A youth has been convicted of killing 17-year-old Nathan Bawuah in Hackney.
The 17-year-old male, who cannot be named due to his age, was found guilty of manslaughter at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 29 November.
He had already pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.
Nathan was fatally stabbed just before 23:00hrs in Hackney Road, E2 on Saturday, 17 February.
Officers and London Ambulance Service rushed to his aid, but despite their efforts, he sadly died at the scene. His family has subsequently been supported by specialist officers.
Detectives launched an investigation, including forensic examination and analysis of all available CCTV. The latter proved significant, with detectives identifying the 17-year-old male riding to the scene on his bike, getting into a confrontation with the victim, producing a large machete and stabbing him to the chest.
The youth answered ‘no comment’ to all police questions, but provided a prepared statement claiming self-defence. He was charged on 21 February with Nathan’s murder.
Following his conviction for manslaughter and possession of the machete, he will be sentenced on 24 January 2025 at Inner London Crown Court.
Detectives investigating a sexual assault in Merton have released an E-fit of a male they need to identify and speak with.
Police were called at about 14:20hrs on Sunday, 20 October by a woman who had been assaulted in Morden Recreation Park.
The woman was with her family, including two young children, when she was approached by the suspect who is described as in his late teens. He spoke briefly to her before assaulting her.
The suspect was around 6ft tall and of skinny build, wearing a burgundy hoodie with white writing on it, blue tracksuit trousers and black trainers. He ran away in the direction of Canterbury Road.
Detective Constable Tom Green, from the local policing team, said: “We know this assault will cause a lot of worry in the local community, especially as this woman was playing with her children at the time.
“I would ask you to take a close look at the E-fit. Do you recognise him, or the clothing that he was wearing? It is vital that we identify him.
“If you have any concerns, please speak with officers.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 reference CAD 3851/20Oct. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A man has been jailed for burgling the house of a retired nurse and killing her during a violent confrontation.
Hugo Da Silva Pires, 29 (08.12.94), of Fernham Road, Thornton Heath, was sentenced at the Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 25 November to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter, burglary and fraud.
He pleaded guilty at the same court on 13 February.
The court heard how Da Silva Pires burgled the Croydon home of 76-year-old Nelly Akomah on 20 June 2023. He knew she lived alone as he had recently fitted a kitchen for her and even attended the address earlier that day to help Nelly register some kitchen appliances.
During the burglary he violently attacked Nelly which resulted in her falling down the stairs and subsequently dying. Da Silva Pires then went on to use Nelly’s bank card that he had stolen to buy smartphones, children’s bedding and power tools.
Detectives were able to quickly identify Da Silva Pires after CCTV caught him using Nelly’s bank card. His DNA was also found under her fingernails as she tried to fight back.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn,from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The circumstances of Nelly’s death are truly devastating. Nelly was well loved and highly respected in her community, she was a retired nurse and a treasurer for Tooting Methodist Church. She was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, leader and friend to many, and she is dearly missed by all who knew her.
“Da Silva Pires crept into Nelly’s home at night, whilst he knew she was upstairs and awake. He intended on stealing from her at any cost. Nelly was an elderly woman of small stature, who had only ever showed him kindness and trust.
“Instead of fleeing when he was discovered by Nelly, he violently confronted her which resulted in her falling down the stairs and sadly dying. Da Silva Pires didn’t try to help Nelly, he instead walked over her lifeless body on the stairs and left the house with her handbag.
“Da Silva Pires is an abhorrent man, whose greed and desire to escape responsibility for his actions, resulted in him killing Nelly.”
In a statement, Nelly’s family said: “The past 17 months have been an unimaginable ordeal for us. We have endured grief, heartbreak, and the long process of seeking justice.
“We want to thank the police (in particular our Family Liaison Officer and case officer) and everyone who worked so hard to ensure that Nelly’s voice was heard.
“No punishment can ever bring our mother, grandmother, sister, friend and mentor Nelly back, or fill the void her absence has left in our lives.
“We will forever cherish our memories with the matriarch of our family and community, whose life was taken far too soon. Nelly found joy in serving and helping those around her. A church leader with a 30 plus year nursing career, she cherished her life, her faith and her family and friends.
“Nelly brought compassion and care to everyone she came across in her life and was looking forward to celebrating her 77th birthday with more energy and vivacity than ever.
