Category: Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for sexual assault

A man who sexually assaulted a young woman after picking her up as a passenger and instead taking her to a secluded alleyway has been jailed.

Adam Ward, 34 (08.07.84) of 36 Atherfold Road SW9, pleaded guilty to serious sexual assault at Kingston Crown Court on 27th November 2017.

On Monday, 12 February, Ward was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months.

On the afternoon of 28 May, the victim; a woman in her 30s; attended a police station and reported being attacked in the early hours.

She told officers she was on her way home after a night out in Clapham when she was grabbed from behind by her attacker. He put his hands over her mouth and throat to stop her from screaming, forced her to the floor and sexually assaulted her. The woman suffered minor injuries.

The Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command launched an investigation and from the victim’s initial account carried out CCTV enquiries from which they were able to follow her journey home.

The footage shown at trial showed a Volkswagen car stopping near a supermarket by Clapham Common tube station at around 0305hrs. The victim could also be seen standing outside the supermarket. A man got out of the car and walked past the victim. He then walks back to his car.

The victim walks away toward Venn Street and the VW car follows. She talks to the driver and then gets into the vehicle.

Enquiries established that the vehicle was driven to Recovery Street, near Tooting Broadway tube station, and another CCTV camera captured the attack taking place just before 03.50hrs.

The victim then informed detectives that she had found a 10-second video on her mobile phone she had recorded inside the cab, which assisted officers in identifying the car.

The vehicle’s registration number was also identified as a result of extensive CCTV enquiries and the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition [ANPR] technology. On Thursday, 1 June 2017, officers visited the address of the listed owner and saw the Volkswagen pull up outside the address.The care was being driven by Adam Ward who was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

Officers executed a search warrant at Ward’s address and found clothing that matched the clothing worn by the attacker.

Ward was on licence after being convicted of a drugs offence in July 2015. He had only been released five weeks prior to this attack. He declined to comment during interview and providing a prepared statement denying involvement and claiming he was at home at the time of the attack.

Ward was charged on Friday, 2 June 2017.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Jordan, the Senior Investigating officer, said: “This was a terrifying attack where Ward stalked his victim, a young woman on her own late at night, and took full advantage of her vulnerability by attacking her. Quick work by investigators resulted in identification of a vehicle involved, sourcing of CCTV of the attack, and Ward’s arrest within three days.

“The victim was understandably traumatised by the ordeal she suffered and Ward showed his lack of remorse and contempt for the victim by denying what he had done throughout the investigation until he eventually pleaded guilty on the first day of trial.

“I hope that the victim in this case can take comfort in knowing that Ward has been sentenced to a long term in prison where he cannot pose a risk to the public.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Operation Venice officers at Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle show

The Metropolitan Police Service’s Operation Venice team, who tackle scooter, moped and motorcycle crime, are appearing at the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show at the ExCel Exhibition Centre, 16 to 18 February.

Officers will be engaging with members of the public and vehicle owners who visit their stand to talk about what the Met is doing to tackle scooter, moped and motorcycle theft and related crime and the risk of vehicle theft.

Also, on display will be the Met’s new BMW F700 GS (p) purpose built, lightweight motorcycle, and their DNA tagging spray which squirts an invisible identifying liquid.

In June 2017, the Met launched the ‘Be Safe’ campaign, which raises awareness with riders of what they can do to reduce the risk of their vehicle being stolen, focussing primarily on scooter riders, who are less likely to use strong security products.

In many cases, owners have inadequate security or no security at all on their scooters, making it easy for thieves to steal them and then use them to commit snatch and robbery offences. Security measures alone cannot guarantee two-wheeled vehicles will not be stolen, but every step taken makes them less attractive to a thief – vehicle owners are reminded to lock, chain and cover their bikes.

Commander Julian Bennett, the Met’s lead on scooter, moped and motorcycle crime, said: “Police are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters, mopeds and motorcycles and use them to snatch valuables from members of the public.

