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August 2023
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A man was sentenced at the Old Bailey yesterday for the part he played in the murder of Asante Campbell in February 2020.
Hafid Omar, 20 (24.01.01), of Orange Hill Road, Edgware was sentenced to three years and six months' imprisonment for assisting an offender. He pleaded guilty at the same court on 7 May. The charge relates to the murder of Asante Campbell who was fatally stabbed in Hendon last year. Kofi Abusah, 19 (23.02.01), of Walter Walk, Edgware and Javell Hall, 18 (19.09.02), of Swanage Waye, Hayes were found guilty of Asante's murder and were each sentenced to life with a minimum term of 19 years on 23 April. On the evening of 29 February 2020, Asante, a railway track worker from Edgware, had driven to the Bellevue Estate to meet a friend. They were planning to travel to work together. Asante was waiting in his car in the car park when a Toyota Prius pulled up next to him. Four men got out and surrounded his car before stabbing him through an open window. Despite his injuries, Asante was able to drive a short distance away from the car park, calling a family member to tell them he'd been stabbed. He lost consciousness a short time later and collided with a parked car in nearby Parson Street. Local residents quickly came to his aid and called an ambulance. He was taken to hospital but he died soon after arriving. A post-mortem examination found that death was caused by an incised wound to the chest. Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command found that Omar had been driving the vehicle that Asante's killers got out of. The day after the murder, Omar valeted his car, leading to the loss of forensic evidence. He also changed his phone in order to conceal his and the other defendants' tracks. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Asante Campbell was a hard-working man who was devoted to his young family. Just 15 minutes before his murder, he had left his fiancée and baby daughter, having volunteered to work a night shift. He never returned home to them. "The motive for Asante’s tragic death has never been determined. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. "His family has been left devastated. His young daughter will grow up without him in her life. This is the tragedy that stems from knife crime. “Omar played a part in the death of this young man and I hope he uses this time in prison to reflect on the seriousness of his actions. The Met will continue to prosecute and bring to justice offenders who play any part, no matter how small, in violent crime. “I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal for anyone who has information regarding the outstanding suspects in this investigation to come forward and speak with us. Whilst two men have been convicted, we know that others were involved. Please help us identify them.” Speaking on behalf of his family, Asante's mother, Angela Campbell, said: "To begin to explain the impact the passing of my son Asante has had on us is as hard as attempting to comprehend how he was senselessly taken. Every passing day does not alleviate the sharp pain we all share in coming to the realisation that we will never be able to have the privilege of being in his infectious presence again. "Asante's charitable nature gained him many admirers, both young and old, extending to people from all walks of life. We will find some solace in the memories and stories we as a family cherish. "No mother should have to bury a child, especially in these circumstances. The horror and futility of Asante's passing will forever haunt us all. In an attempt to mediate these feelings, we continue to acknowledge that he would want us to remain together and positive." Enquiries are ongoing to identify anyone else involved in Asante's murder. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of knife crime? Do the right thing, please give information 100 per cent anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers. It can feel like a hard call, but it could save the life of someone you love. No piece of information about knife crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families. They never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life. source
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Man found guilty of rape5/29/2021 Milton Brown, 67 (19.07.53) of Bethune Road, N16 was found guilty of rape following a three week trial at Wood Green Crown Court.
Brown was found guilty of all four charges against him, including two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of assault by penetration. This was no sleep rape, it was cold and intended. A sentencing date is due to be set. On, 2, May 2020, at around 20:30hrs, the victim, a woman aged 29 was invited to Brown’s house. They walked to his house together and she was invited in. The victim stated to Brown that she only intended to stay at the house for 20 minutes. After this time, the victim got up to leave. Brown forced the victim to stay in the house with him and then raped her. In an attempt to get out the house and find help, the victim convinced Brown that she wanted to buy some cigarettes from a nearby shop. Brown went with the victim. Whilst walking to the shop, the victim noticed some night duty workers, repairing some water pipes. She ran towards them and reported to them that she had been raped. One of the workers called the police. Brown cycled away from the area. The victim was taken to a sexual assault referral centre on 4, May and was supported by specialist officers. Officers began a man hunt and conducted proactive patrols in the area alongside phone data analysis. They visited several addresses linked to Brown and through this, Brown became aware he was wanted by police. Brown handed himself in to Stoke Newington police Station on 11, May and was subsequently arrested for rape. Accused of sexual assault ? Detective Sergeant Simon Fields, who led the investigation, said: “Milton Brown is a highly dangerous predator. I would like to praise the victim for showing such bravery and courage throughout this investigation. "There was also a victim from a previous crown court trial that Brown was acquitted for in 2019, who came to court and bravely gave evidence of this previous investigation to support the crown’s bad character application against Milton Brown. “I hope this verdict shows other victims of serious sexual offences to come forward and report it." Borough Commander for Hackney and Tower Hamlets Marcus Barnett, said: “The Met is absolutely committed to doing everything we can to keep women and girls safe, and to feel safe, in London. Our teams stop at nothing to investigate reports of sexual offences and to provide support to victims. “If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.” source
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Two men have been convicted following the 2019 fatal shooting of a man in an east London snooker club.