“Hugo Da Silva Pires is a heartless individual. He deliberately preyed on an elderly woman who trusted him in her home as a tradesman. The manslaughter conviction can never quantify the severity of this crime, and the lasting impact that Da Silva Pires’ callous motivations will have on the many, many people who loved Nelly.
“As we move forward, we ask for privacy as we can finally grieve and try to rebuild our lives. We hope that this sentencing serves as a message that such senseless violence and greed has no place in our society.”
Da Silva Pires tried to cover his tracks. He cut the wires to the CCTV system installed at the address before he entered so he would not be captured on the footage. He entered a shipping address in the Azores for the items he bought on Nelly’s bank card – although he put an address of Thornton Heath for an iPhone he attempted to buy. He eventually discarded the bank cards in Clapham Junction Train Station.
He also got rid of his mobile phone, which his girlfriend Catiana Feliciano, helped him to do.
The investigation team quickly identified Da Silva Pires and his girlfriend and tracked them to Stanstead Airport, arresting them before they could flee the country.
At the time of his arrest Da Silva Pires had scratches to his face and neck. His DNA was found under Nelly’s fingernails.
Da Silva Pires was initially identified after images were obtained of people using Nelly’s bank card. This along with information regarding a recent kitchen renovation helped officers identify Da Silva Pires and then Feliciano.
Da Silva Pires was convicted and sentenced as above.
His girlfriend, Catiana Feliciano, 33 (31.07.91), of Fernham Road, Thornton Heath, pleaded guilty to fraud and perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in January 2024.
A policing operation will take place this weekend covering a march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and a counter protest by Stop the Hate.
On Saturday, 30 November the PSC will hold their 21st protest since October 2023. The Met has engaged with the PSC to finalise a route and timings of the event and to help provide clarity to those taking part the Met has imposed conditions on the protest to minimise any disruption.
Each event requires substantial amount of planning in the context of various events and day-to-day business happening across the capital. There have been regular and significant numbers of protestors on the streets of London and this has had a cumulative impact on our communities. The Met’s goal is to protect the lawful right to protest while minimising the impact of these events on those who live, work and visit London.
Ahead of this weekend there has been significant negotiation and engagement with event organisers, as well as with those who will be impacted, including the Jewish community and local businesses.
This weekend is expected to be one of the busiest shopping weeks ahead of Christmas and this has to be taken into account to allow people intending to visit central London and businesses to operate without serious disruption.
Central London will be busier this weekend due to several planned events and protests. Those travelling to the surrounding area should plan their journeys and check before they travel. People attending the protest are advised to use Victoria and Bond Street station.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, who is leading this weekend’s policing operation, said:
“Ahead of the weekend we have been in regular discussions with the PSC, counter protesters Stop the Hate, as well as faith and community groups – particularly the Jewish community who we know continue to be impacted by protests – residents, and businesses.
“We expect this weekend to be very busy with many people shopping during the Black Friday sales, and visiting the capital ahead of the festive period, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park which is nearby. We have worked with organisers to seek to minimise disruption and balance the right to protest.
“Officers will be highly visible along the protest route and wider area to ensure the events take place safely and will deal with any offences.”
The PSC march will form up on the southern end of Park Lane away from Marble Arch from 1130 hours before proceeding down Park Lane between 1245 hours and 1315 hours, finishing in Whitehall where an assembly with speeches will take place.
Following the march, anyone participating in the assembly for speeches must remain in a defined area on Whitehall. The assembly must conclude by 1630 or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the speeches, whichever is earlier.
Stop the Hate will hold a counter protest on Coventry Street, W1D on the route of the PSC procession. Replicating the approach to the PSC, we have engaged and agreed the location and conditions to their protest to minimise disruption to the public.
Additional officers will be on patrol in the area engaging with faith venues, businesses, residents and other venues along the route to help minimise disruption and respond to any concerns on the day.
Conditions
The Public Order Act gives the police the power to impose conditions on a procession or assembly of two or more people who are deemed to have a common purpose.
Conditions can be imposed either in advance of an event or by the senior officer present during an event.
On Saturday 30 November the following conditions will be in place relating to the PSC event:
Assembly – Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986
The “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” assembly in preparation for the planned procession must be held within the designated area (the red shaded area on Map 1) on Park Lane (southbound) and assembly participants must remain within that area.
