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August 2023
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A former professional footballer has been jailed for serious sexual offences following a joint investigation between the Met and detectives from Avon and Somerset. Alhaji Sesay, 22 (9.10.98) of Congleton Grove, Greenwich appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 March where he was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for the attempted rape of a woman in a Bristol nightclub and the rape and attempted rape of woman at a north London bar. He was sentenced as follows: - Attempted rape in Bristol – four years' imprisonment; - Attempted rape in London – six years' imprisonment; - Rape in London – six years; imprisonment. The sentences in the London case are to run concurrently making a total of 10 years to be served. During a four-week trial the court heard that on Thursday, 11 July, 2019, Alhaji Sesay entered the female toilet of a nightclub in Bristol City Centre. Once inside the toilets, he approached a woman who was entirely unknown to him, pushed her against the wall and sexually assaulted her through her clothing and attempted to force her to commit a sex act on him. are you in need of the services of a rape solicitor Security at the venue were alerted to the incident and Sesay was detained by staff until police officers arrived. He was arrested and during interview denied the allegation stating that he had ‘entered the female toilets looking for a woman whom he had kissed earlier in the night' but had not assaulted anyone. He was subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries. On Sunday, 30 August 2020, police were called to a bar on Chase Road, N14 area where a female had been sexually assaulted in the toilets by an unknown male. Officers attended the venue where a female victim who was in the toilets in the bar, had been pushed into a cubicle by a man she did not know, whom we now know to be Sesay, who attempted to rape her. When his attempt at rape was unsuccessful he forced her to perform a sex act on him. Following the attack Sesay left the venue in a vehicle but came back to the bar when he was encouraged by his friends. He was arrested at the scene. In police interview on this occasion Sesay claimed that the victim had consented to sex. The victims in both cases were supported by specially trained officers. He was remained in custody and was charged on Monday, 31 August 2020 with attempted rape in connection with the Bristol incident and attempted rape and rape in connection with the London offences. Have you been falsely accused of sexual assault. After pleading not guilty on all counts, the trial of Alhaji Sesay commenced at Bristol Crown Court on Monday, 22 February. On Wednesday, 16 March the jury returned a majority verdict of guilty of two counts of attempted rape and one count of rape. Detective Constable Kim Davies who led the investigation from the Met’s Public Protection Team (sexual offences strand), said: “The actions of Alhaji Sesay were clearly that of a predator. "He has on two separate occasions subjected women to violent acts in what should be a safe and private space. He has shown no remorse for his deplorable behaviour and the verdict is welcomed as it highlights that there is a price to be paid by those committing sexual offences, and that price is their freedom. “The impact that crimes like this case have on the victims is significant, so I would like to thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation which has resulted in taking a dangerous individual off the street.” Detective Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, of the Met's North Area Public Protection Team, said: “We commend the courageous victims for coming forward and supporting the police investigation after what must have been a terrible and frightening experience. “Thankfully stranger attacks such as these are rare but I hope this conviction goes some way to providing closure for the victims and sends a clear message to the public that such abhorrent acts will not be tolerated.” Detective Constable Toby Hayes of Bristol CID, said: “Alhaji Sesay is a predatory sexual offender who would brazenly target women at random at nightclubs. “CCTV footage gathered during the police investigations showed him going into female toilets, where he carried out his attacks. “The victims have all been through a harrowing experience. I want to pay tribute to their incredible bravery and courage for reporting the offences committed against them, for giving crucial evidence in court and for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in this dangerous sexual offender being brought to justice. I would also like to thank the many members of the public who assisted with our enquiries and helped to ensure justice was served. “Due to the nature of Sesay’s offending, it’s possible there are other victims out there who haven’t yet reported incidents to us. I would encourage them to place their faith and confidence in the police and come forward. You will be listened to, believed and respected. If you don’t want to speak to the police, please speak to someone.” + As part of the same trial Alhaji Sesay was found not guilty of one count of rape in relation to a separate incident in Bristol that was dealt with by Avon and Somerset Police. source
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Two people who exploited the Government’s Coronavirus Bounce Back loan scheme by using the identities of eight innocent people to fraudulently obtain £489,000 have been jailed.
