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A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child.
William Powell, 66 (29.12.54) of East Ham Manor Way, Beckton was found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 17 June of two counts of sexual assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. The court heard that in May 2018, allegations of sexual abuse were made against Powell. These allegations related to incidents that occurred between July 2016 and November 2016. The victim was under 13 years old at the time of the offences. The abuse was disclosed to a youth practitioner on 15 May 2018. Following this, a report was made to the police who launched an investigation. Powell was interviewed and on 14 July 2020, he was charged. He has been remanded to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 16 September for sentencing. Detective Sergeant Emma Stockman, the investigating officer, said:“Powell abused the trust placed in him, and his offences are truly shocking. The verdict reflects the seriousness of the actions of a dangerous and predatory offender. “I thank the victim for having the strength and courage to come forward. Without this, his abuse may well have continued and impacted on further victims. The trauma that victims suffer can last a lifetime. I hope that the verdict brings the victim some closure, so that they can begin to rebuild their lives. “Given the predatory nature of Powell's offending, there is a possibility that he abused other children. We urge any further victims to contact police right away – a specially trained team of detectives are ready to listen and support you.” + 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. Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on our website. source
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A woman in a position of trust had been jailed for sexual activity with a child
Ashley Wright, 26 (12.12.94) of Wigston, Leicestershire, was sentenced to two years and two months’ imprisonment at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 June. She pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 20 April at the same court to two counts of sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child and abuse of position. Wright has also been added to the Disclosure and Barring list and placed on the Sex Offenders Registers for ten years. The initial offence of abuse of position relates to a secure training centre in Buckinghamshire in May 2019, where Wright worked as a Secure Care Officer. have you been falsely accused of sexual assault ? The sexual offences occurred between May 2019 and January 2020 in and around south west London and the surrounding areas. The offences all relate to one victim who was aged between 15 and 16 at the time of the offences. Detective Sergeant Julie Harding, from South West Command Unit said: “This woman committed a series of serious offences, abusing her position of trust in order to exploit and abuse a young man in a vulnerable position who was under her authority and in her care. “This sentence demonstrates that sexual assault and violence will not be tolerated in any form against any victim. Victims of abuse and sexual violence should feel confident that officers will work tirelessly to seek justice. “I would encourage anyone who is victim or witness to sexual abuse in any context to contact police. We have specially trained officers to investigate as well as ensuring there is ongoing support provided to victims.” If you need to report a crime, you can do so by contacting police on 101 or report online at www.met.police.uk In an emergency always dial 999. + 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 appropriate. Source
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A money laundering prevention expert has found guilty of financial crimes after failing to disclose financial information at his own company.
Appearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 June, Dominic Thorncroft, the former chairperson of the Association of UK Payment Institutions (AUKPI) for 14-years, and a company director of a money service business (MSB) and the company’s Money Laundering Regulation Officer (MLRO), was found guilty at Southwark Crown Court of committing the following six offences: - Failing to submit a suspicious activity report (SAR), (contrary to section 330 & 334 of POCA); - Four counts of retaining unlawful credit (contrary to section 24A(1) and (6) of the Theft Act 1968); - One offence of breaching Money Laundering Regulations (contrary to regulation 45 of the MLR). Thorncroft, 56 (19.09.64) of Chelsfield Lane, Orpington, was found not guilty of money laundering. He was bailed and will be sentenced at the same court on 30 July. Thorncroft's trial started on Tuesday, 1 June. The investigation into Thorncroft began in June, 2016, after officers executed a search warrant at the offices of his MSB company, based in Peckham. A laptop used by the defendant was seized and on it officers found the contents that showed the MSB had received money from over 60 individuals who