“We want to prevent the theft of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles in the first place so they can’t be used in the commission of further crime.

“Our presence at the Motorcycle Show puts us right amongst riders so we can engage with them, listen to what they have to say and directly advise them about properly securing their vehicles to reduce their risk of theft.”

“The more visible the security, the less visible your scooter is to thieves: adding extra security makes it harder for them to steal – always remember: Lock, Chain, Cover.”

Rebecca Donohue, Head of Marketing at Carole Nash, said: “Tackling the issue of bike theft is a cause that is close to our hearts, so we are delighted to welcome the Operation Venice team to the show. They are doing a lot of great work to help fight this ongoing issue and we know riders will appreciate the opportunity to discuss what can be done both by the police and by bikers themselves to limit the possibility of theft.

“Along with the rest of the motorcycle industry, we encourage the use of locks, chains and bike covers, as well as forensic tagging kits such as our own DNA+ which every policyholder receives. While we can never guarantee that thefts won’t take place, the riding community should take a range of measures to make it as difficult as possible for thieves.”

ADVICE: Whilst we are continually tackling this crime there is much the owners of mopeds and motorcycles can do themselves and the Met advises the following steps:

– Parking: Choose designated parking with a stand and security loop, or if this is not available try areas with lots of people, good lighting and CCTV.

– Locks: Use more than one lock, focusing on disc locks and chain locks, fitted tight to the bike and through difficult-to-remove parts.

– Time: When leaving your bike for a long period or overnight, lock it to something secure and use a motorbike cover. At home consider using fitted anchors to secure your bike.

– Attention: Use audible alarms where possible to draw unwanted attention to the thieves.

– Marking: Choose to mark your bike parts with the vehicle identification number (VIN) number, your postcode or registration number using an ultraviolet marker pen or property marking kit.

– Insurance: Some companies will offer discounts on your insurance if you invest in certain security measures, so ask before you make your purchase.

Details of the Met’s Be Safe campaign can be found at: https://www.met.police.uk/about-the-met/campaigns/be-safe-campaign/be-safe-scooter-theft/

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Three males sentenced to life imprisonment for Croydon murder

Three males found guilty of the murder of Croydon teenager Jermaine Goupall have been sentenced today, Thursday, 15 February at the Old Bailey to life imprisonment.

Adam Benzahi, 21, (4.09.96) of Croydon was senetnced to life imprisonment and will serve a minimum term of 22 years; Samuel Oliver-Rowland, 18 (26.09.99) of Epsom Road, Croydon was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years; and Junior Simpson, 17, (18.1.01) of Northdown Crescent, Croydon was also sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years.

They were found guilty of murder on Wednesday, 14 February following a trial at the Old Bailey which started on 8 January.

Saskia Haye-Elliot, 18 (02.04.99) of Northdowns Crescent, Croydon was found guilty of manslaughter and today was sentenced to 12 years and six months imprisonment.

Jermaine, 15, was with friends outside the Costcutter shop in Green Lane, Croydon on the evening of 8 August 2017 when a silver-coloured Ford Focus car pulled up and a number of people wearing balaclavas and armed with knives and a machete got out and chased them.

Most of the group took cover in the shop. Jermaine was chased on foot with the car also following. His attackers caught up with him and stabbed him.

Police were called to Green Lane at around 23:00hrs and members of the public rushed to help Jermaine as he lay injured before police officers and the London Ambulance Service arrived.

Jermaine was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight. A post-mortem gave cause of death as a single stab wound to the leg – his femoral vein had been wounded.

The Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command launched an investigation.

The suspects were identified through mobile phone analysis, CCTV enquiries which identified the vehicle in which the suspects travelled to the scene and information from the community.

During the trial, the court heard that Jermaine and his friends were possibly targeted due to ongoing tensions between rival gangs in the area. However, police believe that Jermaine was not himself an active gang member.

Information received led officers to the suspects, and analysis of their mobile phone activity placed them in the area, and showed that they were in contact before and after the murder with no use at the time of the murder.