[A] Timilehin Yvette Olasemo, 39 (14.10.82), of Bedale Road, Romford, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 March and was sentenced to three years and two months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. Olasemo pleaded guilty to the offence on 12 November 2020 at Southwark Crown Court. Co-defendant [B] Olufumi David Akinneye, 33 (2.11.87), of Cowthorpe Road, Lambeth, was sentenced to a total of five years and six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to commit fraud after pleading guilty to those offences on 12 November 2020 at Southwark Crown Court. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the UK Government created a scheme to support businesses struggling through the lack of economic activity. The scheme was effectively a Government-backed loan organised and managed through UK banks. The size of the loan available is determined by turnover demonstrated by the business to the satisfaction of the bank. Due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the economic consequences on the UK economy, the loan scheme was set up to ensure that applicants were looked upon favourably, and that their application was processed quickly, resulting in limited security checks being undertaken. The court heard how Olasemo exploited the weaknesses in the application system and realised that she, with assistance of others, could create fake businesses - using the identities of real people - to apply for the loans. As the business account had been registered to a separate address to the personal account holder’s address, its existence would not become apparent to the real personal account holder until the bank chased them for the loan repayments. Akinneye was the first out of the two to be identified during ongoing enquiries into organised criminality by officers of the Met’s North West London Economic Crime Unit. Olasemo was identified from evidence seized during Akinneye’s arrest. On Friday, 16 October, officers from Met’s North West Economic Crime Unit, part of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Central Specialist Crime Command, arrested Olasemo at her home address. She was charged and remanded in custody the same day. The investigating officers identified that £489,000 worth of fraudulent loan applications were made using ten identities. Of this, £297,000 worth of loans were successfully obtained by the pair and dissipated. The remaining amount was successfully stopped by the banks. It was discovered that Olasemo had obtained and used the personal details of eight individuals in order to fraudulently apply for the loans. She had stolen these identities after accessing employee records containing personal information during her employment. The fraudulently obtained monies was paid into the business bank account before being dispersed into mule accounts and later withdrawn from cash machines. Throughout this process, Olasemo sought advice from an accomplice named Olufumi David Akinneye. Akinneye provided Olasemo with guidance in relation to laundering the proceeds of the frauds and safe addresses to use as correspondence for accounts. He also acted as a middle-man between people who were willing to sell on their bank accounts for use in fraud and other fraudsters who needed mule accounts to receive money obtained from diversion frauds. £290,381 obtained from diversion fraud was found to have passed through the mule accounts connected to Akinneye. Detective Constable Chris Collins, of the Met’s North West Economic Crime Unit, said: “Today’s result serves as evidence of the zero-tolerance approach the MPS takes to individuals found guilty of fraud. “We will continue to crackdown on individuals who are found to be exploiting government schemes for their own monetary gain.” Akinneye was also convicted for his involvement in Romance Fraud. Analysis of his phone revealed that he had set up a false persona – pretending to be a woman online to ensnare men – fabricating several stories in order to request money for flights, accommodation and a replacement passport. In some cases victims of the romance scam were duped into becoming money mules themselves by allowing fraudulent funds to be paid into their own bank accounts. Akinneye was arrested on Thursday, 20 August by officers from the Met’s North West Economic Crime Unit. He was charged and remanded the same day.
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Man jailed for assaulting three women3/15/2021 A man was sentenced on Thursday, 11 March for the assault and sexual assault of three women in North London.
