UPDATED: Two Romanian nationals arrested in the UK in connection with assault on journalist

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men charged in connection with the stabbing of a journalist on Queensmere Road, Wimbledon on 29 March have arrived into the UK on a flight from Romania.

The pair were arrested on 17 December at Heathrow airport and were met by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation into the assault.

Both men were taken into police custody appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 18 December.

They were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 17 January.

Romanian nationals Nandito Badea, 19 and George Stana, 23 have been charged with wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The two men were previously detained by Romanian authorities on the 4 December. They were returned to the UK from Romania by specialist National Extradition Unit officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said:

“This has been a long-running investigation and I am pleased we have reached a point where two men have now been charged and will face prosecution here in the UK.

“I would like to thank our Romanian counterparts for their cooperation on this matter, as well as colleagues from the CPS and NCA who have helped us to reach this point.

“Now that criminal proceedings are fully active here in the UK, I continue to ask people not speculate about the case or motivation so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”

Man convicted of murdering Sean O’Neill

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted of murdering Sean O’Neill in west London following an investigation by Met detectives.

Dellan Charles, 23 (08.10.01) of no fixed address was found guilty on Tuesday, 17 December following a trial at Kingston Crown Court.

Charles was arrested after police issued a public appeal to trace him on 26 March. Within 24 hours officers had received information that led them to an address in Coventry where Charles was located. The following day he was charged with Sean’s murder.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, Specialist Crime South, said:“Sean found himself in the middle of a violent dispute between two groups. He was targeted by the defendant while he was running away and posing no threat.

“Sean was a much loved son and brother and I would like to pay tribute to his family who have remained resolute and dignified throughout the long manhunt and trial process.”

Sean’s family said in a statement: “It has been an extremely challenging 19 months since Sean was taken from us. Today’s verdict won’t bring Sean back or take away our unimaginable grief, but we are grateful that the person responsible has been held to account.

“We really appreciate the efforts of the Metropolitan Police and the CPS in bringing about justice, as well as the support we have received throughout this difficult process.

“Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day.”

An investigation was launched after police were called on the evening of Thursday, 18 May 2023 to reports of a man found suffering injuries in Reynolds Road, Hayes.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and found 30-year-old Sean with stab injuries. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The jury heard that Charles chased and stabbed Sean when he became separated following a prolonged altercation in the street between their respective groups of friends.

A post mortem examination confirmed his death was caused by sharp force trauma to the chest and abdomen.

A second man – Shakil McCrea, 27 (19.12.96), of Sinclair Road, W14 – was convicted of possession of a knife. He was arrested on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at an address in West Drayton and charged the following day. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, 18 December.

Charles will be sentenced on Monday, 17 March 2025.

Two Romanian nationals arrested in the UK in connection with assault on journalist

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men charged in connection with the stabbing of a journalist on Queensmere Road, Wimbledon on 29 March have arrived into the UK on a flight from Romania.

The pair were arrested on 17 December at Heathrow airport and were met by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation into the assault.

Both men were taken into police custody are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 18 December.

Romanian nationals Nandito Badea, 19 and George Stana, 23 have been charged with wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The two men were previously detained by Romanian authorities on the 4 December. They were returned to the UK from Romania by specialist National Extradition Unit officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said:

“This has been a long-running investigation and I am pleased we have reached a point where two men have now been charged and will face prosecution here in the UK.

“I would like to thank our Romanian counterparts for their cooperation on this matter, as well as colleagues from the CPS and NCA who have helped us to reach this point.

“Now that criminal proceedings are fully active here in the UK, I continue to ask people not speculate about the case or motivation so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”

Man jailed for violent attack on sex worker

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed for four years for a brutal attack on a woman in her own home.

Parvez Patel, 34, (02.02.1990), an estate agent, of Empress Avenue, Ilford, was swiftly arrested at the scene after neighbours heard the woman’s screams and called police.

