Three men jailed for firearms offences

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Three men jailed for firearms offences

Three men and a woman have been jailed for a total of 29-and-a-half years for firearms offences after the discovery of a handgun and ammunition at an address in east London.

On Thursday, 8 February all four defendants were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court as follows:

Spencer Tapper, 27 (02.10.80) of School Road, Dagenham was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for two counts of possession of a firearm and two counts of possession of ammunition.

Sandy Hunter, 33 (30.10.84) of Goresbrook Road, Dagenham, was handed a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for assisting an offender.

Mahesh Chaitoo, 28 (23.10.89) of Beresford Road, Southend-On-Sea was sentenced to five-and-a-half years imprisonment for possession of a firearm.

Aymon Popo, 33 (9.10.84) of Highfield Road, Romford, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment for conspiracy to possess a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

They pleaded guilty to all the offences on Monday, 29 January. 

Detective Inspector Tim Grinsted, who led the investigation, said: “Firearms pose a significant danger to the public and we are delighted that we’ve been able to take them off the streets.

“This was a very complex investigation, with the defendants carrying and exchanging firearms across London and Kent. Their sentences reflect just how serious the courts take this type of offending.

“Gun crime of any kind will not be tolerated and the Trident and Area Crime Command is committed to reducing offending linked to firearms and removing them from criminal circulation.”

The court heard how on 16 November 2016, officers from the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command executed a search warrant at a residential address on Goresbrook Road in Dagenham.

During the search, officers discovered a handgun containing 15 rounds and a further 20 rounds of ammunition within a grey holdall bag in a bedroom.

Hunter was arrested at the address on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition and was charged later that day.

Officers discovered that Hunter had been in contact with Tapper via WhatsApp and linked him to the investigation.

It was later identified that Hunter was holding the gun and ammunition on Tapper’s behalf.

On 19 February 2017, Tapper and Chaitoo travelled to Ramsgate in Kent to collect a handgun.

During the journey back to London, Tapper arranged for Chaitoo to drive with the firearm in a different vehicle in an attempt to protect him from being caught in possession of the gun.

They were stopped by police on the M2. A handgun and 42 rounds of live ammunition were discovered in the boot of one of Chaitoo’s vehicle.

Following police enquiries, officers linked Popo to the investigation. He was arrested and charged on 18 August 2017 for being the conduit who arranged for Chaitoo to transport the firearm on Tapper’s behalf and conspiracy to possess a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

​ Counter terrorism police praise man who helped convict terrorist supporter

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: ​ Counter terrorism police praise man who helped convict terrorist supporter

Police have praised a man who alerted UK authorities to a suspicious message online – an action which led to the conviction today of a man for two counts of encouraging terrorism and one count of supporting a proscribed organisation.

Kingston Crown Court heard how the witness, who lives outside the UK, emailed the Home Office in March 2017 after receiving a private message on Facebook, from someone he did not know, inciting him to join Daesh.

The matter was referred to the national Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit – a team of Met Police officers who specialise in identifying and seeking the removal of terrorist material online. Their enquiries established the message was from Mohammed Kamal Hussain, 28 (11.05.89) a Bangladeshi national overstaying his UK immigration visa and living in east London.

They identified that Hussain had posted a number of messages on Facebook which glorified the violent activities of the terrorist organisation Daesh.

A fast-time investigation was launched by the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command who arrested Hussain on 30 June 2017.

Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This investigation started with one conscientious individual trusting his instincts and reporting something suspicious. He could have ignored the message Hussain sent him but instead he took a screenshot of the message and contacted the UK authorities immediately. It is in great part thanks to him that police were able to bring Hussain to justice.”

Detectives trawled thousands of messages Hussain had sent on Facebook, Telegram and Whatsapp. Among them were Facebook posts encouraging terrorism, including a speech from the so-called “leader” of ISIS, Abu bakr al Baghdadi.

Hussain has been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Kingston Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.

Commander Dean Haydon said: “I encourage anyone who sees something online that they have even the slightest feeling could be terrorist- or extremist-related, to follow this example. Please report it to police via the ACT website. We have a team of specially trained officers who will look at everything that is reported and decide if action is required.

“Hussain was actively seeking to recruit Daesh followers. We know from the disturbing material we found on his devices that he supported Daesh. The material included videos of barbaric Daesh violence and warped reasoning for killing people, including children and Muslims.”

To report material online, simply fill in the confidential form at www.act.gov.uk

+ Hussain was found not guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation for committing acts of terrorism or assisting others to commit such acts, namely engaging in research and planning against persons in the UK.