Abdul Yusuf, 31 (05.05.89) of no fixed address was sentenced to four years and four months' imprisonment and a further four years on license at Wood Green Crown Court for three counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of common assault, one count of robbery and two counts of fraud. Have you been falsely accused of sexual assault. These charges relate to three women. The court heard that on 27 June 2020 at around 20:30hrs, victims [1] and [2] were waiting for a Route 76 bus on High Road, N16 between Wargrave Road and Gladesmore Road. Victim [1] was waiting at the bus stop when Abdul Yusuf approached her and engaged her in conversation, to which the victim told him to "go away". Without any warning, Yusuf grabbed her left wrist and said “you are not going anywhere.” She stated that Yusuf kept squeezing her wrist and was staring straight into her eyes smiling and said “you know you want it” before sexually assaulting her. She managed to break away and got onto the rear doors of the bus. Yusuf then walked to the middle doors of the bus where victim [2] was waiting. He went up behind her and sexually assaulted her. He then boarded the rear doors and sat opposite victim [1]. Once on the bus, victim [2] walked up to Yusuf to confront him about what he had done, to which he has slapped her around the face. This prompted victim [2] to start recording. With the knowledge that he was being filmed, Yusuf began to gather his shopping and was waited by the exit doors to leave the bus when he noticed that victim [1] had her phone angled like she was also recording. This was incorrect – she was on a video call to a friend. Yusuf attempted to grab the phone from victim [1] and lashed out intimating that he was going to punch her. Victim [1] stood up and defended herself, but Yusuf overwhelmed her and pushed her onto her back on the floor of the rear row of seats, holding her down with the palm of his hand on her chest for a few seconds, before repeatedly punching her to the face. Victim [1] stated that she struggled to breathe as he was holding her so hard. Victim [1] managed to get up and tried to get away but Yusuf bit her right shoulder blade for three or four seconds, causing her to scream out in pain. Yusuf punched victim [1] once more before getting off the bus. Victim [2] provided phone recordings of the incident and also a Snapchat video that she was sent from an unknown person, which showed a man getting arrested, who matched the description of the person that assaulted her on the bus. A manhunt was then launched for Yusuf. While this was underway, a DNA hit found that he was a suspect for a sexual assault, robbery and fraud that happened on 4 July 2020 against victim [3]. Yusuf had befriended the woman before pushing her to the floor and sexually assaulting her, biting her in the process. He took her phone and bank card and attempted to purchase two items in a nearby shop. Yusuf was arrested in Cornwall on 18 July 2020. He pleaded guilty to the fraud matters before the trial, however he pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault, assault and robbery of victim [3]. On Thursday, 14 January, following a three-day trial, Yusuf was found guilty unanimously by a jury. He was sentenced for all matters on Thursday, 11 March. PC Bowman, from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This sentencing shows the seriousness of Yusuf’s actions and has put a very dangerous man behind bars. To assault three women in this way will not be tolerated, and from the footage, we can see how violent his actions were. “The impact that crimes like this have on the victims is significant and long-lasting and I thank them for their bravery in reporting this to the police and playing their part in bringing Yusuf to justice. “The Met’s number one aim is to tackle violent crime, and we will continue to put those who engage in criminal and violent behaviour behind bars.” Do you need to speak with our sexual assault Solicitors ? Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing Operations and Security at TFL, said: “We commend these women for coming forward and speaking to the police after what must have been a terrible and frightening experience. Thankfully crimes of this nature are extremely rare on public transport. “All our customers have the right to travel on our network without fear of abuse, assault or intimidation. We welcome the sentence which has seen this offender imprisoned. Through our partnership with the Met we are determined that anyone who commits a crime on our network is pursued and held to account for their actions. If you ever experience or witness a crime on London’s public transport we strongly encourage you to report it to the police or TfL so we can take action.”
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Two men have been jailed for money laundering for an organised crime network that was defrauding victims of millions of pounds through a sophisticated ‘smishing’ scam.
Quin Huang, 37 (12.12.83) of Prospect Row, Newham and Clarke Morgan-Findlay, 27 (25.10.93), of Hunsdon Road, Lewisham, were sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, 11 March. Huang was sentenced to five years and six months’ imprisonment while Morgan-Findlay was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment. Huang pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 21 August 2020. He pleaded guilty to a further count of money laundering and one count of bribery at the same court on Thursday, 28 January. Morgan-Findlay pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 4 September 2020. Do you need the services of money laundering solicitors. The convictions are part of a complex investigation by the Met into an organised crime network (OCN) responsible for ‘smishing’ fraud offences across the UK. The losses attributed to this OCN against two major UK banks is conservatively estimated to be in the region of £20-£30million. The method targets individuals and companies using SMS text messages to induce victims to divulge their personal bank account information. In most cases, the victim would receive a text message appearing to be from their bank requesting a call in relation to an unusual payment. The fraudulent message