Oliver-Rowland, Haye-Elliot and Simpson were arrested between 11 and 17 August and charged whilst in custody. Benzahi was arrested on 31 October and charged the following day.

DCI Tony Lynes, who led the investigation, said: “Jermaine and his group of friends were targeted by armed suspects with their faces covered who chased Jermaine and carried out a terrifying, violent attack.

“I can only imagine the fear Jermaine felt as he was attacked. Members of the public rushed to his aid as they tried to stem the bleeding and keep Jermaine calm before the emergency services arrived and continued to administer first aid, but tragically he died from his injuries.

“These four defendants denied involvement, but the weight of evidence against them was enough to convince a jury of their guilt.

“Jermaine’s senseless murder appears to have stemmed from gang rivalry and violence, and we now have a family left utterly devastated and the lives of all involved blighted forever.

“I would like to highlight the courage and dignity Jermaine’s family have shown since his death and throughout the trial, and I hope the verdict and upcoming sentences will offer them some comfort and help ease their enduring grief as they continue to come to terms with their tragic loss.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: CCTV image appeal issued following violent robbery in Newham

Detectives in Newham investigating the violent robbery of an elderly man continue to appeal for information as the independent charity Crimestoppers announce a reward is available.

The reward of up to £10,000 is being offered by Crimestoppers for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people or person responsible for the robbery.

To give information and qualify for the reward, which is valid until 6 May, Crimestoppers can be contacted 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by using their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. <http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=7089&d=sNKF2p5lRjijOOmdl5JXWGyPwHlNU9dXEgWNbhWe0A&u=http%3a%2f%2fcrimestoppers-uk%2eorg> People must provide information to Crimestoppers directly rather than police to qualify for the reward.

At approximately 18:55hrs on Sunday, 27 August 2017, Ahmet Dobran, 82, who lived in East Ham for the majority of his life, was attacked and robbed by three men on Sussex Road.

As a result of the attack Mr Dobran sustained three fractures to his vertebrae after one of the three men grabbed him by the neck whilst the others reigned blows to his back and arms.

They then forced him to the ground, where they removed his gold bracelet and Longine wristwatch.

The attack aggravated other conditions, such as Parkinson’s, and a cancer the victim was receiving treatment for.

He died in hospital in the early hours of Monday, 15 January.

A post mortem was held on 19 January at East Ham Mortuary. The cause of death was inconclusive pending further tests.

Police previously released CCTV images of three men they want to trace in connection with this attack. One man – aged 33 – was charged on 12 December 2017 and awaits trail but two men are yet to be identified. .

The Homicide and Major Crime Command have been informed but at this time the investigation remains with officers in Newham.

Detective Inspector Iain Wallace, of Newham CID said: “Mr Dobran was hospitalised following the attack in August and had been in an induced coma for several weeks until he was recently introduced to a nursing home. Sadly Mr Dobran’s health deteriorated soon after and he was taken to hospital and passed away.

“His family are utterly devastated and, whilst we are unable to ascertain at this time that he died as a result of the attack, we do know that at the very least it may have aggravated other existing conditions. We await the results of the post-mortem to determine this.

“Whilst one of the men has now been identified and charged we are still keen to trace two other men who are still outstanding. Someone knows who these men are and I would urge them to come forward to stop thm from using the same level of violence on another vulnerable person.”

To pass on information completely anonymously or to qualify for the reward, contact the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org <http://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=7089&d=sNKF2p5lRjijOOmdl5JXWGyPwHlNU9dXEgTabRzBiw&u=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ecrimestoppers-uk%2eorg%2f> .

Alternatively, anyone with information or any witnesses can also contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for 12 years for historic indecent assaults against girls aged under 14

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Murder investigation begins following fatal stabbing of 17-year-old in Newham

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Further appeal for information after Enfield man shot dead

Detectives investigating a murder in north London have named the victim as they continue to appeal for information about the ‘targeted hit’.

