Category: United Kingdom

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for drugs and firearms offences

A man has been jailed for drugs and firearms offences following an incident in Bromley.

Asher Mitchell-Butler, 20 (8.07.97) of Perystreete, Forest Hill was sentenced to a total of six years at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, 1 February.

Mitchell-Butler was found guilty on Friday, 5 January of possession of a firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence for which he was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin). He was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the ammunition offences – to run concurrently – and one-year imprisonment for the drugs offences, to be served consecutively.

At approximately 23:30hrs on 28 June 2017, plain clothes officers from Bromley Crime Squad were carrying out patrols in the Betts Park area, just off Anerley Road.

A moped, with a rider and a pillion passenger, stopped opposite them. Two men got off and approached the officers. The officers believed that the suspects were intent on robbing them, however, the pair seemed to realise who they were and made off.

A male detective constable pursued the first suspect on foot into Seymour Villas, SE20 and then into an alleyway. There, the suspect produced a sawn-off shotgun, pointed it at the officer and threatened to shoot him before running off. No shots were fired and the officer was not injured.

A male PC chased the second suspect – Mitchell-Butler – along Anerley Road where he got back on the moped and rode it directly at the officer. The officer struck out with his baton and the suspect fell from the moped. As he ran away in the direction of Elmers End, he threw his black crash helmet and a glove to the ground.

Officers conducted a search of the local area and discovered the discarded shotgun, which was found to be loaded, and a machete.

Detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command launched an investigation.

Mitchell-Butler was quickly identified as a suspect and a warrant was obtained to search his home. During this search, officers found a cartridge identical to the one found in the shotgun.

He was arrested on 3 July 2017 and was charged later that day.

Detective Constable Andy Brackley, from Trident, said: “Although it was not Mitchell-Butler who threatened a police officer with a firearm that night, It was clear to the jury that Mitchell-Butler was in joint possession of this firearm along with an accomplice although his exact intention is unknown, It is fortunate that the officer was not injured; his bravery and that of his colleague cannot go without recognition.

“Mitchell-Butler is about to start a lengthy prison sentence which reflects the seriousness of his crimes.

“We remain committed to bringing the second suspect before the court and enquiries continue.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Warnett, from Bromley Borough, said: “This case once again highlights the dangers that police officers can face on a daily basis. These two officers were carrying out a routine crime prevention operation to address the concerns of local residents. However, it quickly escalated and an officer was faced with a shotgun pointed directly at him.

“By working alongside colleagues from Trident, a dangerous man is beginning a prison sentence and another firearm is off the streets.”

The case against a second suspect, Harry Moutouna from Lewisham, who had been charged with several offences, was dismissed.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal to find woman missing from Bermondsey

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for causing death by dangerous driving following death of woman in Fulham

A man has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal collision in Fulham in August, 2016.

Craig Kearney, 27 (4.10.90) of McNair Road, Southall was sentenced to eight years imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 1 February.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on the same date having previously pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, 2 January.

The judge also imposed a 10-year driving ban and ordered Kearney to re-sit an extended driving test.

The court heard how on 9 August 2016 at approximately 03:05hrs, police were called to Groom Crescent near HMP Wandsworth following reports of a drone being flown near the prison grounds.

Officers arrived and a silver Peugeot was seen to leave the scene. Officers followed the vehicle and at 03:10hrs it was seen to have been involved in a collision with a lamp post on Wandsworth Bridge Road at the junction of Ashcombe Street.

The passenger, 25-year-old Acacia Smith, from Southall, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kearney, who was driving the car, was taken to a west London hospital in a serious condition.

He was discharged from hospital on 17 August 2016 and arrested by detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was charged on 2 November 2017.

Detective Constable Sejal Unadkat, who led the investigation, said: “This was a tragic death caused by an individual who was driving without any thought for the safety of himself or those around him.

“During the incident Kearney was found to have been driving at speeds between 87 and 91mph in a residential road which subsequently had the worst possible consequences.

“Nothing will bring Ms Smith back but I hope the sentence brings some measure of comfort to her family.”

The victim’s Grandfather, Lester Smith, said: “It took Craig a long time to admit to his guilt but finally he’s told the truth. Losing Acacia is something we will always have to live with and although it doesn’t bring her back, we have gained some kind of justice in today’s sentencing.

“Caysha had her whole life ahead of her, I watched her grown into the strong, amazing young lady that she became. She had dreams of getting her driving licence, running her own nursery business and going travelling.

“She showed so much love, lit up the room when she entered and you always knew Caysha was in the house. I miss her every day.

“Now my darling, my beautiful special granddaughter, you can rest in peace.

“I would like to pass on my thanks to the Judge, the CPS and the police for their thorough investigation as well as the witness services for their support at court today.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Officer charged with assault following off-duty incident

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man critical after being shot in the throat in Haringey

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Murder investigation launched after body of man found in Ilford

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Appeal following armed bank robbery

Detectives from the Met’s Flying Squad have released CCTV stills of a man they are seeking in connection with a bank robbery in Hounslow in which the suspect intimated that he had a bomb.