+ Mohammed Ashfaq, 31 (18.05.86) of east London was found not guilty of one count of encouragement of terrorism.

Two men jailed for offences at Notting Hill Carnival 2016

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Two men jailed for offences at Notting Hill Carnival 2016

Two men who stabbed and seriously wounded three young men at the Notting Hill Carnival in 2016 have been jailed for a total of 30 years.

The men were both convicted of grievous bodily harm at the Old Bailey on 15 December 2016.

Eddie Mombele, 24 (05.11.93) of Talbot Road, W10 was found guilty of three count of causing grievous bodily harm and possession of a flick knife.

Jordan Clarke, 20 (01.03.97) of Adair Road, W10 was found guilty of three counts of causing grievous bodily harm and possession of a ‘zombie’ knife.

The incidents took place on 28 August 2016 between 16:15 and 17:10hrs at the Notting Hill Carnival.

In the first incident, a 15-year-old boy was stabbed three times in the abdomen, buttocks and arm on Wornington Road at the junction with Golborne Road at approximately 16:15hrs. The victim needed emergency surgery and was in hospital for two weeks following the assault.

The next two incidents took place a short time later in quick succession on Ladbroke Grove at approximately 17:10hrs. The first victim, a boy aged 16, received a serious stab wound to the stomach. The other victim, aged 15, was stabbed in the leg, requiring stitches.

Following the stabbings, an investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Notting Hill Post-Investigation Team. One of the victims was able to point out Mombele and Clarke as the men who attacked him from images posted on Instagram. Another victim described Clarke and his distinctive scar over his left eye. Local officers were also able to identify suspects from the Instagram photos.

On 14 September 2016, officers executed two warrants at the home addresses of Mombele and Clarke, and the men were arrested. A large 12″ ‘Zombie / Rambo’ knife was seized from Clarke’s home; this weapon was believed to have been used in all three stabbings.

Detective Inspector Driss Hayoukane, of the Met’s Notting Hill Post-Investigation Team, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of all three victims of these horrendous assaults. They all stood up and gave evidence in court against their attackers. Sunday at Notting Hill Carnival is traditionally Children’s Day – a happy event to be enjoyed by thousands of children and their families – however, these two men came to Carnival armed with a ‘zombie’ knife and a flick knife, intent on seriously injuring innocent Carnival goers.

“During the trial, Clarke did not give evidence and Mombele gave evidence denying the offences and blaming Clarke for the assaults. One of the victims spent two weeks in hospital and it is only due to the skill of the surgeons that he has made a good recovery.”

The judge said: “It’s actions like this which could negatively affect the future of Carnival.”

She also praised the hard work of the officers on the case including PC Sam Hart.

Mombele and Clarke were sentenced as follows:

– Count 1 (stabbing): 15 years imprisonment;
– Count 2 (stabbing): 12 years imprisonment to run concurrently;
– Count 3 (stabbing): eight years imprisonment to run concurrently;

Mombele and Clarke were also sentenced to two imprisonment, to run concurrently, for possession of the knives.

Appeal for robbery victims to contact police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal for robbery victims to contact police

Detectives investigating a street robbery on High Street in Bromley, are appealing for help to trace the two victims.

At around 13:00hrs on Saturday, 27 January, three males wearing balaclavas approached the two victims before searching their pockets and stealing cash.

The robbery was caught on CCTV, and an operator was able to guide police to the suspects who were arrested nearby a short time later on suspicion of robbery.

The three suspects – aged 14 [A], 12 [B] and 13 [C] – were questioned and subsequently bailed until a date in mid-February.

The victims were not present at the scene by the time officers arrived and could not be located after the incident; officers would like to speak to them about the robbery.

They are described as being white boys, aged 12 or 13 years old.

Detective Constable Lorraine Robinson, the investigating officer from the Bromley Robbery Squad, said: “Officers responded quickly to this report and arrested three suspects for this robbery within an hour of the offence being committed, but we have not been able to locate the victims. We would urge them to come forward – we would just like to speak to you and get an account of what happened.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call officers at Bromley n 07795 334919 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Appeal to trace woman and children

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal to trace woman and children

Police are appealing for information to trace a mother who has taken her two children from local authority care.

Rayan Azzydi, 36, who was residing in northwest London, was last seen on 2 November 2017. It is believed she is with her two children, a seven-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl.