Jeton Krasniqi, 27 (31.12.93), of Kershaw Road, Barking and Dagenham, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 25 May of the murder of 27-year-old Grineo Daka. He was also convicted of possession of a firearm, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) in relation to another man. Edison Brahimi, 30 (16.06.90), of Camden Road, Islington, was found guilty of perverting the course of justice. They will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 25 June. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley, of the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Grineo Daka was lured to the snooker club that night, before his life was taken in an act of reckless violence; today, we have seen the man responsible convicted of his murder. “Krasniqi went to the club 24 hours after an argument in order to seek revenge, ensuring that one of his friends brought a firearm with him. The club had about 50 people in it that night, and it is only by pure luck that more people weren’t injured or killed. The two additional discharged bullets that were recovered by our forensics team could quite easily have struck other people. “Krasniqi’s intent that night is quite obvious. He was wearing gloves on a summer’s night; clearly, he was hoping to prevent his fingerprints from being found on the murder weapon. However, unbeknownst to him, his movements after the murder were captured on CCTV. “The Met is committed to tackling serious violence, and I would urge anyone who has information relating to firearms possession to make contact with police, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.” Grineo Daka, who was aged 27 and from Stratford, was shot in the back in the early hours of 7 July 2019; he was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination held at Walthamstow Mortuary on 9 July 2019 gave the cause of death as a single gunshot wound. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation. They established that shortly after midnight on 6 July 2019, Grineo had been in the Phoenix Snooker Club on Lea Bridge Road, E10. He and some friends had been involved in an altercation with another group, one of whom had been struck with a bottle. In the early hours of 7 July 2019, Grineo, who was again with friends, arrived at the club – after receiving a phone call – and made his way to the upstairs bar. The defendants, and two other men, were already there. At approximately 03:00hrs, a fight broke out and pool balls were thrown. Four shots were also fired from a gun that had been smuggled into the venue. Grineo was fatally injured, and died just 30 minutes after his arrival. One of his friends was also shot in the foot, and two other bullets were found inside the club. In the ensuing melee, the occupants of the club, who were fleeing in fear of their lives, ran past Grineo as he lay dying close to the stairs. Krasniqi, who was wearing gloves despite it being July, was captured on CCTV footage accessing a balcony area before throwing an item towards neighbouring gardens – a converted firearm was recovered by a police officer two doors away. A bullet was jammed in the chamber and a second bullet remained in the magazine; forensic examination confirmed this to be the gun used in the murder. The four men then stepped over Grineo before walking to a car parked nearby and driving away. Detectives carried out an extensive examination of CCTV footage and mobile phone analysis. They were able to identify the four men and enquiries were made to locate them. Despite searching addresses linked with the men over a period of time, it was believed that they had gone to ground. On 6 December 2019, Brahimi was arrested after being traced to an address in Westminster. He was charged with murder the next day. Following further consultation with the CPS, the charge was later amended to perverting the course of justice. A manhunt was launched to trace Krasniqi; he was arrested in Dagenham on 25 May 2020, and charged the following day with murder, possession of a firearm, and wounding with intent to cause GBH in relation to another man. A third man, who was present in the club, was charged in July 2019. He died whilst awaiting trial. A fourth man remains outstanding and enquiries are ongoing to locate him.
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Two men have been convicted for the murder of a man who was shot and killed on his own doorstep in Finsbury Park.
Chad Gordon, 27, was shot as he opened the door to his address in Wiltshire Gardens, N4 on the evening of 18 May 2020. He was the victim of mistaken identity in an escalating feud between two local groups. At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 25 May two men were convicted as follows: - Mason Sani-Semedo, 19 (05.09.01) of West Green Road, Tottenham was found guilty of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. - Cameron Robinson, 20 (09.08.00) of Rainham Road South, Dagenham was found guilty of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. On the evening of 18 May 2020, Chad Gordon was at his home address in Wiltshire Gardens. At approximately 20:20hrs he went to answer a knock at the door; as Chad opened the door he was confronted by Sani-Semedo and Robinson who had arrived at the address on a moped. Sani-Semedo produced a firearm and shot Chad in the face. As Sani-Semedo and Robinson fled the scene, they pointed the firearm towards a mother and child who were walking in the street in order to make good their escape. Police and London Ambulance Service rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts Chad was pronounced dead at the scene at 21:07hrs. Around 30 minutes after the fatal shot was fired, London Fire Brigade received a call to reports of a fire in the Lea Valley area. A subsequent search of the scene revealed this was the moped used in the shooting that had been dumped and set alight. Police subsequently attended the scene and managed to recover items, including two bike helmets, similar to those used by the suspects in the shooting. Officers established that there had been ongoing tensions between two groups in the area in the days preceding Chad’s murder. It was also confirmed that a male, suspected to be the intended target for the shooting, lived next door to Chad. Officers established the motive for the attack was a revenge attack for the murder of Jamal Ebrahim in Tottenham on 13 May 2020. Following the arrests, phone analysis provided further proof of the defendants’ co-ordination of events, reinforcing the CCTV images of their movements and meetings prior to the murder. What is the difference between manslaughter an murder? Detective Inspector Laura Nelson from Specialist Crime who led the investigation, said: “The murder of Chad Gordon was utterly senseless. His death has left his local community devastated. Chad was at home with his family when he was killed. No one could have anticipated the tragedy that followed when he answered the knock at his front door. “Chad was a kind person, unassuming, who enjoyed spending his time at a local club that supported people with learning difficulties. He was well liked amongst his neighbours and was described by many as a ‘gentle giant’. It is deplorable that he lost his life in such a brutal and unnecessary manner. “As if the killing wasn’t bad enough, Robinson and Sani-Semedo aimed the same firearm at a mother and child in order to affect their escape. Their behaviour is no less than abhorrent and shameful. “Chad’s murder was not a random act. It was planned by men who thought that their plan would be clever enough, on the day, to enable them to get away with murder. The moped used was stolen and was burnt out immediately after the shooting. Identities were concealed through clothing and telephones were dropped after the murder was committed. “However no matter how cunning perpetrators thought they were, they simply could not outsmart my team who have worked tirelessly, viewing thousands of hours of CCTV, seeking justice for Chad. I would like to thank them for their hard work which has contributed to today’s verdict. “Chad’s family will never be able to comprehend the circumstances of how their loved one lost his life. They have shown dignity and strength throughout this investigation and I hope that today’s verdict will bring them solace. Chad’s senseless death has had a huge impact on the local community and I hope that the significant sentences imposed will help them to begin to heal and to perhaps feel just a little bit safer in their homes. “There is no kudos in committing murder. I can only hope that the two individuals convicted today will realise just how reckless their actions were and the devastation that they have caused.” Chad’s mother, Ann Marie Wilson, said: “At 8:25pm I received the worst phone call that any parent dreads, to say that something beyond my imagination has happened to my child. He had been shot. I prayed to the almighty God for him to be ok but my prayer was not to be answered. At 9:20pm the earth shattering phone call came, a conversation with my little sister I will never forget, “I’m so sorry Sis, but he didn’t make it”. “The numbness spread all over me. My world shattered, my heart broke into tiny pieces and cannot be mended. “Chad was my world, my everything, but most of all my first born and he was no more. Our lives have been ruined. He will not be around to enjoy and participate in the merriment, jovial and frivolity of these occasions, all his birthdays and family celebrations. The chance to see Chad having a family of his own and a promising future has been taken away from us. “The night he answered the door has put our family into disarray and has torn our worlds apart. The family home where Chad grew up has been left behind because of the painful memory of this death, which a year on is still difficult to return to. “You will never know how difficult it is to just get through a day much less the rest of our lives without him, without hearing his laughter, without seeing his smile, without hearing his voice and feeling his big strong cuddles.” Chad’s father, Narson Gordon, said: “Anyone who knew or met Chad would instantly recognise ‘a gentle giant’ with humility to match. The hurt and anguish caused by his evil murder is immeasurable. “The void left is deeply felt by his aunts, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and especially by his 95-year-old grandmother who is still inconsolable. “It is heart wrenchingly sad that Chad was not allowed to flourish and live beyond the age of 27. I wish this for no parent.” + Three other men were on trial with Sani-Semedo and Robinson. On Tuesday, 25 May all three of them were found not guilty of murder at the Old Bailey. Source
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Detectives investigating the shooting of Sasha Johnson in Peckham have made five arrests.
