilty to three counts of inflicting actual bodily harm against his female victim and one count of assaulting PC Andy Cougar.

The court heard that on October 31, last year at 2.20pm, police were called to reports of a domestic disturbance at an address in Haylett Gardens, Kingston.

On their way to the address, officers noticed a female in the street, visibly distressed, with significant injuries to her face and neck. 

They stopped and spoke to the woman.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, alleged that she had been kept overnight, against her will, in the home of Parker, who had repeatedly assaulted her before she eventually managed to escape.

Police attended Parker’s address where they were met by him in a highly agitated state, armed with a metal pole.

With the situation becoming more hostile, and Parker refusing to relinquish the metal pole, officers made the decision to discharge a police Taser. 

However, this had no physical effect on Parker, who continued to brandish the metal pole towards them.

Parker then began striking himself over the head with the pole. 

At this point, officers entered the address to detain him and prevent self-inflicted injury.

While attempting to detain Parker – who resisted arrest - PC Andy Cougar, a response officer on the South West Command Unit, was struck over the head with the metal pole.

PC Andy Cougar

Parker was also verbally threatening and attempted to bite other officers in attendance.

He was eventually detained, arrested and taken to a south London police station for questioning.

PC Cougar and the female victim were taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries. 

Both were discharged later that day.

PC Cougar went back out on patrol after receiving medical treatment.

It was established that Parker had subjected the victim to multiple violent abusive episodes since 2019. 

The female victim continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

A restraining order has been imposed by the court to protect the victim.

PC James Driver, investigating officer, said: “Darren Parker showed extreme levels of violence over a sustained period of time leaving the victim with physical injuries and lasting mental trauma. 

“He had no other option but to plead guilty for all matters as the evidence against him was insurmountable.

“Thanks to the victim and members of the public who came forward and provided evidence in the investigation.

“I hope that the sentence handed down brings the victim a measure of closure and that she is able to recover from the ordeal she suffered at the hands of Parker.”

PC Andy Cougar, the officer who was assaulted when trying to arrest Parker, said: “I’ll leave it to the public to imagine how terrifying it is to have to arrest a man like Parker who had a long history of violence.

“He was armed with a metal pole, high on class A drugs and two Taser activations had no effect on him.

“While arresting him, he continued to fight for several minutes, leaving me physically exhausted. 

“I took punches to my face and head from Parker who was out of control. It was one of those incidents you never forget.”

Swordsman Jailed For Police Attack

A swordsman, who lunged at a police officer with the four-foot blade at his east London home, has been jailed.

Anthony Browne, 63, of Lodge Avenue, Dagenham received seven years and four months imprisonment when he appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on the officer on November 30, last year when police were called to deal with his aggressive behaviour.

At 7.40pm police entered the unkempt address and Browne immediately seize the sword that was hidden behind him and lunged forward.

As officers attempted to detain him, one officer was injured. 

The sword connected with the officer’s hand, breaking it and partially severing a finger.

The officer was taken to an east London hospital for treatment to his his non life-threatening injury, but required surgery and ongoing treatment.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman, in charge of policing in East Area, said: “Anyone watching the body worn video footage will agree that it is completely unacceptable that officers are met with extreme violence like this. 

“The officer's colleagues were certainly quickly on scene when the alarm was raised. 

“The fact his injuries were not life threatening was fortunate, particularly for Browne, who could have found himself facing even more serious charges.

"I’m quite sure that this will have a lasting impact on the officer concerned who showed great courage in the face of danger.

“The dramatic escalation of violence and aggression shown by Browne highlights both the bravery and risks police officers often face, particularly in someone’s own home.

"It also demonstrates that anyone who assaults an officer whilst carrying out their duty, no matter what the circumstances, will find themselves before the courts, so be warned.”

Eye Doctor Caught Boarding Plane With Bogus Covid Certificates

An Egyptian eye doctor, who tried to board a flight home with her two children using forged Covid test certificates, received a suspended prison sentence yesterday.

Dr. Sohyla Mohamed, 36, of Clarence Road, Harborne, Birmingham was supplied the bogus documents by a friend, who downloaded them from the internet.

She had a total of three forged certificates to cover herself and her two children.

She pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation on April 2, namely producing a false PCR certificate - also known as a Fit to Fly Certificate - at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2.

Authentic PCR certificates require an average fee of approximately £120.

Prosecutor David Roberts told Wimbledon Magistrates Court: “A family of three, this defendant and her two children, presented themselves to check-in to travel on an EgyptAir flight with negative Covid certificates.

“Airport staff were suspicious and checked with the clinic, which was said to have issued the certificate and it was confirmed the defendant had not attended that clinic.

“She later attended Heathrow Police Station and when questioned said she asked a friend for the certificate to travel and said she had done the lateral flow test that proved to be negative.”

“She said she didn’t really think about the impact of presenting a fake certificate, but knew she was negative from the lateral flow test.

“The offence has raised culpability and potential harm flying, at this time.

“The Heathrow supervisor says there has been a rise in fake PCR test certificates. 

“She said a friend produced the Covid certificate for free.”

Mohamed entered the UK a year ago when her husband obtained a job here and she is also studying in this country.

Probation Officer Howard Gibbs told the court: “Her work gave her short notice to come back so she was in a hurry to get back to Egypt.

“She says she invited a friend to create the fake PCR test certificate, which was downloaded from the internet and she did not think about the consequences of that.

“She is a doctor and did not think it would be an issue.

“She says she fully understands her actions were wrong and is fully appreciative of what she has done.”

Dr. Mohamed told the court: “I know I am guilty, but I did not intend to do this, but I was in a rush to go to Egypt and that is why I did this.

“I wanted to make sure I was free of Covid and did that lateral flow test. I did not believe it was a very big issue like this.”

She was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment, suspended for twelve months and ordered to perform 60 hours community service and pay £85 costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

Magistrate Susan Daniel-Keisler announced: “The defendant produced false documents at Heathrow Airport and sought to board a flight to Egypt.

“The Covid rules in this country require, in order to travel abroad, one must acquire a PCR test, the lateral flow test is not sufficient.

“Dr. Mohamed knew this was required and found a friend to make a false document.

“She sought to deliberately evade the requirements and she potentially put other people at risk.

“Due to your good character and early guilty plea we will suspend the custodial sentence and it will hang over you."

Siblings Sentenced For 'Uber Knowledge' Scam

Cindy Ughanze

A Transport for London employee and her brother, who plotted together to give failed mini-cab drivers test answers to pass the ‘Uber Knowledge’, both received suspended prison sentences yesterday.

University graduate Cindy Ughanze, 28, was employed by the Topographical Assessment Department and sold the information to struggling applicants seeking a private hire vehicle licence (PHVL).

She plotted with her engineering graduate brother Jordan Ughanze, 25, who approached the drivers, charging them £300 to £500 to cheat the test.

At least twenty-two failed drivers were assisted, paying a total of approximately £8,000.

“This is not an equivalent of The Knowledge, but is the Uber-equivalent of The Knowledge,” said Croydon Crown Court Judge Deborah Charles.

“You, Cindy worked for TfL and conspired with your brother to assist PHVL applicants to cheat their exams and you did so for money.

“You, Jordan were the salesman, approaching drivers who failed their exam to help them cheat. Their second attempt would be their final attempt and your offer to cheat the system must have been attractive.

“You, Cindy breached the trust of your employer by accessing their systems to obtain details of the applicants.” 

The Ughanze’s, both of Goldcrest Way, New Addington, Croydon pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud TfL between February 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018.

One cheat, who paid the Ughanze’s for the answers, passed their re-test with an 88% grade after flunking their first attempt with a miserable 43%.

After that sudden improvement TfL launched an internal investigation.

“That raised suspicions and TfL found the handwriting on the examination paper was markedly different and when police visited your home they seized a holdall and found test papers and a notepad with your handwriting Jordan.

“You, Cindy were logging into TfL’s computer system out of hours and had access to a locked cabinet where exam papers were stored and you found applicants who may be amenable to pay for your services and you returned examination papers when completed.

“We have heard from TfL of the potential far-reaching effects of this case, of the breach of trust to the Topographical Assessment Department and the effect on tests, introduced in the interests of safety. 

Prosecutor Shannon Revel said: “Applicants must show they have a working knowledge of the geography of London and the sealed test results are taken to TfL.