were defrauded. Officers discovered that between late July and late October 2014, over 60 victims paid out a total of nearly £850,000 after being contacted over the phone by a 'salesman' who persuaded them to invest in a money-making scheme of some sort. The type of scheme was not always the same, but what all the money-making schemes had in common was that they did not exist. All of the fraudulent money was credited to the bank accounts of the MSB that Thorncroft was a director of. Most of the money was then transferred out of Thorncroft's account and onto the fraudsters based in Hong Kong and China. As part of the Met's Economic Crime Team's investigation, officers were confident that the money that was received into the bank account was then transferred out of the UK and it was the proceeds of the criminal conduct. Thorncroft was known to have met with one of the fraud suspects as well as having a copy of the suspect’s passport. He failed to disclose this information to the police in 2014. Consequently, he was found guilty of failing to submit a SAR as he was under a legal obligation to report suspicious activity. Thorncroft was also found guilty of retaining monies belonging to four of the victims which totalled approximately £16,000. The one count of breaching Money Laundering Regulations relates to a separate transfer in February 2016. That transfer involved a person who was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order which prohibited them from remitting money overseas. The transfer in question was £265,000. It wasn't until 3 April, 2019, that officers interviewed Thorncroft under caution. He was further interviewed under caution on 30 April and 14 May that year. It was on 7 May, 2020, that officers were able to charge Thorncroft with the offences. Detective Sergeant Mark Hoddinott, from the Central Specialist Crime Command (Economic Crime), said at conviction: "This was a really complex fraud investigation where a person with serious responsibilities and knowledge of the regulations around anti-money laundering failed in their duties to make the required disclosures to the authorities. “If Thorncroft had complied with his own company policies then he would not have been prosecuted. Instead, he paid absolutely no regards to his overriding duty to anti-money regulations; consequently, many individuals suffered great financial loss and considerable personal trauma. "In his role as the chairperson of AUKPI when these crimes were being committed by him, Thorncroft worked closely with law makers, regulators, banks and other financial institutions, representing the interests of the money remittance sector. The AUKPI provided its members with anti-money laundering training. "I'm really pleased that a dedicated team of Met officers investigating this case have secured this conviction, especially grateful to Detective Constable Silje Mikkelsen for her investigative tenacity and commitment to supporting the victims. I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to the jury who I am sure at times found the case being presented before them complex and possibly confusing. "This conviction is a reminder to those working in the regulated sector of their duties when it comes to money laundering regulations." Source
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A man who raped a woman after they met on a dating site has been jailed.
Chinmay Patel, 34, (03.02.87) of Cardigan Road, Leeds appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 24 June where he was sentenced to nine years imprisonment. He was found guilty of two counts of rape at the same court on Friday, 14 May. On 3 February 2017, Patel met a woman he had previously chatted with via the Shaadi.com website. They visited two bars in the Bayswater area, where the woman made it clear that she did not kiss on first dates, before going together to a flat in Westminster. The woman, aged in her 30s, agreed that Patel would be allowed to sleep over before collecting somebody from Stansted Airport in the morning. Patel raped the woman twice at the Westminster flat; once shortly after they arrived and again on the morning of 4 February 2017. The woman attended a Haven later that month and a police investigation commenced in March 2017 with the woman being supported by specialist officers. Patel was arrested on 30 April 2017 and was bailed pending further enquiries prior to being released under investigation. do you need the services of rape solicitors ? call us today He was charged with two counts of rape on 29 July 2020. Detective Sergeant Vicky Pearce of the Met's Sapphire unit said: “Patel actions were predatory and without control, and the effects of his actions will stay with the woman he attacked for many years to come. “I hope that the significant sentence handed down encourages other victims of rape to come forward, and brings the rape survivor in this case a sense of closure and justice.”
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Two men have been sentenced for modern day slavery offences at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 June.