The assembly must not commence before 11.30 and participants must not attend the designated area before that time.
Any tables, tents, gazebos or similar structures erected in connection with the assembly must be located within the designated area.
The distribution of any leaflets or other material by assembly participants and organisers may only take place within the designated area.
Assembly participants must remain within the designated area until such time that the procession commences, which must be after 1245 hours and before 1315 hours, in accordance with the ‘Procession’ conditions imposed.
Procession – Section 12(3) Public Order Act 1986
The “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” procession must commence between 1245 hours and 1315 hours.
Procession participants forming up at Park Lane must commence proceeding along the prescribed route (Map 2) between 1245 hours and 1315 hours.
Procession participants must not deviate from the prescribed route specified on the attached map (Map 2).
Post-procession assembly – Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986
Any person participating in the “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” post-procession assembly must remain within the designated area (the red shaded area on Map 3).
The assembly must conclude by 16.30 or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the speeches, whichever is earlier.
On Saturday 30 November the following conditions will be in place relating to the counter protest by Stop the Hate:
Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986
Any persons participating in the Stop the Hate assembly must remain within the designated area (the red shaded area on Map 4)
Warning regarding expressing support for proscribed organisations
London is global city and with people joining events from across the country and around the world it is important to reiterate that expressing support for a proscribed organisation in the UK is a criminal offence.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT), the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism and it is proportionate to do so.
Proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support for a proscribed organisation through chanting, wearing clothing or display articles such as flags, signs or logos.
Hamas and Hizballah are proscribed by the UK Government and expressing support for them is a criminal offence.
Hamas has been proscribed since 2021 – both political and military wings are proscribed under UK jurisdiction.
Hizballah has been proscribed since 2019.
You can read more about proscribed terrorist groups or organisations on the UK Government Website
It is a criminal offence to:
belong, or profess to belong, to a proscribed organisation in the UK or overseas (Section 11 TACT)
invite support for a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation (Section 12(1A) TACT)
arrange, manage or assist in arranging or managing a meeting in the knowledge that the meeting is to support or further the activities of a proscribed organisation, or is to be addressed by a person who belongs or professes to (Section 12(2) TACT)
wear clothing or carry or display articles in public in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that the individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation (Section 13 TACT)
publish an image of an item of clothing or other article, such as a flag or logo, in the same circumstances (Section 13(1A) TACT)
Officers policing events will deal with any offences. If you have any concerns during an event speak to a police officer or event steward.
If you see material supporting terrorism online report it – visit www.gov.uk/ACT
You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321
In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.
Four men have been sentenced to a total of 76 years in prison for their part in the killing of a 43-year-old man in Hounslow.
Naython Muir was stabbed to death outside a house in Parkside Road, TW3 on Friday, 13 October last year.
Yesterday, after a painstaking investigation by Met detectives to bring the four men to justice, they were sentenced at the Old Bailey:
Mahdi Mumin, 24 (01.12.99) of Lever Street, Islington was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years.
Khalfani Sinclair, 23 (04.08.01) of Maple Road, Hayes was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years plus 16 months for possession of a bladed article to run concurrently.
Phillip Jones, 47 (18.08.76) of Cygnet Avenue, Feltham was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years.
Christian Braimah, 24 (12.03.00) of Elruge Close, West Drayton was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The men appeared at the Old Bailey for a trial on Monday, 2 September.
On Tuesday, 22 October, a jury unanimously found Mumin and Sinclair guilty of murder, while Jones was convicted of murder by a majority verdict.
Sinclair had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, the Zombie knife used to kill Naython.
Braimah was found not guilty of murder but was convicted of manslaughter.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, the senior investigating officer who led the investigation, said:
“The sentencing of these four men is the result of a complex and challenging police investigation.
“Naython, who was known as ‘Nayff’ to his friends and family, was a caring father, son and brother who had his own struggles in life.
“He was being used as a pawn by a drugs line to exert their control of drugs supply within the Hounslow area.
“When Naython crossed paths with the defendants, he was ambushed and subjected to a sudden, unprovoked, violent and ultimately fatal assault using a Zombie type knife.
“I would like to thank the residents of Parkside Road in Hounslow who cared for Naython until the emergency services arrived.
“Their empathy towards Naython and then later his family demonstrated a small community coming together during a very traumatic time for everyone.”