At around 15:50hrs on Tuesday, 25 May, officers from the Violence Suppression Unit based in Southwark and Lambeth stopped a 17-year-old man [A]. Following a search, he was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Further investigations led officers to an address in Peckham where three further males were arrested. [B] aged 18; [C] aged 19 and [D] aged 28 were all arrested on suspicion of affray and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. A fifth man – [E] aged 25 – was arrested later that evening following a police pursuit of a car in Peckham. He was arrested on suspicion of affray and failing to stop for police. All five have since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in custody. Searches are ongoing at two residential addresses in Peckham and in relation to the car that was stopped. Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard from the Met’s Specialist Crime who leads the investigation said: “While the investigation remains in its early stages, these arrests show that progress is being made. However, I would continue to appeal to those who may hold information about the events that led to Sasha receiving her horrific injuries, or about those responsible, to do the right thing and come forward and speak to police.” what is the difference between murder and manslaughter ? Superintendent Kris Wright, from the Central South Command Unit, responsible for policing in Southwark and Lambeth said: “These arrests are the result of instinctive local police work, combined with fast-time intelligence gathering, and shows the effectiveness of the various police teams in the Met working together. “Local officers, supported by specialist teams, will continue to be in and around the Peckham area in the coming days and I continue to urge anyone with concerns to engage with them.” The investigation was launched after officers were called shortly before 03:00hrs on Sunday, 23 May following reports of gunshots in Consort Road, SE15. They attended with London Ambulance Service paramedics. They found a 27-year-old woman who had been shot. She has been named as Sasha Johnson. Sasha was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital where she remains in a critical condition. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. At this early stage work continues to establish a motive but there is nothing to suggest that Sasha was the subject of a targeted attack. At this time, police are also not aware of any reports of threats made against her prior to the incident. A man – believed aged in his 20s – also suffered a superficial knife injury during the incident. He attended hospital and was discharged following treatment. At this time, no other injuries have been reported. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD1172/23MAY. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. source
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Man jailed for sex offences5/29/2021 A man has been sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for sex offences after he travelled to London with the intention of committing his crimes. James Ritchie, 30, (04.10.91) of Ballroyd Road, Huddersfield, arranged to travel more than 190 miles from Huddersfield to London with the intention of sexually abusing underage children. Ritchie was charged with Arranging / Facilitating the Commission of a Child Sex Offence Contrary to section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, Possession of Category A, B and C Indecent Images of Children, and Possession of Extreme Pornographic Images at Croydon Crown Court on 11 July 2020, and held on remand. He was sentenced to eight years immediate custodial imprisonment at the Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 21 May. have you been charged with indecent images ? The sentencing comes after Ritchie approached a covert profile online believing they could help him gain access to young children. During the conversations, Ritchie described in detail the abuse that he intended to commit, and his desire to gain access to children of an extremely young age. Ritchie sent a number of intimate images of himself and requested that they were shown to the children before he met with them, and made claims of abusing other children in the past. Ritchie, who has a degree in Engineering, also divulged that he had added extra security measures to his phone, including a ‘kill switch’ which would delete the entire contents of the phone if necessary, in order to hide his offending from his partner and family. After weeks of conversation across various messaging platforms and conversations on the phone, Ritchie agreed with the individual he was speaking to online to travel to London to meet and abuse the children. He intended to stay for the duration of the weekend. On 10 July 2020, Ritchie drove for over four hours from Huddersfield to Clapham. Ritchie was arrested by officers on scene, who took possession of his phone whilst it was unlocked. This prevented him from hitting the ‘kill switch’ he had previously described, securing evidence which proved essential at trial. A search was conducted of his home address by Met officers, supported by West Yorkshire Police, and a number of electronic devices were recovered and forensically examined. Following review of the devices officers had seized, it was identified that Ritchie had a number of images of child sexual abuse, including Category A images – the most explicit form of indecent images of children. Enquiries were also conducted into the legitimacy of his claims of child abuse in the past. Indecent images solicitors PC Gurpreet Singh, of the Met’s Online Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation Command, said: “Ritchie is a dangerous individual who stated that he was not sure that he would be ‘able to control himself’ if he were to come into contact with children younger than six years old. “The work of our team, which involved hours of online research and meticulous evidence gathering, helped us put together a robust casefile and submit multiple charges to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has ultimately landed Ritchie this lengthy custodial sentence. Ritchie will also be a Registered Sex Offender for the rest of his life. We hope that our dedication to this investigation will reassure the public that The Met work obstinately to protect the most vulnerable people in our society. “If you feel that you have been a victim of crime such as this, we appeal for you to contact police to make a report, or contact Crimestoppers UK completely anonymously online or call 0800 555 111. “The Met has teams who are absolutely dedicated to investigating cases such as this, and can provide the help and support that you are entitled to. We also partner with charities who can help you through the reporting process and beyond. Please do contact us if there is anything that we can help with.” Source