usually appears on the victim’s mobile phone in the same message thread as genuine messages received from their bank, deceiving the victim into thinking it is a legitimate message. The number the victim is asked to call is not a genuine banking number and would put them in direct contact with the fraudsters who posed as banking staff and would take the details needed to access the victim’s bank account. The victim’s money is then fraudulently transferred out of their account by the criminals into ‘mule’ bank accounts that have been set-up for this purpose. Once in these accounts, the money needed to be laundered, in a process known as ‘cashing out’, which was Huang and Morgan-Findlay’s role. These mule accounts had been set up in the names of individuals who were recruited by Morgan-Findlay on social media. Huang and Morgan-Findlay would attend high-end stores, usually in Oxford Street and Knightsbridge in central London and would purchase luxury items such as designer handbags, jewellery and gift cards. They would then send these goods to the OCN that had organised the smishing fraud. Enquiries revealed that Huang and Morgan-Findlay were in regular contact with each other. Huang would ask Morgan-Findlay to obtain mule bank accounts. Morgan-Findlay would then recruit people on social media to open mule bank accounts, promising them a percentage of the proceeds. Huang would then provide details of the mule bank accounts to the OCN. Both Huang and Morgan-Findlay had access to the accounts and Morgan-Findlay would often make a small ‘tester’ payment into them from his own bank account. When a smishing fraud took place and money was transferred into a mule account, Huang would contact Morgan-Findlay and they would meet at an agreed location in central London to ‘cash out.’ After the laundering process was completed, Morgan-Findlay would often brag to his numerous contacts and send videos and screenshots of the mule account displaying the stolen proceeds in a bid to encourage them to open more mule accounts. The defendants’ mobile phones had thousands of messages relating to these offences as well as photographs, screenshots and videos of mule bank accounts and bank cards. It is not possible to establish the precise number of how many money laundering offences are evidenced on the mobile phones, but it is believed to be in the hundreds. However, the prosecution was limited to a total of 15 offences of money laundering – 12 between the dates of 11 July 2017 and 2 October 2017 and three between the dates of 28 August 2019 and 16 January 2020, totalling in excess of £250,000 of losses to victims. The Met commenced its investigation after officers were alerted by the Cyber Defence Alliance (CDA) to a Facebook account, which appeared to be in use for the sole purpose of attracting money mules. The CDA came across the account after it identified a campaign on social media to recruit money mules. The CDA subsequently managed to identify the mule herder as Morgan-Findley and it submitted a detailed intelligence package to the MPS, which led to detectives undertaking extensive additional enquiries. Videos and photographs were posted on the account linked to Morgan-Findley requesting various types of accounts that he wanted. In one of the videos, Morgan-Findlay is seen wearing a Cartier watch with a black strap. During another communication, he gave a mobile number that he could be contacted on – which came back as a number belonging to him. On 11 April 2018, Morgan-Findlay was arrested by officers, who recovered the mobile phones and a number of items including a Cartier watch identical to the one in the Facebook video. He was released under investigation pending further enquiries. He was interviewed under caution on two further occasions in 2018 and 2019, where he answered no comment to all questions put to him. On Thursday, 18 June 2020, Huang was arrested at his home address on suspicion of money laundering. Officers seized £107,325 in cash as well as designer handbags and watches. During his interview, he initially denied any involvement before changing his story to say he had been threatened into doing it. He was charged on the same day. Officers re-arrested Morgan-Findlay at his home address on Tuesday, 23 June 2020 on suspicion of money laundering offences. He answered no comment to all questions put to him and was charged the same day. Following further enquiries, Huang was charged with an additional count of money laundering and one count of bribery on 9 November 2020. Detective Constable Ray Black, the investigating officer from the Met’s Cyber Crime Unit, said: “This has been a long and complex investigation, which saw officers working around the clock for more than two and a half years to bring Huang and Morgan-Findlay to justice. I’d also like to thank our partners at the Cyber Defence Alliance for bringing this to our attention and providing us with a comprehensive evidential package, which allowed us to kick-start our investigation. “Huang and Morgan-Findlay made their living off the misery of others. While there’s no evidence to suggest they directly defrauded the victims themselves, they clearly played a key role in this organised crime network. “Money laundering is often glamorised in popular media, and can be thought of as a victimless crime, however every pound involved has been taken from an innocent member of the public and it has a significant impact on their lives.” Steven Wilson, CEO of the Cyber Defence Alliance, said: “The CDA, working with our member banks, were able to identify significant criminal activity of an organised crime network who were fraudulently obtaining large amounts of money from UK customers. “We supplied our partners in the Met with actionable intelligence and through complex enquiries, they were able to identify a group of highly active fraudsters who were stealing millions of pounds from unsuspecting members of the public. These convictions illustrate the importance of industry and law enforcement working together to protect the UK public.” Source
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Stolen dog found 65 miles from home3/15/2021 A stolen dog has been returned to its owners after being found 65 miles from home.