In a joint statement, Naython’s family said:
“Naython was brutally murdered. There are no words to describe the pain and heartache we have felt since the day we were told our ‘Nayff’ had been stolen from our family.
“Our life was torn apart and it will never be the same again.
“Nayff was a caring, selfless person who would help anyone if they needed it; he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Naython’s mother said:
“Each week, I relive the moments of seeing Nayff on his knees crying, asking for help, saying he’d been stabbed. He didn’t want to die, he loved his family and wouldn’t want to leave his son.
“A young boy has been robbed of his dad being with him for each of life’s milestones. To watch the defendants have no remorse, no respect, no empathy or emotion to what they have done was beyond belief.
“Never will they be forgiven for taking Naython away from us.”
As part of A New Met for London, tackling knife crime and violence is a top priority for the police. We have a duty to prevent crime and violence by providing diversions to those who need it most, and we will continue using every tactic available to prevent people getting hurt and aiming to bringing justice to those that are.
You can visit Fearless for advice, discover real stories about people who turned their lives around after being involved in knife crime as well as places you can go for further help and support.
A man has been charged following a double shooting that took place on Sunday, 24 November in Kensington.
Jazz Reid, 32 (01.06.92) of Kensington, was charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition. He will appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 29 November.
The shooting in Southern Row, W10 at around 17:30hrs on 24 November left a 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl suffering injuries.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command lead the investigation and continue to ask anyone with information that may assist to come forward.
Alternatively, if you can help, please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD reference 5238/24NOV24. You can also provide information by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A sixth person has been charged in connection with the murder of Jesse Lloyd-Smith in Peckham.
The 19-year-old [F] was charged on Thursday, 28 November and will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ court on Friday, 29 November.
A 17-year-old boy [A] was charged with murder on Friday, 2 August, while four other people have been charged with perverting the course of justice.
Jesse Lloyd-Smith, 20, was shot in East Surrey Grove, SE15 shortly before 17:00hrs on Wednesday, 10 July. Emergency services rushed to the scene and Jesse was taken to hospital – however, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he tragically died the following day.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public’s help and want to hear from anyone, who may have any further information.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our team remains resolute in securing justice and we need the public’s help to do so.
“I am grateful to all those who have come forward so far but would ask anyone with information – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – to get in contact as this could prove to be crucial.
“We believe that the answers to this shooting remain within the community in Peckham and whilst I appreciate it may be difficult, now is the time to do the right thing.
“Anyone who doesn’t want to speak directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Jesse’s sister Chaise and Godmother Sam, said: “It’s been over four months without Jesse and we believe that there are still people living within this community who are sitting on the truth.
“Now is the time to come forward.
“Our family has continued to grieve Jesse and we are appealing for your help to give us answers.
“Please, if you know anything or remember anything from the evening of 10 July, no matter how small the information may seem, contact the police or Crimestoppers.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a police officer regarding this incident, please call 020 7175 2206. Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 6886/10Jul.
To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
A 16-year-old girl has been charged with the murder of a man in King’s Cross.
The teenager, from Brixton, will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court later today charged with the murder of 51-year-old Anthony Marks, who died after being assaulted on Cromer Street on Saturday, 10 August.
A 17-year-old boy has previously been charged and remanded in custody to face trial next year.
Officers remain keen to hear from any witnesses who have not yet spoken to them, as well as any of Anthony’s next of kin, who so far remain unidentified.
Anyone with information should contact the incident room direct on 0208 358 0300, dial 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 1428/10AUG24.
An investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed terrorist group the PKK continues and seven people arrested remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing and we continue to investigate what are very serious allegations.
“I can assure the public that this investigation, as is always the case, is being conducted with complete operational independence and officers are working as quickly and diligently as possible.
“We anticipate that some of our search activity will continue for several days, and we know this is causing disruption and inconvenience to parts of the local community, but I can assure them that we will be looking to return the venues as soon as we possibly can.
“I would also repeat my request to ask the public not to speculate or share unverified information in respect of this investigation. As I’ve said before, these arrests have been targeted at specific individuals suspected of being linked to terrorist activity. I want to reassure the community that our activity is being carried out to keep everyone safe from potential harm.”