Jordan Ughanze

“Cindy gave the details of the failed applicants to Jordan, who offered them a way to pass the test for a fee and he filled-in the fresh examination papers and they would be swapped by his sister.”

The 22 drivers who cheated have been permanently banned by TfL from applying for a PHVL, but not prosecuted, despite participating in a fraud on TfL.

Another failed applicant anonymously tipped-off the police when approached by the Ughanze’s.

It is unknown if there are currently more PHVL-holders driving customers around London, who cheated the test. “There was not a queue of applicants outside the police station door because they have also committed fraud,” said the prosecutor.

Each sibling claims to be the instigator of the conspiracy and mum-of-one Cindy, who has a fraud conviction for trying to avoid parking tickets, took the £32,000 a year job having abandoned her Masters degree course and is currently in receipt of Universal Credit.

She would log-in to her work computer for up to two hours out-of-hours and was arrested at her desk on May 31, 2018 and taken to Charing Cross Police Station.

Dad-of-one Jordan, an assistant project manger for Network Rail, has convictions for robbery, battery and fraud and has just had the family council house transferred to his name.

“You have previous convictions and one could say you have both had your chances and that I should send you to prison today, but what is your risk to the general public?” the judge told the pair.

“With some reluctance I have decided the sentence can be suspended and if I see you again I will activate the sentence.”

Cindy received 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years and Jordan 14 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Both were ordered to complete 120 hours community service work and obey an electronically tagged night time home curfew for three months between 10pm and 7am.

Cindy must also comply with a thirty-day rehabilitation requirement and pay £250 costs.

Jordan must comply with a twenty-day rehabilitation requirement, plus nineteen ‘thinking skills’ sessions and pay £1400 costs.

Sleeping Bus Passenger Molested

A “predatory” pervert, who sexually assaulted a woman after she fell asleep on a bus, has been jailed for seven years.

David O’Brien, 51, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court after he was convicted of sexual assault by penetration.

The victim, aged in her twenties, did not give evidence and the prosecution relied on CCTV footage recorded on the 243 bus as it travelled through Hackney.

O'Brien pounced on his sleeping victim as it travelled along Stoke Newington Road on May 31, last year.

She awoke to find him molesting her and her shocked and distressed reaction prompted O’Brien to flee the bus when it stopped. 

Police were called and an investigation launched by officers from the Central East Command.

Through diligent CCTV enquiries officers were able to identify O’Brien after an officer recognised him from the footage. 

On August 7 he was arrested in York Way, King's Cross and was taken into custody.

DC Hema Patel said: “O’Brien is a dangerous and predatory individual who, in a particularly abhorrent act, targeted the victim while she was asleep and therefore defenceless.

“The victim has shown extreme bravery and courage in reporting the incident and helping us to bring O’Brien to justice and therefore preventing him from committing further offences.

“Whilst she did not wish to provide evidence at the trial, the overwhelming CCTV evidence against O’Brien ensured he would be held to account for his serious crimes.”

Burglar Jailed After High-Speed Police Chase

A prolific burglar, who drove a car he took at 70mph on the wrong side of the road as he tried to flee from police, has been jailed.

Lewis Thomas, 22, of Milner Road, Dagenham, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court for multiple offences.

He broke into two Rainham residential homes and also admitted aggravated taking and driving away and dangerous driving.

Thomas, who was also uninsured and unlicensed was sentenced to four years imprisonment and disqualified from driving for four years.

He crashed the Audi he was driving into a tree, left the car and ran into a ravine in an attempt to hide from officers who had pursued him.

He was found hiding under a bridge after the National Police Air Service (NPAS) assisted officers on the ground to find him.

The court heard that on Wednesday, January 20, PC’s Danny Gee, Adam Lamb and Jordan Solanke of the East Roads Policing Team were on patrol when they were alerted to an Audi, that had been reported stolen, on the move in the Rainham area of Havering.

The officers made their way to the area and managed to accurately predict where the car would have headed based on the information they had.

When they spotted the vehicle it made off and a pursuit ensued where the vehicle sped up to 70mph, mounting the central reservation and travelling on the wrong side of the carriageway. 

The car eventually collided with a tree and Thomas made off on foot along the ravine.

