Category: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Ryszard Masierak, aged 32, of Barnards Close, Evesham, Worcestershire, was found guilty yesterday (6/3) by unanimous jury of eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, at Reading Crown Court.

David Wagstaff, aged 54, of Derwent Street, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to eight counts of causing death by careless driving at a previous hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court on 26 September 2017. He was acquitted of eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving by a jury today (7/3).

At around 3am on Saturday 26 August last year Masierak had been driving a heavy goods vehicle on the M1 southbound near Newport Pagnell. He stopped his lorry in lane one of the carriageway where he remained for 12.5 minutes, causing an obstruction.

A group of family and friends was travelling in a minibus on their way to a trip around Europe.

The minibus approached Masierak’s stationary HGV in lane one, and stopped behind it, unable to pull in to lane two to overtake due to traffic.

Meanwhile Wagstaff was driving a lorry which approached the scene. He was talking on his mobile phone using hands free while on cruise control. He collided with the stationary vehicles while travelling at 56mph, pushing the minibus under Masierak’s lorry.

Eight people died at the scene;

Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian, aged 33, and his wife, Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman, aged 32, who were from the Alwarthirunagar area of Chennai, India.

Panneerselvam Annamalai, aged 63, from the Nagar area of Chennai, India.

Subramaniyan Arachelvan, aged 58, and his wife Tamilmani Arachelvan, aged 50, from the Saket area of Delhi, India.

Vivek Baskaran, aged 26, from the Avaiyambalpuram area of Mayiladuthurai, India.

Rishi Rajeev Kumar, aged 27, from Kerala, India.

The minibus driver Cyriac Joseph, aged 52, who lived in Nottingham.

Masierak and Wagstaff were both arrested on the day of the collision (26/8) and were charged the following day (27/8).

Senior investigating officer Detective Sergeant Gavin Collier, of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “This tragedy has permanently devastated the lives of all of those involved and is wholly the responsibility of both the defendants in the case, Mr Wagstaff and Mr Masierak.

“What is so poignant is that this tragedy was completely and utterly avoidable. 

“This is not a case about people who drive heavy goods vehicles, but about all those drivers who fix their vehicles on cruise control or use hands free mobile phone devices but then fail to pay proper attention to what is going on in the road in front of them.

“The actions of Mr Masierak were beyond explanation or reason – to drive knowing you’re drunk, to stop your vehicle in the middle of the road – there are no words that can describe such disregard for public safety.”

Louise Attrill, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, said: “CCTV showed that the Scania lorry was parked in lane one without hazard warning lights on, causing a dangerous obstruction, for 12.5 minutes. At the scene Ryszard Masierak tried to claim he wasn’t the driver of the Scania lorry, he was over the prescribed limit for alcohol when breathalysed, and went on to answer ‘no comment’ during his police interviews. Witnesses described seeing him drive the wrong way around a roundabout where the A46 meets junction 2 of the M6, driving the wrong way down the M69 slip road, and swerving between lanes two and three before crawling in lane three.

“Analysis of his vehicle data identified his driving as erratic. On occasions his speed dropped to as low as 11mph. Wagstaff was on a hands-free call on his mobile phone with his Mercedes lorry on cruise control when he failed to see or react to the two stationary vehicles ahead of him and ploughed into the back of them causing destruction and devastation. The driver of the minibus and seven of his passengers were killed and four others, including a five-year-old girl, sustained serious injuries as a result of the horrific collision.

“This incident, caused by driver error of one drink driver and the prolonged inattention of another, resulted in a tragic waste of life and could have been avoided. The stationary vehicles were clearly visible to Wagstaff for a considerable time, but he was oblivious to the approaching hazard. This case highlights the serious consequences of failing to be alert when driving. Holding a driving licence brings with it a high degree of responsibility that should always be at the forefront of every driver’s mind. “

Both defendants are due to be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on 23 March.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Ruhen Miah, aged 42, of Charter Road, Newbury, was charged today (6/3).

The charges are in connection with two incidents of rape of women on 20 January and 24 February in Newbury.

Miah has been remanded in custody and will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court later today (6/3).

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

A 42-year-old man from Newbury was arrested on Friday (2/3) in connection with an investigation following the report of two incidents of rape.

The man has been released on police bail until tomorrow (4/3) pending further enquiries by detectives.

During the first offence in the early hours of the 20 January, a woman in her twenties was raped after being picked up in a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi.

In the second incident, in the early hours of Saturday 24 February, a 29-year-old woman was taken to an unknown property by a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi where she was raped.

Both victims are continuing to be offered the support of specially-trained officers.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

A 42-year-old man from Newbury was arrested yesterday (2/3) in connection with an investigation following the report of two incidents of rape.

In the first incident in the early hours of the 20 January, a woman in her twenties was raped after being picked up in a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi.
In the second incident, in the early hours of Saturday 24 February, a 29-year-old woman was taken to a property by a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi where she was raped.

Both victims are continuing to be offered the support of specially-trained officers.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incidents.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Ashleigh Fair, aged 19, was reported missing after leaving the Royal Berkshire Hospital on Thursday at about 9.30am.

Officers believe she may have travelled to London in a taxi from Southern Hill, Reading, arriving in Cumberland Place in Marble Arch shortly after 11.30am on Thursday (1/3).

Today (3/3) officers working to locate her are releasing CCTV images of a person they believe to be Ashleigh, which were recorded shortly before midday on Thursday.

Ashleigh was wearing a green and pink knitted jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and pink socks when she went missing.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Roxburgh, based at Reading police station, said: “We are still urgently trying to trace Ashleigh, who is likely to require urgent medical attention and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“Ashleigh is not dressed appropriately for the extremely cold weather we have been experiencing and was not wearing any shoes at the time she went missing.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service in London in our efforts to find Ashleigh.