On Wednesday, 27 November, seven people [A-G] were arrested at locations across London:
[A] a 59-year-old woman, [B] a 27-year-old man, [C] a 31-year-old woman, [D] a 62-year-old man, [E] a 56-year-old man, [F] a 23-year-old man, and [G] a 31-year-old man
They were all detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act, 2000, and they all remain in police custody at this time. A warrant of further detention for all seven was sought and obtained from Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, 28 November, meaning they can be detained in police custody until Friday, 29 November.
Following the arrests, searches were carried out in eight locations across London. Three of the searches are now complete. Five searches remain ongoing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads local policing for the Haringey area, said: “We are very aware of the impact that this action has on our communities – particularly the Kurdish community in the area. I’m continuing to meet with Kurdish community members and I am grateful for their support and understanding during what we know is a very difficult time for them. I would urge anyone with concerns to get in touch with me or my local officers so that we can continue to work with our residents and communities and keep them safe.”
There continues to be an increased police presence in the affected areas in Haringey and local neighbourhoods officers are carrying out additional patrols and engaging with residents to address any concerns.
Local officers are also continuing to hold meetings with community leaders, the local authority and local resident and community groups to keep them updated and informed about the progress of this investigation.
Anyone with information relating to the investigation or potential terrorist activity can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321or via www.gov.uk/ACT
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Four men have been jailed for handling more than 5,000 stolen phones, and two of the group have been convicted for spending thousands of pounds from their victims’ bank accounts, after they were caught following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Over an 18-month period the group handled phones that had been stolen from across London and two of the men made purchases or took out loans using the devices, with the cost of their crimes totalling £5.1 million. Officers believe many of the devices were then sold abroad.
Some victims had thousands of pounds transferred out of their account, others had payments come out for designer clothes worth hundreds.
Sentenced today were:
– Zakaria Senadjki, 31 (03.04.93) of Dartmouth Close, Notting Hill was convicted of conspiracy to receive stolen goods, conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and possessing/controlling ID with improper intention. He was sentenced to eight years.
– Ahmed Abdelhakim Belhanafi, 25 (18.12.98) of Dartmouth Close, Notting Hill was convicted of conspiracy to receive stolen goods and conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation, and was sentenced to four years and eight months.
– Nazih Cheraitia, 34 (02.04.90) of Wales Farm Road, Acton was convicted of conspiracy to receive stolen goods and possess/control ID document with improper intention. He was sentenced to three years and five months.
-Riyadh Mamouni, 25 (06.01.99) of Dartmouth Close, Notting Hill was convicted of conspiracy to receive stolen goods and sentenced to two years and eight months.
The group were tracked down by local officers from Lambeth and Southwark after multiple victims of theft and robbery reported they had tracked their stolen devices to two main London addresses.
Extensive work was then completed by officers to identify those involved, including investigating two blocks of flats to identify the suspects. The Met’s Operation Ringtone uses tracking devices in phones to be able to locate stolen items. Following the successful investigation by local officers, warrants took place in the early hours of 26 February.
Commander Owain Richards, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “I want to commend the borough based local officers involved for their excellent work in tracking down these individuals and ensuring they were brought to justice.
“We do not underestimate the impact these crimes have on Londoners and are doing all we can to tackle phone thefts. This includes increased policing in hotspot areas and making better use of technology.
“However we need the phone companies to play their part and make it more difficult for criminals to re-sell these stolen devices. The Met will be speaking with them in the coming weeks to push this issue even further.”
During their search, officers found 170 phones believed to have been stolen and they calculate thousands more were victims to the group.
However, officers have not been able to track down the owners of all the phones seized as not all were reported as stolen or their correct IMEI number had not been provided so the phones could not be identified.
Today, the Met is urging anyone who has had a lost or stolen phone to use the national mobile phone register so recovered phones can be restored.
Phone users should take simple steps to further protect themselves from fraud, by ensuring they have a strong password, two-factor authentication and turn off message previews so thieves cannot see any messages about reset or log in codes when phones are locked and ensuring they have written down and safely stored their IMEI number.
Last year, more than 64,000 mobile phones were reported to the police as stolen in London, through theft or robbery – double the previous two years.
As part of the New Met for London the Met is taking action to clamp down on phone thieves, with proactive and neighbourhood policing teams increasing patrols, including in plain clothes and working with local businesses to share information and bring perpetrators to justice.