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Five men have been sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 26 May for numerous firearms offences after police found a revolver a car in south London. Do you need representation, criminal defence solicitors Leeds During a trial at the same court, the Judge and jury heard that a surveillance investigation led armed officers to discover the weapon inside a blue Toyota Prius on Wood Vale, SE23 on 4 July 2019. [A] Reece White, 22 (17.01.99) of Kirkstall Road, SW2 pleaded guilty on 5 October 2020 to possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment. [B] Nathaniel Corbett, 26 (25.09.94) of Tilson Gardens, SW2 was found guilty of possession of a firearm on Friday, 16 April. He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. [C] Michael Adebambo, 27 (08.08.93) of Clarence Crescent, SW2 was found guilty of possession of a firearm on Friday, 16 April. He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment. [D] Siraatillah Ford, 22 (07.01.99) of Stockwell Road, SW9 was found guilty of possession of a firearm on Friday, 16 April. He will be sentenced at a later date. A further two men were also found guilty of transferring a firearm. [E] Jordan Adams, 29 (02.10.91) of Lewisham High Street, SE13 was found guilty of transferring a firearm contrary to Section 5(2A) (b) of the Firearms Act 1968 on Friday, 16 April. He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. [F] Nail Johnson, 28 (30.01.93) of Star Lane, Orpington was found guilty of transferring a firearm contrary to Section 5(2A) (b) of the Firearms Act 1968 on Friday, 16 April. He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. Their arrests were part of an operation executed by officers on 4 July 2019 in the Lewisham area. At approximately 18:20hrs, an armed stop was conducted on the Prius in Wood Vale, SE23. The male passenger, White, was detained, and in his bag officers recovered a revolver. He was arrested for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. A further surveillance operation was conducted in order to locate a Ford Focus. This vehicle containing Adebambo and Corbett, who had been observed being involved in the collection of the revolver from another group of men. At 18:50hrs, the vehicle was stopped and the men were detained on New Park Road, near Freeman House, SW2. They were arrested and subsequently charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and remanded in custody. A dedicated investigation by specialist crime officers into the circumstances surrounding the handover of the weapon identified that Johnson and Adams were the men responsible for transferring the firearm. Adams was arrested on 2 July 2019 on suspicion of transferring a firearm contrary to Section 5(2A) (b) of the Firearms Act 1968. Johnson was arrested on 14 October 2019 on suspicion of transferring a firearm contrary to Section 5(2A) (b) of the Firearms Act 1968. Ford was arrested on 16 July 2019 on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The gun has since been test-fired by an expert and it has been found to be a firearm in working order and capable of firing live ammunition. A 24-year-old man, arrested on 4 July 2019, was found not guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life on Friday, 16 April at Woolwich Crown Court. Detective Constable Iain Logan, of Specialist Crime South, said: “I’m really proud to have been part of the team that has put six very dangerous individuals behind bars for a significant amount of time. More importantly it’s the pride of knowing that thanks for the efforts of the team, and colleagues from our Firearms Command, a working and capable gun has now been destroyed and will no longer be available to criminals.” Anyone with information about someone who may be carrying a weapon or is involved in violent crime is urged to contact police immediately or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source
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A gun 'broker' at the centre of multiple firearms offences - including the supply of a murder weapon - and his associates have been sentenced.
All eight men were sentenced to a total of 59 years' imprisonment for multiple firearms offences following two separate trials. [A] C N, 30 (11.09.90) of Leamington Place, UB4, was sentenced to 16 years' imprisonment. He was found guilty on 13 March 2020 of conspiracy to transfer a prohibited weapon on or before the 8th of February 2019. He was also convicted of the sale or transfer of a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5(2A)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. [B] M B, 32 (31.07.88) of West Ella Road, NW10 was sentenced to seven-and-a- half years' imprisonment. He was found guilty in February 2019 of possession of a prohibited weapon. [C] M A, 30 (02.05.91) of no fixed address was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. He was found guilty in February 2019 of possession of a prohibited weapon. [D] A G, 31 (25.07.89) of Franklin House, Carlton Vale, Brent, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment. He was found guilty in February 2019 of possession of a prohibited weapon. [F] E W, 55 (03.04.66) of Haynes Way, Watford, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment. He was found guilty on 13 March 2020 of conspiracy to transfer a prohibited weapon. [G] A T, 24 (19.09.96) of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment. He was found guilty on 13 March 2020 of conspiracy to transfer a prohibited weapon. [H] J C, 24 (08.11.96) of Clare Road, Stanwell, Surrey, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years' imprisonment. He was found guilty on 13 March 2020 of conspiracy to transfer a prohibited weapon on or before the 8th of February 2019. They were all sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 14 May. Detective Chief Inspector Driss Hayoukane, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: "This was a complex investigation conducted by specialist detectives over a number of years. In both trials, the jury convicted N of serious firearms offences. He was supplying firearms to his criminal associates, and through our investigation we were able to identify that one of the firearms was linked to a murder in London. "I am proud of DC Louise Fleming and DC Neil Kember who together have bought these offenders to justice.” complex crime Solicitors The first of two investigations making up this case was launched in early 2019. In February of that year, surveillance was carried out at an address on Toovey’s Mill Close, WD4 where officers believed firearms were being stored by W. During surveillance of the address, officers witnessed N arrive, followed shortly by R. N oversaw the exchange of a firearm between W, who was inside the address, and R Whilst the exchange was going on, T and Cowley were all in the vicinity of Dalcross Road, and the Bath Road area of Hounslow. R departed the venue in a taxi. Officers kept the taxi under constant surveillance and armed police stopped it whilst travelling on Bath Road. R was arrested for being in possession of the firearm. The location in which R was stopped was 50 metres away from an alleyway where he had agreed to meet T and Cowley to transfer the firearm. Detailed phone work conducted after R arrest led officers to believe T was attempting to obtain the lethal barrelled weapon from W. This was being organised through N who brokered the deal. The second part of the investigation was launched on 21 June 2019 after 25-year-old Edward Simpson was fatally shot on Watermill Way in Feltham. Four days after the murder, specialist officers were carrying out surveillance in the area of Northwood Recreation Ground in Hillingdon. They witnessed a black 4x4 Mercedes pull up, from which B, A and G exited. They entered the park and made their way to a hedgerow within. Boland entered the undergrowth with G . They were seen using a torch to search the area; they left the park shortly after. Officers did not witness them retrieve anything from the location. Shortly after their departure, officers searched the undergrowth and discovered a black bag containing a loaded firearm. Immediate inquiries were carried out to locate the vehicle the suspects were seen travelling in. Armed officers stopped it on London Road and arrested all three men. Forensic examination of the firearm found in the undergrowth revealed it to be a pump action shotgun. Forensic experts also confirmed that the recovered shotgun was the same weapon that was used to murder Edward Simpson. Further forensic examination and detailed phone analysis also led officers to the conclusion that N and B concealed the shotgun within the undergrowth the day before the meeting on 24 June. DCI Hayoukane, added: "N was the link to these two separate investigations and was the key to unlocking this network of criminals who were involved in the supply and passing of weapons that have been used in a horrific murder on the streets of London.” + Any young people who have information about violence, firearms or knife crime, can visit Fearlesswhere 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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Three men have been convicted of the murder of a 35-year-old man who was fatally stabbed in Hounslow in December 2019.