Police were called at 23.44hrs on Monday, 12 February, to Mount Pleasant, at the junction with Edgeworth Road, Barnet EN4 to reports of shots fired.

Officers attended, including specialist firearms officers, and found the man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance colleagues, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 00.15hrs.

Next of kin have been informed. While formal identification has yet to take place, officers are satisfied that the victim is Bulent Kabala, 41, (05.10.76) of Enfield. His next of kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination is due to be held on Thursday, 15 February, at Northwick Park mortuary.

There have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation is in its early stages, but everything would suggest that this was a targeted ‘hit’.

“I want to build up a picture of why someone would have wanted to kill Bulent Kabala.

“Bulent was driving a silver Mercedes, which he had been using in his work as a taxi driver. For some reason, Bulent appears to have got out of his car having started to negotiate a roundabout when a number of suspects got out of a blue van and several shots were fired, fatally wounding Bulent.

“The suspects then got back into the van and drove from the scene in the direction of Edgeworth Road, turning right into Park Road.

“It is vital that we hear from anyone who witnessed this incident, and from anyone who can help us understand more about Bulent’s life and the people he associated with.

“Any fragment of information could assist the investigation. Please do not assume that we already have your information.

“I understand that some people may be reluctant to call police, but we urgently need your assistance in building up a picture of Bulent’s life and the events surrounding his death. Your call will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or tweet @MetCC. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man dies after suspected collision with a vehicle in Ladbroke Grove

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for Finchley murder

A man found guilty of murdering student Seyyed Rast Mir-Feyzi in Finchley last summer, has been jailed for life.

A second man who was found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent in the same case was sentenced to eight years in jail.

Haaris Rana, 22, (17.09.95), of Stainby Close, West Drayton, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years for murder.

Yasir Ibrahim, 22, (30.10.95) of Maddison Close, East Finchley, was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “This was a violent attack with tragic consequences which has had a devastating impact on Mr Mir-Feyzi’s family.

“Today’s sentencing shows that brutal and vicious attacks like this have strong repercussions and that the full force of the law will be handed down to those that commit these acts.

“It’s likely that Rana, who suffers from a brain condition, will spend the rest of his life behind bars. I hope this brings some sort of justice to Mr Mir-Feyzi’s family.”

Both men were found guilty by a majority jury at the Old Bailey on Friday, 9 February. They were sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, 14 February.

Police were called at 20:35hrs on 31 May 2017 to reports of a car in collision with a pedestrian in the car park of the Great North Leisure Park off High Road in Finchley.

The victim was assaulted during a fight involving a number of people in the car park. Shortly afterwards the car was deliberately driven at the victim.

Officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.

Seyyed was taken by London’s Air Ambulance to an east London hospital. He was pronounced dead on 1 June 2017 at 18:00hrs.

A post-mortem examination took place on 5 June 2017 at Northwick Park Hospital Mortuary and gave the cause of death as catastrophic head injury.

The car – a white BMW – was abandoned at the location but Rana and Ibrahim fled the scene heading towards Finchley High Road.

They were arrested on 4 June 2017 and charged two days later.

Seyyed, from North Finchley, had completed his Bachelor of Science degree in computer network security at Westminster Univsersity shortly before his death.

Mr Mir-Feyzi, Seyyed’s father, added: “Since my son’s death, the man responsible for his murder has also killed my family and me too. I feel like I have lost a part of my body. Knowing that he can never come back has left me and my wife broken.

“We donated our son’s organs and from this, parts of our son live on. Four people have the gift of life because of his death. We were informed that a man in his 30s received one kidney, a female in her 20s received the other, a man in his 30s received his liver and another man in his 40s received our son’s heart.

“It is terrible that his life was cut short in such an unnecessary way. He had a future, he wanted to join the Royal Navy or the Police. He had plans; he had an amazing life; he was loved and I know he would have gone on to do great things.”