Searches by all three officers at two different addresses revealed further items including clothing and the victim’s ID documents stolen during the same burglary and also property from another residential burglary. 

This provided a conclusive link between the suspect and the two burglaries.

Teen Stabbed On Bus: Do You Know This Suspect?

Officers investigating a stabbing on board a bus in Harrow have released an image of a man they would like to trace in connection with this incident.

Police were called at approximately 6.45pm on Thursday, April 1 to reports of a person stabbed on board a bus in Eastcote Road, close to the junction with Northolt Road, in Harrow.

Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service. 

An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital with a stab injury to his chest. 

His condition was assessed as non-life threatening.

Detective Constable Matthew Southwold from the Roads and Transport Policing Command said: “As the victim boarded the bus close to South Harrow tube station he was approached by two males. 

An altercation occurred resulting in the victim being stabbed. 

An image of one of the males we would like to trace has been issued – do you recognise this person? If you do, please call police immediately.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD reference 6875/01Apr. 

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Football Coach Knocked Out During Ball Row

A football coach was punched unconscious and suffered a double fracture to his jaw after youths in a west London park failed to return a ball he lent them.

The coach was happy to loan the group a ball to play with in Eel Brook Common, Fulham on October 2, last year, but trouble flared when they left with it.

Police have released this CCTV image of two suspects, believed to be part of an older group of males, who knew the youths and attacked the coach.

After lending the ball at approximately 7.40pm the coach followed the teenagers to retrieve it.

A second group, who knew the teens, arrived at the location and became involved in a confrontation with the victim.

One man punched the coach, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground, knocking him unconscious. 

The group fled the scene in the direction of Fulham Broadway.

Police were called and he was taken to hospital with a head injury. 

He suffered a two fractures in his jaw and required surgery. 

He has since been discharged.

Detective Constable Zachery Donohoe, from the Central West Command Unit, said: "This was a shocking and unprovoked attack and the victim continues to recover from his horrific injuries. 

“I would urge anybody who recognises the man in these images to contact us immediately."

There have been no arrests.

If you have information that can help police tweet @MetCC or call 101 quoting CAD 6761/02OCT20.

To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bus Spitter Banged Up

A fare-dodging bus passenger, who spat on the drivers' security shield when challenged, has been locked-up for 18 weeks.

Michael Aidoo, 44, pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates’ Court to one count of common assault.

The court heard that on the morning of Saturday, February 13, Aidoo boarded the number 436 bus in Queens Road, Peckham.

He refused to pay a fare and tried to walk past the driver. 

When challenged, Aidoo became abusive. 

He pulled down his mask and spat at the driver before getting off the bus.

Thankfully, a screen between the driver and passengers provided protection. 

The quick-thinking driver used a swab to collect a sample which he handed to officers at Lewisham Police Station. 

The DNA was found to be a direct match to that of Aidoo and he was arrested by Safer Transport Teams officers at Vauxhall Railway Station on Wednesday, March 24.

Detective Sergeant Ian Beattie, of the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This was a disgusting act against a key worker who was providing an essential service during the lockdown. 

“To be spat is completely unacceptable and it is right that Aidoo has been given a custodial sentence to reflect the seriousness of this offence.

“Spitting is disgraceful at any time, but it is even more shocking in the middle of a pandemic. 

“We will not tolerate such behaviour.”

Woman Groped Near South Africa Royal Artillery Memorial

This cyclist is being hunted by police after a woman was molested near the South Africa Royal Artillery Memorial in The Mall.

Detectives investigating the sexual assault in central London have released this image of a man they would like to speak to.

The incident happened at approximately 10.00pm on Saturday, November 21, last year as the woman, aged in her thirties, stood by the memorial.

The suspect – a man who was seen riding a bike - did not speak to the victim before he assaulted her.

The victim reported the incident to police soon after. 

She continues to be supported by specially trained officers. 

Officers from Central West Sapphire Unit are investigating.

Detective Constable Hollie Jenkins, said: “It is really important that we identify this man as part of our investigation. 

“If you recognise yourself or think you know who this man is please get in touch.

“It is vital that we track down the person responsible and I would urge anyone who can help to get in contact at the earliest opportunity.”

If you have any information that could help police please call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7909/21NOV20.

Alternatively, you can leave information anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.