On Friday, 19 January at around 14:40hrs, a man entered a bank on the High Street in Hounslow, and approached a female cashier.

He intimated to the cashier that he was in possession of a bomb, and then ordered her to follow him, stating “come with me, and don’t press the alarm”.

She was forced to go with the suspect into a staff area, where several of her colleagues were present. The suspect said “this is a robbery” and “I need the money”; he then showed them a kitchen knife.

Initially, there were no other customers in the bank, but a female customer walked in and was approached by the suspect before being threatened with the knife. He then ordered her towards the back of the bank with the staff members.

Again he stated that he had a bomb and forced a staff member to hand over cash. During the course of this, a further three customers entered the branch. They were all approached by the suspect, who repeatedly stated that it was a robbery and showed them the knife.

He then fled with a sum of money, pursued by two of the bank’s employees, who followed him in the direction of an alleyway adjacent to a McDonalds and Starbucks, before turning into Balfour Road. He was lost after turning right into Montague Road.

There were no reported injuries to the staff or members of the public during the incident.

Though the suspect repeatedly threatened that he had a bomb, no device was seen.

Detective Constable Adrian Whitewhick, who is leading the investigation, said: “This man has subjected members of the public and the bank’s employees to a traumatic experience in which they feared for their lives. It is imperative that we catch him.

“The CCTV images we have are of a good quality and plainly reveal the suspect’s face; do you recognise this man? He may well be local to the area and I would urge anyone with information to tell the police immediately.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call detectives on 020 8785 8655 or contact via Twitter @MetCC.

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Two convicted following assault of asylum seeker

Two people have been found guilty of their involvement in the violent and unprovoked assault of an Iranian asylum seeker.

The pair were part of a second trial which concluded at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 1 February.

George Jeffrey, 21 (7.09.96) of Uvedale Close, Croydon and Ben Harman, 21 (13.05.96) of Akabusi Close, Croydon were both found guilty of two counts of violent disorder following a three-week trial.

The first trial, in Autumn 2017, saw a further three individuals convicted for their part in the attack – which left the 17-year-old victim with such significant injuries that he continues to recover. In addition, a further two individuals pleaded guilty to offences.

On 9 November 2017, three men were each convicted of two counts of violent disorder following a six-week trial:

– A then 17-year-old boy from Croydon;
– George Walder, 21 (7.09.96) of Myrtle Road, Croydon;
– Liam Neylon, now 20 (7.12.97) of Ferris Avenue, Croydon.

James Neves, 23 (3.09.94), of no fixed address, previously pleaded guilty on 18 August 2017 to one count of violent disorder; and a then 17-year-old girl from Croydon pleaded guilty on 8 December 2017 to one count of affray.

All seven defendants will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 2 March.

Detective Superintendent Jane Corrigan, from Croydon Borough, said: “This was a truly disgraceful and brutal assault on a young man who was simply out enjoying his night. The victim’s friends who witnessed the incident said they thought the suspects were going to kill their friend. Having seriously assaulted him, they were compelled to go back and attack him further. 

“The injuries he suffered were so significant that he is now experiencing long-lasting trauma as a result. I hope some solace can be taken in the fact that my officers have worked diligently in bringing the offenders to justice; and today’s result is a testament to their hard work and determination to hold those responsible to account.”

Police were called at around 23.40hrs on 31 March 2017 to reports of a group of youths attacking a male on Shrublands Avenue in Croydon. 

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and discovered the victim suffering from serious injuries. 

The court heard how the victim and his two friends were walking along Shrublands Avenue to a nearby bus stop, with the intention of travelling into Croydon town centre for a night out. Passing by a pub, a group of individuals standing outside asked them where they were from. After telling the group they were from Iran and Iraq, they continued on.

But George Walder followed them, and unexpectedly punched the victim in the face. A white Vauxhall Corsa then pulled up and the driver – Ben Harman – and passenger – George Jeffrey – both got out and ran at the three victims. Walder chased them across the roundabout to a nearby bus stop where the victim was repeatedly kicked and punched. His two friends ran off down Bridle Road and into a garden. They then returned and began to throw stones at the suspects in an effort to stop them. They were chased by members of the group, but were luckily able to escape. 

As the incident died down, the victim found the opportunity to get up and run away. But he was chased along Shrublands Avenue, caught, and thrown to the ground where the attack continued. 

Eventually the assault on the victim came to an end, and he was left lying prone in the street. When officers arrived at the scene, all the suspects had fled. 

The victim was taken to Kings College Hospital with severe injuries, including a fractured spine, fractured eye socket and a bleed to the brain. So serious were his injuries that doctors initially believed he may die. He was put into an induced coma and remained in hospital for a number of days.