On 24, February, a 72-year-old woman was walking her dog, Dora near her home in Lydd, Kent. A man wearing a face mask approached her and the dog and engaged in conversation with her. He then detached the lead and ran off with the dog. On Sunday, 7 March, 11 days later, a member of public reported to Bexleyheath Police station with a dog she had found roaming alone in a local park. Officers from the station took the dog to a local vets to be checked over and scanned for any details. The scans showed that the dog was indeed Dora the pug who was stolen back in Kent. She was 65 miles from her home. The next day, officers contacted the owner and were able to return Dora the pug to her rightful owners. Sadly, the owner has now informed us that her other dog, is now reported to be missing in the Kent area. source
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Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command have issued more than 400 fines during a three-week period for the offence of driving while on a mobile phone.
The Met has issued 436 fines since Monday, 8 February to motorists who illegally used a mobile device while they were at the wheel, during a three-week crackdown on offenders. Additionally, in the same period, 71 fines were given for not being in proper control of a vehicle, 45 for dangerous/ careless/inconsiderate driving and 110 for driving a vehicle with tinted windows that impaired vision. Between Monday, 8 and Sunday, 21 February, the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC), in partnership with Transport for London, focussed enforcement on motorists who unlawfully used hand-held mobile devices while driving, and in doing so, posed a very real danger to themselves, other drivers and pedestrians. caught in a driving offence ? speak with our motoring offence solicitors London. Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens, Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “The majority of people are responsible motorists who obey the rules of the road and, like me, are opposed to mobile phone use by other drivers. “However, our ongoing road safety policing continually catches the minority of irresponsible motorists who selfishly use a mobile phone while driving. Their reckless actions could be lethal. “I would like to remind such offenders that you are a significant danger to yourself, your passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. You are also breaking the law. “If you are caught using a phone while driving you will be fined £200 and six points deducted from your licence. This could mean retaking your driving test or disqualification from driving altogether. If you cause a collision as a result of being on a phone, you could face prison. I ask you: how would live with yourself if you were the cause of someone’s injury or death as a result of driving while on a mobile phone? “So, my message is clear: when you are driving, leave the phone alone.” Using a mobile phone while driving does not just mean holding a phone to your ear. It also includes other distracting activities such as selecting music, streaming, looking on social media, checking emails and filming. If you were involved in a serious or fatal collision police would investigate to see if you were using a hands-free phone at the time and if so, if it had contributed to the poor standard of driving. Throughout the weeks of enforcement and as part of ongoing regular patrols, dedicated RTPC patrols use unmarked vehicles, helmet cams, high-seated vehicles and high vantage points to catch those who commit such offences while at the wheel. The operation and persistent patrols contribute towards the Mayor’s Vision Zero Action Plan launched in 2018 to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London's streets by 2041. Each year, around 4,000 people are killed or seriously injured on our roads, taking a devastating toll on the people involved, their families and communities across the capital. It also supports the National Police Chief’s Council’s national weeks of action in February against such offenders. + There are also many helpful strategies for motorists to stop the temptation of using the phone while driving: - A mobile phone blocking pouch may help by blocking the phone signal whilst you are driving. - Put the phone in the glove compartment or boot….Try Out of sight, out of mind, out of hand! - Turn your phone off whilst you are driving to resist the temptation. - Activate airplane mode. - Have an App that blocks calls when driving. (These can often send a message that you are driving to enforce the socially acceptable message) - Some drivers may find it motivating to make a pledge not to use a phone. This can be particularly effective if you do it publically possibly on social media. source
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A man has been jailed for a violent commercial robbery in Southwark.