Abdullahi Fidow, 35 (07.07.1985) of Moston Close, Hayes, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for offences including modern day slavery, supplying cocaine and heroin, wounding with intent, possession of an offensive weapon and actual bodily harm. Mohammed Hassan, 38 (26.06.1982) of Bethany Waye, Feltham was sentenced to 12 years in prison for modern day slavery offences and supplying cocaine and heroin. On 11 October 2019, officers were called to the scene of a stabbing. An investigation was underway when police were called on 15 October 2019 to Victim [A], a 29-year-old man, who reported that he had been held against his will for five days by a group of men. He said he was scared for his life and had been physically assaulted. Victim [A] also alleged that he had witnessed a stabbing committed by Fidow and positively identified him. Fidow was arrested and charged with kidnap, false imprisonment, actual bodily harm, bodily harm, affray and Section 18 - wounding with intent on 17 October 2019. A further investigation was carried out by West Area CID following the arrest of Fidow in the home address of Victim [B], a 58-year-old man. Detective Constable Radford gained the trust and confidence of Victim [B] who disclosed to her that he had been forced to allow a gang to use his home and to deal drugs out of his flat by them. An operation was launched by officers from across the West Area, along with Hounslow Council and other partnership agencies, who took part in the execution of thirteen warrants in Hounslow on 10 December 2020. The warrants were conducted in the early hours of the morning and were obtained via the courts under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Hassan was arrested and charged with modern day slavery, false imprisonment, affray, criminal damage and sec 18 wounding with intent as a result of these warrants on 10 December 2019. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Thrower, of West Area CID, said: “Both of these men targeted and intimidated vulnerable residents of Hounslow through fear or use of violence, moving into their homes to establish a base of operation to distribute drugs across the west of London and further afield. I have no doubt that the streets are a safer place now they are behind bars, and the length of sentencing reflects the serious and violent nature of their crimes. "These warrants were a joint effort by officers from the West Area Borough Command Unit and Hounslow Council with the aim of disrupting an established drugs line within the three boroughs. It is this joined up approach to tackling crime that will have an impact on those intent on the supply of drugs and use of cuckooing tactics. "We will continue to do everything in our power to prevent the abuse and exploitation of people in our communities and I urge anyone with information regarding drug dealing, exploitation, or violent crime to come forward to police. We all have a responsibility to make London a safe place for everyone.” + If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call us on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. If you would like to provide information anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Young people can give information 100% anonymously by contacting the charity Fearless. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers or Fearless. source
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Specialist detectives investigating money laundering offences made the seizure worth £114 million – the largest cryptocurrency seizure in the UK and believed to be one of the largest globally.
The seizure was carried out by detectives from the Met’s Economic Crime Command on the back of intelligence received about the transfer of criminal assets. The investigation continues. Detective Constable Joe Ryan said: “Criminals need to legitimise their money otherwise it risks being seized by law enforcement. The proceeds of crime are almost always laundered to hide the origin, but by disrupting the flow of funds before they are reinvested, we can make London an incredibly difficult place for criminals to operate.” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty said: “Every single part of the Met is working to reduce violence on the streets of London as an absolute priority, this includes our financial investigators. “There is an inherent link between money and violence. Violence is used to extort, blackmail, burgle, control and exploit. It’s used to protect criminal profits and maintain control of territories. “Cash remains king, but as technology and online platforms develop, some are moving to more sophisticated methods of laundering their profits. But, we have highly trained officers and specialist units working day and night to remain one step ahead. “These officers not only work to disrupt and seize funds being transferred digitally, they continue to deprive criminals of hard cash. In the financial year 2020/21, we have seized more than £47 million from the hands of criminals. This cash can no longer be reinvested in crime, it cannot be used to buy and peddle drugs and weapons, and cannot be used to entice and exploit young and vulnerable people into criminality.” Money laundering solicitors London
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Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed in north London.
On Wednesday 23 June, at approximately 16:30hrs, police were called to an incident on the Route 31 bus on Finchley Road in Swiss Cottage, involving a group of young males from the local area. A 15-year-old boy was found nearby in Dobson Close with a stab wound to his abdomen. He was taken to a hospital in north London in a life threatening condition, but is now in a stable condition. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is in custody at a police station in north London. Officers from the local safer transport teams are providing community reassurance patrols in the area. Detective Chief inspector Michael Dougall, from the Transport Policing Command, said: “Tackling knife crime and reducing violence remains our number one priority and we continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice. "If you have any information about this incident I urge you to come forward. Were you on Finchley Road between 4.20pm and 4.40pm? Did you witness an altercation or someone running away? Any piece of information, no matter how small, may be vital. Please contact police. "Knife crime causes devastation and I ask that anyone with any information about individuals carrying weapons does the right thing and reports this to police. To remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111”.
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One week on from the stabbing of Mohammad Raza Gulzar in Whetstone, detectives are appealing to anyone that witnessed the incident, or anyone that may have filmed the attack on their mobile phones to come forward.