The attack took place late on the evening of Monday, 29 January, when Patel booked a sex worker and arrived at her home in Westminster.

Shortly after, he launched a brutal assault, leaving the victim, in her 40s, with severe injuries including a broken nose, extensive bruising, swelling and cuts.

He was arrested, and charged on 31 January.

Following a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, Patel was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and remanded in custody until his sentencing on Monday, 16 December.

Detective Constable Lloyd Leech, from the Met’s Central West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit, said:

“The victim suffered a horrific attack in her own home, where she was most vulnerable. Patel inflicted significant injuries and it is thanks to the quick actions of the public, who alerted police, we were able to intervene.

“Sex workers are among the most vulnerable in society, and we want to ensure they are heard and supported. We encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violence to come forward. You will be listened to, supported, and we will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”

PC Preet Brar, the victim’s specialist support officer, added:

“I commend the victim for her bravery and courage in reporting this brutal attack and remaining engaged with the police investigation throughout. Her determination to give live evidence during the trial was crucial in securing the custodial sentence, which we welcome.”

+ Patel was charged with attempted rape, sexual assault by penetration, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, voyeurism and GBH with intent and remanded in custody awaiting trial. He was convicted of GBH with intent and acquitted of the other charges.

UPDATE: Appeal for information re: car used in fatal shooting

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Michelle Sadio in Brent are appealing for information about a car used in the shooting.

The vehicle, a black Kia with distinctive alloys, was being driven by the suspects who then fired a number of shots in Gifford Road, NW10 on Saturday, 14 December.

Michelle was one of three people injured and she sadly died at the scene.

Following the shooting, the car was driven from Gifford Road to Barnhill Road where it was then abandoned and set alight.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “While we are making significant progress in our investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed this incident and particularly anyone who has information about the black Kia to please get in touch.

“The black Kia Niro was distinctive as it was a hybrid electric vehicle with unique alloys. Did you see it that night at any point, or in the days before the shooting?

“Thank you to those who have already come forward. What you know, however insignificant it may seem now, could hold the key to this investigation.

“My team is working tirelessly to piece together the events that took place on Saturday evening, and to provide Michelle’s family with the answers they need.”

At approximately 21:15hrs on Saturday police were called to reports of the shooting, which happened as Michelle and others were standing outside the church following a wake. Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene.

Michelle, aged 44, was found suffering serious injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michelle’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Michelle’s family have requested that media respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Two men, both aged in their 30s, also suffered injuries. One remains in hospital in a critical condition; the other man’s injuries are not life threatening.

There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

The public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as officers investigate and conduct door to door enquiries as well as carrying out extra patrols. While some cordons have now been lifted, others will remain in place for the time being to provide detectives with the best chance to secure important evidence.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference CAD 7137/14DEC. You can also provide information, or upload images and footage, through the online portal here or by scanning the attached QR code.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police Constable convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving Met Police officer has pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

PC Luke Tuppenney, 31, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 13 December where he pleaded guilty to the offence which was committed while he was off-duty.

PC Tuppenney, who is a serving officer in the West Area was arrested in August 2023 as part of an investigation by the domestic abuse unit at Thames Valley Police. He was suspended from duty following his arrest.

He was charged with controlling and coercive behaviour and malicious communications.

Following his guilty plea for controlling and coercive behaviour, the malicious communications charge was laid on file.

He will appear at the same court on Monday, 3 March 2025 for sentencing.

Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall, who leads policing in the West Area command said:

“PC Tuppenney’s actions go against our values within the Met Police, which the vast majority of our officer uphold every day

“Our Directorate of Professional Standards is now progressing a misconduct investigation in relation to PC Tuppenney’s actions.”

Two people jailed following an investigation into payments for child sexual abuse

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two people have been jailed following an investigation into payments for child sexual abuse.

Detective Constable Matthew Cranston, from Central East Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “This has been a truly harrowing experience for the child and I am glad that both people involved have received appropriate prison sentences.