Edward Woodbridge 43 [26.6.77] of Ardgowan Road, SE6, appeared at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, 25 February where he was sentenced to 16 years and three months' imprisonment for robbery, possession of an imitation firearm, possession of a firearm whilst committing a Schedule 1 offence, and grievous bodily harm with intent. The sentencing followed Woodbridge’s conviction by a jury at the same court on Thursday, 7 January. At around 06:40hrs on Thursday, 12 September 2019, Woodbridge had arrived at Surrey Quays on a pedal cycle. He entered a convenience store at Sirius Building whilst the shop was open to the public. He held a single barrelled shotgun/rifle to the cashiers head and also threatened him with a knife demanding that the safe be opened. When he found that there was no safe, he demanded the contents of the till. Criminal law solicitors London When Woodbridge entered the till area, the victim, a man aged 40s, in fear for his life, took the opportunity to disarm Woodbridge of the knife. During the incident the cashier sustained deep cuts to his head, neck and hand. His injuries, required significant medical treatment, but thankfully, although serious, the injuries were not life threatening. Woodbridge, having helped himself to cigarettes and less than £250 from the till, then fled the store to escape on the bike which he had parked facing away from the shop to speed up his getaway, in the direction of New Cross. An investigation launched by the Met’s Flying Squad found that Woodbridge had planned the robbery in advance, even conducting reconnaissance in the area on the morning of the robbery before entering the store. Following an armed operation, Woodbridge was arrested at his home address in Ardgowan Road, Catford, on Friday, 1 November 2019. He was taken to Bromley Police Station where he was charged that same day with robbery, possession of a firearm whilst committing a Schedule 1 offence, threatening a person with a bladed/sharply pointed article in public place and Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court on Saturday, 2 November 2019 where he was further remanded to await trial. On Thursday, 7 January 2021, following a trial at the Inner London Crown Court Woodbridge was found guilty of robbery, possession of an imitation firearm whilst committing a schedule 1 offence, possession of an offensive weapon and GBH with intent. He was remanded in custody to await sentence. Detective Inspector Gail Lilley, of the Flying Squad, said: “It was sheer luck that the injuries inflicted on the victim were not life threatening, his quick thinking actions in disarming Woodbridge of the knife may well have saved him from even more serious harm. “I applaud his actions, although, I know from years of investigative experience that the effects of becoming a victim of violent crime can linger far beyond the healing of wounds. “Woodbridge left the store with some cigarettes and £234, a haul that will cost him 16 years of his freedom, something on which he can reflect as he serves his sentence.” source
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A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a woman in Peckham.
Taofiq Laguda, 46 (22.12.74) of Dagenham was sentenced on Thursday, 25 February at Woolwich Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of seven years. Laguda was convicted of rape and theft at the same court on Wednesday, 27 January. Have you been falsely accused of sexual offences, speak with our rape solicitors. On 24, January 2020, at around 01:30hrs, Laguda spotted the victim walking alone after making her way home from work in Peckham. Laguda approached the victim in his car and asked her for directions. He proceeded to offer her a lift towards the direction she was travelling in. The woman accepted the offer. He then drove her to a secluded location, locked her in the car and raped her. After committing the offence, Laguda fled the scene in the car leaving the victim abandoned on the side of the road. Detectives located Laguda and the car through ANPR data linked through the victim’s phone that she had at with her at the time of the incident. The data showed that he was not the registered keeper of the car and that he was on life license in which he had conditions to not drive. Laguda plead not guilty in court but was convicted by unanimous verdict by the jury. Detective Constable Daniel Weeks, said: “This horrific attack strikes at the heart of our society. The victim has shown tremendous resilience throughout this ordeal, the police investigation and subsequent trial. My thanks goes to all the officers and partner agencies who relentless worked on this case to ensure justice." Detective Inspector Spencer Thomas said: “Taofiq Laguda is a very dangerous man who raped a female he enticed off the street. He poses a significant risk to women and I am pleased that he has been convicted of these offences. The police have a responsibility to protect the public from this kind of individual. "I would like to pay tribute to the victim who had the courage to report this distressing assault to police, and attend court to give evidence against Laguda. I hope that this outcome gives the victim and her family a measure of comfort and closure.” source
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A total of 10 suspected members of a criminal gang conspiring to possess a firearm have been arrested after warrants were carried out in London, Essex and Kent this morning.