This evening (Thursday, 24 June) officers will be out in the area near High Road, Whetstone, N20, to speak to anyone who might have witnessed an altercation that ended in a stabbing at around 22:24hrs on Thursday, 17 June. Detectives have reason to believe at least one member of the public did film the incident and they are particularly interested to hear from those that may have filmed the altercation or the stabbing. Shortly before the stabbing occurred, four vehicles were seen traveling to the High Road in Whetstone when (one) of those vehicles – a blue Lexus Saloon – appeared to deliberately crash into one of the other vehicles, a dark coloured BMW. The occupants of all four vehicles then engage in a confrontation which resulted in 29-year-old victim, Mohammad, being stabbed twice. The suspects then made off from the scene in a blue Lexus Saloon and a black Range Rover. The Lexus vehicle headed in the direction of St Margarets Avenue and was later found ablaze in Tillingham Way, near the junction with Twineham Green. The black Range Rover made off in the direction of Totteride Lane and the vehicle was later found near Dale Grove, N12. Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith, said: “My team has been working tirelessly around the clock to establish the events that lead to the sad death of Mohammad Raza Gulzar a few days after the attack. “Today, a week on from the attack, I am appealing to members of the public that may have any information relating to this incident to come forward and speak to the police. Any information that you provide, no matter how insignificant it may seem, might be crucial to our investigation. “I am specifically appealing to anyone that may have filmed the incident on their mobile phone or anyone that may have seen the blue Lexus or the black Range Rover on the short journeys that they took immediately after the stabbing. “Someone in the area may perhaps have seen the blue Lexus with a damaged front arriving at Tillingham Way near the junction with Twineham Green. I would urge residents that live in the area and anyone that was driving in the area on Thursday, 17 June to check their door bell and dashcam footage.” Police were called to the location at around 22:24hrs on Thursday, 17 June. Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and found Mohammad suffering from knife wounds. Mohammad was taken to a north west London hospital where he then sadly died at around 23:15hrs on Saturday, 19 June. A post-mortem examination was carried out at Haringey Mortuary on Wednesday, 23 June and gave the cause of death as a stab wound. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has mobile phone, dash-cam or doorbell footage should call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD8736/17JUN. Video and images can be sent directly to police via this link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS21S54-PO1 To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org. + In total, 11 men have been arrested in connection with the incident. Five men – aged [A] 27, [B] 28, [C] 29, [D] 29, and [E] 29 – were arrested on Friday, 18 June on suspicion of affray. They were taken to a north London police station and were later released on bail. Five more men – aged [F] 27, [G] 33, [H] 35, [I] 55, and [J] 54 were arrested on Saturday, 19 June on suspicion of attempted murder. They were later all either bail or released under investigation. murder vs manslaughter uk A further arrest was made on Monday, 21 June in the Blackburn area. The 27-year-old man [K] was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. He has since been bailed to return mid-July.
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Three men have been convicted for their involvement in the events that led up to a fatal shooting in Harrow.
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, three men were found guilty of murder and attempted murder on Friday, 19 March and sentenced a week later. Saharded Hassan, 28 (05.09.92) of Courtfield Avenue, Harrow was convicted of murder [Count 1] sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 32 years. He was also f [Count 2] and jailed for 20 years. The sentences will run concurrently. Rajae Heslop, 22 (29.03.99) of North Circular Road, NW2 was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 28 years [Count 1], and 18 years [Count 2] – to run concurrently. Irwin Constable, 20 (25.09.00) of Whippendell Road, Watford was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 24 years [Count 1] and 17 years [Count 2] – to run concurrently. At 20:50hrs on 1 May 2018, police were called to reports of a shooting on Essoldo Way close to Queensbury Underground Station. Officers, including firearms officers, and the London Ambulance Service attended and discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds. A second man self-presented at hospital with gunshot wounds. Leon Maxwell, 38, was found in the communal entrance of nearby flats having tried to make his way inside; he died at the scene. A second man, who was aged 26 years old at the time, was taken to hospital for treatment. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation and established that the victims had been sitting in a car when they were approached by two suspects on a stolen moped before the pillion passenger fired five shots into the car. Unfortunately, due to both suspects wearing crash helmets, the surviving victim was unable to provide officers with any detailed description of the assailants. Officers began an extensive trawl of CCTV cameras within three miles of the shooting and recovered more than 1,000 hours of footage. This included an area that was frequented by members of a known gang, who were suspected of being involved in the shooting. When the investigation came to what appeared to be a dead end the investigation team took a different approach focusing their efforts around the theft of the moped, resulting in the thief being identified. The investigation continued, and as a result of forensic analysis, DNA belonging to Saharded Hassan was found on one of the bullet casings found at the scene. He was arrested but at the time, there was not enough evidence to connect him with the shooting. In March 2019, five men were arrested and 131 mobiles phones seized from their homes, creating further forensic - and analysis - opportunities. Detectives continued to intricately view hours of CCTV footage to link the moped to the suspects. They were found to have exchanged the moped several times and even went to the effort of changing their clothing in an attempt to conceal and hide their identity. Following a lengthy investigation, officers identified Rajae Heslop as the moped rider and Irwin Constable as the pillion passenger - and shooter. Heslop was identified but he had fled the country. He was arrested more than a year after the investigation was launched, having returned to UK thinking it was safe to do so. A thorough search of his home address by officers revealed a set of lyrics which he had written in what police say depicted his involvement in the murder of Leon Maxwell. Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, said: “The investigation team has worked tirelessly since 2018 to get to the truth about what happened on Essoldo Way in order to not only bring those involved before the courts, but to get some form of resolution for Leon’s family. “This case highlights that even when suspects make every attempt to hide their identities, through hard work and forensic opportunities, we will always endeavour to find them. “Three men involved this murder have been given lengthy prison sentences, the professed gang leader Saharded Hassan received 32 years for his involvement. “I would encourage anyone with information regarding gun crime to contact police. Together, we can take these dangerous weapons off of our streets and make London safer for everyone.” On Tuesday, 16 June, four men - Kaleel Nyeila, 20 (07.03.01); Samuel Ageyman, 19 (20.04.02); Armani Ogilvie, 19 (07.08.01); and Abdi Karama, 19 (10.10.01, were found not guilty of murder and attempted murder following a separate trial. = Jahdelle Wlliams-Campbell was convicted for his involvement in the theft of the moped and sentenced to eight months’ and a training order. source
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The Metropolitan Police Service is making an urgent call on London’s communities to help us stop violence taking more young lives this summer.
Serious violence offences have declined by 22% over the past year and overall the murder rate is down. However, we have seen an increase in the murder of teenagers, with 17 being murdered so far this year. If London continues to see this rate of violence we will be on track to see the worst year for young homicides since 2008. murder solicitors Every single murder is a tragedy, but they are not spread evenly either geographically or by age and ethnicity. Of these young victims, more than two thirds (12) are black and 15 were killed with a knife. We are extremely concerned about this and are calling on every Londoner to play their part to prevent further needless killings. difference between murder and manslaughter We have a large scale, multi layered operation over the summer to suppress violence as much as we can. The public can expect to see more officers on the streets and more police patrolling open spaces, parks, bars and clubs. In addition to getting justice for victims, some of the proactive work includes:
Commander Alex Murray, lead for violence said: “Through lockdown there has been an incredible amount of work to take the wind out of the sails of people who drive violence. More than 400 guns have been recovered, thousands of knives and large quantities of drugs have been seized. A record £47 million in cash has been confiscated and high harm offenders have been taken off the streets. “But detectives investigating serious violence often meet silence from people we know have information that could help prevent violence. We have seen it recently in the tragic shooting of Sasha Johnson that took place last month.” We understand that some people may not trust police so we are working hard to build those relationships and show that we are only motivated by preventing violence. It is our number one priority. We urge everyone to listen to five brave mothers who have lost their sons to knife crime. Earlier this year they told the world how they had to make the hardest call when their son was murdered. They recognise that coming forward can be hard but ask us all to compare that to the call they had to make. If you have information about knives, guns or violence call the independent and anonymous charity Crimestoppers. This is not snitching, this is about justice and about saving lives or preventing people ending up serving life in prison for murder. Yvonne Lawson MBE, said: "We may of had a brief respite from knife crime over the lockdown period but recent activity since easing restrictions has been distressing indeed. "It has been 11 years since I sadly lost Godwin to knife crime as he tried to stop a fight between friends. Eleven years on, mothers are still loosing their babies to knife crime in our capital. We should never get desensitised or complacent to youth violence. My dream 11 years ago was to prevent another mother from reliving my pain! "We need to all come together and fight this epidemic as we are fighting Covid-19. The police alone don't have the cure, we urgently all need to work together, report what you know about violence and free young people from this terrible cycle." Pastor Lorraine Jones, said: “As a mother who has lost her son through the senseless