Criminal Solicitors Murder After an 11-week trial at the Old Bailey, on Wednesday, 26 May, a jury convicted the following of the murder of Ebrima Cham: E D-W, 19 (01.10.2001) of no fixed abode. He was found not guilty of the murder of 53-year-old William Algar. He had previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice in that case. S E, 40 (01.10.1980) of Barnes. He was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice in the Algar case. Z D, 33 (22.02.1988) of Wembley Two others were also convicted of perverting the course of justice in the Algar case: J L, 19 (04.05.2002) of Hounslow M H, 45 (11.01.1976) of The Drive, Isleworth. He pleaded guilty before the trial. They will be sentenced on July 23 at the Old Bailey. Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said: “I would personally like to thank all those witnesses who gave evidence about the murders and subsequent confessions. They knew how violent this gang were and the defendant’s readiness to use the most extreme violence. Despite this, these witnesses still had the courage to come forward and tell the court what had happened. Some of the witnesses were drug takers, but they attended court and gave evidence. Justice often depends on the bravery of such people and I applaud their actions.” The court heard Ebrima Cham was 35-years-old when he was murdered on December 19, 2019. He lived at various places around the Hounslow area. Ebrima had developed a reputation for robbing other drug dealers and it is believed that one of these robberies led him into confrontation with Z D. On the day of the murder, Cham was staying at a flat in Grove Road, Hounslow. After they found out he was at the address, D and E and D-W got in contact with each other by phone and all three set off to the flat in a car that was being driven by a friend. At around 11:15am all three went to the flat door and when no one answered they broke the door down and rushed in. Ebrima was found a short while later lying on the kitchen floor, he had been repeatedly stabbed. Meanwhile the three assailants had returned to the car and were driven from the scene. Police and paramedics attended the stabbing, but despite their efforts Ebrima was pronounced dead. At a post mortem examination on Saturday, 21 December it was discovered that Ebrima had been stabbed 11 times, but it was a deep wound to his chest that proved fatal. The team of detectives investigating the murder located CCTV of the car used by D, E and D -W As a result, police were able to track them down and arrest them, although the actual driver of the car was not found to have been involved in the killing.
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The teenage pair, aged 16 [A] and 17 [B], appeared before Willesden Youth Court on Wednesday, 12 May for sentencing after they both pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery.
Both teens were handed a youth rehabilitation order with intensive supervision and they will be expected to participate in rehabilitation activities for 91 days. Both girls will also be subject to electronic monitoring and a curfew for six months. They are excluded from entering outside a three mile radius of their home addresses for three months. They are also banned from entering the London Borough of Camden and from having contact with each other for 12 months. Both girls will be subject to regular supervision meetings for 24 months [A] and 18 months [B]. Over the course of approximately two hours on Tuesday, 23 March the teenagers carried out four robberies, the victims in each case were women who were punched and kicked and then either robbed of cash or forced to withdraw money from cash machines. The first robbery occurred at around 19:15hrs. The victim was walking towards Swiss Cottage station along Belsize Road, NW6 when she was approached by the 16-year-old [A] who asked the victim for help looking for an address on the victim’s phone. The victim tried to help [A] but became suspicious when she called 17-year-old [B] over and asked to put the address into the phone herself. At this point [B] grabbed the phone from the victim's hand and held it up high above her head so that the victim could not reach it. [A] then threatened the victim and demanded she hand over her bank card. The victim gave them a £10 note before running away from the pair. A nearby food delivery driver helped the victim call police and get her phone and money back from the two girls after he saw the incident unfold. The second robbery happened at approximately 20.55hrs in Heath Street near to the junction with Holly Bush Vale. The defendants used the same routine as with their first victim on two women they approached coming out of a supermarket. As one of the victims typed a postcode into her phone, she became aware of the girls standing close to her. The victim asked them to step back due to Covid. One of the girls then snatched the phone out of the victim’s hand, threw it on the floor and began stamping on it. They asked the victim if she had any bank cards and the victim said that she did not. They demanded she go to a cash point with them and she continued to tell them that she didn’t have any cards on her. The victim attempted to get away but [A] and [B] followed her across the road. As the pair caught up with the two women, one of them then threatened the victim’s friend with a glass bottle which she held near the woman’s face. The defendants then ran off in the direction of Hampstead tube station before carrying out their third robbery. On Flask Walk, NW3 they approached a woman, again asking her to help them by finding an address on her phone. The victim was suspicious of the pair and refused. As she attempted to walk away the pair grabbed her by her rucksack and pulled her back. [A] punched the victim in her left upper arm and pushed her against the wall causing her to hit her head. [A] and [B] then rifled through the victim’s bag, took her purse out and removed two bank cards. The two girls then made the victim go to a cash point with them on Hampstead High Road. They demanded the victim to give them £600. When the victim told them she did not have that much and they told her to give them whatever she had. The victim handed over £40, asking them to take the money and leave. The pair took £5 from the victim’s purse and then made off in the direction of Hampstead station. The victim went to a supermarket Heath Street where she saw a group of women, the previous robbery victims, and they realised that the same thing had happened to each of them. While the women were stood outside in the supermarket at around 21:10hrs they spotted the [A] and [B] in the distance outside Hampstead tube station attacking a woman who was on the floor. They called police. At approximately 21.10hrs outside Hampstead tube station [A] an [B] asked a fourth woman to put a postcode in her phone for them. She refused when the pair asked if they could type it into her phone themselves. One of the girls then snatched the phone out of the victim’s hand and then pushed the victim to the floor. The girls then carried on attacking the victim as she lay on the floor. Passers-by intervened, stopped the assault and returned the victim’s property to her. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Venice Investigations Team immediately launched an investigation and tracked down the two teenagers through a combination of examination of CCTV footage and witness statements. On Tuesday, 20 April a 16-year-old girl [A] and a 17-year-old girl [B] were arrested at residential addresses in Barnet on suspicion of committing four counts of robbery. They were taken to a north London police station and were charged with the offences on Wednesday, 21 April. Detective Sergeant Alan Biggs from the Operation Venice Investigations Team said: “These two teenage girls systematically targeted women, threatening and attacking them in an effort to rob them. They planned their crimes to take advantage of the good nature of women who thought they were helping two lost teenage girls. “I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, particularly for the support that they showed for each other. I also want to commend the passers-by who intervened in these incidents for their brave actions.” + The key things you can do to help prevent robbery are:
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Following one of the most successful years ever in terms of criminal proceed seizures, the Metropolitan Police Service is reinvesting funds into operations to tackle violent crime and new cash detection puppies.