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 3 March, over 350 officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, Essex Police and Kent Police executed 11 firearms warrants as part of a joint operation to arrest a number of suspects involved in ‘renting’ a firearm to be used in a revenge gang attacks. Four firearms recovery dogs also supported the operation. Do you need a criminal law Solicitor Detective Superintendent Paul Trevers, who led the operation for the Met, said: "Following a number of violent incidents in east London, officers from the East Area Gangs Unit have meticulously pulled this operation together, which has taken months of hard work and dedication. "This operation - Operation Wordwell - started in September 2020 following a number of shootings and stabbings in Barking, East London. By linking the offences, officers realised that one criminal gang were planning violent attacks on other individuals and by making these pre-planned arrests today, we have been able to thwart a criminal gang involved in the use of lethal firearms." Under Operation Wordwell, officers used proactive and reactive policing tactics to secure evidence of the gang agreeing to split the cost of obtaining a firearm, and were looking for potential victims. A total of 10 people, aged between 16 and 20 years old have been arrested for offences including conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit GBH with intent. They have all been taken into custody at an east London police station. Searches of the venues continue for any firearms. Specialist firearms officers from the Metropolitan Police, as well as Essex and Kent Police were used to carry out the warrants safely. They were supported by officers from the Met's Taskforce, Specialist Crime syndicates and East Area BCU. Members of the local Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) were also present at a specialist operations room to view the warrants taking place and to see what officers are doing to tackle violent crime in their neighbourhoods. Det Supt Trevers adds: "Communities rightfully hold their local police to account. They understandably want to know, understand and see what we are doing to tackle shootings, stabbings and other types of crime in the areas that they live and work. By inviting community representatives to see the operation unfold, it allowed me to show our professional commitment to supress violence, whilst assuring communities of our accountability and transparency in what we do. “This is another in the line of ongoing operations targeting violent offenders and I hope it goes some way in reassuring everyone that East Area BCU, with the support of MPS specialist officers as well as colleagues from other forces, continue to work tirelessly to stop the supply of guns, and associated criminality across London and into county forces." Chief Inspector Darren Deex, Operational Policing Command, Essex Police, said: “In working with the Metropolitan Police today, not only have we supported colleagues to make an arrest, we have helped make Essex that little bit safer. “Our residents know that we will always take action to remove firearms and weapons off our streets and bring those who carry or use them to justice, and we take pride in knowing the community supports us in that aim. There is no place for such violence in our county.” Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC. To remain 100% anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. + Any young people who have information about violence, firearms or knife crime, can visit Fearless where they can pass on information anonymously – your I.P address will not be traced. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity, and is also independent of the police. source
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A man has been jailed for a horrific machete attack in Tooting that left the victim with life-changing injuries to his arm.
Officers from South West Command Unit CID led the investigation against 37-year-old Noor Kayani (15.03.83), of Gatton Road, Wandsworth, who was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 26 February. He had been convicted in December 2020 of Section 18 wounding with intent, having an article with a blade or point, and possession of a controlled Class B drug. The court heard how the dramatic incident unfolded at around 15:30hrs on Sunday, 21 June in Selkirk Road, at the junction with Tooting High Street. Police were already at the location dealing with an unrelated matter when the 32-year-old victim stumbled onto the scene, cradling his arm in a blood-soaked jacket. Officers immediately provided medical assistance, and on inspection found that the man had suffered a deep laceration injury. A crime scene was established while CID detectives worked to understand what had happened. They found that that the victim and Kayani, who were known to each other, had met in nearby St Cyprian's Street to discuss a personal matter when a row erupted and Kayani stole the victim's phone. He refused to hand it back and punched the victim in the face. The victim described momentarily losing his vision before instinctively lifting his arms in defence when he looked up in horror to see the blade bearing down on him before striking his arm. Kayani then fled the scene, while the victim was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Doctors assessed his condition as life-changing. The next day officers were on patrol in Upper Tooting Road when they were flagged down by a refuse collector who had discovered a machete inside a sheath. The weapon was passed to detectives who sent it for forensic analysis, linking the weapon to Kayani. Kayani was arrested after he was traced to his home address on Tuesday, 23 June and was later charged and remanded in custody. The victim underwent surgery and was advised he would need months of rehabilitation having suffered nerve damage, which continues to affect him to this day. Detective Constable Taylor-Rose Mayhew, lead investigator, said: "I am delighted that we have secured such a significant sentence for what was an atrocious attack that took place in the street in broad daylight. Kayani denied any involvement but we were able to prove beyond doubt that he was responsible. "This brutal incident was the result of a petty argument between the two men involving a woman known to both of them. "The victim had thought they would settle the dispute verbally and was completely unprepared for the nightmarish situation that would ensue. "He has been left with life-changing physical injuries, and will also bear the mental scars for a long time to come. "Kayani's sentencing is a prime example that the South West Command Unit will not tolerate violence in our streets. We will work 24/7 with our partners in the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that those responsible are punished to the full extent of the law." source
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A man who attacked an officer with a spade during a residential burglary has been sentenced to nine years in prison.