killings caused by youth violence, I plead with all communities, families, local authorities, social services, schools and faith groups to step up and engage more with our troubled youth before it results in violence. “The police cannot solve this problem alone. The next child could be yours or someone you know. The wall of silence can only be broken by us. “If it was not for the support of the police I would truly be lost and so many other parents who have lost their children feel the same. Let us all step up and work together as a matter of urgency." Commander Alex Murray, added: “We are devoting huge resources into doing everything within our power to minimise violence - It is our priority and can affect anyone from any background. “But we simply cannot do this alone: Everyone has a role to play. Community leaders, businesses, politicians, youth workers, parents and teachers – quite literally anybody and everybody. If you have networks that can help, please use them to get the message from these mothers across.” + 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 jailed for raping woman in Peckham6/11/2021 A man has been sentenced at Inner London Crown Court for rape. Abiodun Adeagbo, 33 (02.01.1988) of Crescent Road, N15 was sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment for rape on Friday, 4 June. The court heard that in July 2015, the victim had arranged to meet up with Adeagbo, who she knew as Marvin. She travelled to London to meet him at Victoria by coach. Adeagbo had told the victim that they were going to go to the cinema but when they met he said he had forgotten his cinema card and they needed to go to his home in Peckham to pick it up. She was taken to his flat where he suggested going to his bedroom to eat. Once in the room, Adeagbo started to kiss her. He moved her against the wall and touched her sexually, attempting to undo her trousers. She tried to stop him, visibly distressed by the situation, but he carried on. He then raped the victim before getting up and leaving the room. The victim came forward to police to give a statement about what happened on 8 January 2016. Adeagbo was identified from information provided to police by the victim. On 24 January 2016, Adeagbo was arrested at his home address in Peckham where he lived at the time of the offence. He was interviewed and denied the offence. He was bailed while an investigation was launched. Following a dedicated and complex investigation, detectives were able to charge Adeagbo on 10 August 2019. Adeagbo pleaded not guilty at the beginning of his trial at Inner London Crown Court on 19 April 2021 but was subsequently found guilty. do you need the services of rape solicitors ? Detective Constable Benedict Harrington, of the South East Command Unit, said: “The sentencing today is the result of a complex and lengthy investigation spanning a number of years. I hope this shows that justice can be brought no matter the time that has passed and that victims should always feel able to speak up and come forwards to us. "I hope the verdict brings the victim some closure after what has been a deeply upsetting and traumatising experience. She has stayed strong and supported the investigation and I commend her courage and bravery. “The Met is absolutely committed to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault, and to making women and girls 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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A man has been jailed for drugging and raping a woman he had met through an online app.
Adrian Reid, 31 (26.09.89) of Huxley Road, N18 appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 8 June where he was sentenced as follows:
have you been wrongly accused of sexual assault ? The court heard how Reid had contacted the woman, aged in her 20s, via a social media app using an alias. They had agreed to meet at her flat in Paddington in the early hours of 30 June 2020. Reid arrived and brought with him a bottle of alcohol and a bottle of soft drink. During their time together, Reid mixed drinks and gave them to the woman. After a while she began to feel unwell and Reid raped her before she passed out. When she awoke in the morning, Reid was gone. She also realised a quantity of cash had been stolen from her flat. Following forensic phone work, officers managed to identify Reid and arrested him on 2 July. Officers searched his flat and car and found a small bottle of clear liquid along with the drinks bottles he had taken to the flat. Analysis revealed the clear liquid was GHB and traces of this were also found in the bottle. Reid was charged but denied the offences; however, due to the weight of evidence against him, a jury took just 40 minutes to convict him on 14 December 2020. Detective Constable Pat Tully from the Central West Safeguarding Team based at Westminster said: “Adrian Reid is a sexual predator and I am pleased that he will now face a significant period of time in jail. “I hope the woman Reid attacked can take some solace in the fact he has been convicted – her bravery in coming forward has ensured a dangerous man is now behind bars. “It is clear that this was not an opportunistic crime; Reid had clearly gone to some lengths in planning and then carrying out his attack. “This leads me to believe that this may not have been his only offence and I would appeal to anyone who may have encountered Reid and been attacked by him to come forward and speak to police. “Specially trained officers are available to support and help you, and our dedicated team will ensure any allegations are investigated sensitively and thoroughly.” source
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Specially trained officers across the Metropolitan Police Service are working with a new programme to help young children in London protect themselves from danger.