The spaniel puppies will be trained to help officers discover laundered or hidden cash. Detective Chief Inspector Tim Wright, from the Central Specialist Crime Command (Economic Crime), said: “Cutting off the cash flow that is generated by criminality and ill-gotten gains not only helps to tackle violent crime, the Met’s number one priority, but it also helps to fund extra policing resources. “Our investment in training these new puppies as cash seizure dogs will help us to find cash that is hidden in secret compartments, known as hides, in vehicles and homes – making our work quicker and more effective. In turn I hope it means the Met’s economic crime teams will be even more productive and build on the best year for cash seizures we have had in a while.” The 2020/21 financial year was a record year for the Met’s Proactive Money Laundering Teams, who recovered £14.4m and made 116 arrests. They also found and seized 67kgs of drugs and two machine guns with over 300 rounds of ammunition. In the same financial year the Met as a whole also increased its total value of cash seizures by over 150% (£18.4m in 19/20 up to £47.2m in FY 20/21 - an increase of £28m). Officers carried out a total of 793 cash seizures in FY 20/21, an increase on the 560 seizures made in FY 19/20. Cash seizures are the literal seizures of notes and coins. The number of Account Freezing Orders executed by Met officers has also increased by 100% (184 in FY 19/20 up to 368 in FY 20/21). In financial value it has increased from £18.6m to £27.3m respectively. This is where officers freeze the funds in a suspicious account ahead of further action. Whilst the number of Forfeitures has decreased (452 in FY19/20 to 322 in FY20/21) the value of money forfeited from criminals to the Met has increased by 75.2% (£11.07m up to £19.39m). Detective Chief Superintendent Mick Gallagher, who leads the Central Specialist Crime Command added: “The Economic Crime Command plays a crucial part in supporting the Met’s number one priority – tackling violence on the streets of London and I am unbelievably proud of all of the hard work that my officers have put in over the last year. We’re continuing our focus particularly on how we are depriving criminals of the profits they make from criminality. “There is an intrinsic link between money and violence. It is the motivator for most crime types across the world, but in particular the drug trade and organised crime. By disrupting the flow of money, we are disrupting core business for many criminals across the capital. Behind every pound made by a criminal is a trail of misery in our communities. “We have been committed to reducing street violence across London, and the Commissioner has been clear that this is a priority for the entire Metropolitan Police Service. We are tackling it from all angles and making London a hostile and difficult place for those intent on committing acts of violence to operate.” source
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Four arrests were made in multi-agency operation targeting organised crime and exploitation of children through county lines offending.
On Wednesday, 19 May, officers from the Met’s East Area Command led a multi-agency operation that focused on the disruption of a suspected organised crime network operating in London and Lincolnshire. The intelligence based police activity was the result of months of planning by Met officers from the East Area Drugs Focus Desk and their colleagues from the British Transport Police and Essex Police. The operational activity included a raid at a commercial container yard in Purfleet, Essex, where more than 200 containers were opened and searched by officers resulting in the recovery of three stolen 'off-road' vehicles and a number of illegal substances, cash and firearms. The substances and two Section 5 firearms await testing. A man [A] was arrested at the container yard on suspicion of possession of a Section 5 firearm. In addition, two warrants were conducted at addresses in east London. These resulted in three arrests for offences including possession of Class A drugs, possession of Class B drugs and possession of a Section 5 firearm. In addition a quantity of cash was seized suspected of being proceeds of crime. A man [B] and a woman [C] were arrested at a residential address in Havering. A man [D] was arrested at a different residential address in Havering. Searches are expected to continue throughout the day. Detective Sergeant Owen Morgan of the Met’s East Area Command Drug Focus Desk said: “There’s an undeniable link between drugs and violence and it’s crucial we continue to act on this. That’s why disrupting the supply of drugs continues to form a central part of our work to tackle violence on the streets. “This operation will not only disrupt criminals using lock-up facilities to store their criminal property, but will also supply a wealth of information that, following this operation, will be fully investigated. “Along with our partner agencies, we are working hard to safeguard children and vulnerable adults by targeting those at the top of the network, the individuals who don’t risk handling the drugs themselves, but coordinate the distribution through the exploitation of others. “The sale of drugs can be devastating to the quality of life for communities, not least to the families of vulnerable youngsters who are recruited by criminals to supply the product face to face with users, often in other parts of the country without their family’s knowledge. “To the general public, county lines if often seen as nothing more than drug dealing, but in reality it is so much more. It causes harm to generations of young people and their families and has a negative impact on the quality of life for those living alongside it. “Initially, the recruits are tempted into crime by the promise of cash rewards and they often believe that their involvement with a successful drug supplier will increase their own social status. They couldn’t be more wrong. Once involved, they are often threatened with violence and can find themselves unable to escape the network without help. “We will continue to work with our policing colleagues both regionally and nationally in order to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks.” + Do you have information about drug crime? If you have information that could help keep your community safe, but don’t want to speak to police, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They do not ask your name and cannot trace your call or I.P address. Any young people who have information about drug dealing or want information about the consequences of drug crime, can visit www.fearless.org to 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. Hard calls save lives. Are you close to someone on the fringes of violence or drug crime? Do the right thing, please give information, 100 per cent anonymously, through the independent charity Crimestoppers. No piece of information about violent crime is insignificant or too small. Any information you give to Crimestoppers can make a difference in reducing knife crime and the harm it causes to families. Crimestoppers never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111. It could save a life. UPDATE: Stolen property recovered from container yard As part of a multi-agency operation led by the Met’s East Area Drug Focus Desk, searches continued throughout the day and evening at a container yard in Purfleet, Essex on Wednesday, 18 May, during which detectives recovered a variety of criminal property including stolen haulage containers, electronic devices, stolen vehicles and cash. Enquiries quickly established that one of the containers had been stolen at 03:30hrs that morning and had been at the yard for a matter of hours prior to the police activity. The container, including its contents, was returned to its rightful owner that same day. In addition to approximately £15,000 being seized during the various warrants at the haulage yard and two residential address in Havering, a search by police dogs uncovered £50,000 in cash inside a vehicle at the yard which has been seized as proceeds of crime. Three stolen off road vehicles, were found inside one of the containers. A 48-year-old man [A] was arrested at the Purfleet yard on suspicion of being in possession of a Section 5 firearm. He was taken to an east London police station and has since been released under investigation. A 46-year-old man [B] and a 42-year-old woman [C] were arrested at a residential address in Havering on suspicion of possession of a Section 5 firearm and possession of a Class B drug; a quantity of cash was seized, suspected to be proceeds of crime. Both are released on bail to return on a date in late June. A 32-year-old man [D] was arrested at a residential address in Havering on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He was taken to an east London police station and has since been released under investigation. Detective Sergeant Owen Morgan, of the East Area Command Drugs Focus Desk, said: “While I am pleased with the outcome of the operation, the evidence, intelligence and property seized is a mere snapshot of criminality relating to one location on one day. “Myself and my team are committed to identifying, disrupting and apprehending criminal networks and we will continue do so as long as their trade and exploitation continue to blight out communities.” Source