CCTV footage of the incident was vital in the investigation, enabling officers to identify the suspects. Various cameras recorded the suspects at different points; and following painstaking efforts, officers were able to piece together the events of that night.

In total 17 individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation, of which 14 were subsequently charged.

The case of a 16-year-old who was accused of violent disorder was discontinued prior to trial.

The following individuals were acquitted:

Trial 1: Daryl Davis, 21, of Laurel Crescent, Croydon; Danyelle Davis, 24, of Laurel Crescent, Croydon; and, Kyran Evans, 24, of Shrublands Avenue, Croydon.

Trial 2: Barry Potts, 21, of Fir Tree Gardens, Croydon; Jack Walder, 24, of Myrtle Road, Croydon; and, Ellie Leite, 19, of Shrublands Avenue, Croydon.
A charge of theft against Walder resulted in a hung jury.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for over three years for wounding his partner during an argument

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: A man has been convicted of murder and attempted murder

Darren Osborne has been convicted of murder and attempted murder after he carried out an attack in Finsbury Park on 19 June 2017, which killed one man and injured several others.

Following a nine-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Osborne, 48 (30.11.69) of Cardiff, was found guilty on Thursday, 1 February of the murder of 51-year-old Makram Ali and the attempted murder of several others.
The Judge will now consider whether the offences were committed with a terrorist connection – as defined by section 30 of the Terrorism Act 2008 – ahead of Osborne’s sentencing, which will take place tomorrow, Friday, 2 February.

Commander Dean Haydon, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Osborne’s evil and cowardly actions meant a family has tragically lost a husband, father and grandfather. There were also 12 others, who, having gone to Mr Ali’s aid, sustained various injuries from the collision. Some of those injured have still not fully recovered and could suffer from health issues for the rest of their lives.

“I would like to pay tribute to Mr Ali’s family and the local community in Finsbury Park, for their tremendous support and understanding with our investigation during what must have been an extremely difficult time for them.

“From the very outset, this investigation has had the full weight of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command behind it and I hope today’s outcome means those affected can start to think about putting this terrible ordeal behind them.”

At 00:16hrs on 19 June 2017, Osborne drove a hired Citroen Luton van into a group of people who were gathered on Seven Sisters Road near to the junction with Whadcoat Street. The group were attending Makram Ali, who, moments earlier, had collapsed on the ground, having just left a prayer meeting at the nearby Muslim Welfare House.

Osborne, heading northbound on Seven Sisters Road, swerved into the group hitting a number of people, including Mr Ali, who was still laying on the ground. Mr Ali sustained multiple injuries from the collision and died as result of these injuries. Fifteen others were also injured in the attack, with several suffering serious fractures including leg, arm, skull and pelvic fractures.

Following the collision, Osborne crashed his vehicle into bollards in Whadcoat Street and he was detained by members of the public as he attempted to flee from the scene, before police arrived a short while later, and arrested him.

On his arrest, officers found various items in the van, including a hand-written note from Osborne containing a monologue of his extremist views.

An investigation was immediately launched by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and Osborne was charged four days later on 23 June 2017.

During the course of their investigation, officers found that Osborne hired the van from a vehicle hire company in Pontyclun, Wales on the morning of 17 June 2017. Later that day, he attended a pub in Cardiff, where he was seen on the CCTV footage writing the letter that was found in the van after the attack.

Through their enquiries officers believe that Osborne drove from Cardiff to London on 18 June 2017 with the intention of targeting the ‘Al Quds’ march, where he thought a large number of Muslim people would be present.

However, after arriving in London, Osborne was unable to access the march route with his vehicle. Officers managed to track down a taxi driver who confirmed that Osborne had asked him for directions to Grosvenor Square – the location of the end of the march – but that he’d told him it was closed off to traffic.

At this point, it is believed that Osborne decided to change his plans and after driving to south London, where he asked for directions to mosques, he eventually ended up in Finsbury Park. Just before midnight, Osborne is seen to arrive in Finsbury Park, where he initially parks up and then carries out what is effectively reconnaissance of the local area, before returning to his van. Approximately 20 minutes later, at 00:16hrs, he carried out the attack.

Commander Dean Haydon, said: “From our investigation, it was clear that Osborne had planned to come to London with the intention of carrying out an attack against the Muslim community.

“Only he will know, but if Osborne’s aim was to create divisions and hate between communities, then from what I have seen, he has failed in that respect. The way that the local community in Finsbury Park – of all faiths and backgrounds – came together was astounding and this reaction was the same across London and the UK.

“I must also praise those who initially detained Osborne immediately after the attack – in particular the local Imam, who ensured that Osborne didn’t come to any significant harm whilst waiting for officers to arrive at the scene. Again, this response and the overwhelmingly positive reaction my officers and teams have witnessed since, just further highlights how far from reality Osborne’s sick and twisted views really are.”