“We remain seriously concerned about the predatory nature of Ahmad’s offending in this case. If you recognise him and have a specific concern about his interaction with a child, please get in touch with us on 101, contact @MetCC on X, or make a report on the Met’s website.”

Ferdous Ahmad, 38 (05.12.86), of Queensbridge Road, Brixton, and the woman, from Devas Street, Tower Hamlets, were found guilty after a two-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 30 September.

Ahmad was convicted of:

  • Two counts of sexual assault
  • Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
  • Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
  • Sexual communication with a child
  • Two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
  • Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

The woman was convicted of:

We will not be confirming the woman’s identity so as to avoid identification of the child victim.

They were sentenced at the same court on Monday, 16 December.

Ahmad was sentenced to 12 years in prison and issued with a Sexual harm Prevention Order and Restraining Order.

The woman was sentenced to five years in prison.

As a key part of Met’s transformation, one of our 10 key commitments in the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) action plan is tackling perpetrators through the V100 approach. This data-driven project is a great example how the Met is able to identify and target the top men and women who pose serious risk to the public.

A New Met for London is improving how we protect the women and girls from violence, largely at the hands of predatory and abusive men. We encourage victims to come forward and help us put an end to this extreme violence – to report rape or sexual abuse, find out more: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault/

UPDATE: Woman murdered in Brent shooting named as investigation continues

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Brent.

At approximately 21:15hrs on Saturday, 14 December police were called to reports a shooting in Gifford Road, NW10.

Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene.

A woman was found suffering serious injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

While formal identification has yet to take place, officers are confident she is 46-year-old Michelle Sadio. Her family are being supported by specialist officers.

Two men, both aged in their 30s, also suffered injuries. One remains in hospital in a critical condition; the other man’s injuries are not life threatening.

Road closures remain in place around the scene as work continues to gather evidence following the shooting.

There have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Superintendent Tony Josephs, from the North West Command Unit which covers Brent, said: “This is a truly shocking incident that has left a woman dead and two others injured, and I understand the concern this will cause the local community and those across London.

“I want to reassure people that a team of experienced detectives are already working at pace to piece together the events of last night and identify whoever was responsible for this heinous act of violence.

“If you were in or around Gifford Road at the time of the shooting, or have any information about who was responsible, please get in contact with us. A family has been left devastated and we need to work together to provide them with answers.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 7137/14DEC. You can also provide information, or upload images and footage, through the online portal here or by scanning the attached QR code.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Met issues images of man suspected of protest offence

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have released an images of man alleged to be involved in a public order offence during a protest in central London yesterday

It is alleged that on Saturday, 14 December 2024 in the Trafalgar Square area, a man has made a nazi salute towards a counter protest linked to “Stop the hate”.

The male is white, aged approximately 20-25, clean shaven with brown hair. He was wearing a dark knitted hat with a, a dark hooded jacket, and a navy padded outer coat.

Anyone who recognises this male or who has any other information about the incident should call 101 giving both reference 01/1202354/24 and the reference of the specific image.

Murder investigation launched following shooting in Brent

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Brent.

At approximately 21:15hrs on Saturday, 14 December police were called to reports a shooting in Gifford Road, NW10.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

A woman, believed aged in her 40s, was found suffering injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other men, both aged in their 30s, also suffered injuries. One remains in hospital in a critical condition; the other man’s injuries are not life threatening.

Road closures remain in place around the scene as work continues to gather evidence following the shooting.

There has been no arrest and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Superintendent Tony Josephs, from the North West Command Unit which covers Brent, said: “This is a truly shocking incident that has left a woman dead and two others injured, and I understand the concern this will cause the local community and those across London.

“I want to reassure people that a team of experienced detectives are already working at pace to piece together the events of last night and identify whoever was responsible for this heinous act of violence.

“If you were in or around Gifford Close at the time of the shooting, or have any information about who was responsible, please get in contact with us. A family has been left devastated and we need to work together to provide them with answers.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7137/14Dec. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.