“Ashleigh, if you see this appeal, please contact police urgently. We need to check you are safe.”

Anyone with any information about Ashleigh’s whereabouts should call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference URN 344 (1/3).

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

On the evening of Friday 19 January this year, the victim, a woman in her twenties, left the Vault nightclub in Kennet Shopping Centre with a friend.

The victim and her friend walked across Market Street to a bus stop where they stayed for a period of time.

At around 1.30am (20/1) it is believed that the victim was alone and was picked up by a vehicle in Mayors Lane.

It is believed that this vehicle was a taxi, or someone purporting to be a taxi.

Our investigation has shown that the victim got out of the taxi and went to the cashpoint outside Megabet near St Michaels Road before returning to the taxi.

At some point after the victim was raped in the vehicle at an unknown location.

It is believed that the victim was raped by the driver, who is described as an Asian man.

The second incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday (24/2).

After police enquiries we have determined that the victim, a 29-year-old woman, left the Coopers Arms in Bartholomew Street in the early hours.

She got into a taxi near the roundabout at Inches Yard at around 4.20am.

The victim was driven to a property at an unknown location where she was raped.

The description of the driver is an Asian man, around 5ft 8ins, in his thirties and slim. He had a strong Asian accent.

Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Stone of Berkshire Force CID, said: “I am making an appeal today to anyone with information about either of these serious offences to contact the police immediately.

“Detectives investigating both incidents now believe the two offences to be linked.

“I want to assure the public that everything is being done to locate and bring the offender or offenders to justice.

“This is a complex investigation involving the obtaining and reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV, carrying out painstaking forensic work as well as taking statements from potential witnesses.

“It is possible the offender or offenders have confided in someone about what they have done so if you have any information please do the right thing and come forward.

“The easiest way to contact the force is by calling 101 and quoting the reference number 782 (1/3). Alternatively, you can visit your local police station and speak to a member of staff.

“If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

“Both victims continue to be offered ongoing support by specially trained officers and other specialist agencies. We would remind the public of the automatic anonymity afforded to victims of sexual offences.”

Deputy Local Policing Area Commander Lindsey Finch added:  “As part of the ongoing investigation into these offences, officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the town over the coming days and into the weekend.

“The patrols will focus on the town centre area of Newbury and officers will be looking to speak to members of the public as part of the extensive investigation.

“I would urge people to only use licensed taxis. Where possible, book with a licensed taxi company in advance or if that is not possible, remember you can always ask for proof a vehicle or driver is licensed. It is also advisable to travel with a friend if you are going on a night out.”

“If you have any questions or concerns please speak to one of our officers who will be happy to help.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

James Delahoyde, aged 40, was last seen at the prison at 8.15pm on Friday 21 April 2017.

Delahoyde is white, slim, about 6ft, with receding dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Delahoyde is a prisoner at HMP Springhill following a conviction for drugs offences.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Andy Jones of the Investigation Hub based at Aylesbury police station, said: “We are re-appealing for any information as to the whereabouts of James Delahoyde.

“Despite a thorough investigation and two public appeals there have been no sightings of Delahoyde, who has links to Maidenhead and Slough, since he went missing.

“If you see Delahoyde or know where he is please call 999, or call 101 with any other information quoting reference 65 (22/4/17).

“We would ask that you do not approach Delahoyde, instead contact police as soon as possible.

“If you don’t want to speak to police directly you can always call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

It follows an incident at around 4.30am on Saturday (24/2), in which a 29-year-old woman was raped at an address close to Newbury Town Centre.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jonathan Groenen, of Force CID based in Newbury, said: “We are investigating the rape of a woman in the early hours of Saturday morning. A man has been arrested and we are continuing to make enquiries.

“We would ask anyone with information that could assist us to please call Thames Valley Police on 101. Members of the public may see an increased police presence in the area while we investigate.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to one of our neighbourhood officers or call 101.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Appeal to find missing woman – Milton Keynes

Sasha Martin was last seen in Standing Way at about 7.15pm yesterday (21/2).

She was seen smoking a cigarette at that location before walking in the direction of Netherfield.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Thomas Neilson of the Milton Keynes Response Team, said: “We are appealing to anyone with information about Sasha Martin’s whereabouts to contact police immediately.

“Sasha is a 27-year-old white woman, about 5ft 5ins to 5ft 6ins tall, with shoulder length straight brown hair and of medium build.

“When she was last seen she was wearing a white long sleeved shirt and black jeggings.

“She is known to frequent Milton Keynes town centre as well as the following areas of the town: Netherfield, Oldbrook and Conniburrow.

 “If you have any information please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 and quote reference number 43180055905.

“If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: CCTV released following burglary– Slough

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses and has released CCTV images as part of an investigation into a burglary of a warehouse which occurred in Colnbrook, Slough.

The incident took place at a warehouse in Willow Road, between 8pm on Saturday (17/2) and 8am yesterday (19/2). 

Two men broke into the building via a rear window, and then forced entry to a small store room. The offenders stole a quantity of airsoft guns, which are imitation firearms. Officers believe the people in the images may have vital information that could assist their investigation.

Detective Constable Andrew Wroe, from Slough Force CID, said: “We are investigating this burglary and I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who saw any suspicious activity in the area at around the time of the incident.

“We are appealing for the people in the CCTV footage to come forward as we believe they may have vital information to help our investigation.

“We would also appeal to anyone who may have seen a white Mercedes transit van in the area at the time. If you have any dash-cam footage or any information which may assist the investigation please contact police.

“It is not believed that the airsoft guns stolen are capable of being converted to functional firearms however it is possible they could cause distress if they are used. It is vital we trace these so please contact police if you see or are offered these items.

“If you have any information which you think could help our investigation, please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101 as a matter of urgency.”