Ms Azzydi has links to Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Officers are working with partners from the relevant local authority to try and locate Ms Azzydi and her children – the welfare of all three remains the priority in this investigation.

Anyone who has seen Rayan Azzydi and her children, or knows of their whereabouts, is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police on 020 8733 3575.

Drug dealer jailed, Greenwich

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Drug dealer jailed, Greenwich

A drug dealer who stored cocaine in his freezer has been jailed following an investigation by Greenwich Police.

Joel Henry – 40 (06.07.87) of Lord Warwick Street, SE18 pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 7 February to possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to three years and four months’ imprisonment.

Henry was arrested on Wednesday, 1 November 2017 following a proactive operation by officers from the Greenwich Violent and Organised Crime Unit.

Officers executed a warrant at Henry’s address in Lord Warwick Street and once inside the property they found a quantity of cash and cocaine. In total, around £3,000 was recovered. On searching the venue, officers discovered wraps of cocaine, ready to be dealt on the streets, stored within a freezer in the kitchen. There were also larger quantities of cocaine in a compressed form in the bedroom.

In total cocaine with an estimated street value of over £10,000 was recovered.

DC Stacey Bates who led the investigation said: “Drug dealing and the associated criminal activity that comes with it brings misery to our communities. I hope this sentencing sends a strong message to those who choose to deal drugs – Greenwich police will target you, arrest you and put you before the courts to face the consequences.”

Police vehicle damaged by suspects on moped

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Police vehicle damaged by suspects on moped

An investigation is underway after a marked British Transport Police (BTP) car was damaged during an incident in Croydon in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 February.

At approximately 00:40hrs two BTP officers were responding to a call in the vicinity of Waddon New Road.

As they returned to their car, which was parked near the junction with Rectory Grove, two suspects on a moped rode passed them.

The suspects approached the car and used something to smash the rear window before riding off.

The moped has been described as dark in colour and was possibly displaying a rear ‘L’ plate.

Initial reports suggested that a firearm discharge had caused the damage but work continues, including forensic enquiries, to establish exactly what was used.

There were no injuries.

Detectives from the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command investigate. No arrests; enquiries continue

A spokesperson from British Transport Police said: “We are supporting the Metropolitan Police investigation into this incident.

“Fortunately the marked vehicle was parked and unoccupied at the time, as officers were responding to a separate incident.

“The welfare of the BTP officers who were involved is being managed and we are working with the Metropolitan Police to establish the circumstances of how the vehicle came to be damaged.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to call Trident on 020 8247 4863. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Concerns for woman last seen at hospital

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Concerns for woman last seen at hospital

Police are appealing to locate a missing woman from Kensington, with growing concerns for her wellbeing.

Alice Hart, 23, was last seen at around 1800hrs on Tuesday, 6 February at Charing Cross Hospital.

Fiona Hart, Alice’s mother, said: “Alice is a very vulnerable young woman, my beloved daughter. We are desperate for anyone with any information to come forward. 

“Alice, please come home. Mummy, Charlie and Lucy all want you home. We can get through this.”

Alice is a white woman, around 5ft 3in tall and of medium build with shoulder length dark brown hair. She wears large spectacles.

She is known to visit Richmond, and Kensington and Chelsea, and she particularly likes green spaces.

At the time of disappearance Alice was wearing a dark knee-length coat and a scarf.

Officers would urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to urgently call the Hammersmith and Fulham Missing Persons Unit on 0208 246 2323 or 101, or to contact Missing People on 116000, quoting reference 18MIS005496.

Man due in court for terror offence

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man due in court for terror offence

A 43-year-old man has been requisitioned to appear in court in relation to one count of attending a place used for terrorist training contrary to section 8 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

James Matthews, 43 (27.11.74) – a UK national – is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 14 February to be formally charged with attending a place or places in Iraq and Syria where instruction or training was provided for purposes connected to the commission or preparation of terrorism on or before 15 February 2016, under Section 8 of the Terrorism Act 2006.

Appeal for man missing from Hounslow

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal for man missing from Hounslow

Police are appealing for the public’s help to find a missing man from Hounslow.

Constantin Cristinel Talaba, 41, was last seen at just before midnight on Sunday, 4 February when he left his home on Chatsworth Crescent.

Constanin is a Romanian national, approximately 5ft10ins tall, of a medium build with short grey hair.He also has a distinctive scar on his left cheek.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and white Nike trainers.

He is known to frequent Hounslow and the New Haw area of Surrey.

Officers are increasingly concerned for his wellbeing and would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police on 101 or Missing People on 116000.