Safer schools and neighbourhood officers are working in partnership with the charity ‘Action Against Abduction’ to help children recognise situations that could be unsafe and know what to do to protect themselves. These officers have adopted the ‘Clever Never Goes’ programme in primary schools they work with across the capital. This is a modernised version of the well-known ‘Stranger Danger’ campaign launched in 1971. The roll-out of Clever Never Goes forms the latest phase of ongoing work by schools officers to keep children and young people across the capital safe. The Met piloted the early stages of this programme back in 2019 in 37 primary schools. The feedback was universally supportive of a service-wide roll-out. A specially designed robot named Clever helps children spot dangerous situations and gives them tips about how to respond. The programme is designed to be positive, practical and playful whilst ensuring the reality of situations is not lost. The core message is never to go with anyone unless it has been previously arranged. From Wednesday, 9 June the Met will roll out the Clever Never Goes resources to primary school children aged five to 11. These include online safety scenarios, prompting children to consider online grooming dangers. Chief Superintendent Richard Tucker, said: “Keeping children and young people safe is an absolute priority for the Met. We’re continuously working hard to educate young people about the risks they could face and equip them with the right knowledge and tools to protect themselves. “The launch of this new programme is just the latest phase of important work carried out by schools officers across the Met every day. “I know in recent weeks there have been reports of attempted abductions in certain parts of London and I understand parents’ concerns about the safety of their children as a result. “Thorough investigations were conducted to investigate these reports, and to date there is no corroborating evidence that these were in fact attempted abductions. “Nonetheless, we know the considerable concern reports of this nature have caused within communities. “Fortunately, child kidnappings or abductions which leave children and young people in serious danger are incredibly rare, but we will never be complacent and I would urge anyone who has a concern about a child to get in touch with us or any relevant partner agency as soon as possible. “We are working hard across London, and in particular in areas where we have seen heightened concern, to reassure parents and wider communities. “We are also equipping children with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and Clever Never Goes is a crucial part of that process. Our partnership on this initiative is incredibly important and I would urge all teachers, parents and all others in contact with young people to help us educate children how to stay safe.” Geoff Newiss, Action Against Abduction charity Director, said: “The risk of child abduction might be low but the onus is on all of us as parents, carers or professionals to give children the tools to look after themselves as they get older and gain more independence. “Clever Never Goes is all about doing this in a way that promotes confidence rather than inculcating the fear that comes with stranger danger. Having the Met on board with Clever Never Goes is a great step forward towards keeping London’s children safe." Make London Safer source
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Women are joining police officers on patrol in south London to share their concerns about safety, particularly in public spaces.