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A man who tried to frame his landlord’s partner as being involved in the Westminster terrorist attack has been jailed. Gerald Banyard, 67 (20.01.54), of Whalley, Lancashire, sent two handwritten notes to police in the days after the Westminster Bridge attack which suggested that there may have been a second person involved in its planning. Upon further investigation, it was found that the person who was being implicated was entirely innocent, and enquiries found that Banyard had sent the notes out of spite for his former landlord. He was found guilty on Tuesday, 11 May, at Southwark Crown Court of two counts of perverting the course of justice following a week-long trial. At the same court on Thursday, 20 May, he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for these offences. A restraining order was also issued. He was jailed for an additional two months for failing to appear at court for the 11 May verdict hearing. A warrant for his arrest was issued at that hearing, and he was subsequently located in Scotland and arrested on Friday, 14 May. Commander Richard Smith head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “In the immediate aftermath of the Westminster attack, our main priority was to establish whether the attacker might have plotted with others, and whether there was any outstanding threat. This involved scores of officers working around the clock and pursuing various lines of enquiry in order to keep the public safe. “Banyard looked to exploit an extremely tragic and serious situation to try and settle what was a private dispute with his landlord. His actions meant that counter terrorism resources were diverted to investigate what turned out to be a completely fabricated story which implicated an innocent man. His actions were disgraceful and reckless and I hope this conviction demonstrates how seriously the police and courts take this type of offending.” On 30 March 2017 – eight days after the Westminster attack – a package was delivered to the front counter of Brighton police station. In the package were two hand-written notes. The first was made out to be from an ‘American tourist’ called ‘Kevin’, and he had enclosed the second note, saying he found it in his hotel room. The second note was addressed to “Khalid” and was signed off with a name and phone number. The package was passed to the Met's counter terrorism detectives, who at the time were carrying out fast-time enquiries to establish whether the man responsible for the Westminster attack had acted alone or was part of a wider network. On 1 April 2017, another letter was sent through the post via a sorting office in Leeds. The letter had been marked for the urgent attention of Scotland Yard detectives investigating the Westminster attack. Inside, there was a further hand-written note, which stated that a named man from Eastbourne had been communicating with the attacker. The man’s phone numbers were included. Detectives carried out enquiries on the name and the phone numbers and identified and contacted the man. Officers questioned him about the notes, and it became apparent that he had never been in contact with the attacker as alleged. Banyard was identified as a possible suspect as he was involved in a landlord-tenant dispute with the man’s partner over a property Banyard was renting from her. Further enquiries were carried out and on 30 August 2018, officers executed a search warrant at his home address in Lancashire. He was interviewed by officers, but Banyard denied that he had written the notes. Officers seized various notes and documents, some of which contained Banyard’s handwriting. A handwriting expert compared the handwriting with the notes sent to police and determined that it was highly likely Banyard had written them. Furthermore, enquiries established that Banyard was living in the Leeds area at the time the second letter was posted and processed via the Leeds sorting office. He was charged with perverting the course of justice and first appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 24 May 2019. Source
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A man who targeted sex workers has been sentenced following his conviction for five counts of rape.
Sajad Jamalvatan, 25, (26.05.95) of Beaufort Street, Chelsea, has been sentenced to a 19 years' imprisonment and five years on license after being convicted of raping five female sex workers between August and October 2019. He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 14 May after being found guilty at the same court following a 14-day trial. The court heard how Central West Basic Command Unit’s Public Protection team undertook an investigation which lasted more than a year. They drew in assets from across the Met to support the investigation, including specialist detectives and forensic practitioners. The team also worked to encourage and support one Brazilian victim - who had left the country - to return to the UK to give evidence. Have you been falsely accused of a crime you did not commit, speak with our rape solicitors. Detectives obtained and downloaded mobile phone information and combed through hours of CCTV footage. They also worked with the charity National Ugly Mugs to connect with and support victims, secure substantial evidence and piece together the series of events which linked Jamalvatan to each respective attack. The investigation uncovered that Jamalvatan had been using escort websites to contact sex workers and arrange transactional sexual interactions, often requesting them to meet him at his flat in Chelsea. Falsely accused of rape ? Once the women were in the flat, Jamalvatan would set about pretending to transfer money to them on his banking app, despite having no intention of paying the women. The victims would quickly realise they were in danger and try to escape, but were overpowered by him. If the victims tried to defend themselves Jamalvatan would become violent, covering their mouths with his hands and pinning them down, telling them not to scream. On one occasion, after subjecting one victim to an attack lasting over an hour, Jamalvatan insisted that he was ‘not a bad person’, and that he had taken Class A drugs which caused him to be violent. He also insisted that this was the ‘first time’ he had ever committed such an act. Detective Constable James Drummond, from the Central West Public Protection Unit, said: “Jamalvatan is a man who has a very clear victim profile – vulnerable women. It was determined at court that Jamalvatan felt the women he targeted were not worthy of his respect, and he sought to undermine their reports of rape by suggesting to police that they were not trustworthy because of their work. He also compulsively lied to police throughout this investigation, parading as a straight-laced PhD student who was looking after his auntie and mother. This couldn’t be further from the truth. “Myself and my team have been engrossed in this case for the past year, and have worked obstinately to bring forward the casefile which has ultimately helped to secure this lengthy custodial sentence. Jamalvatan is now registered as a sex offender for life, and has a Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed against him, meaning he is prohibited from any form of contact with sex workers ever again. “It is clear that Jamalvatan has no comprehension of the severity of the acts he has committed, and the damage, both psychological and physical, which he has inflicted. We cannot begin to imagine the pain these women may have to carry for the rest of their lives after being exposed to this man’s atrocious behaviour, but we hope this result will give them some respite. “We know that it can be incredibly difficult for victims of sexual assault to come forward and explain what has happened to them, that is why we feel there may be more women who have suffered at the hands of this man. We are appealing to anyone else who thinks they may have been a victim of Jamalvatan to get in contact with us so that we can offer the support that they are entitled to. The Met has specially trained officers and partner charities who can help victims, and detectives who are absolutely devoted to making sure that people like Jamalvatan are prevented from hurting women and girls.” National Ugly Mugs (NUM) spokesperson, said: "We applaud the courage of the victims who came forward in this case and are pleased that we could offer some support in the investigations. NUM is the only UK-wide violence prevention and victim support charity for sex workers as few sex workers report harms to police or chose to enter the criminal justice system due the associated risks and discrimination. "Our mission is to 'end all forms of violence against sex workers'. We honour and celebrate the courage this victim and others and we are here for them to provide support to heal and recover in ways that they choose and safety tools so they can share information to keep each other safe. If you would like to get in touch with NUM, please email, call us on 0161 629 9861 or visit our website." If you feel that you have been a victim of sexual assault, please contact police on 999 or 101. You can also contact Crimestoppers UK completely anonymously on on 0800 555 111.