Jay Baptise, 32 (17.10.88) of Crystal Palace Park Road was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, 2 March to nine years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm [GBH], three years for the burglary of a residential address and three years for the burglary of a non-residential address. All sentences to run concurrently. Police were called to Sherwood Road, West Wickham, on Monday, 14 September 2020 by a member of the public who could see men breaking into a house. Two officers, PC Alex Gray and PC Matt Lockie, accepted the call and arrived on scene around five minutes later. As the suspects were still inside the address, PC Gray went to the back of the property while PC Lockie remained at the front to contain the address whilst awaiting back up. At the rear of the property, PC Gray approached a window that had been smashed open and could see Jay Baptise inside. PC Gray identified himself as a police officer and drawing his baton told the man to ‘get down’. Baptise, ignoring the officer’s request, stepped backwards into the room and a second man became visible behind him. Despite being outnumbered, the officer continued to direct the suspects to stay where they were, at the same time activating a call for assistance via his radio. The second suspect then picked up a shovel and used it to smash through the bottom of the wooden door that led into the rest of the house. He then dropped the shovel and crawled through the gap making his escape. PC Gray managed to enter the property through the broken window and approached the remaining suspect, Baptise. As PC Gray approached, Baptise reached behind him and picked up the discarded shovel, before swinging it at officer’s head multiple times causing serious lacerations to the officer’s head and face. Baptise then tried to crawl through the gap in the door that his associate had used to make his escape. Despite his serious head injuries, PC Gray managed to take hold of Baptise and with the assistance of PC Lockie, pulled him back into the room and detained him in handcuffs. PC Gray was treated in hospital for head injuries that resulted in permanent scarring. Baptise was charged on 15 September 2020 with residential burglary with intent to steal in relation to the break in at the house, non-residential burglary and GBH. Due to the overwhelming evidence against him, Baptise pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court. Detective Inspector Mel Lillywhite said: “This sentence represents the serious nature of the assault and the injuries sustained by the officer and will ensure that the public are protected from this violent individual for a considerable time to come. “Assaults against officers will not be tolerated and we will continue to place those who commit violent acts before the courts. “I would like to commend the officers involved in this case for continuing to do their duty to protect the public despite the horrific level of violence they were faced with, in particular the officer who sustained such awful injuries. “Police officers are risking their lives on the frontline every day and deserve recognition for their commitment to keeping Londoners and their property safe.” + The second suspect remains outstanding. source
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A man has been jailed for a number of offences following his arrest in connection with an assault on a woman on Park Lane last summer.
Soofuue Yakr 27 (1.01.94), of no fixed address, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, 1 March where he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for possession of an offensive weapon (12 months), possession of a Class B drug (one month) and assault by beating (four months). charged with common assault what happens next Police were called at 09:46hrs on Wednesday, 3 June 2020 to Park Lane, W1 to reports of a man making threats and having assaulted a woman. Police gave chase and arrested Yakr on suspicion of making threats to kill, possession of an offensive weapon and drugs possession, Class B. He was taken to a central London police station, where he was charged with possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a Class B drug and assault by beating. Yakr appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 3 July 2020 where he pleaded guilty to all counts. He was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court, as there were other matters to be dealt with resulting from criminality in the northeast. Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette, said: “The defendant’s behaviour was wholly unacceptable and he will now, no doubt, be realising the consequences of his actions. I hope that today’s sentence brings some closure for the victim, and that Yakr uses his time in prison to reflect upon the consequences of his behaviour." Yakr was additionally sentenced for the following matters unrelated to the incident in Park Lane: - Theft: Sentenced to six months; - Possession an identity document with improper intention: Sentenced to six months; - Failure to surrender: Sentenced to four months. These counts to run consecutive to the Park Lane offences. + A second count of theft, plus one of conspiracy to steal, were left to lie on file. |