The Met is determined to put an end to violence against women and girls and so a new walk and talk initiative has been set up in Lambeth and Southwark. Twenty five female neighbourhood officers are buddying up with women from within the community to walk the streets of south London and hear of their experiences, concerns and reflections. Those taking part will be able to discuss with police any locations in which they feel vulnerable and patrols will take place at times when there are fewer people, less traffic and light so officers can get a real sense of what their worries are. The aim of the patrol is to start a conversation between members of the public and officers about what worries they have and what can be done to alleviate them. Every day, committed officers in the Met are working closely with partners across the Capital to deliver a safe environment for women and girls to go about their daily business without fear of becoming a victim of crime. Just last month, an intense day of action cracking down on violence against women saw 117 people arrested in a series of reactive and proactive arrests for offences including domestic assault, sexual offences, and violence against women and girls as part of ongoing investigations. The Met has also established specialist Predatory Offender Units to arrest and charge those who carry out violence. These are based in every Borough Command Unit across London. have you been falsely accused of sexual assault ? Sergeant Becky Perkins, Central South Neighbourhoods Team and who leads the initiative, said:“The walk and talk initiative is just one of the many things going on across London to crack down on violence against women and girls. We want the women in our area to feel confident and safe on our streets and we hope that by walking with them on their usual routes and hearing from them first-hand what their concerns are we will be able to act and build trust. “We know there are many women out there who don’t feel completely safe walking London’s streets and we want those women to know we are here for you, we are listening and we are doing all we can to make the streets safer. Recent events have heightened concerns around violence amongst women in London, and the Met understands and shares those concerns. We appreciate and acknowledge public concern and anger, and the desire for action to be taken which keeps women and girls safe. We agree. “I’d like to thank all of the women who have come forward to take part in this walk. It is important for us to know what your concerns are so we can do everything we can to resolve them. No woman should feel unsafe walking the streets or taking public transport. Working closely with our communities is a vital part of what we do, we hope this new initiative will help to make women feel safer in our area and beyond in London.” Walk and Talk participant Miriam Wickham said: “It’s good to know that the Met is trying to listen to the public, make changes and really see how women feel.” Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, responsible for policing in Lambeth and Southwark, added: “All women have a right to feel safe. By connecting local women to local female police officers through the “Walk and Talk” initiative we can improve our understanding of the experiences of local women and take the rights steps to improve women’s safety. “It is one of many initiatives, and we are working closely with our partners, community groups, and businesses to tackle violence against women and girls. No violence or harassment of women is acceptable, we will take it seriously, and together we can make London a safer place for all women.” source
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The Commissioner Cressida Dick joined the National Federation of Women’s Institutes annual meeting today (Tuesday, 8 June), where she outlined the work of the Met to keep women safe.
The W.I is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK, with some 200,000 members. Speaking today, the Commissioner said: “Throughout my Commissionership, reducing violent crime has been my number one priority and that of course includes reducing violence against women. “Events have brought into sharp focus that women and girls do not feel as safe as we want them to. “It also brought into sharp focus our resolve, and determination to work even harder with our partners across the criminal justice system to protect women and bring offenders properly to justice.” The Commissioner also spoke about a new scheme the Met is currently piloting in Clapham, where local women are joining police officers on patrol to share their concerns about safety. The initiative has been developed by officers in the area and is part of a proactive response to concerns from women that have become more heightened recently. Speaking about domestic abuse, the Commissioner, said: “Far too many women still suffer abuse, harm in the place they should feel safest – at home. “For too many, their abuser is not just known to them. It is their partner.” The Met receives on average about 350 calls per day relating to domestic abuse. Most tragically, children frequently witness such violence and as well as being highly traumatic, it is likely to affect their mental and physical health and life in many ways. The Met is making sure that those children get the support they need from agencies and as of today are sharing via @MetPoliceUK and other social media platforms a number of creative short graphics to highlight the hidden trauma experienced by children caught up in a difficult home life. The Commissioner said: “Hopefully this will ask all of us to think, and consider if we know a child affected like this by domestic abuse, and if so what we can do about it. “These children may be those of neighbours, family members. And, on some sad occasions, they will need a big part of the community’s voice to help them. “We are making progress in increasing our ability to tackle this and have better tools at our disposal to help those who seek assistance, and to help people may feel trapped or those are too scared to even ask for help. “Whether the abuse is physical, financial, emotional, controlling or coercive, our dedicated officers are there to help protect victims and to prove offences.” The Commissioner ended her speech by thanking the members of the W.I. Have you been accused of sexual assault ? The Commissioner said: “The issues I have been talking about today are societal issues. We all need to work together to create a safer and more respectful society.” “Thank you all for your hard work and I hope that policing and the W.I can work even closer in the future.” + The Commissioner’s full speech is available to download at the bottom of this page. Share on social media Related materialDocumentsCommissioner's Speech to Women's Institute Tuesday, 8 JuneJun 08, 2021 19:32 BSTCommissioner's Speech to Women's Institute Tuesday, 8 June |