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A former probationary police constable has been jailed following a proactive investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
PC Benjamin Hannam, 22 (22.07.1998), of north London, was identified by a proactive counter terrorism police investigation as having previously been a member of a proscribed right-wing terrorist organisation when he was linked to an online profile by Counter Terrorism (CT) officers. He was sentenced today, 30 April, at the Old Bailey to a total of four years and four months’ imprisonment, plus one year on extended licence. This followed a trial at the Old Bailey, after which Hannam was found guilty on Friday, 1 April of membership of a proscribed organisation (National Action), two counts of fraud by false representation and two counts of possession of document likely to be of use to a terrorist. After he delivered his sentencing, His Honour Judge Anthony Leonard QC commended the Counter Terrorism detectives for their “painstaking work” and investigation into Hannam. Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which led the investigation into former PC Hannam, said: “This is a unique case and today’s sentence reflects the gravity of the offences committed by former PC Hannam. "Hannam joined and engaged with a right-wing terrorism organisation, whose views are the antithesis of police values. He then lied about his past links to this group when applying to become a police officer. His past caught up with him when he was identified as part of a wider, proactive investigation by the Counter Terrorism Command, who moved quickly to arrest him and bring him to justice. “This case illustrates the real and immediate risk posed by hate-filled ideologies and those who promote them online and elsewhere. We need friends and family to look out for those who might be vulnerable to radicalisation and at risk of being seduced online by toxic ideology. If you have concerns, then please, ACT Early and contact us in confidence, as we can help before it is too late.” In addition, but unrelated to the charges above, Hannam also previously pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited image of children, which officers had found on one of his digital devices in the course of their investigation into his membership of National Action. Following the criminal trial, an accelerated gross misconduct hearing was held on Wednesday, 21 April, which heard that the conduct of former PC Hannam amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct. Although still a serving officer at the time of the hearing, PC Hannam had tendered his resignation from the Met in March 2021 after standing trial for the offences. whats the maximum prison sentence for fraud? The chair of the misconduct hearing, Met Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball considered all of the evidence presented by the appropriate authority and the allegation of discreditable conduct was found proven as gross misconduct. The result was that he was dismissed without notice. Former PC Hannam came to the attention of Counter Terrorism detectives in February 2020, as they were investigating individuals linked to a far right extremist internet forum ‘Iron March’ – some of whom were suspected of being members of the proscribed National Action group. The focus of the investigation was to identify any potential UK-based individuals from the forum and link their online persona to their real-world identity. When Hannam’s real-world identity became clear to officers and that he was a serving officer within the Met, fast-time enquiries were carried out and he was arrested at his home in north London on 5 March 2020. Hannam was subsequently charged with membership of a proscribed organisation relating to his affiliation with National Action and two counts of fraud, relating to application and vetting forms he submitted to join the Met. He was also charged with two counts of possession of documents likely to be of use to a terrorist – these related to documents found on a USB memory stick. During the warrant at his home, officers seized various digital devices belonging to the probationary police officer. These were analysed and further evidence was found confirming he was linked to the Iron March profile. Analysis of his computer showed that he had used it to access the Iron March forum and visit web pages linked to National Action. Officers discovered that he had also visited web pages relating to the proscription of National Action, making it obvious that he was aware that the group was deemed to be a terrorist organisation by January 2017. Hannam also moved various files relating to the banned group into a new folder indicated by ‘NA’ within his USB memory stick. Officers were sure that he knew about its proscription and that by storing the files on his memory stick in this way, he understood that the material related to National Action which was now banned. It also demonstrated that he was continuing his involvement with the group at the point they became proscribed on 16 December 2016 by the then Home Secretary. After his arrest, officers were able to piece together evidence that Hannam had not only been engaging with the banned group online but that he had had direct involvement with them in the real world too. The court heard that on 6 March 2016, Hannam had attended a National Action meeting in a pub in Paddington and that until the summer of 2017, he had continued to attend various activities and events organised by the group. On 19 July 2017 he applied to join the Met, and then later in October, he submitted the associated vetting form as part of that process. On his application and vetting forms he lied that he had no associations with or membership of extreme right wing groups. Had he been honest, this would have automatically precluded him from joining the MPS. source All known involvement by Hannam with National Action had ended by 30 September 2017, prior to the start of his police training on 26 March 2018. If you have information about terrorist activity or offences, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. If there is an immediate threat, always call 999. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/report-terrorism. If you have concerns about a friend or acquaintance who you believe is being radicalised or holds extremist beliefs, call the national police Prevent advice line on 0800 011 3764 in confidence. For more information, visit www.actearly.uk
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A man has been jailed after he was found in possession of hundreds of indecent images of children, as well as making over one hundred indecent images.
Robert Inglis, 62 (03.07.58) of Enfield, north London, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, 29 April to three years imprisonment. He was also handed a 12 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and life on the sexual offenders register. He pleaded guilty at the same court in February to three counts of making indecent images of children, three counts of distribution of indecent images of children, and three counts of encouraging others to commit offences. An investigation was launched following intelligence received by the Metropolitan Police that showed that a number of category A, B and C indecent images of children had been uploaded to the internet. Intel linked this to Inglis. A search warrant was obtained and in October 2018, detectives from the major crimes unit executed a warrant at an address in Enfield. During the search of his address, Inglis was arrested and a number of his devices were seized. He was taken to a north London police station. Following a complex and protracted investigation, Inglis was subsequently charged with making 49 category A child abuse images, 28 category B images and 44 category C images. Inglis disclosed during interview that he had forwarded the indecent images of children on to other people. He was subsequently charged with distributing 55 indecent images. Owing to clear communications between Inglis and other persons, he was charged with three further counts of encouraging/assisting in the commission of an either way offence believing it will be committed. Detective Lee Jeffrey of the North Area Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Unit and the investigating officer, said: “Inglis is now behind bars for the crimes he has committed against children. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who possess, create and distribute these vile images and I hope the sentencing today evidences our commitment to this. "Every single image possessed by Inglis features a child who is a victim of an appalling crime. When people like Inglis seek these images out, they continue to generate a market for this type of abuse. “This remains a priority for the Met and our dedication to putting these offenders behind bars and bringing to justice to the victims will continue at pace.” |